Day 3 of Our Caribbean Cruise
The first port of call on our recent cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas was to their private resort complex at Labadee, Haiti. Depending on the cruise itinerary you select, Labadee is the the alternate port to the usual stop in the Bahamas.
Map of Royal Caribbean's Labadee Resort Area.
This was our third time visiting Labadee and with each visit we trying something new. On this visit, it was finally time to take on the Dragon Flightline.
Zip-lines are nothing new to us, we have taken on different zip-line adventures in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. John over the years. Each location offers a completely different experience, each with their own incredible views.
When you get right down to it - the bus ride up the mountains to these locations are usually more terrifying than anything the excursion itself has to offer. 😱 So my wife and I were good to go, her sister - not so much.
On our way to the registration pavilion.
One of the funny things about this adventure is the fact that they send your through a smaller version of the zip-line as practice run to make sure you understand what you are getting yourself into. Due to the scale of it, there are some aspects that are different than smaller tree-to-tree zip-lines we have done in the past. For one, you go fast - like up to 50mph fast - and you do not have the traditional hand brake system to slow and stop. At the end of the line you pretty much slam into the recoil spring mechanism similar to jets landing on an aircraft carrier. 35mph to 0mph in about 10 feet.
Apparently there is a 5% drop out rate after the smaller practice run.
Getting Instructions at the top of the main tower.
Everyone successfully passed the practice run, but one person backed out after seeing the vantage point from the tower. A bunch of us tried to calm her down and reason with her not to pass up the experience. We even joked that the bus ride back down the mountain might be more sketchy than jumping out on the zip-line, but she couldn't work up the courage to go through with it.
View from 500 feet up getting hooked up to the flight cable.
The view from the tower was incredible. Oh look, I can see our cabin from here, see it? Deck 11 about 1/4 the way back from the bridge.
Strapped in, Hooked up, Laying back and ready to go!
Sister-in-law first, then my wife. Listen to them scream.
We are lined up 5 across and the two instructors launch us one-by-one from the outsides in, so I was the last to release wire to get pulled. This was planned out for me to be in the middle so I could get the best vantage point for video and photos on the way down.
The other 4 got a good head start on me - time to fly!
As we start off down the line we fly right over the Dragon's Tail roller coaster that wraps over the edge of the mountain below. Then it's out across the beach and over the bay.
I had some distance to make up so I leaned back into the 'optional' torpedo position to pick up some speed. At this point in the video the roar of the wind and whine of the wheels racing along the steel cable are beyond loud.
Clearing the beach and out over the water.
Zooming in to get the others in the picture.
Artificial reef structures under the water for snorkeling and diving.
Reaching the half-way point.
At this point we have dropped low and are flying just above the waves. The lines are leveling off and we have past the point of maximum speed. From here on out you get into a sitting position to use the wind resistance to help slow you down.
Waves breaking just below our feet.
Peaceful and quiet ride from here on out.
In reality I think we are about 6 feet or so above the water but when the waves pass and break below you it seems really close. You can feel the ocean spray on your arms and face as you pass by and hear the sounds of the crashing waves below you. It was a really cool experience.
Approaching the landing zone. "Feet Up and Apart"
Coming in Hot! Yeah - I caught up to the girls.
Spotter in position as I come in.
🏅We give that experience a 10!
If you ever take a Royal Caribbean cruise that stops in Labadee, we highly recommend this excursion. Don't let any doubt or fear win over you, you will regret it later. This is and experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Another vantage point of the zip line over the cove from the ship.
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