Lem_On_Ade

Hi everyone! I will be going to Roatan for the first time in January. I've been contemplating going to Little French Key since I was supposed to go there in 9/17 but Hurricane Irma had other plans for me. Now that I've been reading about how great the snorkeling is in Roatan I'm thinking I'd rather do that than spend the day at LFK. There will be 4 of us and we all love snorkeling and beach time. Do I need to go out by boat to get the best snorkeling trip or could I just book a day pass at one of the resorts on West Bay? If I can have just as an amazing experience entering from the beach which resort/area do you recommend? TIA!

Hi Sid! I've been following your live reviews for a while now but wondering if you have a link to any you have done on the Escape? I have my first Norwegian cruise booked for January on her and would love some insight. Thanks!

Check out Royal Palms. I went there and enjoyed my day.

You don't have to do them anymore.

17 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

So what did you like about Playa Uvas? Gimme details. 😄

 

When I try to look up pictures of this place, I see it has somewhat of a beach (which is good because you can't snorkel the entire time and we like to hang out on the beach some) but also looks a little rocky (the entrance into the water), which could mean possible "some" snorkeling. However, all you see is pictures of people going out to kayak. Is that all there is there?

It was my very first cruise and first time snorkeling so I can't remember a whole lot. I know we had to walk down the beach just a little bit to get in to the snorkeling area. I was amazed at what I saw but that could possibly be just because I had never done it before. I'm just going off of their website and other people's pictures now but I think it's a place that will work for my family this time. I will have my aunt, uncle and grandfather with me so I think this will be a nice place for everyone. Me, my husband, aunt and uncle will enjoy the all inclusive aspect and the snorkeling and it will be an easy, relaxing day for my grandfather.

I hope you find a place that works for your family and I'll be anxiously awaiting the next review!

I went to Playa Uvas in 2009 and really liked it. I've been contemplating going back when we're in Cozumel in March, so for selfish reasons I'd love for you to go and give me an update in one of your awesome reviews before then 😉

The passport card will work fine. I've used one to cruise the past 10 years but just upgraded to the book since my card has expired. If she is not anticipating any other cruises however, I probably would just use my birth certificate and save my money. A birth certificate and photo ID will get her on the cruise just as easily as a passport card.

22 hours ago, Shaded Lady said:

Sweet egg custard tarts on the breakfast buffet...

 

My husband would say I cruise solely for those!

We've left from Miami x 3, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral and New Orleans. Easiest has always been Miami and our worst was Jacksonville. Jacksonville was our least favorite just because we had to stand outside in the heat for about 2 hours before getting into the terminal, this was before check in times were assigned so it could be better now. I also love leaving from New Orleans simply because it's a great city to explore prior to embarking. There's definitely a different vibe of people that left from New Orleans too, everyone was so laid back, nice and happy on that trip!

Fantastic pictures, thank you!

Thank you for your response. I just checked and the port fees and taxes are exactly the same as they were when we booked. I assumed we'd have to pay the remaining $400 deposit too but they are only requesting $150 due by 1/27/19 which is way past what today is. Hopefully my PVP can give some insight.

We submitted the price protection form earlier today because the price of the room (exact same category) had dropped $130 total. We received a booking confirmation almost immediately after showing the new balance due only $20 cheaper. It also says deposit of $150 now due 1/27/19. I knew we would have to pay the remaining balance due (we only paid $100 total at booking so we assumed $400, not $150) but none of this is making sense. I know Carnival needs to be called, just wondering if anyone has experienced a difference in price that what was anticipated?

Thank you for this review! I look forward to reading it every day, it's making me very excited for my trip on the Horizon next March 🙂

Dunns River Falls and Bamboo Beach Break in Jamaica thru Carnival. We chose to go with Carnival because we docked in Montego Bay and did not want to risk being that far away from the port and not make it back in time. This was a fantastic excursion. I loved climbing the falls and the hospitality from our guide, Tamra was great. I would probably do this every time I'm in Jamaica.

We took an island tour with Bernard's Tours in St. Maarten and our guide, the Mailman, made it a wonderful day. I loved seeing both sides the island. We got to eat macarons at a French Bakery, spend some time at Orient Beach and then watch the planes (bucket list for me) at Maho.

Also loved snorkeling the wall in Grand Turk. That was such a cool experience, albeit a bit scary not knowing what's just beyond it! We chose the excursion thru Carnival that also let us dive for our own conch shells and then see the stingrays. I would love to do this one again too.

I did the 12 Falls in January. I love adventure and pushing myself to do extreme things. I have to say, that highest jump did have my legs feeling like jello but I’m glad I did it. This is going to be a one time only excursion for me. It was fun, but I don’t need to do it again lol. Like others said, wear a good pair of water shoes that will be comfortable to walk in! It’s quite a trek to get to the starting point and my uncle had on shoes that cut into his feet and made it miserable to walk the rest of the week. 

There will be 9 ships in Cozumel when I am there next year. Wish I had realized that before I booked but it will be ok, just have to make reservations for excursions a little sooner than I normally would.

Maho Beach, Saint Maarten 4/2016

I hope you have a great time, and I hope you do a review! We are doing the exact same itinerary on the Horizon next March so I look forward to reading about your experiences. What excursions will you be doing?

We were able to get sushi "to go" from Bonsai on the Sunshine a few years ago.

22 hours ago, grantbob said:

Hey Greg-

 

Two years ago we did the Dunns River Falls and Bamboo Beach club from Montego Bay. It is a long day, and everyone goes to DRF, but I think it's definitely something you should do once.

 

Our guide was Tamara (Bamboo beach employee) and she made the day special with her info and hospitality. Once we got to the club she becomes the waitress/host and takes care of you. The food was traditional (chicken/rice/beans/plantains) and we really liked it. The beach area itself was really pretty. The rum punch was overly sweet but the local beer (Red Stripe) is good.

We did this excursion and also had Tamara in December 2017. It was the best excursion we've had in 6 cruises so far!

I cruised last week with a passport card that expires within 6 months. I had no problem. I was also a bit concerned before leaving because of hearing about that 6 month rule, but was told it is just a recommendation not a rule. I was told it is suggested in case something would happen out of the country and you would have to remain on the island for an extended period of time.

I sail out of Miami in January and my boarding zone section is blank.

Thanks for your great review! We are doing this itinerary on the Magic in January and I am a little worried about having a hot cabin but I am going to bring a fan just in case.

Magic would be first choice but get trip insurance since that is peak hurricane season. I like the Sunrise sailing also but not sure how warm the water would be in both ports in December.

Sea day brunch, comedy club, free liquor tasting on the first night (even though it's in a cup the size of a thimble lol)