#1TravelMom

I can tell you that snorkeling is possible.  West Bay is beautiful. The reef is incredible just a few feet from shore.  I'm sure Rony will help you make the most of your day.  We have toured with him for many years.

Manawaki is much closer to port.  Johnson's is okay- the sloths are amazing, but it is just a tiny place with small cages.  Manawaki is a gorgeous setting in the rainforest. It would be a better choice for anyone that wants to go to the beach or snorkeling as it is much closer to West Bay. Daniel Johnson's is in the opposite direction.

We know Rony very well, and I I'm very certain he is not adding fees to the admission charges at any location. He charges his fee for transportation, but doesnt add to amounts that sights charge.

We have been on NCL Epic, Breakaway, and Getaway as well as Allure, Oasis, Anthem, and Harmony.  I have to say, they were all fabulous.  Do you plan on sharing a cabin?  If so, NCL will most likely be much less expensive.  This would allow more money for amazing excursions. They are all spectacular ships with lots to do.  

I highly recommend Ronystours.com.  We have known Rony for many years.  He has nice vehicles and will make sure you have a fabulous day!

My daughter's only complaint - no soft serve ice cream.

Gelato was $8.50.  There are 2 sizes - sorry, I'm not sure if the small is $8.50 or if the server was being generous and gave us the large for $8.50.  The salted toffee is beyond delicious!!!

Selion - I thought the exact same thing.  If we all keep writing great reviews will the prices go up.  I hope not.  We just returned from the Thanksgiving sailing - FABULOUS!

We just returned from the Seaside back to back with the Harmony.  The Seaside(Fantastica Experience-2nd from the bottom tier) - inside cabin / Harmony - inside cabin.  I rate the Harmony slightly higher in food selection.  However, the buffet on the Seaside had LOTS to choose from in my opinion and definitely had better pizza.  The Seaside was super clean.  The staff was very friendly.  The price for the Seaside Thanksgiving week was $100 less per person that the Harmony the following week.  The Harmony was almost $400 per person more Thanksgiving week, which is why we chose the Seaside.  The Seaside GREATLY exceeded our expectations and we will most certainly return!

This was cruise #58 for us, so we have an extremely wide range of experiences from Celebrity, Princess, NCL, Disney, Carnival, RCCL and now MSC.  RCCL Harmony is currently our favorite ship, but, price for value - Seaside wins!

I literally could have written a duplicate review of the OP.  This was cruise #58 for us.  The Seaside TOTALLY exceeded our expectations.  I really think they have worked out all of the issues they had in the beginning.  I thought we would feel uneasy and have things constantly remind us that we were on a "different" cruise line.  It really felt like all of the others to us:  NCL, Carnival, Princess, RCCL.  I rate MSC Seaside overall below RCCL Harmony and equal to NCL&CCL's larger, newer ships.  Cleanliness was superior to all of our previous cruises, even Princess and Celebrity.

I am a person who normally can't name a previous cruise director if you paid me a trillion dollars.  However, Gene Young is AMAZING.  Make sure to watch the morning show - he is hilarious.  He is very witty and so funny.  He calls himself the fat Samoan.  He is very handsome - I think he is part Samoan, but NOT fat - although the self-deprecating banter with his morning show partner is very entertaining.  He is very witty and definitely memorable.  I will be surprised if another major line does not steal him from MSC.

I think if MSC keeps their prices down as they are know, they will need another ship based in the US!   

Just a suggestion.  The biobay on the coast is incredible.  I haven't checked on it since the hurricane.  But, if it's still "glowing", it is a great trip.  Contact kayakingpr.

Do NOT like the change at all!!!  Why did it need "improved"???   

Rony can absolutely take you to Bodden's. We've gone with him many times. Definitely book with Rony for a great day!!!

We love Stingray Sailing. They don't crowd their boat. It is a beautiful catamaran. They visit the Stingrays and a beautiful reef. Very relaxing sail back to the marina - AWESOME day!

We've been on the Anthem once(9 nights) and the Escape 3 times. We love them both. If our kids are happy, we are happy. Choosing which ship is a tough choice. It all depends on what your kiddos like to do. The escape has water slides and a splash park. It also has a 3 story high ropes course(if your 6 and 9 year old are adventurous). The Anthem has no water park or ropes course. But, it has a great indoor area that is huge. It has ping pong tables and bumper cars. The food and entertainment on both are great.

Budget may also be a consideration. Their will be a big difference in price if you are all willing to travel in the same cabin. The Escape often has 3rd and 4th passenger sail free. Their oceanview cabins for 5 are nice(in my opinion), with a curtained area for the kids.

For families with small children, I recommend Carnival or NCL. They will enjoy the splash park. The only thing RCCL offers small children is the carousel. The rock wall, zipline, flowrider - all AWESOME, but definitely for older kids.

Daniel's is closer to Mahogany Bay, but in the opposite direction as West Bay. If you want to snorkel at West Bay, you will want to go to Victor's Monkey Business. It is 25-30 minutes from Mahogany Bay and then 15-20 minutes to West Bay. The drive time to West Bay can vary greatly. We were in Roatan in June for 8 days. The road was being paved and the wait times were long and huge pot holes made for a slow trip.

I highly recommend Rony. We've toured with him at least 8 times. He's fabulous!

I'm sure Rony can get you there in time. We've toured with him many times. Ronystours.com He is a great guy - I highly recommend him,

Cool Dave for sure. Search for my review. You will have an awesome day with him!!!

Cool Dave is great. We had a awesome day with him. He knows a lot about the island. We felt very safe. Amazing time!!!

I agree with laurasue - Rony is our favorite. We have been touring with him for many years - at least once a year. He is fabulous. He can customize your tour to suit you. We've held the sloths after 11a. I'd suggest Little French Key for the day. Have Rony stop on the way and if the sloths are sleeping he can stop later in the day and check again.

Just off the Harmony. We had a fabulous time and are going back in November. One issue - the bathroom is tiny and we just couldn't figure out where to hang our things to dry. We have cruised many times and I am aware this is a "first-world" problem. I was hoping for any clever tips you may have.

We've done the rafting trip several times. Each time it was barely faster than a turtle's pace - more of a float trip. - Definitely not rapids and not intimidating at all - even for a scaredy cat(I'm not calling you a scaredy cat - but just in case any are reading this).

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2593070&highlight=Cool+dave

My review with COOL DAVE! So much fun! He's a great guy!

Read my review - we had a super fun day!!!

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2593070&highlight=Cool+dave

Unfortunately, this is not unique to other countries. We have a mountain resort nearby. One teen was goofing off and stopped midway. His friend thought it would be hilarious to go early and run into him. Between them, they had 2 broken legs, sprained back, broken ribs and punctured lung. Could have easily been fatal.

We just spent 8 days at the Mayan Princess (attached to Las Sirenas). It is very loud and gets very crowded on cruise ship days.

I had the same question. We will only be there 2 hours or so. I am trying to decide between the public beach near Melia or Goodman's Bay. Can anyone tell me the difference?