isla Rotan on board the Carnival Sunshine

I recently visited Isla Rotan on board the Carnival Sunshine.My wife and myself where very disappointed in how much of a Carnival tourist trap it was.Limited shopping,over priced sky lift to the beach and very small beach area and limited seats.Its a must book excursion location.

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Tourist trap:confused: It's a destination Carnival built. Not enough chairs? I saw a sea of chairs. If you went to the other side at the other dock, now that's a tourist trap with local vendors.

I would say that I'm disappointed that Carnival has been successfully luring people away from exploring what is one of the most spectacular islands in the entire Caribbean. Roatan is a stunning beauty. Yet, so many people will never see it, because they instead just stay at the manmade beach next to the ship, a beach that is no different than what could be built or experienced anywhere else. I wish that cruisers would pick one of their other ports for their do-nothing beach day. Roatan must be explored. The local tour companies (such as Victor Bodden) take great care of cruisers, and will give us a day to remember forever. But people who just make Roatan a do-nothing beach day will quickly forget that day as just an ordinary old beach day that could be had anywhere.

I do understand while Carnival does it. They make money. I just wish that us cruisers would be more vocal about how amazing of an island this is, and that we shouldn't just stay at the manmade beach. I know that the OP here didn't get a chance to explore the island, and I feel bad for them. Those of us who have explored the island need to let everyone know that they should too, and to avoid the lure of the do-nothing beach day that could be had anywhere else. Some ports are all about do-nothing beach days, but Roatan is about exploring a very beautiful, mountainous & adventurous island. Thanks to the OP for sharing your disappointment in the manmade beach. Hopefully, that will help others to get away from there & explore this amazing island.

I would say that I'm disappointed that Carnival has been successfully luring people away from exploring what is one of the most spectacular islands in the entire Caribbean. Roatan is a stunning beauty. Yet, so many people will never see it, because they instead just stay at the manmade beach next to the ship, a beach that is no different than what could be built or experienced anywhere else. I wish that cruisers would pick one of their other ports for their do-nothing beach day. Roatan must be explored. The local tour companies (such as Victor Bodden) take great care of cruisers, and will give us a day to remember forever. But people who just make Roatan a do-nothing beach day will quickly forget that day as just an ordinary old beach day that could be had anywhere.

 

I do understand while Carnival does it. They make money. I just wish that us cruisers would be more vocal about how amazing of an island this is, and that we shouldn't just stay at the manmade beach. I know that the OP here didn't get a chance to explore the island, and I feel bad for them. Those of us who have explored the island need to let everyone know that they should too, and to avoid the lure of the do-nothing beach day that could be had anywhere else. Some ports are all about do-nothing beach days, but Roatan is about exploring a very beautiful, mountainous & adventurous island. Thanks to the OP for sharing your disappointment in the manmade beach. Hopefully, that will help others to get away from there & explore this amazing island.

I will agree with this. We sailed there on the NCL Jewel and booked a private tour through Theris Dixon Tours. Theris herself picked DH and I up and took us all around the island. She was willing to take us where ever we wanted to go. We asked her to show us the island...and she did. As a multigeneration native she was full information about the history and people of the island. It was beautiful.

I will agree with this. We sailed there on the NCL Jewel and booked a private tour through Theris Dixon Tours. Theris herself picked DH and I up and took us all around the island. She was willing to take us where ever we wanted to go. We asked her to show us the island...and she did. As a multigeneration native she was full information about the history and people of the island. It was beautiful.

Some pictures from our Roatan trip...

I would say that I'm disappointed that Carnival has been successfully luring people away from exploring what is one of the most spectacular islands in the entire Caribbean. Roatan is a stunning beauty. Yet, so many people will never see it, because they instead just stay at the manmade beach next to the ship, a beach that is no different than what could be built or experienced anywhere else. I wish that cruisers would pick one of their other ports for their do-nothing beach day. Roatan must be explored. The local tour companies (such as Victor Bodden) take great care of cruisers, and will give us a day to remember forever. But people who just make Roatan a do-nothing beach day will quickly forget that day as just an ordinary old beach day that could be had anywhere.

 

I do understand while Carnival does it. They make money. I just wish that us cruisers would be more vocal about how amazing of an island this is, and that we shouldn't just stay at the manmade beach. I know that the OP here didn't get a chance to explore the island, and I feel bad for them. Those of us who have explored the island need to let everyone know that they should too, and to avoid the lure of the do-nothing beach day that could be had anywhere else. Some ports are all about do-nothing beach days, but Roatan is about exploring a very beautiful, mountainous & adventurous island. Thanks to the OP for sharing your disappointment in the manmade beach. Hopefully, that will help others to get away from there & explore this amazing island.

All cruise lines do it. It works and offers the majority of people what they want. While Roatan is a nice island, it is part of Honduras which has the highest (by far) murder and serious crime rate of central america. People are not locked in and can do whatever they want.

I absolutely loved Roatan. I went there in January with DH. We did a Victor Bodden tour. I loved it so much I did the exact same tour in March when I took my kids. The island had beautiful beaches you just needed to know where to go. Also really enjoyed the monkeys! And at $35PP for the whole day which included a private tour guide. Well worth the $$$. Hopefully you get to go back there one day and really see the island.

I was on the Sunshine for the cruise leaving August 16th. This was a cruise to celebrate my moms 65th birthday, but also a rest and relaxation cruise. We had been to Roatan before, and were going to stay on the ship, but decided to make it a beach day. All of the ports seems to be a tourist trap these days, with cruise line "preferred" shops as soon as you hit the end of the pier, or close by. I didn't use the ski lift, but thought $12.00 was a bit high for the length. I wouldn't have paid anything for the lift, no matter what the price, as the walk wasn't that long to get to the beach, but I understand that it may be useful for those with mobility issues or just want to take in the scene from higher up, or just to take it from a nostalgic point. When we got to the beach, most of the chairs in the front row were taken, and we were going to pay $23.00 for a clamshell, but one of the tour/beach attendants hanging around told us he'd find us chairs for everyone in our party (6 people), and when we mentioned that we preferred out of the sun, he said no problem. The cost? Just a tip for his finding a spot, and getting the chairs. He found 6 loungers, and placed us under tree, with a clear view and path to the water. Considering we would have paid $69.00 bucks for the clamshells, which some stated were still hot, we gave him a tip of $30.00, or $5.00pp which I felt was fair for his services. The location was perfect as we had a waiter come up to us as soon as we sat down to take our drink/food orders. Since I spend a good 4 hours in the water, my lounger remained empty the entire time. I thing the beach size was pretty good, and didn't have any problems getting in or out of the water, and it looked like the beach extended for a good length from what I could see from being out in the water by the bouts with the logs. I could see pass the dock, but again the beach looked like a good size lengthwise, and was good for me in size going from the path/bars/restaurants/showers to the waterline. Most of the ports today that are not major destinations are built by, and geared towards the cruise line making money, or their affiliates. I think research is key in assuring that they you get most for your money in any post. As a note, I'm the one in the family that usually goes to all the port or shop talks, but skipped all of them this time. I did do some research on ports and on here before I left, but decided not to do anything, except a city tour in Cozumel, and the rest of the time was spent perusing in the shops and hanging out at the restaurants/bars which is a first for me.

I was on the Sunshine for the cruise leaving August 16th. This was a cruise to celebrate my moms 65th birthday, but also a rest and relaxation cruise. We had been to Roatan before, and were going to stay on the ship, but decided to make it a beach day. All of the ports seems to be a tourist trap these days, with cruise line "preferred" shops as soon as you hit the end of the pier, or close by. I didn't use the ski lift, but thought $12.00 was a bit high for the length. I wouldn't have paid anything for the lift, no matter what the price, as the walk wasn't that long to get to the beach, but I understand that it may be useful for those with mobility issues or just want to take in the scene from higher up, or just to take it from a nostalgic point. When we got to the beach, most of the chairs in the front row were taken, and we were going to pay $23.00 for a clamshell, but one of the tour/beach attendants hanging around told us he'd find us chairs for everyone in our party (6 people), and when we mentioned that we preferred out of the sun, he said no problem. The cost? Just a tip for his finding a spot, and getting the chairs. He found 6 loungers, and placed us under tree, with a clear view and path to the water. Considering we would have paid $69.00 bucks for the clamshells, which some stated were still hot, we gave him a tip of $30.00, or $5.00pp which I felt was fair for his services. The location was perfect as we had a waiter come up to us as soon as we sat down to take our drink/food orders. Since I spend a good 4 hours in the water, my lounger remained empty the entire time. I thing the beach size was pretty good, and didn't have any problems getting in or out of the water, and it looked like the beach extended for a good length from what I could see from being out in the water by the bouts with the logs. I could see pass the dock, but again the beach looked like a good size lengthwise, and was good for me in size going from the path/bars/restaurants/showers to the waterline. Most of the ports today that are not major destinations are built by, and geared towards the cruise line making money, or their affiliates. I think research is key in assuring that they you get most for your money in any post. As a note, I'm the one in the family that usually goes to all the port or shop talks, but skipped all of them this time. I did do some research on ports and on here before I left, but decided not to do anything, except a city tour in Cozumel, and the rest of the time was spent perusing in the shops and hanging out at the restaurants/bars which is a first for me.

I see you sailed the Sunshine and are scheduled to sail her again. I've read many mixed reviews of the ship. What was your overall experience? Thanks!

We have done Roatan on our own a few times since 1999 - on NCL and RCL and honestly have not really enjoyed it. We were thrilled when CCL put the beach in. Not saying I won't take an excursion but really like the beach being there. THANK YOU CARNIVAL!! :D:)

Everyone has different tastes I guess. Our Roatan day was my favorite part of the Sunshine cruise. I thought the beach was great. All I wanted was a safe beach that I could lay at all day without someone begging me to buy something and a daquiri in my hand. I got exactly what I wanted!

Everyone has different tastes I guess. Our Roatan day was my favorite part of the Sunshine cruise. I thought the beach was great. All I wanted was a safe beach that I could lay at all day without someone begging me to buy something and a daquiri in my hand. I got exactly what I wanted!

Roatan & Belize were our favorite stops last year on the Dream -- in both cases, we got OUT of the immediate cruise ship arrival area. In Belize, we booked a private excursion (admittedly, it was NOT cheap) that included a plane ride to Ambergris Caye and a private snorkel trip to three different amazing spots on the reef. Swam with nurse sharks and rays and saw tons of amazing fish. We are avid snorkelers and the snorkeling in both Belize and Roatan surpassed everything we'd seen so far. In Roatan, we walked straight out of the little "village" if you will...and got a cab to West Bay Beach. For $25 each, we had a day pass to Infinity Bay so we enjoyed their loungers on the beach, sat at the swim-up bar and had a bloody mary (drinks were not included but were not expensive.) Then we grabbed our snorkel gear, walked to the very end of West Bay Beach and walked into the water for snorkeling...and it was incredible.

All cruise lines do it. It works and offers the majority of people what they want. While Roatan is a nice island, it is part of Honduras which has the highest (by far) murder and serious crime rate of central america. People are not locked in and can do whatever they want.

I totally agree with all of this Jimbo.

I totally agree with all of this Jimbo.

After I posted it I had second thoughts. I was not trying to say people should not venture out and explore the island on their own or with an outside excursion company, rather I was trying to describe why Carnival built Mahogany Bay.

After I posted it I had second thoughts. I was not trying to say people should not venture out and explore the island on their own or with an outside excursion company, rather I was trying to describe why Carnival built Mahogany Bay.

I understood it. If I ever go to Roatan, I would venture out. But I can understand why others wouldn't. Besides, this isn't the only port built exclusively for cruise ship customers. Don't see the big deal. Like you said, people can do whatever they want.

Agree...even though we did choose to venture out....you can certainly understand why some people might be intimidated....

I see you sailed the Sunshine and are scheduled to sail her again. I've read many mixed reviews of the ship. What was your overall experience? Thanks!

We sailed on the sunshine recently...I wrote an extensive review...we had wonderful service...nothing bad at all on board...there is always room for improvement, but in would definitely tell others this is a fun ship, a great crew, and there is plenty to do...I would definitely recommend others give the Sunshine a try and keep an open mind....

Here is my long review...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2084270

I absolutely loved Roatan. It was my first cruise and our first stop on the Conquest last year. We skipped the beach and took a van ride through the areas and it was gorgeous to say the least. Met so many nice people and bought so many unique handmade keepsakes. Plus I tried iguana and it tasted just like chicken! It was my favorite port. Looking forward to our trip next month though.

I see you sailed the Sunshine and are scheduled to sail her again. I've read many mixed reviews of the ship. What was your overall experience? Thanks!

I wrote a mini/brief review last night, and sometime while writing the system logged me out, and I lost the review. I'll start writing a new one in word tomorrow, but here's a brief rundown.

We had FTTF, and arrived late due to transportation issues, but arrived to board with group 3/4. We were onboard by 12:00, and checked out our rooms which was ready, then off to GS to split OBC. Headed to lunch, then back to the cabin to unpack before muster. FTTF well worth the cost with early boarding, GS line, tendering and early debarkation.

Drain backed up in our bathroom (sewer smell), which our steward didn't seem concerned with, so we called GS. Took them a few hours to fix problem. Deck 8 Starboard side, mid-ship always had a borne substance on the carpet with staff using blowers and vacuums to get it up. Occurred every day, and I assume it was some type of leak.

Steward never acknowledged us by name, even though he spoke at every encounter, and other stewards on the floor knew our name, and were very friendly. Room was clean, and he obliged our every request, but not calling us by name, even when we told him our nicknames was troublesome.

Lido Marketplace was great, and the layout worked well to minimize lines.

Guys and Blue Iguana Cantina for lunch or breakfast (BIC) almost everyday.

Havana Bar for omelets in the morning, along with plenty of seats.

Liquid Lounge great as a disco, but not for live shows. Acoustics were terrible, but again it worked as a nightclub. I didn't go to any port/shopping shows.

VIFP Party had drinks and appetizers free flowing!!!

Casino was tight on slot machines. Even playing max bet, and getting a decent bonus, the money just wasn't paying out. I did get notice from a casino host one night and got a free drink.

MDR menu was the same as previous cruises, but the food was good and hot. We had late Sunrise seating at the rear of the MDR, and the A/C seemed to be not working in this area.

The pools were small, and always crowded, so I resorted to the Serenity area. Great area to get away from the hustle and bustle, but be warmed of getting sunburned up here from too many drinks and relaxation.

Ocean Plaza is a good spot for relaxing, listening to music or people watching. I didn't eat at the Taste Bar at night for appetizers/menu samples, but they have a mini-buffet setup at Taste Bar on Sea Days which eliminate the need to go to the Lido if you don't want to do brunch.

The Sunshine has some minor/major glitches that require attention. These did not hamper my cruise, or ruin the cruise experience. As noted we have booked the Sunshine for next summer for another family and friends cruise. The choice was between the Breeze and Sunshine, and I think the Sunshine, although smaller and even with its issues, is a better fit for our family.

I have only been to Roatan once back in 2007, and that was before Mahogany bay. I forget the name of the area we docked in, but it was not very touristy. We explored the little town on our own, and met the most beautiful and friendly local people there. I have always longed to go back there, and you can be sure that when I do I will not be spending much, if any time lingering in Mahogany bay. This is a beautiful island, and Warm Breezes' photos do show this to be true.

We went to Roatan last April and loved it. It was one of my favorite ports. We did a tour with Victor Bodden with a group from our roll call and had a great time. Most of our group went on a snorkeling trip but DH, I and DD did not go. So the driver took us around and help DH find the $1.00 beer. It was probably the best excursion we did that particular cruise.

Roatan is hands down the most beautiful island that I have been to yet!! Truly, truly what one envisions a tropical island should look like.

I also have to add my voice to those recommending Victor Bodden. Fabulous tour and we had an absolute blast all day.

When we got to the beach all the chairs that were under the shade were taken already, the tour guide took one look at my fair skinned, red-headed friend and immediately sent for a huge umbrella that covered all four of our chairs. Fantastic customer service! (The little beach bar there had the best mojitos too! ;) )

The monkeys were a huge hit too!! We had plenty of time to play with them and I fully anticipate returning the next time we visit Roatan.

It's beautiful in Roatan if you go outside of the port area. You must book an excursion and go to the West Bay area.

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