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 is the Dragon’s Tail Coaster. We recently visited the island shortly after its re-opening on the new Wonder of the Seas. It had been over 5 years since our last visit to Labadee, so we decided to get reacquainted by booking a couple shore excursions. If you are thinking about purchasing this tour, we answer all your questions in this complete guide to the Dragon’s Tail Coaster.
Everything You Need to Know About Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Tail Coaster on Labadee
When Can You Ride the Coaster
Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Tail Coaster is located on the private island of Labadee, Haiti. Those taking a Caribbean cruise to this destination will have the opportunity to experience this ride.
The coaster is open most of the day during your stop at this private island. The first ride tends to start about an hour after your ship is due into the port. The final ride is usually a couple hours before the ship is set to depart.
Like any outdoor attraction, this coaster is weather dependent. If there is rain or high winds, the coaster may not operate.
Booking Your Ride
Like many shore excursions on Royal Caribbean’s website, you can book the Dragon’s Tail Coaster pre-cruise using the online Cruise Planner or once onboard the ship. If you are not sure about this attraction, you can wait until you arrive at Labadee and inquire if there are any slots left for the day.
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 .
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The Cost for the Dragon’s Tail Coaster
The cost to ride Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Tail Coaster does vary. Shore excursion prices are dynamic and based on the time of year and the cruise ship. For one of our upcoming cruises, the price for a single ride is $26 per person. Cruisers can also opt for a full day pass which is currently priced at $35.75. The all-day pass lets cruisers ride the attraction an unlimited amount of times, depending on capacity.
However, if you purchase a single ride, you will need to pick a time slot which usually runs in 30-minute intervals.
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 Coaster
The Dragon’s Tail Coaster vehicles hold up to two individuals; although, there is a weight maximum of a combined 360 lbs. If you are riding double occupancy, only one person needs to purchase a ticket.
Children aged 5 to 11 must ride with a parent. Further, these junior cruisers must be at least 38 inches tall to enjoy the coaster. Those who are 12 years or older, can ride by themselves but must be at least 54 inches tall to ride solo.
These carts are rather tight, so even if you meet the weight requirements, two adults would probably be more comfortable riding separately.
The cruise line rates this attraction as “strenuous”. So, it is advised that those with a number of medical conditions not participate in the ride. Of course, you should consider your own sensitivity for thrill experiences and current health before opting to participate in the Dragon’s Tail Coaster on Labadee.
Drivers must have full use of both arms in order to operate the brakes. Further, all guests must sign a waiver before participating.
In our experience, the attraction is not physically demanding, like say a hike or rock climbing. The vehicle and track do most of the work for you. Still, the ride is fast, with tight turns and inclines, so it can be intense.
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Getting to the Dragon’s Tail Coaster
The Dragon’s Tail Coaster is located on the northeast side of the island. The ride and adjacent sign-up desk are past Adrenaline Beach. To get there, you can walk from Dragon’s Plaza using the leisurely path. The path is mostly paved, and it takes no more than 15 minutes.
Or, you can take the tram to the Town Square tram station. From there, it is a short walk past the Artisan Showcase and Café Labadee. Either way, the Coaster is easily accessible and not hard to find. It is tucked away in the mountainside, but there is plenty of signage.
Preparing for the Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Tail Coaster
With a confirmed reservation, you have to check-in and sign a waiver at the base of the coaster with the staff. Once you have reviewed and signed all of the documentation, it is on to the loading platform.
Here, you will watch a brief introductory and safety video. This provides an overview of how to control the carts, as well as the rules regarding spacing and the various signals used. There is also a communal cubby for guests to store any belongings during the ride.
Cruisers do control the speed of each cart. So, you can determine how fast (or slow) the vehicle goes by using the hand brakes. Pushing all the way down will have you going at the maximum speed. To slow down, you can pull up for the brakes.
Experiencing Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Tail Coaster
The Dragon’s Tail Coaster on Labadee is a 680 foot drop with speeds that can reach 30 mph. Of course, the speed depends on your controls and the weight of the cart.
The setup is similar to an alpine slide. Although, in true coaster fashion, there is a slow climb up the hill. This classic chain lift lets the anticipation build as you prepare for the drop.
Once you are at the top, it’s gravity’s turn to take over. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from this attraction as we have been on some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the United States.
Surprisingly, the cart picked up more speed than I thought down the track, twisting and turning through the mountainside. In fact, there were a few tight curves that even I pressed up slightly on the brakes.
As you are coming around some of the embankments, you will be treated to gorgeous island views and sights of your cruise ship in the distance. While the views were beautiful, we were all about the speed.
Royal Caribbean’s website indicates the total ride time is 3-5 minutes long. This is accurate as my ride down the Dragon’s Tail Coaster lasted just about 4.5 minutes. The ride was briefly delayed at the end, as I caught up to the group in front who were going rather slow.
Unfortunately, the speed of those in front of you does impact your ride. The Princess was in front of me, so she caught up to this group much quicker than I did. This impacted how fast she could go for about half of her ride.
Safety Protocols
Of course, safety is always a top priority. From our recent experience, we can report the carts were well maintained and included a seat belt.
Plus, cruisers are in control of the carts. So, if at any time you felt the ride was going too fast or felt unsafe, you could always slow down. Built into the ride, there are also traffic lights which provide signs to slow down or stop. This is an added layer of protection to ensure that you don’t crash into anyone in front of you on the track.
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Is Royal Caribbean’s Dragon’s Tail Coaster 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 is short. Although, when compared to the costs of the nearby zip lines, the coaster is very reasonably priced and still offers plenty of thrills!
Plus, if you are looking to ride the coaster multiple times, the full day pass is even a better value.
The activity was organized, and it was a nice break from the beach and the sun. From checking in, to completing the safety briefing, to experiencing the ride took about 30 minutes. So, there is certainly still plenty of time to enjoy everything else the island has to offer.
We will definitely brave the Dragon’s Tail Coaster again on another visit to Labadee, Haiti during a future Royal Caribbean cruise.
Comments
Do you agree with our Dragon’s Tail Coaster review? Have you ridden this Royal Caribbean coaster before? Drop us an anchor below with your thoughts about this Labadee, Haiti attraction.
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