Did you know, Harry Belafonte is from Jamaica?

Any fans of Beetlejuice? Did you know Harry Belafonte is from Jamaica?

This is one of the amazing facts I found out while holidaying in Jamaica in 2013.

Labadee, Haiti

Labadee in Haiti is a private paradise. It is surrounded by mountains, trees and stunning views. Labadee is Royal Caribbean’s private Haitian resort, it is leased to Royal Caribbean International until 2050.

It s home to Dragon’s Breath zip line, the longest over water zip line in the world. It runs 2,600 feet over a cove at speeds between 40 and 50 mph. The zip line boasts breathtaking views that only the birds have seen.

While docked in Labadee I signed up to soar over 500 feet above the beaches and take flight on Dragon’s Breath zip line and I did not regret it. The views were spectacular and it wasn’t that scary once I took off.

Firstly you meet your group for a briefing and take a practise run on a much shorter, Little Dragon flight line. Then it’s into a jeep for a five minute ride to the top of the mountain. I volunteered to go first. Once your harness is connected to the line it’s time for take off. The drop below is quite deceiving as the trees and bushes below don’t seem that far from you, so if you look directly beneath you it doesn’t actually feel like you’re that high up. If you’re anyway afraid of heights I recommend you do this and you’ll be fine. If you look ahead it’s a long way down, although it’s all over very fast anyway. I really enjoyed it as I’m a bit of a thrill seeker. If you’re visiting Labadee it’s a must!

As this part of the island belongs to Royal Caribbean your sea pass (ship credit card) works in the shops and when ordering drinks on the beach. I found this very convenient. Also Royal Caribbean put on a big BBQ with jerk chicken, burgers, ribs, salads, cakes and lemonade, ice tea and water all inclusive.

If you’re not booking an excursion then relax on the beach for the day. There’s not much exploring to be had and you’re not going to see the real Haiti as your boxed in to the Royal Caribbean section and it’s very commercial. It’s the first port of call and the least amount of time spent off the ship. It was great to get off the ship after being at sea for two days, I think this it makes it more exciting because it’s the first stop off.

In my opinion Labadee was my favorite view from the cruise ship’s balcony, it was absolutely stunning to wake up to.

  

The Oasis of the Seas

The largest cruise ship in the world owned by Royal Caribbean International.

The ship features an Ice rink, casino, zip line, miniature golf course, basketball and vollyball courts, two surf simulators, five swimming pools, Spa, multiple night clubs, bars and lounges and the first living park at sea with real plants and trees. The list goes on and on with this ships amenities.

It’s like it’s own floating Island with all anyone could ask for in a cruise ship and more. The Oasis of the Seas has everything covered for Adults, teens and children, there’s never a dull moment. The onboard entertainment include a pop concert with American Idol semi finalist, Jerome Bell. Hairspray broadway musical. Comedy Live shows. Aqua show in the outdoor Aqua Theater. $500 dollar royal cash prize bingo and future cruises to be won. 80’s dance parties, themed nights, dreamworks family parades and much more. If I listed off everything that this ship has to offer I would be here all day.

To keep up to date with all show times and listings refer to your cruise compass which is delivered to each room every evening.

I decided to book the 7 night western Caribbean cruise, the ports of call include Labadee in Haiti, Falmouth in Jamaica, Cozumel in Mexico and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. The cruise ship offers an extensive list of top tours and excursions for each port of call which can all be booked on board on deck 5 at the tours desk. You can also book tours with independent tour companies prior to your arrival, or when you dock. I spoke to a few people who had been on this Cruise numerous times and had tried both options and recommended the cruise ship excursions had worked out better for them.

I chose the Dragon’s Breath Flight line in Labadee, River tubing and Dunn’s River falls in Falmouth, Power Snorkel in Cozumel and the Everglades Airboat ride in Fort Lauderdale. All of which I will review separately in future posts.

This cruise is on an all inclusive package which exclude alcohol and soda. However on day 1 you can purchase additional beverage packages and upgrade your dining experience. The prices are per person, not per room and if one person wants to buy a package everyone in your room also has to make the purchase. I have to admit I felt like it was a money racket. From day one to day 7 the Oasis of the sea is trying to sell you something. I didn’t purchase any packages I just paid as I went, this worked out perfect for me. There are many restaurants to choose from which are included in the all inclusive, they also cater for Gluten free diet which I thought was fantastic. There’s a pizzeria, donut shop, sandwich deli, casual dinner in buffet style, Dining rooms for dinner service any many more options so there’s no need to upgrade your dining experience. However, if you do feel like you want something different the speciality dinning is reasonably priced. Some of the restaurants are a la carte pricing and others have a cover charge. For instance Johnny Rockets has a $5 cover charge and it’s all you can eat form the menu, Chops Grille steak house has a $30 dining fee per person and 150 Central Park has a $40 dining fee per person, gratuities are included in all of the above prices.

This was my first cruise, but definitely not my last! I loved the fact that I was getting to visit so many different places without all the hassle of traveling. No bags to drag around to trains, planes or automobiles. I just had to sit back and relax, with the sun shining, a cocktail in hand and the stunning views of the ocean around me. I know it’s not for everyone but I highly recommend giving it a go.

Happy holidays 🙂

Good Night Folks!

I’ll be dreaming of my list of things to do!

My holiday wardrobe essentials.

Sailor’s life for me!

I’m having loads of fun, my own fashion show!

I’m trying to pack for my holliers. I always map out what I’m wearing each day, however this doesn’t always go to plan. You just never know what’s going to happen until you get there. At least i’ll have a good selection to choose from.

The dress above is my “cruise day dress” I bought it a few years ago in Pennys/Primark, it’s been sitting in the attic in a black bag marked “summer clothes not worn“. So it’ll be making it’s debut in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Oh it’s a sailor’s life for me!