#1TravelMom

I'd definitely recommend visiting West Bay.  It's absolutely stunning with amazingly clear water and fabulous snorkeling(walk far left facing the ocean).  However, I'd never go with a ship tour.  You will be packed in a van or bus and have to adhere to a strict schedule.  If it pours down rain - too bad, you are at the beach for X number of hours.  If it is a gorgeous day and you are having a great time - too bad, it's time to load up and head back to the port.  See something interesting along the way - too bad, no time to stop for photos.  Roatan is not a place I consider dangerous at all.  We have visited at least 10-15 times on cruise stops and have spent time at a resort in West Bay.  We have never felt in danger in the least.  We have become friends with Rony of Ronystours.com.  He is well known and respected on the island.  He has nice vehicles and great drivers.  I can 100% recommend him as a guide for your day. 

The type of tour you chose will make a HUGE difference in how you enjoy your day.  He offers a very inexpensive(compared to the cruise excursion prices) "private" tour that would be perfect for your group.  You can visit a monkey/sloth park. We cruise often(65 cruises and counting) and have been on 100's of excursions.  If you read my posts, you will see that I have only 4 or 5 tours/guides that I recommend regularly.  I only recommend a very few that we have used several to many times.  With these, we have always been comfortable and felt extremely safe, without exception.  We've consistently had a spectacular day!  

We recently returned from Roatan.  We visited Manawakie this time.  Since we have visited all three "Monkey/Sloth Parks", I thought I'd write a brief comparison.  

First, do not expect any of these to be a "Zoo" as we think of it.  They are all small, independently owned places with relatively few animals.  The main difference, and best reason to visit, is the rare opportunity to interact with and hold the animals.  We live near the Pittsburgh Zoo.  They offer a "Sloth Encounter".  You are not even guaranteed to be able to hold a sloth, but will be able to touch one.  WHAT - $150?!?!

One of the deciding factors would be - where else are you going?

DANIEL JOHNSON'S MONKEY AND SLOTH HANGOUT

If you are planning on Pirates of the Caribbean Zipline or spending the day at Little French Key, Daniel's will be the closest.

From Coxen Hole, Daniel's is about 25-30 minutes.  Pirates Zipline is 25-30 minutes, then just 5 minutes+/- to Little French Key.  Or, direct from Coxen Hole, Little French Key is 25-30 minutes.

Daniel's - Main attraction - Sloths and monkeys.  We have visited 3 or 4 times and have always been able to have plenty of time holding a sloth, interacting with the monkeys and holding large birds.  They have had several other small animals in cages just to view.  Daniel also offers a mangrove tour and snorkeling, but we have not tried them yet.  I would say 30 minutes is plenty of time for this stop.  Mobility:  Level, dirt/mud(depending on the rain).  Small, so those who can only walk short distances would be fine.

MANAWAKIE PARK

If you are planning on South Shore Canopy Zipline and/or spending the day at West Bay, Manawakie would work.  It is 15-20 minutes from Coxen Hole.  Then, to reach South Shore/West Bay, you would backtrack towards Coxen Hole and continue to West Bay, approximately 30 minutes total from Manawakie.

Manawakie - Monkeys and sloths.  This is the newest "zoo".  They have rabbits,, agouti, and hummingbirds, as well as a few other animals.  I anticipate they will add additional animals as revenue increases.  This is by far the most "educational".  If you aren't planning on going to any other sights, this is a good choice.  You would probably spend 1 hour here.  They will speed up in case you are not interested in something, if you ask politely.  You will learn about the plants, foods, medicines, culture, and animals.  The guides are very good and keep it interesting, letting you touch and smell things as you go.  My family generally doesn't want to learn while on vacation, but we really liked this place.  Mobility:  Some gravel, Dirt/mud(depending on the rain)  Small inclines and steps.  This is not a good location for anyone who has severe mobility issues. Steps are sturdy and well built.  The entire area is small, so if you can climb 6-10 steps, you will be fine.  I consider this the best sight if you want to visit animals and learn something about the port you are visiting.

VICTOR'S MONKEY BUSINESS

If you are planning on South Shore Canopy Zipline and/or spending the day at West Bay, Victor's would be the closest.  It is about 15 minutes from Coxen Hole.  Then, to reach South Shore/West Bay, you would continue South 15 minutes +/-.

Victor's.  Main attractions are the Monkeys and Sloths.  They have large birds, deer and a few other animals.  This "zoo" is the most crowded.  We have been her many times.  While we like it, we definitely can tell we are being gently hurried along.  Your time holding the sloths and interacting with monkeys can be very brief if there is a crowd waiting.  On port days, it can be quite busy.  I don't want to discourage a visit here, but just know that you may be asked keep moving.  I like to get lots of photos of my family with the animals, so this sight is not the best.  The monkeys are very unpredictable, so it may or may not be easy to get good pics.   Mobility:  Level, some gravel, Dirt/mus(depending on the rain).  This is not a large "zoo", so if you can walk short distances, you should be fine here.  

We like all of the parks for different reasons.  I think you get the most for your money at Manawakie.  If I just want some quick photos, Victor's is close.  If we are going to Little French Key for the day, Daniel's is super convenient.  Also, we may try the mangrove canoe tour next time.

You will have a guide at all of the above.  Please tip them generously.  They are working for tips and rely on them.  Our guide at Manawakie was a public school teacher who takes the bus here to earn extra income as teaching doesn't pay well.     

Just a side note,  the snorkeling and beaches here are absolutely fabulous.  Make the most of your day and make time for the beach.  So sad when I hear people say that they are not leaving the port area.

I highly recommend Rony's Tours.  He has been our guide for 10+ trips and has become a friend.  His vehicles are nice with a/c.  He can accommodate 2 people or large groups.  He has friendly drivers that work with him.  He has a great option for a private tour.  Just $25 per person for a driver for your group for the entire day.  Then, pay as you go for the sights you'd like to see.   He also has other tours if you don't mind joining a group.  We have always felt safe and have many wonderful memories of Roatan.  I'm sure you will have a great day with Rony!

Just got back from our Symphony of the seas cruise last week. Had an amazing day with Rony as usual!   Weather was calling for 100% chance of rain the entire day. It was amazing, one 20- minute downpour and beautiful the rest of the day.

Oops! Just talked to my husband and he said he has heard 2 different people over the years say they have had things taking at a beach. Maybe we need to rethink our security measures!

We have been cruising for 32 years. I'm sure many will think we are just foolish. But, we have always taken our cameras phones cash and such and just let them in our beach bag on a lounge chair.  Never had a thing taken.  I'm sure people have had things taken, but I honestly can't remember hearing any stories of it. 

Wow! That sounds like a great price I'm gonna keep this information for future reference.

 I'm really surprised no one has mentioned Coba. Your ship should offer an excursion there from Cozumel if the port hours were allowed. It is a fabulous tour, climbing to the top of a Mayan Pyramid is one of the highlights of our cruising for a sure!!!

We love Rony.  Zipline and West Bay would be a perfect day!

Any chance you can get them to reconsider?  We have been to Roatan at least once a year for 15 years.  Last year we spent 8 days at a resort on West Bay.  No sand flea bites!  I am normally the one who gets bug bites head to toe - but have had no issues in Roatan.  I didn't even use bug spray.  West Bay has some of the clearest, most beautiful water and incredible snorkeling right from the shore - shame to miss it. 

Yes, I know the life vests are required. I have read that they will not allow you to snorkel without them. I just would like to know how much they cost to rent. I don't need the cost of all of the gear, just the vest.

If you could do me a huge favor, I'd be so appreciative. Can you find out if there is a fee for only a snorkel life vest? We will be bringing our own gear but do not have life vests. I have read that they are required.

Were you able to get any of the Cruise Compasses to post?  Will be on 10/12.  Trying to plan 2 group dinners.  Thanks!

Any chance you could post pics of the daily schedules PRETTY PLEASE?  

Is the ship staying on Miami time or switching to Roatan time?  I think they are 2 hours behind.

Yes, they met you at the port under a white canopy.  They transport you by van directly to the marina.  On the return, you can get dropped at the beach for an hour or two and then catch a taxi back OR they will return you to the pier area. In my opinion, the price for this excursion is one of the best values of all of the the excursions we've done.  It just feels luxurious sailing on a catamaran.  When you see the boats packed with people at the stingray sandbar, you will be so thankful you chose Stingray Saling!

Agree, Rony is a great choice. We are booked with him for next month.

24 minutes ago, molly361 said:

They stay on Miami time

Thanks. I thought they normally stay on Miami time. All of our previous Royal Caribbean Cruises did not change the clocks. I just wanted to make sure they haven't changed anything recently.

19 minutes ago, mo&fran said:

why not just specify the time zone when making the arrangement.

We just needed to know specifically if the ship time changed. For example, if we want to meet a local friend at noon for lunch. That would make sense to us, but to them it is only going to be 10 am, too early for lunch.

We will be on Symphony Of The Seas next month. We are trying to coordinate something in Roatan. I need to know if the ship stays on Miami time or switches to local time?

I agree with crewsweeper.  Look for a website that caters to those in wheelchairs. Much of Roatan is rustic and not easily accessible.  It would be good to book with someone who has specific experience.

He is very trustworthy.  We have know him and toured with him for 10 years +/-.  I'm sure he'd refund your money if the port was missed for some reason.  He, as well as the other tour companies, rely on business from tourists to support their families.  I doubt any would risk a bad review by not refunding your money.  Rony is a great guy - I'm sure you will have a memorable day!

Ronystours.com has a tour that would be great for this.  I'm not sure if this could have been the tour you booked before.  You can contact Rony in advance.  If you let him know what you are bringing, he can have a certain number of children meet you and you can give the supplies directly to them.  Or, if you have other things you'd like to do, he'd be glad to deliver them for you.  He does a great job coordinating visits with children in his neighborhood.  The children are just precious and they really appreciate anything that is given to them.  

10 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

 

I don't know anything about the MSC company or fleet and have only seen them in port with us several times over the years. Are they usually not in the US or Caribbean?

 

What do they mean by "American Friendly?" In what way are they not American friendly?

 

What is the Yacht Club? Those 2 ships really do look amazing and I'm seriously considering giving them a try in the future.

Seaside is a very large ship - comparable(imho) to the newer ships on the mainstream cruise lines.  They visit basically the same ports.

As far as "American friendly" - this is how I interpret it.  MSC uses this wording and considers these ships more geared towards the American market.  They are an Italian line.  Some feel they cater more to Europeans.  I didn't see this and I don't even know how a cruiseline can "cater" to a specific group.  Some people do not like that they do most announcements in several languages.  This doesn't bother us one bit.  On the other ships, I've read that the staff is not friendly.  I don't think it's a matter of the not being friendly.  I think, in general, from what I've read, they are trained to be seen and not heard.  Interacting with passengers is not encouraged.  This is sometimes mistaken for rudeness.  We did not experience this whatsoever on the Seaside. Also, I believe these ships have a different dining room menu and larger buffet.

I've read a lot of reviews where people make MSC sound DRAMATICALLY different than other lines.  As far as the Seaside, we saw very little difference.  We didn't encounter any rude people of any nationality.  We are very easy going, not hard to please and make the best of every cruise.  I find it hard to believe that our entire group of 18 loved it and it still get some terrible reviews here and there.  I think some let one bad experience cloud their view of the entire ship/cruise.  For example, one person had trouble with a drink package and stood in line for quite a while and had difficulty getting it resolved.  I understand that this would be extremely frustrating.  But, as soon as I had things resolved, I'd just move on and have a great time.  Others may let this ruin the entire trip.

Yacht Club is a different level of cabin and service.  The rooms are in a different location with a private pool and restaurant.  I think they also have a concierge and other services.  We just don't feel the higher price is worth it, but clearly many people feel that it's a necessity.  Everyone has different preferences.

3 hours ago, CharmCity2000 said:

MSC look amazing.  One thing I like are the kid "treasure" hunt excursions?  Have you ever done one of those?  I think they would be engaging for kids who would otherwise be bored looking at history and architecture.  Of course, my concern is that not enough people sign up and its cancelled.

I have not done this.  I haven't even heard of it.  Sounds fun!

We've always had great drivers with Rony.  Sorry to hear that your experience was not "great".   

7 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

I usually sail NCL, RC or Carnival and have never consider MSC, but after you mentioned this, I looked up these 2 ships....and wow! They look amazing! It has me thinking now. Thanks for that. Are there any other MSC ships that are comparable to those 2 ships you mentioned?

No other ships are similar.  I actually don't have first-hand experience on the Meriviglia.  I'm only saying it's comparable based on what the Seaside staff has told me.  We liked the Seaside so much and asked several staff onboard if any other ships were going to be more "American friendly"(as they call it).  They said the Meriviglia.  From all I have read and have been told, the other ships are VERY different.  

We found more similarities than differences with MSC.  The reviews had me so hesitant, but the price over Thanksgiving was amazing.  The water park is awesome.  Lots of pools.  Plenty of activities.  Incredible pizza(we liked all of the food).  Our group of 18 struggled to think of anything we were not happy with.  I really think MSC will be gaining a share of the US market once more people give it a try.  I often read "Don't try MSC unless you can afford Yacht Club".  We didn't pay the extra amount to be in the Yacht Club and we still had a fabulous time.  Currently, we rate the Seaside just under the newer RCCL ships(we love those).  But, for the price - MSC is absolutely a great value.  I would consider it pretty even with the newer NCL ships.  

We have been to Honduras 10+ times.  You can do all of the things listed in one day.  Contact Rony and book a private driver for the day.  South Shore Canopy and West Bay are very close.  This is our favorite zipline and most spectacular snorkeling location.  Walk right in from the beach.  We've seen such a great variety of fish there including the largest parrotfish.

Chocolate factory is not worth the time, imho.  It's not really a "factory", but a shop where you can see how chocolate is made.  You can try free samples.  I personally wouldn't visit again, but it is between Manawakie and South Shore, so you could easily add it.  It would probably add about 30-45 minutes to your day.

20 minutes to Manawakie     1 hour there

25-30 minutes to South Shore Zipline  1 hour there

5-10minutes to West Bay  2-3 hours there

25-30 minutes back to pier

Totally doable.  Sounds like a great day to me!  We love all of these activities and have done them many times.  Book with Rony.  He is a great guide.  He will make sure you have a great day.  I wouldn't take a chance booking with anyone else.  You could get assigned a new driver or someone that speaks little English.  I've never read a bad comment about Rony.  He's so friendly and knowledgeable.  Your driver can make all the difference in your experience in Roatan - use the best!

Of the ships you list, I'd recommend the Epic.  We've been on that ship 3 or 4 times.  Loved it.  Bathrooms not an issue.  

I would never cruise out of NY in December.  We've tried it in November and the weather really limits outdoor time.  May work for some - but not us.  

We personally don't care for Celebrity.  We've only done a few Celebrity and they've felt a little too formal for us.  

If you don't cruise a lot, I'd definitely chose a cruise that allow you to experience new islands.  

VOS is not one of our favorite ships, but the 11 nights and Panama make it sound interesting.  We felt like there were not enough activities for some reason.  But, that could totally just be our preferences.  

Just a suggestion.  Have you considered MSC Seaside or Meriviglia?  We just returned from our second sailing with a group of 18 (ages 10-55).  We all loved it!  The prices are very good.  The ship is beautiful and we thought the service was excellent.  Reviews for this ship are all over the place.  I've read reviews about rude staff and inedible food.  We totally disagree.  This was our second trip on the Seaside and I would gladly book again.  We've been on more than 60 cruises and the Seaside is probably top 5 for us.  We thought the value for the price was great.  I'd book the Seaside and use the extra savings for spectacular excursions.