Good morning everyone. I just booked a January '08 cruise on the Navigator and had to share the news! I can't believe we have to wait so long to experience another RSSC cruise (we were on the PG in '05 and the Navigator in '06) but I know it will be worth it. My husband has his own business so it is difficult to be away for more then a week at a time and there are very few RSSC cruises during the winter months that are 7 days and convenient to the east coast.

OK. My question to all of you seasoned RSSC cruisers - can you give me any tips or information on Belize and Santo Tomas? We truly did not pick this cruise for the itinerary although I'm sure all of the ports will be amazing. The timing was right and we could not go another winter without being spoiled by Regent. Now that we have committed to this cruise I want to start researching these two ports. The other ports on the cruise are Cozumel and Key West and there is a wealth of information on those locations.

Any help or advise is welcome. I understand the Navigator has been refurbished since our last visit so I would love to hear about the changes. Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful weekend - mine is off to a great start!

We'll be doing a very similar itinerary on the Mariner next week (April 9 - 17) and will be happy to fill you in.


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Hi GibbsvilleGirl,

First, welcome to LCT!

I can't answer your itinerary questions. It's been a while since we've been to Belize, and never to Santo Tomas. But we were on the Navigator in December. She was looking way spiffy. Most evident was new carpet everywhere. They have also redone the spa area, and it is beautiful, also lots of work done in Stars Lounge...new bar, etc. The new linens in the staterooms are wonderful.

You will have a great time. Hope you will report to us, about your cruise!!

Hi GibbsvilleGirl,

I will be on the Navigator Jan. 18-25 cruise. Are you booked on this cruise, also? Haven't started my research yet, but the Belize City Lamanai Mayan Ruins excursion looks interesting to me. Looking forward to Cerinda's report.

Gibbsville Girl,

Greetings, I am the Destination Specialist on the Mariner and know a little about Belize and Sto. Tomas. Belize City is not a scenic city; the port stop is chosen for its incredible diving and snorkeling along the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world and the Maya archaeological sites. If you are not on tour, Belzie City does not hold much for the day visitor. Because of the reef ships must anchor far off-shore and tender in. Though Santo Tomas in Guatemala is growing very quickly it is still a sleepy little town - the major shipping port for what was formerly united Fruit Company. There is a new visitor's center/terminal that gives a solid roof over the heads of vendors that come down from the highlands. Guatemala is known for its weavings but the people who make them do not live on the coast - so they are imported for the ships and sell in this new "market." Other than that the stop is primarily to give guests access to the creme de la creme of the Maya world - Tikal and Copan. You need to fly to both of them; if this is not to your liking there is another site that you can drive to - Quirigua. If you are interested in tropical ecology you can also take small boats up the Rio Dulce to the town of Livingston which is home to Garifuna residents - Afro-Caribbean. Hope this helps!

Cerinda - have a wonderful cruise. I'll look forward to your review. Betty K - thank you for the information on the refurbishment. We loved the time we spent on the Navigator and I'm glad that Regent has invested $$$ for the upgrades. Have you ever seen the movie with Pierce Brosnan that features the Navigator? I forget the name but we watch bits and pieces of it whenever it is on in order to catch a glimpse of the ship.

Beth - Yes, 1/18/08 is our cruise also! We are trying to talk other family members or friends to join us but right now it is just me and my DH. Hope to add to that number as the months roll along and look forward to meeting you onboard.

Terry - Thanks for your post and the link to your website; both are a wealth of information. Will have to research our excursions for both Belize and Santo Tomas but the trip on the Rio Dulce sounds like something I would want to do.

This board is such a great resource! Thank you everyone for your replies.

Erin

Terry, altho I am not on this cruise, thanks for a very informative post. Your comments on Belize are spot on, as a diver--I love Belize..in fact, will go there for a week of just diving (and maybe a few Belikan's) in June...r/wes

We were in Belize on a Navigator Christmas cruise. Since part of our large family group consisted of 6 children, we hired a driver with a van and went to the zoo. It was different from other zoos inasmuch as all of the animals were indiginous to Belize and it proved to be a lovely way to spend the day. If the driver can be found, his name is Edgar and we would highly recommend him.

As far as Santo Tomas is concerned, it was so hot that all we did was shop near the dock and stayed on board where it was air conditioned.