drewzy

15 hours ago, Bruiser85 said:

We are supposed to leave on Sunday the 15th on the Getaway out of New Orleans. I’m so confused & don’t know what to do!

Bruiser85, we are booked on this cruise also.  What did you decide to do?  

I will be going on the Getaway in March with my daughter and have thoroughly enjoyed your review! You are a wonderful and hilarious writer!  My husband isn't coming along this trip, and has still enjoyed your review as well. We've spent the past 2 evenings reading your reviews and stories and have enjoyed them so much.  I agree with other posters, please continue to tell us more, about anything!  The ship, the service, your daily life, anything, you are so entertaining!  We are already using your phase "not letting that ruin our vacation".  I've sent a link of this "brief" review to my daughter and hope she has a chance to read it before our trip, as I'm sure there will be things that happen that we can decide not to let it ruin our vacation.  I will be looking forward to reading more of stories and experiences!

Has anyone heard when the Harvest Caye dock will be repaired?

1 hour ago, PTC DAWG said:

Speaking of the Rebound patches...they are good..

 

This also works wonders in the AM..

 

I'm going to check into these also. With the scopolamine patches I need all the hydration I can get!

Thanks Jamie!  I'm going to try these patches!  

Great tips!  Has anyone used these Rebound patches while also using the seasickness (scopolamine) patches? 

Great tips!  Has anyone used these Rebound patches while also using the seasickness (scopolamine) patches?  

On 11/18/2019 at 7:41 AM, #1TravelMom said:

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 earnextra 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!

 

 

Thanks for all this infor #1TravelMom.  We used Victor Bodden a few years ago and went to his monkey & sloth park then to West Bay.  On our upcoming trip we are considering Daniel Johnson's and Little French Key.  What is the most cost effective an most timely way to get from Coxen Hole to Daniel Johnson's then to LFK for 2 people?  Also, have you ever done horseback riding in LFK or Roatan?

We are considering a private tour guide also for Jamaica. Which guide do you use?

Our cove balcony did in June.

We sailed on Dream Jun 18-25, Roatan, Belize & Cozumel. The elegant nights were on Monday & Thursday. Lobster on Monday night only.

Rather than paying $70 per person, just book a tour with either victor bodden or ronys tours as a "driver for the day" for around $100 for up to 4 people... You can go to West Bay to snorkel, have lunch somewhere, and have transportation back to the cruise port.

We did this recently. We did pay an additional $10pp at Bananarama which icluded your choice of a beach chair or a drink. We paid Victor Bodden $25pp for the day.

Can anyone confirm that Victor Bodden's Monkey Business has sloths? I'm reading conflicting reports that only Daniel Johnson does. VB's website says they do. Would just like an updated confirmation. I did send them an email, but would like to know if anyone has been there recently too.

 

Thank you!

We held a sloth at Victor's last month. It was one of the highlights of our trip! We loved everything at Victor Bodden's Monkey Business. We were there early on a Wednesday morning in June and were the only group there. Our guide for the animals was Deen. He was awesome. We held monkeys, birds and a sloth! They had 2 sloths when were were there, but only one (Alex) was cooperative to hold at the time. The other one was too high up in a tree.

In Belize I didn't see anything like that. We got off the tender and walked straight over to our guide. We were on a Carnival tour and just followed the guide from point A to point B which was a very short distance from where we got off the tender.

 

In Roatan, we met our guide. She walked us through the port to the back side where all the vans, etc are. We loaded and headed out of the port area. We went down a pretty decent hill and at the bottom were LOADS of people. Most holding a sign with a person's name or advertising the tour they were hosting. I bet that's what you've heard about. It was a downhill walk, but of course would be uphill on the way back.

 

Honestly, and I'm sure others will disagree, it looked like a feeding frenzy down there. I was glad to be on a Carnival tour and not mess with that, especially with kiddos with us. I'm sure it's plenty safe, but the desperation and frantic feeling just driving through made me anxious.

I've read the the tour companies can drive you all the way back to the port on the return, just can't pick you up there. So you only have to walk the hill or hire the cab for the hill when leaving the port.

someone told me that in one of the ports, Belize or Roatan, you have to walk uphill once you get off the ship to catch up with a tour or to just go on your own. Can you talk about that? I'm concerned because my husband has significant hip issues. Thanks.

We are going on the Dream next week with these same ports. I've done a ton of reading on this site and have read many times & have an excusion booked that involves getting over the hill. This hill is in Roatan, there are cabs that will drive you over the hill for @ $2 per person.

We loved every second! The only thing I can say that was negative was the service at Guy's. I swear those staff didn't know the menu. No matter what you ordered, they have it to you with LTOP and mayo...every. single. time. Even when we would say "no mayo" knowing we could take off the LTOP, they put it on. We had the hardest time getting a plain bun. But seriously, if this is the only complaint from the week, we have NOTHING to complain about!

 

It was our first cruise as well. I came home, and am already planning our next. Hope you have a fantastic time! Highly recommend Camp Ocean! My 8 year old got up on stage and did a whole thing during the last lip sync night and DS (16) hung out with friends every night until 1-2am. It was AWESOME!

We are looking forward to Guy's Burgers, but not all of us like mayo. Hopefully this is not always the way they are served.

My youngest is 14 and is planning on spending some time at his age groups club.

Enjoying your review, we board the Dream on Sunday! So excited! The first cruise for our family.

We are cruising on the Dream on 6/18 also. I'm enjoying your review!

I would strongly suggest either a Best of Roatan private tour or the Fun in the Sun tour with Victor Bodden. The Fun in the Sun tour has a tour guide that is giving information during the the entire tour of the island. You will be able to get family and or individual pictures with colorful birds and monkeys at his base camp as well as an up close look of the island. We will going for our 3rd time in March.

 

 

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I will look into the tours with Victor Bodden. I have read some great reviews on Theris Dixon Isla Roatan Day Tours also.

Everyone has their own opinion, but I had one stop at Mahogany Bay and that was one too many. I don't find it beautiful at all, at least when compared to real Caribbean beaches.

Are there any beaches in Roatan that you've been to and would recommend?

I have read some really great reviews on private tours and have found some that would cost much less per person than the tours booked through Carnival. The port schedule shows there will be 2 ships at Mahogany Bay the day we are there. I would prefer a natural beach versus manmade, but have also read that Mahogany Bay is beautiful. I was thinking if we did a tour in the morning or into early afternoon, we could return to Mahogany Bay then head back to the ship as each of us are ready to. Is Mahogany Beach crowded all day or does the afternoon or morning seem to be more crowded. It sounds like seeing some of the island, visiting an animal sanctuary then West End / Tabayana Beach a good option for us. I would like to see more of the island versus spending more time and $ at Carnival's shops. However, others have commented that Mahogany beach is beautiful and free and would stay there. I would like to get away from the crowds though.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. We are thinking of doing a tour of the island that includes seeing monkey's/animals and off shore snorkeling in the morning and then Mahogany Beach in the afternoon.

I've read through much of the Roatan thread, it's just so hard to decide what is right for us. Is West End always really crowded? I guess it depends on how many ships are in port that day?

My family will be going on our first Cruise in June on the Carnival Dream. We are a family of 5 with kids ages 19, 17 & 14. Any suggestions on an excursion for Roatan? We would like to snorkel from the shore, paddleboard, kayak, enjoy the beach with a couple of drinks, possibly see a couple of sites and a souvenier shop or 2 (my girls always get a t-shirt from every place we go). I'd love beautiful clear water & fewer crowds if possible. I've looked into Little French Key, Tabayana Beach, West Bay, West End, and am confused on which would be best for us. Is the beach at Mahaogany Bay where the ship docks nice enough or are the other beaches much clearer/nicer? Any suggestions on locations, pricing, transportation would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.