mgrace56

23 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

which port? Do you have transport?

Sorry, newbie here, don't know which port...not sure how to find that out

What are recommendations for places for lunch while in port? 

6 hours ago, jaina said:

We will be there 3/19 and I’m wondering the same.  This is our first time to dock at Harvest Key. 

We will be there the same day! Getaway?

We will be in Harvest Caye (me and two kids - 15 and 11) on 3/20. I'm not in love with the idea of a private island and would like the kids to experience a little of Belize. Thinking of taking the ferry to Placencia at that appears to be our only option to do this, other than a ship excursion. What is there to do around Placencia? Can we just hop off the ferry and walk around...is there shops, beaches, restaurants? Any other ideas? We have a really short day in Costa Maya the day before so are just doing a beach day there, my 11 year old probably wouldn't love another full beach day. 

I've been reading all the reviews on the different beach clubs and my head is spinning. We will be in port on March 20, just from 7-2 so though we would do a short beach day. It is my and my two kids, age 15 and 11. Looking for somewhere we (or at least me) can relax in lounger but has things to keep the kids busy - snorkeling (will need equipment), kayaks, sand toys. We will have lunch there and I will likely have a drink or two. I don't mind paying for an AI if I have to. What's your best bet?

14 minutes ago, BirdTravels said:

Since you have some “chores to do” arrive early. 
 

We show up by 10:15 am. Gives you some time to get through security and checkin. general boarding will start before 11:30. 
 

You keep your hand carry and check your luggage at the curb with the porters. There is a link on your edocs to print out luggage tags. The bags are delivered to your stateroom before sail away. 
 

At checkin, get an All Aboard Gide (single large sheet with a ship map). On the guide, it will tell you where to go for entertainment reservations (usually Headliners deck 6 midship) and dining reservations (may be Acroaa the hall at teppanyaki). 
 

Go to show reservations first. Book your comedy shows (early shows are for family, late shows are 18+). Complimentary escape rooms (fun for you and the kids - puzzle solving). 
 

Once you know when your shows are, go make dining reservations. Prime time dining will sell out, so make this a priority. 
 

The Tropicana Room is the bigger MDR aft. Taste and Savor are the two smaller MDR. They all serve the same menu. 

On embarkation day, the buffet, Taste, Savoe and O’Sheehans are all open for lunch. They will get very busy, so go to lunch early. 
 

The pools and water slides will be open if you bring your swimsuits. 
 

Everyone needs to attend muster (lifeboat frill) before departure. Go early if you want to sit. 
 

Edit: as soon as you finish lunch, go to the splash academy and entourage club to enroll your kids. MAKE SURE you let your kids go on the first night,,, that is when they make friends for the cruise. And you can have some mom time while the kids hang out at the clubs. 

This is great, thank you!!

1 hour ago, NLH Arizona said:

With regard to the dining, make the reservation for four and then when you get onboard let them know it will be only three, especially the Teppanyaki restaurant if you are booking them, because there is limited seating.

 

You can get to the port anytime.  When I did this cruise on the Breakaway, I always showed up around 11:30.  If you are not going to take your bags on the ship, you will drop them off across the street from the terminal, then walk to the terminal and go through security screening like at the airport and then to one of the lines to check in and get your key cards.

 

 

Not take my bags on the ship? Do you mean I not take them on myself? So leave them with porter (like a sky cap at the airport)?

My kids (age 11 and 15) and I will be sailing on Getaway out of NOLA on 3/15. I have been on only one cruise and that was 15 years ago so I have a few questions that I can seem to find the answers to.

Our eDocs say boarding begins at 12:00. What time should we get to the port and what does that process look like? I have done the online check in for all of us. 

How long does it take to get off the ship at the different ports. We have some private excursions scheduled in Cozumel and Roatan. Do we need to get in "line" early or does it go pretty quickly?

Is there a difference between Tropicana, Taste and Savor dining rooms? 

I tried to book dinner reservations (we also have dining package) but am unable to do this because it will not allow me to book for a party of 3. I tried calling and they basically said I would have to do it on board. Where do I go to do this on board and is it a big pain? I don't necessarily need reservations every night, but I wanted to get them for the specialty restaurants and for a couple of nights that we have 7:30 show reservations. 

I'm sure I have other questions, but that is it for now. Thank you so much!

On 2/23/2020 at 4:26 PM, TowerOrchard said:

That will be us in 3 weeks! Looking forward to hearing about your week!

March 15 sailing? Me too!!

6 hours ago, champagne lover said:

We have researched and now booked a trip through cozumelcruiseexcursions.com, email correspondence was excellent and the trip sounds just what we are wanting - I hope. We are going at the end of March.

I ended up doing the same...will be there March 17!

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 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!

 

 

This is great! I am looking a booking private tour for me and my two kids with Rony's...a little pricy to do it this way but we have some specific things we want to do and they do have these in a prepackaged tour. 

With their options for monkeys and sloths I see Mayan Jungle and Daniels. Do you know what the Mayan Jungle one is? 

There are three zip line options (South Shore, Mayan Jungle, and Pirates of Caribbean), any particular one you recommend? 

We are also thinking of doing the Eco Walk Suspension bridges. Have you done this? 

Thanks!!

On 1/12/2020 at 12:59 PM, Ulchik said:

I looked through the posts. We (only 2 of us) will be in Roatan 1/20/20. Is it possible to combine zip lining (my 14 yo son wants to do it), sloths/ monkeys/birds interaction, and beach experience ( LFK vs west beach like infinity). Who would would you recommend to go better for this combined experience? Rony/Victor/Daniel? Had anyone done this combination? Thank you. 

I'm looking for similar and came across a recommendation for 2K Adventures. I have NOT used them but the reviews were good and they have a package that included these activities. Considering booking with them. 

On 1/8/2020 at 2:00 PM, champagne lover said:

We are hoping to do a snorkelling trip when here at the end of March with Celebrity, not sure whether to book a trip through the ship or organise a local excursion . Would love to go out on a boat, great snorkelling with equipment, lunch and drinks included. Any ideas?

I'm looking for the same...would rather use a local company than the cruise excursion. I would like the same things you are looking for (except lunch isn't necessary). Read through some posts here and have come across cozumelcruiseexcursions.net (seems there is also one by the same name but .com, not sure which one is actually better), cozumelh20.com, and mystic snorkel. Would love any input people have! I'll be with my kids age 15 and 11, they haven't snorkeled before. 

On 9/24/2019 at 3:55 PM, Icon901 said:

Bump... 

Any feedback on where in Costa Maya to get a passport stamped? 

Thanks! 
 

Have you all been yet and figured this out?

On 1/4/2020 at 4:10 PM, BirdTravels said:

glasses of water are available with and without a beverage package.
 

No bottled water is included with the premium beverage package. 
 

no carafe of water in your cabin. No ice in your cabin. You can ask your room steward to see if the can get you a water pitcher from the galley. 
 

you can bring empty water bottles onboard. But there are no filling stations. You MUST fill 8 oz glasses of water from the dispensers and pour that into your water bottle. 
 

unless you buy bottled water, it is all tap water (room, buffet, restaurant, bar). 

Are the only dispensers at the buffet? I also drink a lot of water, planning on bringing my refillable water bottle but wondering how convenient it will be to keep filling it. 

On 9/8/2019 at 3:07 PM, BiloxiBeachDude said:

Hi Sue & Tim - is the tour you did the one that includes the Chacchoben  Ruins as well as a stop at Lagoon of 7 colors??  That is the tour we are most wanting to do but are in port only from 0700 with departure of 1500.   Not sure if we will have enough time.

BiloxiBeachDude - did you all end up doing this? I was looking at the same but also have short port time of 0700-1500. Thanks for any info!

What did you end up doing? Looking for the same in March. Thanks!

Thanks, that is what I thought the case may be! I would rather pay a little more and book on my own and know we are going to have a smaller group.

Hello, we are sailing NCL Getaway to Western Caribbean in March. I am looking at excursions and am wondering what the size of the groups are for the excursions offered by NCL. I'm sure it depends on the specific excursion but things like snorkeling or zip lining is particularly what I'm curious about. I generally prefer a smaller group so trying decide if I should just book outside of NCL. Thanks!