#1TravelMom

We have been to Roatan 3 times in the last 2 years.  One trip was to a resort on West Bay for 8 days.  We did not encounter sand fleas on any of our trips. I do remember years ago, a had a red rash on my lower legs that I though may have been from sand fleas.  Nothing in the last several years.

If snorkeling is a priority to you, please do not spend your day at Mahogany Bay.  It is a nice enough beach if time and budget make it your only option.  If you are visiting Roatan, you have the option of snorkeling at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.  Just past Bananarama in West Bay is an incredible reef that is incredibly easy to snorkel.  You walk right in from the beach.  There is a fabulous channel with reef on both sides.  Tons of fish - the largest parrot fish we've ever seen.  If you love snorkeling, don't miss this opportunity.  Easy access and a gorgeous reef!  Seeing a few fish at Mahogany Bay will not compare.  We always go with Ronystours.  We usually add other things to our day and he offers great tours with super service.   

They may sit on you arm for a minute, but you cannot hold them.  We've gone to all of the "monkey places" in Roatan over the last 15 years.  The monkeys are always on the move.  If you have food in your hand, they may jump down on you arm for a brief time.  Monkeys do not like to be held.  If you try to hold them like a cat or dog, they will not like it and may bite to get free.  They are not animals that will just snuggle in your arms for a photo. 

Glad to hear that you had a great time.  But, next time, you can do the same time of tour with Rony and stop for a swim or drink  if you like.  His "freestyle" tour is great - at your pace and he will stop wherever you like.  You get the full day with a private driver.   Also, it's nice to know the company you will be touring with in advance.  It can be hit or miss when you book with a third party.  South Shore is our favorite zip line - we have always had a great time there.

Gumbalimba is different than the other sights.  It is a larger, more spread out park.  You will be there longer than the other places, plus no sloths.(unless they've added them since we've been there).  It is not our favorite.  The monkeys only come to you when you have food.  If there are a lot of people, you may only get a few seconds to get the "souvenir picture".  Also, I wouldn't want to miss out on the sloths.  Going on a ship tour is also not an option for us.  Being in a van or coach bus with a bunch of people on a strict schedule is not what we enjoy.  This is a great option for some, but when Rony is available - he's definitely the best choice.

Are you touring from Falmouth or Ocho Rios?  I think you have time to do both falls or one plus tubing.  Check with Dave to be sure.

What ages are in your group?

The falls are VERY different.

Dunns River - You walk to the bottom, visit a small beach.  Then begin your climb over huge boulders to get to the top.  Take your time, splash in small pools, spend as long as you like. It can be crowded. 

Secret Falls/Blue Hole - No beach.  No climbing to speak of.  You follow a path in the jungle to several pools and water falls.  There are different sizes of falls to jump off of and a high platform to jump from.  You are accompanied by a guide who keeps moving.  You do not really have time to "swim".  A few minutes here and there at the falls to spend a little time in the water. Most times, not super crowded.

The river tubing is mostly floating.  It is very nice, but I'd say that can be done other places.  In my opinion, if you are not sure if or when you may get back to Jamaica, I'd do both falls.  They are both beautiful sights - no to be missed.  We just visited both falls again in June and our group had a fabulous day!  This was at least 5 times we've been to Secret Falls.  They added railings and steps and the whole experience is less "natural", but still so much fun.  We've been to Dunns at least 10 times - our family loves it there.

I encourage you to get a group to go as this will make the cost less per person.  When are you going, you could check with others on your roll call? 

Both falls are highlights of this port.  There are "fun" things to do at Mystic Mountain, but we prefer the falls for sure.

Rony is fabulous!  We've toured with him for many years.  He offers a "freestyle" tour.  This is perfect for us.  We have a private driver and spend the entire day at our pace.  

We've been to Tropicante many times.  It's a great location on the Malecon. They have very good food and the restaurant and restrooms are super clean.  You can also get a very inexpensive massage. Overall, great place to relax for the day!

Just a suggestion if your ship visits Cozumel.  Check if your ship has an excursion to Coba.  You don't just "see" ruins, you can actually climb to the the top.  More than 60 cruises and this is one of our most memorable experiences.

We had several teens and younger in our group.  Most of them wore shorts and nice shirt every night.

On 8/9/2019 at 1:01 PM, crewsweeper said:

Both Cozumel and Costa Maya are on Eastern Standard Time year round.  That is the same as Central Daylight Savings.  I can see with that itinerary the captain making the decision to shift time as the ship was in effect in Mexican waters overnight and it doesn't take 13 hours to go from CM to Coz.

I just looked on the time zone converter and it looks like we will be one hour ahead in Cozumel and Costa Maya.  We will be 2 hours ahead in Roatan.   

We've been on the Seaside twice.  We've done many cruises on all other major lines.  Our first time on the Seaside we were expecting a vastly different experience than other lines.  We found many more similarities than differences.  We liked it so much, we booked again.  I read a review that said the food was inedible - totally not true in our opinion.  We found lots of choices at the buffet and MDR.  I can't even think of any MAJOR differences.  There may be more people of other nationalities, but not a problem.  The staff was wonderful and the ship was squeaky clean.  We never saw dirty dishes, etc. sitting on tables.  The shows are a little different - more of a short variety show, but very enjoyable.  We look forward to a third sailing in the future.

We will be visiting Roatan, Cozumel and Costa Maya.  We have been on many cruises and many lines.  We have visited these ports quite often but have never taken note of the ships that change times.  This time and excursion time may or may not work depending on the time.

We will be on the Symphony in October.  Does anyone know for sure if they will change to island time?

Not sure if you are on a budget as well.  We have friends who just booked Holland America 11/17/19 for $2059 for 5 people.   That price includes port fees/taxes but not gratuities.  I have not been on the Statendam, but the price is amazing. Incredibly, it is even cheaper Thanksgiving week.

If you are traveling with kids - I'd recommend Bliss or Anthem.  Our kids loved the indoor attractions on the Anthem.  Bliss has more outdoor activities for kids.  We love them both.   

I would never just book a random driver at the pier.  I've met people who have overcharged and stranded.  We LOVE Punta Sur - no other beach compares in our opinion.  We always go with Crescencio Lopez - Black Hat Tours.  He is the sweetest guy.  I highly recommend him.  I also just read something about a group being take to a beach and told it was Punta Sur - but it wasn't even Punta Sur and the driver never came back for them.

We always do his private freestyle tour.  I like to stop for random pictures.  We also want to set our own schedule as we go.  We pay him for transportation and then pay admission on our own.  We've been touring with him so many years, I'm honestly not sure how he normally handles admission fees.   I'm sure you have a memorable day!

cooldavetours@yahoo.com     Keron will contact you - he schedules everything for Cool Dave.

Wow - surprised to hear about the broken bones.  I've never seen more than a scrape.  We've been there at least 10 times.  I usually fall and get a small scrape - but have so much fun - go back for more every time we visit.  Picture a young, athletic, non-chubby, coordinated, strong mom - I am the OPPOSITE of that - except for the mom part.  I have lots of heart and am adventurous - always determined to make great memories.

What is the lowest price all-inclusive? We are traveling with friends that prefer all inclusive instead of pay as you go.

 Oof- I agree! My husband was not thrilled at all. We had to take other people too guest services. Now, we have learned to make sure all of our reservations are linked and decline upgrades.  To be fair to the cruise line, this happened when we booked balcony guarantee cabins.

It sounds like a complimentary upgrade may have been what happened to you We have been on many cruises and have never had our cabin change. I think it is in all of the cruise lines fine print that your cabin can be changed without notice.  I think I've only heard of it happening when they think they are giving you an upgrade.

We've done this. We walked once and learned our lesson.  The ships are MUCH further apart than they appear.  Call an Uber for sure.

We had this happen once.  Our solution, while not the easiest:  We all went to our cabis as soon as they were ready.  Stood outside the cabin and we literally started asking neighbors if they would be willing to move.  In about 30 minutes and an additional 30 minutes at guest services, we had 3 cabins very close together.  

I'm assuming there was no Headliner show?  Were you Eastern or Western Itinerary?  What night was the Red Carpet Movie?  Was it inside or outside?  What was the movie?  Thanks!

Another vote for Rony.  He has become a friend over the years.  He offers great service - a fabulous day - every time!