#1TravelMom

We've been on the Seaside twice. Loved it both times.  We've done many cruises and rate it in our top five. We did not have Yacht Club cabins. I do not remember children or smoke being an issue and I'm very sensitive to smoke.  Not sure about Bingo, but attended lots of trivia and it was only in English.

We thought the food was very good. The ship is absolutely beautiful. There where lots of things for the kids to do. Shows are definitely different. More of a variety show each night. We  enjoyed them. We will definitely go back to the Seaside or Meraviglia. These two ships are different from the other MSC ships - more similar to mainstream Cruise Lines.

I respect that you disagree.  However, we have done mission work in 20 countries in the past 25 years.  I'm not saying that pencils and lollipops are going to solve major problems in third world countries.  I do know for a fact that every school can always use pencils and erasers.  Children in many countries get candy as a treat at Christmas only.  This was a simple suggestion for someone who wants to make a small gesture.  

There are valid points in your articles that do not apply to us or cruise passengers in general.  Cruise passengers are not spending thousands of dollars to visit a country, they simply are visiting for a day.  We do not pay any organization for the privilege of volunteering.  We spend only our own money - no fundraisers, church, or community support.  Whether cruise or land, we consider our trips to be vacations with a purpose.  We do 2-4 trips per year, so we have learned where our money is best spent.  While some consider the best option is to donate money to charities that send it to be used in impoverished areas, we do not.  Most organizations have a high percentage of administrative costs.  Many governments and "middlemen" are corrupt and misappropriate the funds.  We have seen it first hand.  

We know if we visit a country, our money goes exactly where it is needed.  As for your statement that "this is for our enjoyment".  You are correct.  We do enjoy saving for months at a time so we can take gifts and supplies to help children and adults who are less fortunate.  I drive a 9-year old car.  My peach formica countertops and mauve sectional are from 1992 - I could go on and on.  Perhaps I would enjoy a new car and updated kitchen, etc., but for now serving others when we travel is enjoyment for us.  So, if you are accusing us of doing this "for our enjoyment" - we are certainly guilty.  I wish more people would do this "for their enjoyment".  

It can also be said, that wealthy people(we are not in this category) just write a check and boast about sending money to make themselves look and feel charitable, with very little sacrifice.  Giving time and showing people you actually care is what we prefer at home and abroad.  Any charitable act in my opinion is better than doing nothing at all.  We just love looking people in the eye and smiling.  Their smiles, hugs, and often tears, are the best reward ever.  

First, let me say that we have nothing against organized volunteering and excursions. What we specifically do is probably not what you are thinking of when you read of volunteering in Port.

Over the years we have made many friends on the islands. We have built relationships and made connections in impoverished communities.

Maybe it is easier to explain if I give a few examples.

On a port day in Roatan, we will go to a very poor neighborhood. With the help of a  friend in that community,  we gather about 70 children at a church. We do active games, crafts, and pay local ladies to cook a big lunch for them. Then, they each get a gift bag from us. The children look forward to this each year.  One of the most rewarding things we've done over the years, as we've seen the same smiling faces grow up over the years.

We have a friend in Cozumel, we always contact him a few weeks before we arrive to see if there are any urgent needs. One year, there was a firefighter who fell through a roof at a fire. They needed to buy him a wheelchair and help out with some home projects and basic needs. This was great day for us -helping his family.

Those are larger, more expensive days. I can't stress enough how much even a little gesture is appreciated. We took a huge box of pencils and erasers and big bags of lollipops and Tootsie Rolls to a school in Dominica. Everyone was thrilled. That teachers gathered the children to thank us and sing a few songs. Absolutely precious!

It is easy to volunteer for any length of time. There are many places we have visited that any gesture is so greatly appreciated. If you name a port, I can make suggestions. We have connections on many islands. We have more than 60 cruises over the last 30 years. We feel very blessed. We always make it a point to do something charitable on each trip we take.

It could be something as small as taking school supplies or soccer balls to a few children in the neighborhood.  This could take less than 30 minutes.  We have also spent a week or more in Honduras, Haiti, Mexico, etc.  The smiles from the children are the best reward!

By the way, we do not go with a cruise excursion.  We have established connections.  We prefer not to be with a group.  We do not want to be told what we can and cannot do if we see a need.

What are your ports  we do mission work in 5 different locations  

We have been to Roatan 3 times in the last 2 years.  One trip was to a resort on West Bay for 8 days.  We did not encounter sand fleas on any of our trips. I do remember years ago, a had a red rash on my lower legs that I though may have been from sand fleas.  Nothing in the last several years.

If snorkeling is a priority to you, please do not spend your day at Mahogany Bay.  It is a nice enough beach if time and budget make it your only option.  If you are visiting Roatan, you have the option of snorkeling at one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.  Just past Bananarama in West Bay is an incredible reef that is incredibly easy to snorkel.  You walk right in from the beach.  There is a fabulous channel with reef on both sides.  Tons of fish - the largest parrot fish we've ever seen.  If you love snorkeling, don't miss this opportunity.  Easy access and a gorgeous reef!  Seeing a few fish at Mahogany Bay will not compare.  We always go with Ronystours.  We usually add other things to our day and he offers great tours with super service.   

They may sit on you arm for a minute, but you cannot hold them.  We've gone to all of the "monkey places" in Roatan over the last 15 years.  The monkeys are always on the move.  If you have food in your hand, they may jump down on you arm for a brief time.  Monkeys do not like to be held.  If you try to hold them like a cat or dog, they will not like it and may bite to get free.  They are not animals that will just snuggle in your arms for a photo. 

Glad to hear that you had a great time.  But, next time, you can do the same time of tour with Rony and stop for a swim or drink  if you like.  His "freestyle" tour is great - at your pace and he will stop wherever you like.  You get the full day with a private driver.   Also, it's nice to know the company you will be touring with in advance.  It can be hit or miss when you book with a third party.  South Shore is our favorite zip line - we have always had a great time there.

Gumbalimba is different than the other sights.  It is a larger, more spread out park.  You will be there longer than the other places, plus no sloths.(unless they've added them since we've been there).  It is not our favorite.  The monkeys only come to you when you have food.  If there are a lot of people, you may only get a few seconds to get the "souvenir picture".  Also, I wouldn't want to miss out on the sloths.  Going on a ship tour is also not an option for us.  Being in a van or coach bus with a bunch of people on a strict schedule is not what we enjoy.  This is a great option for some, but when Rony is available - he's definitely the best choice.

Are you touring from Falmouth or Ocho Rios?  I think you have time to do both falls or one plus tubing.  Check with Dave to be sure.

What ages are in your group?

The falls are VERY different.

Dunns River - You walk to the bottom, visit a small beach.  Then begin your climb over huge boulders to get to the top.  Take your time, splash in small pools, spend as long as you like. It can be crowded. 

Secret Falls/Blue Hole - No beach.  No climbing to speak of.  You follow a path in the jungle to several pools and water falls.  There are different sizes of falls to jump off of and a high platform to jump from.  You are accompanied by a guide who keeps moving.  You do not really have time to "swim".  A few minutes here and there at the falls to spend a little time in the water. Most times, not super crowded.

The river tubing is mostly floating.  It is very nice, but I'd say that can be done other places.  In my opinion, if you are not sure if or when you may get back to Jamaica, I'd do both falls.  They are both beautiful sights - no to be missed.  We just visited both falls again in June and our group had a fabulous day!  This was at least 5 times we've been to Secret Falls.  They added railings and steps and the whole experience is less "natural", but still so much fun.  We've been to Dunns at least 10 times - our family loves it there.

I encourage you to get a group to go as this will make the cost less per person.  When are you going, you could check with others on your roll call? 

Both falls are highlights of this port.  There are "fun" things to do at Mystic Mountain, but we prefer the falls for sure.

Rony is fabulous!  We've toured with him for many years.  He offers a "freestyle" tour.  This is perfect for us.  We have a private driver and spend the entire day at our pace.  

We've been to Tropicante many times.  It's a great location on the Malecon. They have very good food and the restaurant and restrooms are super clean.  You can also get a very inexpensive massage. Overall, great place to relax for the day!

Just a suggestion if your ship visits Cozumel.  Check if your ship has an excursion to Coba.  You don't just "see" ruins, you can actually climb to the the top.  More than 60 cruises and this is one of our most memorable experiences.

We had several teens and younger in our group.  Most of them wore shorts and nice shirt every night.

On 8/9/2019 at 1:01 PM, crewsweeper said:

Both Cozumel and Costa Maya are on Eastern Standard Time year round.  That is the same as Central Daylight Savings.  I can see with that itinerary the captain making the decision to shift time as the ship was in effect in Mexican waters overnight and it doesn't take 13 hours to go from CM to Coz.

I just looked on the time zone converter and it looks like we will be one hour ahead in Cozumel and Costa Maya.  We will be 2 hours ahead in Roatan.   

We've been on the Seaside twice.  We've done many cruises on all other major lines.  Our first time on the Seaside we were expecting a vastly different experience than other lines.  We found many more similarities than differences.  We liked it so much, we booked again.  I read a review that said the food was inedible - totally not true in our opinion.  We found lots of choices at the buffet and MDR.  I can't even think of any MAJOR differences.  There may be more people of other nationalities, but not a problem.  The staff was wonderful and the ship was squeaky clean.  We never saw dirty dishes, etc. sitting on tables.  The shows are a little different - more of a short variety show, but very enjoyable.  We look forward to a third sailing in the future.

We will be visiting Roatan, Cozumel and Costa Maya.  We have been on many cruises and many lines.  We have visited these ports quite often but have never taken note of the ships that change times.  This time and excursion time may or may not work depending on the time.

We will be on the Symphony in October.  Does anyone know for sure if they will change to island time?

Not sure if you are on a budget as well.  We have friends who just booked Holland America 11/17/19 for $2059 for 5 people.   That price includes port fees/taxes but not gratuities.  I have not been on the Statendam, but the price is amazing. Incredibly, it is even cheaper Thanksgiving week.

If you are traveling with kids - I'd recommend Bliss or Anthem.  Our kids loved the indoor attractions on the Anthem.  Bliss has more outdoor activities for kids.  We love them both.   

I would never just book a random driver at the pier.  I've met people who have overcharged and stranded.  We LOVE Punta Sur - no other beach compares in our opinion.  We always go with Crescencio Lopez - Black Hat Tours.  He is the sweetest guy.  I highly recommend him.  I also just read something about a group being take to a beach and told it was Punta Sur - but it wasn't even Punta Sur and the driver never came back for them.

We always do his private freestyle tour.  I like to stop for random pictures.  We also want to set our own schedule as we go.  We pay him for transportation and then pay admission on our own.  We've been touring with him so many years, I'm honestly not sure how he normally handles admission fees.   I'm sure you have a memorable day!

cooldavetours@yahoo.com     Keron will contact you - he schedules everything for Cool Dave.

Wow - surprised to hear about the broken bones.  I've never seen more than a scrape.  We've been there at least 10 times.  I usually fall and get a small scrape - but have so much fun - go back for more every time we visit.  Picture a young, athletic, non-chubby, coordinated, strong mom - I am the OPPOSITE of that - except for the mom part.  I have lots of heart and am adventurous - always determined to make great memories.