Hi, my family is going on the RCL Independence in Jan '09 and one of the ports will be Belize City. Will the ladies find something to do (safely) while the men are vising the Mayan ruins? What is shopping like and are the beaches safe? Thanks

Hi Romey, welcome to Cruise-Chat. Most definitely they will be able to shop. If they like snorkeling, there is some fantastic snorkeling there. A friend of mine took a catamaran sail/snorkel and had a ball. He didn't go to the beach afterwards, he went shopping, so I can't recommend a good beach. He booked his sail/snorkel through the ship. I'm sure there are others on the board that can help with a beach suggestion. Best wishes for a fantastic cruise, and once again, welcome aboard!

Romey, let me welcome you to Cruise Chat. Let me second what Penny has already told you. Belize City is a lovely area that is not to be confused with some of the other less-desirable Caribbean ports. You women should get together and plan your own excursion or just go it on your own. You will tender into Belize's Tourism Village and you can find plenty of shopping opportunities there. The locals make many carvings out of wood and slate which make excellent souvenirs. U.S. money is readily accepted as are major credit cards. If you pay U.S. dollars for something, make sure that you get your change back in U.S. currency. Have fun and enjoy yourselves!

Yes indeed, Belize City is plenty safe and I wouldn't worry about it.

For great snorkling you pretty much need a tour. The tidal waters of the Belize river makes the water around the port very brown. You will need to take a tour that goes to a barrier reef. There are many to choose from and there are also many little islands.

What the rest had said is correct. But to make thing clearer, the shopping village you tender into is for cruise tourists only. So the ladies could shop without ever having to go out into the true city. But even if they wanted to, it would be ok.

The tourism area where the tenders dock seemed really safe to me. No problems or hassles. We went outside of it and didn't encounter any problems either. The street vendors don't always have change for $20's, so I would take some $5's or singles. The time before last we went to a small private island, and it was truly beautiful.

Dwayne