Host Carolyn

This got so far off topic that all of you would have fallen off if the Earth was flat....can you please steer back to the enthralling talk about the free pens so I don't have to, well, you know........I thank you for your cooperation😇

I'm glad to see some responses here. Not much help on Jamaica board unfortunately

13 hours ago, hisfirstm8 said:

Thanks for the suggestions. I have made notes from your suggestions above.  I have read some of your other posts and have enjoyed what I am learning.  If you were to choose one place for lunch, which would you suggest.  My husband loves seafood, but I am more of a land lover.......

 

Thanks,

Barbara

 

 

We love Gilbert's for lunch in Portland, a couple blocks from dock, great chowder, lobster roll and nice outside area. 

On 10/19/2018 at 9:21 PM, cruises42 said:

Thanks, glad you liked it. We are staying there in 2 weeks.

My issue with this place is twice we have gotten off ship early disembark with long drive home and both times waited 45-60 minutes for them. Not super close to port but on a Saturday early also no traffic to speak of. First time thought it was a fluke but won't stay there again.  Other shuttles had picked up folks and returned for a second group.  Both times we were in first group off ship for them to pick up, they had over 20 minutes notice.

11 hours ago, aroman@adrpromotions.com said:

I dont know how to use this lol Where do I see that

 

If you scroll down you will see threads with tour operators in title or people looking for driver. 

There are numerous posts on this Board discussing many of the tour operators in Roatan. Check them out and I am sure you will find some that will meet your needs!

There is already an ongoing lengthy thread on this topic so  am locking this one

Just be sure you allow time to get back. My son lives way out on east end of island and there is just cm one road. The travel time from Coxen Hole is longer. Roads not really built to move thousands of extra people efficiently

My son lives on Roatan part time and there always seem to be road delays. I'm sure Victors guides are well aware where the road construction is going on but that does not mean there won't be a unexpected one. I always recommend going with a tour op who has been doing this for a - long time and about whom there are not complaints about not getting back in time. There is only one main road. If you decide to book a non ship tour just be clear that they know when you need to be back at the port, not what time ship leaves

The sea off Carolinas and Virginia can also be vtry rough that time of year if a winter storm is moving up the coast

I can remember being docked in San Juan on a smaller ship in 1988-89(?) when the Sovereign of the Seas sailed into the harbor.  We were all in awe of this HUGE ship, no one could imagine a cruise ship of that size.   My first cruise on RCI was on the Nordic Empress.  I loved it but remember that was the smallest inside cabin on the planet -- for 4 of us!   Having been on only older "traditional" ocean liners (Caribe, Britanis....) prior to that 3-night cruise from Miami, she was the most beautiful, modern ship.  Been on RCI many time since, twice with Cruise Critic groups.  The huge ships look pretty but I prefer the Jewel of the Seas, Navigator class ships .

Try insuremytrip.com to compare different insurance options. Also the Cruise travel insurance board here on CC

In some cases if you have had cancer previously, even if in remission or "removed" you will still have to purchase travel insurance within the pre existing Condition window to get coverage. This is something that happens frequently so should  always read policy terms and contact company for clarification. Sorry this happened to you

Depending on where you are docking it could cause a missed port call. The winds are from the east next week I believe which is not the direction you want them to be. Some sailing excursions wouldn't go if they do dock.. My son loves on east end and has to go thru reef to get anywhere as house has no road access. They won't be going any place for a day or so if winds care sustained from east

Second the recommendations for Gilbert's in Portland. Turn left along waterfront, not far at all

Made in Roatan gift shop! I know there is one near Coxen Hole where RCI docks. Locally made items

I  agree. Only reason I would choose Cayman etc is if you were going to scuba and snorkel

I would choose Bar.Harbor over Saint John. Been to both several times. Bar Harbor is gateway to Acadia National Park which is just beautiful. Good seafood restaurants, nice little town

My son loves there and I will ask. I know they see eels, beautiful stingrays and lots of colorful fish but never mentioned shsrks. I'm sure some divers who post here will chime in

My son has a home in Roatan and lives there part of the year. More fortunate locals and members of the "expat" community hold events throughout the year for the.orphans and lower income children for back to school, Christmas etc. These kids are for the most part well taken care of, courteous and grateful. They see the ships come and go and are very excited to actually get to go aboard, meet one of the officers, get a tour and enjoy a meal. Many locals work for the cruise lines there in shore services -- a friend of my son's is a kitchen manager at Mahogany Bay and his kids would love to go onboard one of the ship s but not every child can go. I for one will always be glad to see less fortunate kids get the opportunity to do something really cool like this which is exactly how they view it. Trying hard not to interject myself into this "debate" as a host here on CC but have seen these children in the island and it pains me that they were basicaly resented and denigrated for just being kids having a special day. And FYI the orphanage has running water, electricity etc and while conditions may not be up to our standard of living, they have sinks, showers,  proper bathroom facilities and a laundry so they have clean linens and clothes. There is someone to care for them if the are sick..You are exposed to more germs during your day ashore than from these kids who took a field trip to the ship. 

Been to all 3 and would do Lunenberg and Mahone Bay. We did both together, had time for sightseeing and lunch at leisure, not full of tourists. Lovely towns especially in the fall. Lunenburg is a hidden gem. Peggy Cove is picturesque but often very crowded and could be a disappointment on a foggy day

I don't think Princess has had enough time to begin to assess damage. June's a long way off but it may be a couple of months till they know for sure. Generator seems to have started fire it's been reported and other buildings related to water treatment, power etc were destroyed/damaged so I imagine it will be a while.  I would keep watching the Cruise Critic news and Princess website for the latest updates.  Fortunately this occurred at night when no passengers and crew were there but unfortunately it took over 30 minutes for help..

Lobster Boat Lulu used to be a good option. 

We usually stay at the Chateau de Pierre but have also stayed at -- or have friends who have stayed at  -- Auberge Place de Armes, Auberge St Louis, Hotel le Priori.  I always stay in Upper Town, just like it there, lots of small restaurants, beautiful view of seaway etc.  But we always spend some time in Lower Town antiquing, sightseeing and for at least one meal.  It's a delightful city!

I have used Bodden Tours many times.  If you ask them before booking I'm sure they will be happy to give you some options for the beach time and activities