We are sailing the Carnival Dream in June. There will be 6 of us (me, DH, DS14, DD12, DMiL, and DBiL) On our other stops we plan to snorkel, zipline, and do a submarine tour.
I don't know anything about Roatan. I think I'd like to just relax on a beach. How easy is it to get to the beach from the port? Do I have to get an excursion to do this? If we don't go to the beach what excursions do you recommend?
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Carnival Celebration (Key West, Nassau)- June '07-First time cruiser
Rhapsody of the Seas (Alaska) - June '08
Carnival Freedom (Belize, Panama, Costa Rica) - June '09
Carnival Dream (Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya) - June '11
Carnival Freedom (Key West, Grand Cayman, Jamaica) Dec. '12
We are sailing the Carnival Dream in June. There will be 6 of us (me, DH, DS14, DD12, DMiL, and DBiL) On our other stops we plan to snorkel, zipline, and do a submarine tour.
I don't know anything about Roatan. I think I'd like to just relax on a beach. How easy is it to get to the beach from the port? Do I have to get an excursion to do this? If we don't go to the beach what excursions do you recommend?
An absolutely marvelous way to spend the day at Roatan is to visit Sante Spa! Located on an island in the bay, this wonderful place accepts a strictly limited number of clients each day and will pamper you from beach to food to massage!
How easy is it to get to the beach from the port??
If I am not mistaken, they now have a "ski lift" type gondola thingy that can take you from the port to the beach.
From Johns Blog...
" Just a quick follow up to a question about Isla Roatan and Mahogany Bay. A blogger had asked about a place where guests could go snorkeling on their own and the shore excursion manager on the Carnival Legend has told me the following: “West End – is a touristy village with two beaches, West End Beach and Half Moon Bay Beach. Half Moon Bay is a great place for snorkeling. 15 Minutes from the Pier and $25.00 a person approximate taxi fare for round trip. ”
There you go, and don’t forget if you are going to Isla Roatan not to miss out on one of our excursions to Gumbalimba Park. You must see the monkeys and the wildlife and soak up the spectacular scenery. The park also has hundreds of parrots that although wild, will come and shit………..sorry…………..sit on your head."
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The Original Phil & Liz
"The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money." -Margaret Thatcher
"Never take an idiot travelling, you can always pick one up when you get there." Billy Connolly
"If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun"
Katharine Hepburn
You can check out the island tours or stay in the Carnival's Mahogany Bay area but you do not get to see the beauty of the island & it's people Roatan Activities
Our last cruise stopped at Mahogany Bay in Roatan. We were on the Legend. I thought it was awful. The beach was a hefty hike away unless you were willing to pay extra for the ski lift to the beach. Then, you have to rent a cabana in order to have decent access to the beach. And, at least on that day, the water was so full of jellyfish that no one went in. The rest of it was just shops, with items I had seen in other ports or in the main part of Coxen Hole. That is where the ship used to dock in Roatan. But, the prices at Mahogany Bay were at least twice what they were elsewhere.
Over all, my comment to my DH was that if Disney designed prisons, this is what it would look like.
We did not want to take a tour and by the time we had checked out Mahogany Bay, it was too late in the day to rent a car or try to hire a driver. I could understand Carnival building these shopping areas at Grand Turk and Costa Maya, but I was appalled that they did it in Roatan. It is the primary reason we are not sailing on Carnival this year.
Just our opinion.
Marty
We did the South Beach experience with Carnival. It was really a private resort called Parrot Bay. There was a man made beach inlet. No waves calm clear water white sand beach, palm trees, look over a wall to the real ocean front no beach just rock, good buffet, beautiful pool. However I did not like it, why? Because I had no idea it was a totally private beach. I like to mingle with the locals and get a taste of other cultures. None here it was as American as a resort at Disney World. However if that is your thing you might enjoy it. No pushy venders here, but I didn't feel like I was in Roatan Honduras.If I had the chance to do it over I would go to Tabyana Beach and Gumbalimba park so I could see Monkeys and other animals up close and personal and have time at the beach.
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Carnival Mardi Gras 1987 (Bahamas)
Carnival Legend 2005 (Exotic Western Caribbean)
Costa Mediterrenia 2005 (Eastern Caribbean)
Carnival Pride October 2006 (Mexican Rivera)
Carnival Legend 2007 (Western Caribbean)
Carnival Glory 2009 Western Caribbean
Carnival Liberty 2011 Eastern Caribbean
Norwegian Spirit 2011 Western Caribbean Carnival Miracle 2012 Southern Caribbean
Last edited by showcat; September 19th, 2011 at 04:06 AM.
Hope I'm not too late and you have already cruised. While in Roatan on Carnival, we booked the "Dolphin Encounter" on Anthony's Key. It's about a 1/2 bus ride which shows you a lot of the island (very rich and very poor!), and the a short canoe ride to the dolphin. Then about 45 minutes in waist deep, warm water to swim with and pet dolphins. It was about $120.00, but worth every cent. The thrill of a lifetime!
Hi, I just thought I'd throw my two cents in as well! I am a Canadian that has been living on Roatan for years. My husband (who is from here) and I own a tour operator business here on the island. We welcome you to check out our website roatansunsplashtours.com for all our tours and excursions. We offer the same activities you listed. Our drivers are safe, professional and have a great knowledge of the island's rich history. We are always happy to work within family budgets and can tailor a package to suit special needs. You are coming at the perfect time. Weather is optimal, crowds are lower, and all the fun you can handle is at your finger tips.
I would recommend you get out of the port and see the beautiful sights of Roatan. Hope to hear from you soon! Paradise awaits you!
What to do in Isla Roatan?
Sante Spa
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