Camera PV 2007 » Digital Camera » labadee question
labadee question
Question:
My wife and I will be visiting Labadee in February on the Explorer of the Seas. Some questions for those who have visited here before: 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the beach and get some pictures. Does this sound practical? How often will the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the tenders? 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? Thanks -Mike
Response:
The BBQ lunch is out for a couple of hours or so. Great photo ops. Beautiful spot. Some excursions get sold out early such as parasailing and jetskies. More than enough beach loungers fewer hammocks. I will be back there early Feb while on Brilliance.
Response:
We were just there. Beach is beautiful, there are lots of chairs, no vendors or anyone else will bother you; there’s a craft market which you’ll probably want to peruse – no pressure. Tenders run continuously and BBQ lunch is set up for approx. 2 hours. No additional charge for either. Can’t tell you about food since we opted to have lunch back on the ship. Arlene <—had really yummy ribs that day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My wife and I will be visiting Labadee in February on the Explorer of > the Seas. Some questions for those who have visited here before: > 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? > My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our > beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the > beach and get some pictures. Does this sound practical? How often will > the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the > tenders? > 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that > day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How > accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship > early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? > 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures > or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? > 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a > charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? > Thanks > -Mike
Response:
> We were just there. Beach is beautiful, there are lots of chairs, no > vendors or anyone else will bother you; there’s a craft market which you’ll > probably want to peruse – no pressure. Tenders run continuously and BBQ > lunch is set up for approx. 2 hours. No additional charge for either. > Can’t tell you about food since we opted to have lunch back on the ship. > Arlene <—had really yummy ribs that day
They have the ribs on the ship’s buffet also? I did not know that. Thanks. Chris
Response:
Labadee is actually a tiny peninsula off the coast of Haiti. There are 2 sides to the peninsula (obviously). The ocean side and a protected side. Most of the people go into the water on the protected side. There are several pretty coves. Lots of lounge chairs. The ocean side is much rougher, with signs warning people of things like ocean wildlife, rough surf, etc. There are a few people that will go on the water on the ocean side, but most stay on the protected side. I’m not sure what time you’ll want to be at the beach. If you won’t all be in the water at the same time, just bring the camera with you. If everyone wants to be in the water at the same time, I think it might be better to catch the first tender for photos, and then go back to the ship and get everyone else. Because of the sun’s angles, I’d suggest pics in the morning rather than toward the end of the day. The beaches there are nice, but it’s not a great place for water like the US Virgin Islands or Cayman. The two times I was to Labadee the water had very limited visibility. No coral and you really can’t see fish if the water is cloudy. It’s more a beach day than a snorkeling day. The best place for photos is the path that goes along the protected side. And make sure you go way out to the point to hear the dragon’s breath. –Tom
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife and I will be visiting Labadee in February on the Explorer of > the Seas. Some questions for those who have visited here before: > 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? > My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our > beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the > beach and get some pictures. Does this sound practical? How often will > the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the > tenders? > 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that > day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How > accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship > early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? > 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures > or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? > 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a > charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? > Thanks > -Mike
Response:
BTW From personal experience, USE SUNSCREEN.
Response:
> > probably want to peruse – no pressure. Tenders run continuously and BBQ > lunch is set up for approx. 2 hours. No additional charge for either. > Can’t tell you about food since we opted to have lunch back on the ship. > Arlene <—had really yummy ribs that day > They have the ribs on the ship’s buffet also? I did not know that. Thanks. > Chris
Actually Chris, that was the one day we had lunch in the diningroom. Don’t know whether the buffet had them too. Arlene
Response:
I an Island Special if you like frozen drinks > BTW From personal experience, > USE SUNSCREEN.
Response:
> The beaches there are nice, but it’s not a great place for water like the US > Virgin Islands or Cayman. The two times I was to Labadee the water had very > limited visibility.
The two times * I * was there, more than one member of my family got bitten by jellyfish (the first time it was my husband and son, the second time me and my daughter — equal opportunity jellyfish, apparently)…not horrible, but certainly annoying. The water is clean enough and sure * looks * inviting, but from now on, if I’m in Labadee it’s OUT of the water. There are more than enough lounge chairs and lots of shade and sun. I didn’t find the bar-b-que buffet all that appetizing, but it’s certainly edible. I’ve never really even given thought to not bringing my camera, I just pack it up and put it out of sight when we’re doing other activities. I’m sure I’m naive, but luckily haven’t yet been ripped off. ~ Peri
Response:
Hi Mike I have answered you after each question with my take on all this. IF this was already answered I am sorry! 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? No Make sure you take it with yoU! I always take mine keep it in my beach bag… >My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our >beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the >beach and get some pictures
takes too much time… not worth the standing in line ( and those lines get LONG) and going through the hassle unless you like doing that! . Does this sound practical? How often will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the >tenders? >2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that >day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How >accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship >early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? >3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures >or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? >4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a >charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? >Thanks >-Mike
Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
OOPS hit sent before I was done. >How often will the tenders go back and forth to the ship?
They continuosly go back and forth BUT the tenders are HUGE and can take 35 minutes or so to fill, Do you have to pay to use the tenders? No absolutely not 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How accessible are the beach chairs? Very Accessible, We like going to Barefoot beach, but the last beach near dragon rock is great, seems as though the first beach has lots of families. they also have a shuttle that goes from the tender pier to all the beaches and back all day, Should I plan on getting off the ship early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? The early bird gets the best location i think 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? You can wander and not be bothered. they do hav trails and paths and great photo Ops 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? We thought it was very good. something for everyone . Typical BBQ good ribs when we were on there last month, better then in previous months. there is also chicken burgers and Hot dogs, salads and condiments and desserts. Fruit Punch and water too adn soda for purchase Does it run all day or just Runs for a good part of the day From early Lunch time til a little while before the last tender to get them time to clean up Its Free Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
When were you there Peri that you had a jelly fish problem? I ahve been to labadee 6 times never a jellyfish but the last time in September when I was in Cococay they were Swarming with jellyfish! I could not stand being in there that time as they were ALLL over. Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
> When were you there Peri that you had a jelly fish problem? I ahve been to > labadee 6 times never a jellyfish but the last time in September when I was in > Cococay they were Swarming with jellyfish! I could not stand being in there > that time as they were ALLL over.
I have been to Labadee a few times and never saw Jellyfish there. Not much of any fish for that matter. 
But of course they could be anywhere from time to time. The last time I saw Jellyfish was at Chankanaab two years ago and there were enough that I did not stay in the water long. Yet mat all the other times at Chankanaab I never saw any Jellyfish. — Charles
Response:
Hi mgb, They will have the ferry’s running all day, but it does take time, don’t think I’d advise going back to the ship for the digital camera and then back to the beach. We just buy a disposible underwater camera and use it for days like that, just don’t want to worry about loosing the good camera. We also pre-booked the waverunner excursion on-line before we left and glad we did, it does fill up and is tons of fun. I’d also suggest pre-booking a water mat, they are great for in the water and on the beach and they also sell out of those quickly, cost was $10 for the entire day, very worth it. There is plenty of areas to wonder around and take nice pics, a few different areas where you can get your BBQ lunch and drinks throughout the day. There is also an area where they have some local merchants selling their wares, beware, quite a few of them can get very agressive, that just completely turns me off and I walked out. Too bad, I would of bought something, there were some very interesting things, but I just don’t like being dragged down an isle to look at what they have and forced to purchase something, reminded me of being in Jamaica…. Its a great beach day, I always enjoy those lazy days at a beautiful beach, enjoy. Donna Tuesday Chat Host http://www.cruisemates.com
Response:
>There is also an area where they have some local merchants selling their >wares, >beware, quite a few of them can get very agressive, that just completely >turns
I love that part of Labadee! You can bargain in there alot and I have fun with it. BUt bewARE You buy wood stuff here or jamaica it needs to have polyurethane put on it cause the wood cracks Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
> BUt bewARE You buy wood stuff here or jamaica it needs to have >polyurethane put on it cause the wood cracks
Watch out for termites in the wood.
Response:
My wife and I will be visiting Labadee in February on the Explorer of the Seas. Some questions for those who have visited here before: 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the beach and get some pictures. Does this sound practical? How often will the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the tenders? 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? Thanks -Mike
Response:
The BBQ lunch is out for a couple of hours or so. Great photo ops. Beautiful spot. Some excursions get sold out early such as parasailing and jetskies. More than enough beach loungers fewer hammocks. I will be back there early Feb while on Brilliance.
Response:
We were just there. Beach is beautiful, there are lots of chairs, no vendors or anyone else will bother you; there’s a craft market which you’ll probably want to peruse – no pressure. Tenders run continuously and BBQ lunch is set up for approx. 2 hours. No additional charge for either. Can’t tell you about food since we opted to have lunch back on the ship. Arlene <—had really yummy ribs that day – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My wife and I will be visiting Labadee in February on the Explorer of > the Seas. Some questions for those who have visited here before: > 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? > My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our > beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the > beach and get some pictures. Does this sound practical? How often will > the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the > tenders? > 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that > day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How > accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship > early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? > 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures > or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? > 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a > charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? > Thanks > -Mike
Response:
> We were just there. Beach is beautiful, there are lots of chairs, no > vendors or anyone else will bother you; there’s a craft market which you’ll > probably want to peruse – no pressure. Tenders run continuously and BBQ > lunch is set up for approx. 2 hours. No additional charge for either. > Can’t tell you about food since we opted to have lunch back on the ship. > Arlene <—had really yummy ribs that day
They have the ribs on the ship’s buffet also? I did not know that. Thanks. Chris
Response:
Labadee is actually a tiny peninsula off the coast of Haiti. There are 2 sides to the peninsula (obviously). The ocean side and a protected side. Most of the people go into the water on the protected side. There are several pretty coves. Lots of lounge chairs. The ocean side is much rougher, with signs warning people of things like ocean wildlife, rough surf, etc. There are a few people that will go on the water on the ocean side, but most stay on the protected side. I’m not sure what time you’ll want to be at the beach. If you won’t all be in the water at the same time, just bring the camera with you. If everyone wants to be in the water at the same time, I think it might be better to catch the first tender for photos, and then go back to the ship and get everyone else. Because of the sun’s angles, I’d suggest pics in the morning rather than toward the end of the day. The beaches there are nice, but it’s not a great place for water like the US Virgin Islands or Cayman. The two times I was to Labadee the water had very limited visibility. No coral and you really can’t see fish if the water is cloudy. It’s more a beach day than a snorkeling day. The best place for photos is the path that goes along the protected side. And make sure you go way out to the point to hear the dragon’s breath. –Tom
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My wife and I will be visiting Labadee in February on the Explorer of > the Seas. Some questions for those who have visited here before: > 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? > My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our > beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the > beach and get some pictures. Does this sound practical? How often will > the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the > tenders? > 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that > day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How > accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship > early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? > 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures > or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? > 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a > charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? > Thanks > -Mike
Response:
BTW From personal experience, USE SUNSCREEN.
Response:
> > probably want to peruse – no pressure. Tenders run continuously and BBQ > lunch is set up for approx. 2 hours. No additional charge for either. > Can’t tell you about food since we opted to have lunch back on the ship. > Arlene <—had really yummy ribs that day > They have the ribs on the ship’s buffet also? I did not know that. Thanks. > Chris
Actually Chris, that was the one day we had lunch in the diningroom. Don’t know whether the buffet had them too. Arlene
Response:
I an Island Special if you like frozen drinks > BTW From personal experience, > USE SUNSCREEN.
Response:
> The beaches there are nice, but it’s not a great place for water like the US > Virgin Islands or Cayman. The two times I was to Labadee the water had very > limited visibility.
The two times * I * was there, more than one member of my family got bitten by jellyfish (the first time it was my husband and son, the second time me and my daughter — equal opportunity jellyfish, apparently)…not horrible, but certainly annoying. The water is clean enough and sure * looks * inviting, but from now on, if I’m in Labadee it’s OUT of the water. There are more than enough lounge chairs and lots of shade and sun. I didn’t find the bar-b-que buffet all that appetizing, but it’s certainly edible. I’ve never really even given thought to not bringing my camera, I just pack it up and put it out of sight when we’re doing other activities. I’m sure I’m naive, but luckily haven’t yet been ripped off. ~ Peri
Response:
Hi Mike I have answered you after each question with my take on all this. IF this was already answered I am sorry! 1. Should I leave my digital camera on board while we enjoy the beach? No Make sure you take it with yoU! I always take mine keep it in my beach bag… >My thinking was I’d leave it in the safe until we were finished with our >beach day then return to the ship, get the camera and return to the >beach and get some pictures
takes too much time… not worth the standing in line ( and those lines get LONG) and going through the hassle unless you like doing that! . Does this sound practical? How often will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->the tenders go back and forth to the ship? Do you have to pay to use the >tenders? >2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that >day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How >accessible are the beach chairs? Should I plan on getting off the ship >early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? >3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures >or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? >4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? Is there a >charge for it? Does it run all day or just around lunch time? >Thanks >-Mike
Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
OOPS hit sent before I was done. >How often will the tenders go back and forth to the ship?
They continuosly go back and forth BUT the tenders are HUGE and can take 35 minutes or so to fill, Do you have to pay to use the tenders? No absolutely not 2. We were planning on NOT booking any excursions for Labadee for that day. My plan is to just plunk ourselves down on the beach and enjoy. How accessible are the beach chairs? Very Accessible, We like going to Barefoot beach, but the last beach near dragon rock is great, seems as though the first beach has lots of families. they also have a shuttle that goes from the tender pier to all the beaches and back all day, Should I plan on getting off the ship early and "grab" one or are there plenty of them around? The early bird gets the best location i think 3. Is Labadee a place where one could wander and get some nice pictures or would you need to be wary of people bothering you? You can wander and not be bothered. they do hav trails and paths and great photo Ops 4. I have heard that RCL serves up a BBQ. How was the food? We thought it was very good. something for everyone . Typical BBQ good ribs when we were on there last month, better then in previous months. there is also chicken burgers and Hot dogs, salads and condiments and desserts. Fruit Punch and water too adn soda for purchase Does it run all day or just Runs for a good part of the day From early Lunch time til a little while before the last tender to get them time to clean up Its Free Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
When were you there Peri that you had a jelly fish problem? I ahve been to labadee 6 times never a jellyfish but the last time in September when I was in Cococay they were Swarming with jellyfish! I could not stand being in there that time as they were ALLL over. Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
> When were you there Peri that you had a jelly fish problem? I ahve been to > labadee 6 times never a jellyfish but the last time in September when I was in > Cococay they were Swarming with jellyfish! I could not stand being in there > that time as they were ALLL over.
I have been to Labadee a few times and never saw Jellyfish there. Not much of any fish for that matter. But of course they could be anywhere from time to time. The last time I saw Jellyfish was at Chankanaab two years ago and there were enough that I did not stay in the water long. Yet mat all the other times at Chankanaab I never saw any Jellyfish. — Charles
Response:
Hi mgb, They will have the ferry’s running all day, but it does take time, don’t think I’d advise going back to the ship for the digital camera and then back to the beach. We just buy a disposible underwater camera and use it for days like that, just don’t want to worry about loosing the good camera. We also pre-booked the waverunner excursion on-line before we left and glad we did, it does fill up and is tons of fun. I’d also suggest pre-booking a water mat, they are great for in the water and on the beach and they also sell out of those quickly, cost was $10 for the entire day, very worth it. There is plenty of areas to wonder around and take nice pics, a few different areas where you can get your BBQ lunch and drinks throughout the day. There is also an area where they have some local merchants selling their wares, beware, quite a few of them can get very agressive, that just completely turns me off and I walked out. Too bad, I would of bought something, there were some very interesting things, but I just don’t like being dragged down an isle to look at what they have and forced to purchase something, reminded me of being in Jamaica…. Its a great beach day, I always enjoy those lazy days at a beautiful beach, enjoy. Donna Tuesday Chat Host http://www.cruisemates.com
Response:
>There is also an area where they have some local merchants selling their >wares, >beware, quite a few of them can get very agressive, that just completely >turns
I love that part of Labadee! You can bargain in there alot and I have fun with it. BUt bewARE You buy wood stuff here or jamaica it needs to have polyurethane put on it cause the wood cracks Susette Join us on our Annual Group Cruise 04Dec04 Jewel of the Seas! Check out our website: www.cruiseoutlets.com
Response:
> BUt bewARE You buy wood stuff here or jamaica it needs to have >polyurethane put on it cause the wood cracks
Watch out for termites in the wood.