2 to Sea

The taxi there was $15 and we asked in advance. On the way back, we didn’t ask ahead and the taxi charged us $20. Not sure the difference was our fault or just a different time of day. The prices of food and drinks are posted on their site under menu in pesos. Divide that by 17 and you will have your US amount. It was comparable to a US restaurant in price. There wasn’t a minimum to buy. They do serve breakfast if you want to get there early. They also provide the snorkeling gear, but won’t have prescription. Both of us wear contacts and that worked well with the gear. The website is thecabanabeach.com They have a map of their cabanas online, so you can choose your site. Princess changed the port day on us after we booked. I was able to change with them via email with no issues.

I forgot to check for a definite answer. With that said, it is my favorite and I didn’t see anyone with one, nor was it in the app.

Yesterday they announced they had all luggage off the ship about 8am and that no one needed to go to their assigned areas anymore. We walked off soon after and found our luggage. In addition, we signed up for their bus transport at $19 per person. That took the longest to get all luggage on the bus. As we left the luggage area, someone was offering $11/person transport. The airport is only about 15 minutes. You can ask to be off early with luggage, or walk it off yourself. Customs was a breeze. They took a photo and then we were through. I think it would be possible if you are ready to get yourself moving and/or take your own luggage.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The entire time on the cruise, the weather was warm and a little humid, which made time by the pool very refreshing. My husband loves the heat and is usually in the hot tub, but this cruise was warm enough for him to get into the pool. The inside of the ship was pleasantly cool, but not where you needed to put a sweatshirt on. I would do this itinerary again. We were jealous of those that this was their second week or those that were continuing today.

Final dinner menu in the MDR.

The production show on Thursday was Spotlight Bar. Both of us enjoyed this a bit more than Rock Opera.

Thursday night was the second formal night. Here is the menu.

For Costa Maya, we booked a trip to see the Chaachoben ruins through Native Choice. This was a much smaller tour than through the ship. Our guide, David, was very knowledgeable and enjoyed explaining everything. This was a slow paced tour and we were able to climb up some of the ruins. Absolutely amazing.

Here is one menu from the Salty Dog.

By the end of the day we had gone to the chocolate factory, rum factory, West End, West Bay Beach, Macaw Market, Rusty Fish recycled art, and a walk on the beach. Roatán was beautiful and one we hope to return to.

From there she asked if we liked coffee, which we do, so we stopped at a local grocery store to grab some. It was great and only a couple of dollars for an iced vanilla chai. We also had a chance to poke around and compare prices. This got us started on what people usually eat. in our way to the next stop, she pulled off on the side of the road to show us how cashews grow. I had no idea that cashews grew at the end of a fruit. We tried the fruit, which was sweet and tart. Also learned that if you tried to eat the cashew right off the tree that it will give your mouth blisters. In the photo below, the fruit is the yellow part and you can see where the cashew comes from at the end of the fruit. In addition, we learned that the only hospital on the island burned down two weeks ago. The last photo is the temporary hospital set up by the Red Cross.

Yesterday was Roatán, Honduras. We booked a tour in a private car through Victor Bodden Tours. None of the excursions hit all the locations we wanted to go to, so this allowed us to stop when we wanted, grab coffee on a whim, and see the real way of living. First, we navigated through the port to get to where the non-ship excursions were. It was about a ten minute walk, but there was a $2 taxi option that we didn’t take. I had read that some felt that the locals were pushy, but that wasn’t my experience. As soon as I said we had a tour booked, we were wished a great time. Kenia was our driver and she was friendly and knowledgeable. Of course she was born and raised there. Since it was our tour, she had a list of where we wanted to go, and also inquired if there was anything else. We let her know that we wanted to see what she thought was the best on Roatán. So our first part she took us through the neighborhood where the working people live. She gave us the history of why the streets were so narrow (no plan for cars at the time). Then up to a view at the top of one of the hills for a great view.

Yes they are! I didn’t know about this. Maybe I shouldn’t know!

Specific area for vegan and vegetarian, but another ten items or more available.

We went to the buffet tonight and ended up talking to the head chef there. He said there are many more items that are vegan or vegetarian, but you need to ask. We suggested marking everything, but he didn’t want to go that way in case someone with allergies gets something that is wrong. He instructed staff to cook with olive oil instead of butter. So rice and beans are good to go.

Enjoy! We look forward to cruising in Europe some day. Princess has Tea Time on the sea days.

Time changed again today, but we woke up early. Caught a bit of the sunrise. Belize City was a tender port, so we had to be in the Princess Theatre by 7:00am. Hopped on the tender and to the port we went. Then onto another boat to see the sharks and rays. It was about a 15 minute tender, then 45 minutes to Caye Caulker. We had about 10 minutes to use the bathroom and change if needed, then back on the boat for some snorkeling. They do feed some, so we saw an eel. The fish and water was beautiful, but my hubby noted that the coral aren’t healthy. They broke us into three groups, but still felt a bit crowded. This is a follow the leader snorkel, not a swim about on your own. I still enjoyed myself. Then back into the boat for another 10 minutes to get into the water with nurse sharks and rays. They feed them to, so they are swimming all around you. Amazing to see. Back on the boat and back to the island. We had 1 hour 15 minutes to eat and/or explore. Easy walking. From there we went back to Belize City. Long day in the elements and I’m pleasantly tired.

About half the menu items have been bland and the other half fabulous. I forgot to take a photo last night of the vegan menu- but the salad with sweet chili was amazing, the coconut Thai soup was like coconut water with a couple of chunks of tofu and no flavor, and the vegetable korma was a good spice. You may need to get several items to find the good ones. Granted, we like flavors of all kinds. The buffet seems to always have a salad bar, and at least two vegan options and two vegetarian options next to each other. There seems to be other options throughout, just not always labeled.

They are called “A Sophisticated Evening of Cool”

Dinner menu for tonight.

Here’s the Enchanted as we headed back.

The Cabana Beach was beautiful and peaceful. This isn’t a party spot, but a private beach area. Each cabana holds up to 6 people if I remember correctly. You can book directly through their website and select which one you want. They had some great vegetarian and vegan selections. Drinks were good. Snorkeling was also fun, with easy access into the water via stairs, and a roped off large area (so boats didn’t cross into our area). Life vests were available for those that want it. I would go again.

It took about 20 minutes to walk to COZ Coffee and it was worth it. We love to get out and see a little away from the port and support a local business. The fruit bowl was full of fresh fruit, including kiwi, pineapple, papaya, apples, blueberries, and cantaloupe. The avocado toast had a mountain of avocado on it. I enjoyed a peanut butter latte and Dave had an oat milk latte. All for about $20. I would go back again!

We are off the ship! For those that worry about packing a towel, don’t! Princess supplies towels as you get off the ship. Beautiful day today. We could see fish right off the dock. First stop will be a local coffee and breakfast.