#1TravelMom

If you have the budget, Playa Mia is great for kids.  The slides are fun with a pool close by.  Paradise beach has an awesome pool but no slides.  Cost is much less.  They have lots of fun inflatables in the water, but I would not send a 6 and 8 year old out to try to climb them alone.

I agree that Playa Mia would be a great choice.  We really like Passion Island, but you have to stay as long as the ship excursion dictates.  If you happen to get a windy, rainy day or have fussy kids for some reason, there is no way to leave early and head back to the ship.  Just my thoughts - not a great place for kiddos.

I wouldn't miss out on Dunn's or Secret Falls if you haven't seen them.  Totally worth the drive.  "Cool Dave" is great and will make sure you have a super fun day!

Have you considered going with "Cool Dave".  We just love him.  He made sure we had a super fun day.  He has a nice van and has lots of stories.  We prefer not to ride bid coach buses with crowds of people.  He will make sure you see interesting things along the way and stop for photos wherever you like - much better than being with a crowd.  

Here's my review if you want to consider Dave.

They do very few "games/activities".  We really like this ship and are booked again for June.  But, I made a suggestion on the MSC board that they add more activities and trivia.  I really got slammed.  I was so surprised at the response.  People told me to go to Carnival if I want activities.  They like MSC the way it is.  It is a great ship - we just felt like there were lots of times that we did not have anything particular to do.

I would screenshot his picture at the beginning of this post so you can recognize him.  He may have a sign with your name.  Do NOT give anyone your name.  Make sure you only go with him if he has our name.  Many drivers will approach you and say they were sent to pick you up.  Tell everyone in your party not give out their names.

Keron returns emails for Dave.

We have volunteered there many times. We usually take treats, balls, collars, basically anything dogs or cats will like. We usually spend several hours there. We take four or five dogs for a long walk / run and return them and get another group. They are so super excited when they know they are getting out. My daughter just loves it!  After lots of exercise, the kids love to play with the cats and dogs. They welcome you to stay as long as you like.

We've done 60+ cruises in 30 years.  We never even give hurricane season a thought when booking.  We've been rerouted 3 time to avoid hurricanes - never a problem.

3 hours ago, zqvol said:

 

It all goes directly into the trash if you leave it. They have no need for it nor do they have any  place to keep it.

I know that all does not go in the trash.  On our last cruise in November, we asked our steward and the neighboring steward if we could buy them anything in Cozumel.  They both replied that passengers had let many things behind on the prior cruises, so they were fully stocked with shampoo and conditioner. 

Wow - I didn't expect so many objections.  All of the activities except for 1 hour of pool volleyball on 2 sea days would not even be noticed by the average passenger.  Volleyball and dodgeball are held in the basketball court far from the serenity of the pool.  As far as extra trivia contests - if there are too many scheduled, simply do not attend.  I was just trying to make suggestions to make the range and number of activities more appealing to everyone.  I can't imagine that adding any of these activities(other than pool volleyball) would even be noticed.  

We have been on 60+ cruises and really enjoyed MSC Seaside, but we felt there needed to be more to do.  Many on the sailing expressed the same opinion.  

What about zip lining?  So much fun in Roatan and prices are great!

I feel as if I've become a huge advocate for MSC.  We were on the Thanksgiving sailing and LOVED the cruise.   I'm encouraging our entire "Cruising Family"(100+ families) to try Seaside this summer and next summer.  PROBLEM:  With many teens and active adults - MSC is seriously lacking on sea days.  The other cruise lines will have dodgeball and a few hours later, pool volleyball, a few hours later soccer or basketball.  Many in our group will join all of these activities and enjoy getting together every cruise for these "competitions".  MSC - PLEASE add these activities - at least on summer sailings.  My group will not consider a cruise that has no active options like these on sea days.  We have been on more than 60 cruises.  On all other ships, these activities are all well attended, so I'm sure MSC would be the same.   Many in our group would also like more trivia.  We really liked almost everything about our first cruise on the Seaside, but felt there were not enough activities on sea days.  Please, please, please consider adding additional options.  

First of all, Playa Mia is a great choice for the ages of the children.  We skip the buffet and order a la carte.  It is very easy to get a cab.  I would not book through an excursion company as they will give you a pick up and return time.  I'd rather come and go as we like - especially if the weather is not good.  It could be pouring down rain and they will still expect you to go at planned departure time.

Uber worked great for us.

Totally agree with Stinger-pr.  I'd still go to El Morro even if closed.  Take kites, frisbees, football, etc.  You can still get some great photos.  The walk down the hill and through the city gate and walk back to the ship along the ocean.  You will also pass a beautiful fountain and lots of cats.

Highly recommend Bio Bay - very unique experience.

Depending on the month, you can walk to the fountain and along the Paseo del Morro - very nice walk along the ocean at the base of El Morro's stone wall.

Sorry, when I looked at it on my computer, the one picture was sideways and the post was all disjointed. As I said, technology is not my strength.

So sorry for my "mangled" post above.  I am fairly good at giving travel advice - however, posting photos - not so much!

If you keep walking left when you exit the port, you will arrive at a large fountain overlooking the ocean.  There is a beautiful new walkway along the ocean at the base of El Morro's stone wall.  You can enter Old San Juan from this walkway through the Old San Juan City Gate.

We just spent 8 days in Roatan and have visited by cruise at least 10 times.  West Bay is our favorite snorkeling spot.  You don't need to prearrange a snorkel tour.  Contact Ronystours and book transportation to West Bay.  Lots of places to rent gear along the beach.  Walk in to the water - right to the reef.  It is gorgeous.  If you want to zipline, Roatan is a great place.  it is very inexpensive. South Shore Canopy is very close to West Bay Beach. If you want a custom tour - book Rony's freestyle tour.  This is what we always do.  You will have a private driver for the day.  Go see the monkeys, sloths, zipline, stop anywhere you like for photos, etc. - all at your own pace.  This will be the best money you spend on your cruise - always our favorite stop!

We've toured with Rony for years.  He will make sure you have a great day!

100% agree with Steelman's - Ronystours.com  - fabulous every time!  We've toured with Rony for years and highly recommend him.

I would definitely leave the port area in Roatan.  Rony(ronystours.com) can take you to West Bay.  If your children have never snorkeled - this is a perfect spot.  Even if they just wear goggles.  You walk right out to the reef full of beautiful fish.  My daughter also loves visiting the monkeys and sloths.  They are fun to hold - very memorable experiences.  We have been on the Allure and I agree it is a great ship, but Roatan has the wildlife, really fun ziplines, and fabulous beaches.  I wouldn't want to miss the opportunities here.

Rony's neighborhood is perfect for donating items.  It is not far from the ship and the children are just precious.  We have visited his neighborhood many times.  They are so appreciative of anything you take.  We take many large boxes/suitcases, so we have to see customs.  But, If you don't have a large quantity, you will be fine if you just put everything in one duffel bag.  If you can -  take a large bag of lollipops or tootsie rolls, etc. -  candy is a real treat for them.  Thank you so much for thinking of others while you travel.  I promise you will be greatly rewarded with huge smiles!