Labadee

Today was a stop at Labadee, Haiti. Before I talk about that, I wanted to put in some additional information on 1) Chops, 2) Internet on the ship, and 3) how they are doing onboard credits now.

Chops is well worth the $40 per person they are charging on Independence. You can have multiple appetizers, if you wish. The soups and salads are good and the shrimp coctail is huge. My wife and I both had the  6 ounce petite filet mignon, cooked to order. I recommend not cooking it beyond medium. There is a 9 ounce version. The dessert options were not great for me because I cannot have too much chocolate. If you love chocolate you will love the desserts.

They have changed the Internet packages, all of which are more expensive than before. We ended up taking the unlimited package for $229. As Diamond members, we got $29 taken off that price. You are allowed UP TO TWO DEVICES for that price. So if you connect via a laptop and the other person uses a phone, you are done. Or you can each connect via phones. But no more than two devices.

All your onboard credits are on your Sea Pass Card when you receive it. For instance, as Diamond members we are entitled to three free drinks between 5 PM and 8 PM every night. You order the drink. They take your card. You get your drink and your card and there is no charge. Same with any other perk you are entitled to depending on your category. It's a good way to do it, in my opinion.

Today was Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private 'island' (really a peninsula) in Haiti. The high temp was 89 degrees, but there's always a breeze on the beach. You can do the longest zipline I've ever seen out over the water. I heard it was $95. There's also so kind of ride that looks like a roller coaster except you are in individual cars. Don't know the cost. The lunch is free and included salad, a few side dishes, hot dogs, hamburgers, pork ribs, and jerk chicken. It's just OK.

Saturday I will be taking pictures around the ship and posting them.

Here are some from today:

 Arriving at Labadee in the morning.

The Grandeur of the Seas was already at the dock. Labadee is the little peninsula to the left.

From the beach at Labadee.

One of the many bands playing in the shade.

You can choose to be in the sun or shade.

The waves were very small the day we were there.

You can see the fruit in the center of this tree.

Fishermen near the cruise ship.

We had no idea what this was at the tip of Labadee.

Labadee as we approached, I think.