I had originally hoped to do the Ceremonial Cave Tubing tour, but due to high water levels- most of the cave tubing excursions were canceled. We wondered why this tour wasn't canceled as well and were a little nervous about safety, but decided to go anyways. After taking the tender boat to shore, we were given the opportunity to use the restroom before boarding a school bus to the cave tubing site. The school bus was really the only bad part of this tour. School buses are simply made for children, not adults. The roads were recently repaved so the ride wasn't uncomfortable with the exception of the last six miles where you bump along a rough area. You then have to get off the school bus you came in and get right onto another school bus that takes you just over a hill to the excursion site. Once there, you find out that the mention of "lockers available" on the excursion description really means "lockers required". We had tried to pack lightly so we wouldn't need a locker, but there is no place to even leave a towel without paying $6 for the locker (obnoxiously after paying over $100 per person). We wore our water shoes there, but others in our group did not and were also required to rent a pair (flip-flops are not allowed). I found no need for bug spray or sun screen, but those items were for sale in the gift shop with other trinkets if you did need to buy something you forgot or wanted. You then have another chance to use the restroom, change clothes, etc before getting into a small group of seven or so people for your tour. You receive a life jacket, a helmet and headlamp before walking a short distance (including some stairs) to the cave entrance. You will stop briefly for the company to take a photo of you here (for sale later $10 per CD). I think this tour says to "consider physical fitness level" when booking, but it wasn't very physically demanding. Turns out there was no reason to worry about safety. The water was calm and the guide stayed with us. Some groups were linked by their feet but our guide just had us hold onto the handle of the person next to us in order to stay together. The cave was really interesting and relaxing to float through (water was comfortable, not as cold as I imagined). You get out of your tube briefly to explore a part of the cave on-foot. You will get to see some broken Mayan pottery. You then re-enter the water and float a little while longer. You have the option to swim or float through the last portion of the cave referred to in the title as the "lagoon". If you float the entire time instead of swimming, you really don't get all that wet (just your backside).After walking back, drying off, and changing clothes (if necessary) you receive a lunch of chicken, rice, coleslaw and fruit punch. Other snacks and drinks are for sale. I thought this was better than most the cruise ship food. And, of course, the transportation process is just reversed for the return trip. With the exception of the bus ride. We loved this tour. Overall I'd recommend the tour. Our ship was the only one in port that day. Our tour guide told us that it can be very crowded during peak summer months when multiple ships are in port which could impact enjoyment.

I had already been to the Tulum Mayan Ruins and decided to see Chichen Itza, despite its long travel time from the ship because it is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Starting on-board the cruise ship very few directions are given about how you'll get to where you're going. It would be easy to get confused and lost so I've tried to give as much detail as possible.You show your tickets on the ship to receive a sticker with your group number on it. In our case we were tour group 17. Other groups will be waiting to be called to leave the ship for various other excursions. Once your number is called, you make your way off the ship. After exiting the ship, you re-board a smaller ferry boat to get to the main land. You'll be on this ship with people going on a variety of other tours. I am pretty resistant to sea sickness and felt okay during the ride, but there were lots of people puking during the 45 minute ride. There are restrooms on the ferry and staff distribute sick bags. If you are prone to motion sickness, take meds BEFORE you get on the ferry so they are working in time for the ride. Meds are for sale on the ship right before you leave for the excursion. You then look for a person holding a sign with your tour name on it along the street. These signs did not specify "Royal Caribbean" so this is a place where some mix up could occur. You then walk a short distance through the town with your group before being asked for your ticket in order to board a motor coach for a two hours ride to the interior of the Yucatan where the ruins are located. Our guide didn't read the ticket to ensure people were on the right tour and one person did turn up to be in the wrong place, but realized it too late and had to stay with our group. For the ride you are given a brown paper bag with a snack of muffin, banana, chips, juice box. You are told that you will receive a bottle of water, bottle of pop and sandwich later. There are also places to buy drinks, and snacks at the site.Before exiting the bus you are given a radio so you can hear your tour guide easily. I was glad I had my own earphones with me at this point. You have a chance to visit the restroom before the tour begins. Our tour guides were not impressive at all and spoke in monotone voices making exciting history sound boring. After touring briefly we were given free time to explore on your own. Read up on the site before arriving so that you have context. There are no interpretive signs at the site. You also are not allowed to climb any of the ruins including the well where people used to swim. Bring lots of drinking water (2 bottles each) because it is so hot. Some tour companies gave their groups umbrellas - we were envious because it is just so hot! We were told if we were even one minute late getting back to the bus we would be left behind so we got back 10 minutes early. During summer months this site is very crowded (I was told) which makes it hard to see everything which is just something to keep in mind.The transportation process is reversed on the return trip.Despite some the heat, monotone tour guides, travel time, we would recommend the tour because of the historic value received.

The room was nice overall. *The balcony had a glass railing so you could sit and still look out. *Room attendant was great.*Bed was comfortable, but must have been older because they put a textured foam pad on top of the mattress which was a little hard to get used to.*The shower had doors which I prefer over a curtain, but did have a slight sewage smell here (as well as various other areas throughout the ship).

We are the type of people who decide to cruise because of the ports of call, not the quality of the ship, but this trip accomplished both- great ports with a fun ship.Our biggest disappointments were food quality and line to register and enter the ship took over 2 hours to get through.

Liberty of the Seas Review

Cruise to historic and natural wonders

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Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Balcony

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