Cruise Ship: Carnival Legend
Cruise Destination: Western Caribbean
Cruise Dates: January 6, 2008
Guest Contributor: Sera
Shore Excursion: Zip Line Canopy Tour (with kids) - Action Boys Belize
My family and friends were cruising the Western Caribbeal with Carnival. The staff were very nice to us, especially to the kids. The only problem was booking the canopy (zip line) tour for the Belize port. Carnival refused to book the kids for this tour. We met a couple on the cruise who had booked the cave tubing and zip line combo with a private company in Belize. They gave us the company's contact information and we sent them an email from the ship. The group was happy when we got back an email in less than 20 minutes. In the email we were informed that they don't usually accept last minute bookings, but will accommodate us for the day.
We were instructed to get off the ship as soon as we can. We went to terminal #1 as instructed. As we exited the door we saw a sign with our names The gentleman introduced himself as Donald Ramirez. He was our tour guide for the day. Before we entered the van we were informed of the day's activitries. Donald also told us that since we got off the ship early we will have time to do a free tour of the Belize Zoo since we will be passing by. That was one thing we (the adults) could not debate with the kids.
As Donald drove the van he narrated the history of the Belizean people. About 15 minutes before we got to the zip line site Donald stopped us for a restroom break at his friend's restaurant because he didn't want us standing in lines. When we got to the site, there were long lines at the rest rooms. We walked pass the restroom line and went to zipline area. When we saw the long line the first thing that crossed my mind was, "booking this tour was a big mistake." As we walked to the area Donald shouted, as I quote, "Don't worry, the line is my problem, not yours. Just follow me." Donald stopped and spoke to one of the guides and we were led to the front of the line.
The zip line was thrilling. Zipping through the canopy of the rain forest wasthe best experience I have had in my life. After the zip line we were escorted to a jungle resort for lunch. We were like the VIP of the day. Doonald had reserved a private air conditioned room for us for lunch. Those that booked through the cruise line had lunch under a roughly built shed. The waiter told us that only private operators are allowed in the restaurant. After lunch we did the tour of the Zoo. The most attractive animal was the 10 months old jaguar. This is one of the best zoos I have ever entered. They keep the animals in their natural habitat. Please excuse me for my poor English, but I had to share our experiences with you. When you get a top of the line services for a reasonable rate you need to share with other cruisers. Donald, we highly recommend you for giving my family and friend a great time in your country. There is no way way I can thank Donald enough for this. Donald' new website: http://www.actionboysbelize
