#1TravelMom

Just a suggestion.   This is a super easy port to do an excursion on your own.   We've done the stingrays with Stingray Sailing 7 times.   We've always been back to the pier with hours to spare our got dropped at a beach for a few hours.   

Stingray sailing is a beautiful sailing catamaran.   Chip only takes 20+/- people at a time.   He has really nice snorkeling equipment(compared to basic snorkel at on "group" excursions).   He anchors away from everyone else.   You have tons of time with the rays - lots of great pics!  When you arrive at the sandbar you will see exactly why I recommend him.   While everyone else is packed on a crowded one or two-level ferry boat, waiting in line just to get in the water - you will be already enjoying the rays with all the time you'd like. Everyone we've taken on this tour said it feels luxurious for $85!

Chip offer great service.   He's super easy to find at the pier.   They are very organized.  Definitely one of our top 10 tours in 60+ cruises.  

I would absolutely not wait until the day of.   We have been going to Roatan for 15 years(2-3 times a year).  Ronystours is a perfect option.  Choose the freestyle option.   You can configure your day any way you like for 1/2 the price of a so excursion.   You will be free to come and go as you please.   Lots of great things to do.   I recommend all I f these: swimming with dolphins at Anthony's Key.  Interacting with large birds, monkeys, and sloths at Mayan Eden.  Snorkeling/amazing beach - West Bay.  South Shore Canopy for a great zip line.  

For example:  Sone could go to Mayan Eden while others swim with the dolphins.  Then  some could get dropped at zipline while others go to the beach.   Then, all could meet at the beach.   They are very closeby.  Just an example.   

Also, with private driver - see something you like - Driver will stop.  Take photos anywhere you like.   I can assure you that Rony and his drivers will make sure you have a great day!

We've used Ronystours MANY times.  I highly recommend him.  The freestyle tour is great - do everything at your own pace.  He is a great guy.  We have a great day with him every visit!

Someone in our group would like to know if Carnival sell Pall Mall Orange 100's on the ship?

Just off the Sunrise.   Sorry to report,  still no pickleball.   We were on a 6 night cruise.   Pleasantly surprised how much we liked it. We had low expectations. But had a great time.   Would have been even better with pickleball. 

Oh no - I'm definitely worried if it was WORSE than Cats!  Guess we can give it a try and find something else to do if we don't care for it.

I wouldn't miss out of the stingrays if this will be your only visit to Grand Cayman.  I can tell you that no other companies will compare to Chip at Stingray Sailing.  Maybe just read tripadvisor reviews.  I'd definitely choose one that is not a ship-sponsored tour or one that has a double-decker boat packed with people.  I'd spend a little more money and go with a company that takes a small group.

Just off Mariner.  I can't tell you how pleasantly surprised we were.  We normally only cruise on the "newest and biggest".  Booked this with friends for them to try cruising.  Absolutely LOVED the Mariner!  The shows weren't spectacular(just our opinion), but we really had a GREAT time!

Yep, they just hang out. We usually buy them lunch.  They absolutely do not expect this so don't think you'd need to do this.

If you want to go to the beach while he dives, Mayan Princess Resort has a great dive shop.  The guides are excellent, and they have good equipment.  You can enjoy this fabulous beach while he dives.  There are less expensive shops in the West End, however, you'd have to take a small taxi boat to West Bay to enjoy the nice beach.

You are so kind.  I really appreciate you checking for me!  Thanks!!!

Any recent Meraviglia cruisers know the cost of the FUN PASS onboard?  Online, prior to sailing, the fun pass is $80 with a value of $140.

I read somewhere that the ship does not provide basketballs.  It will definitely not be convenient to take a basketball along, but our group wants to play for sure.  Does anyone know first hand if basketballs are provided?

Anyone had a cabin Aft Deck 8 above the Casino?  We are wondering if noise is an issue?

The ice cream shop is right next to Thirsty Turtle/Bananarama.  Soft serve ice cream and super yummy bars.  Strawberry cheesecake, Snickers, brownies pieces blended somewhat and frozen in ice cream.  We had many on our last trip!

I will add - just my opinion - This is not a port I'd do ATV's.  The sloth's and monkeys are so much fun.  Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline is the best of any we've done in the Americas.  Anthony's key has an amazing dolphin swim that is less expensive than just about anywhere.  West Bay has the most beautiful, crystal clear water.  There is a reef you simply walk into the ocean and you are in an aquarium!  Remember, just my opinion - but lots of great things to do here.

We were just there for 12 days a few months ago.  Food depends on what you are looking for.  If you want basic "good" food - we like La Palapa at Infinity Bay.  My husband loved the whole fish at Beachers.  These 2 restaurants are at opposite ends of the beach.  Thirsty Turtle - Banarama has good pizza, burgers, etc.  There is also a REALLY good, little icecream place here.  They sell frozen icecream on a stick.

I remember reading somewhere that the Meraviglia did not provide basketballs.  Anyone know for sure? I know this is a really random question, but very important to some in our group.  They don't want to bring them if not needed, but don't want to miss out playing basketball on the cruise.

On 6/3/2022 at 8:46 AM, joestein514 said:

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I have no comment on Rony's but to compare his to Victor Bodden and say that Bodden is like Walmart is just ridiculous.   They are all small business on the island.

Please know I didn't mean to offend anyone at all.   We know lots of people on the island after visiting for more than 15 years. I don't think my characterization is "ridiculous" at all.  The analogy was not an attack o!n Bodden in any way, just a comparison - my opinion.  Bodden is very well off.   He owns lots of property and has many vehicles and drivers.  He does not personally greet his guests. Maybe I'm partial because we know Rony and his drivers well and they are all great guys. Rony lives in a small community and does everything he can to support it. Every booking is so appreciated and truly makes a difference in his life.  

It will depend if you want a pool.   If not, throw your towel in the sand somewhere for free.   If you want s pool and want to be right at the reef Infinity is perfect.   Banarama has loungers but no pool.   Paradise Beach has a nice pool and is centrally located in the beach. - few minute walk to the reef.

On 9/17/2022 at 7:52 PM, Mum2Mercury said:

I had no idea this was true.  

I know.  We have done more than 50 cruises and many resorts over 35 years. We just learned this.  We have become friends with guides on so many islands.  When I now ask them about this, they all agree they need bills that are not damaged.  All of them have said that they have rarely, if ever, told a tourist.  They just never want to offend anyone.

You will need cash.  Rony will require a deposit or full payment up front.  Don't be hesitant.  He will gladly refund if the ship misses the port for some reason.  He has to do this to protect himself.  When you exit the ship - you will be approached by MANY tour guides and drivers.  In the past, some have gone with them instead of meeting Rony and then he totally looses out for the day.  When you get cash from the bank for Roatan, be sure to get newer bills.  If you give anyone there bills that are torn or written on, the bank will give them a reduced exchange rate.  I'm sure you will have a great day with Rony!

As Covid sidelined some of our cruises, we opted for resort vacations on some of our favorite islands.  We have been to Roatan many times(land and cruise) and just learned this last year.  An American who owns an ice cream shop on West Bay told us this when we said he couldn't take a bill from us that was torn.  We also asked on other islands and found the same to be true.  When you tip drivers, guides, etc., please use bills that are in good shape.  If the bill has writing on it, excessive creases, and especially tears, they will get less for the bill when it is exchanged.  It can be a considerable amount.  A $10 bill with a tear and writing may only get half the value in local currency or be turned down all together.  We have become friends over the years with guides/drivers on several islands.  They said they never want to seem ungrateful when given a tip.  They all said they would never ask a tourist to give them a different bill.  When you get cash for tipping on the ship or on island, ask your bank for bills that are in good shape.  It may take a few extra minutes on your part, but will be greatly appreciated.

Hopefully I'm not violating any rules by posting this.  Just thinking of some things we've done in Cozumel that our kids enjoyed and thought I'd pass it along.  There is an animal shelter a short ride from the piers.  They gladly take donations and welcome tourists to walk their dogs.  We usually check with them and see what they need (treats, collars, leashes, etc.) and either take them or stop at the Mega store and get what is needed.  We usually get a group of dogs and walk/run them around the neighborhood.  We return and get another group and do the same.  The dogs are soooooo excited to get out of the cages.  We always have time to spend on the beach afterwards.   

We have been visiting Roatan for 15 years on cruises and resort vacations.  We know the island well.  Our youngest has been going with us yearly since she was 3 years old.  This is what I'd recommend.  Book Ronystours.com - Freestyle tour.  This will allow you the most flexibility.  You will have a private driver for the day so everything can be at your own pace.  You will get a friendly, reliable driver that speaks good English(very important).  Many of the companies just assign random drivers they've hired - some speak very little English.  We have always felt very safe in Roatan - We trust Rony and his drivers completely.  First, visit Mayan Eden.  We have visited 5 monkey/sloth parks many times in Roatan.  I think this one is best for small children. The monkeys and sloths are not in cages.  They roam freely.  Your guide will give you nuts and the monkeys will come to you if you'd like.  This park is nice for small children because they can walk around and watch the monkeys without being closed in a cage with them.  Another guide will climb a tree(crazy high with no safety rope)and bring down a sloth for you all to hold.  There are large birds you can hold also.  It is also a small zoo with several other animals to see.  You can also walk across a suspended bridge.  I can't imagine children your age not having a great time at Mayan Eden.  You will be able to take amazing pictures.  We like the other parks, as well, but for small children - I'd definitely chose this one.

I'd spend the rest of the day at West Bay Beach.  It is the clearest water - so beautiful!  Depending on your budget, you can get a day pass at a resort and have use of the pool as well.  The beach is the highlight.  To the far left(facing the ocean) is a spectacular reef.  Your children may be too young to snorkel, but they can still see fish.  We were just there 2 months ago with younger children in our group.  You can bring a blow up floats  - they can wear goggles and look at the fish on the reef.  It is very shallow in some places. Lots of beautiful fish.   The beach has soft sand and very small waves. In front of Paradise Beach Hotel is a huge oversized beach chair - cute family photo. 

Two photo ops if you have a private driver.  One at the little gift stand at the top of the hill on the way to West Bay.  There is a beautiful overlook behind the little shop.  Also, on the way back, your driver can pullover and you can get a photo with the Roatan sign and another with the ship in the background.