One of Royal Caribbean’s private islands is Labadee, Haiti. This exclusive resort is open only to those cruising on a Royal Caribbean (or Celebrity Cruises) ship. Among the thrilling attractions at this beach escape are ziplines. We recently visited the island shortly after its re-opening on the new Wonder of the Seas. Since it had been nearly 5 years since our last visit to Labadee, we decided to get reacquainted by booking a couple shore excursions, including the Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Fire Flight Line.
Well actually, we had booked the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line. However, due to wind conditions, they were shutting down this line and gave us the option to switch. While I was a bit apprehensive about ziplining headfirst over the water, we quickly agreed.
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What is Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Fire Flight Line
On Royal Caribbean’s private oasis in Labadee, Haiti, guests have two options for ziplines. The Dragon’s Breath Flight Line is the original option where you sit in a harness. The Dragon’s Fire Flight Line is the newer option where you lay in the harness.
Both launching platforms are located right next to each other up the mountainside. The Dragon’s Breath zip line consists of 5 lines, whereas the Dragon’s Fire has only 2 lines. So, if you are flying as a group, you will need to pair off for this zipline experience.
The Dragon’s Fire Flight Line is approximately 200 feet longer than the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line; though, the launching platform is not as tall.
After gearing up and a safety briefing by trained guides, the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line will have you racing headfirst like a superhero down a 2,800 foot cable over the ocean of Labadee.
If this sounds like just the adrenaline rush that you need, then you will certainly want to book this unique Royal Caribbean excursion for your visit to Labadee.
This activity is rated as strenuous, so do consider your physical abilities before booking.
Booking Your Ride
Like most Royal Caribbean shore excursions, you can book the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line pre-cruise using the online Cruise Planner or once onboard the ship.
We are planners by nature, so we always book in advance. Plus, booking early usually secures a lower price for the excursion as you can time your purchase with a promotion. If your plans change, you can always cancel up to 48 hours before your port of call for a full refund.
The Dragon’s Fire Flight Line is available to book in 30 minute intervals throughout most of the day. Of course, the ziplines on Labadee are weather-dependent. They can be cancelled if conditions are not safe to fly.
The cost to ride Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Fire Flight Line does vary. Shore excursion prices are dynamic and based on the time of year and the cruise ship. For an upcoming cruise next month, the current cost is $109 per person for a single flight.
If you have your heart set on this attraction, you should monitor the cruise planner for deals. The cruise line often runs promotions with discounts on tours and excursions. If you book the tour and find it is cheaper, you can always cancel and rebook with the lower price.
Who Can Ride the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line
Since the Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Fire Flight Line is a strenuous activity, there are a number of requirements in order to ride this attraction.
First and foremost, this activity is not advisable for anyone with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiac disease or those with neck or back injuries. Guests do need full use of both arms and legs and be able to walk up and down steps without assistance.
Also, children under 16 years of age but be accompanied by a guardian on the tour.
As with most activities of this nature, there are also height and weight restrictions. The minimum height requirement is 48 inches to ride. Further, guests must weigh at least 75 pounds and no more than 275 pounds. These weight requirements may be adjusted due to current weather conditions.
Finally, all guests will need to sign a waiver prior to participation in the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line.
Preparing for the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line
On the day of your visit to Labadee, you will need to arrive prepared for this tour. Be sure to follow the instructions on the ticket for arrival time. This is usually around 30 minutes prior to your actual flight time. Further, be sure to bring closed-toe shoes onto the island with you, as you will need them for this activity.
If not everyone in your travel party is participating, you will want to leave all loose articles and belongings with them. There are lockers near the check-in station, but they are not free. The rules state that cameras can be worn but can not be held during the flight.
Upon arrival, all guests will need to sign a waiver for this activity. You will also need to weigh in and receive a wristband so that staff can easily identify your weight.
For the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, you would now suit up and head to a small practice zipline. However, there is no practice course for the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line.
Instead, you will ride in an open-air safari bus outside the confines of the property directly to the launching platform in the mountainside. This drive takes less than 5 minutes.
Experiencing the Zip Line
Once at the flight area, participants will gear up with a helmet and a mat-like harness. There is also an instructional session where the guides review the entire process, two flight positions, the landing position, and other safety aspects.
The guides will inform you of your flight position based on the combination of your weight and the current weather conditions. The two positions are either the rocket position (arms by side) or the superman position (arms out to side).
The landing position is the same for everyone. It is extremely important to follow commands and ensure to tuck your chin and cross your arms prior to landing to avoid injury.
Guests are then led up the stairs to the launching platform two at a time. This is the scariest part of the experience. On the launching platform, overlooking Labadee and the water below, you will need to complete a trust fall of sorts. While your main cables are obviously already secured in place, you will need to go from a standing position to a prone position so the staff can secure the last cable and position your feet safely for the flight.
Once locked and loaded, the countdown begins. 3, 2, 1, and you’re off!
The actual flight time is exhilarating, but it does go by quickly. Depending on the conditions, the flight is approximately 45-50 seconds long.
When comparted to the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line where you are seated upright, you do miss out on some of the panoramic views. Though, how many times can you say that you ziplined headfirst over Caribbean waters?
Upon landing, the staff will assist you in unloading from the harness with the use of a ladder.
Our experience did take a bit longer because we were already harnessed up for the Dragon’s Breath before we had to switch to the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line. However, total time should normally be less than 1.5 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore everything else Labadee has to offer.
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Is Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Fire Flight Line on Labadee Worth it?
If you are looking for some excitement during your time at Labadee, this excursion might be the perfect option. Yes, the ride itself is short and a bit pricey. Still, it was a lot of fun.
The activity was organized, and it was a nice break from the beach and the sun. We will definitely brave the Dragon’s Fire Flight Line again on another visit to Labadee. Given it has been years since we last took flight on the Dragon’s Breath zip line, we are already planning a return trip during our next visit.
If this is too much thrill for you, you may want to check out the Dragon’s Tail Coaster.
Comments
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