CruisingCaity16

We went on this excursion last week. My expectations were not nearly as high as my friends. The trip exceeded my expectations and met hers.

The excursion takes place at Carambola Gardens, not any of the locations we had guessed. I don't see the chocolate class offered outstide of the ship excursion.

It is an uphill and uneven walk up to the palapas that are used for the class. One gentleman in our group used a cane and didn't make it up for the class. On our way down, there was a couple helping woman with a walker make her way up. One carried the walker and the other held her hands as they slowly climbed. She did make it, but must have been exhausted. I didn't find the walk difficult. Others in the group that were not in good shape or had physical handicaps found it more challenging. Keep in mind that it was very hot and humid.

That disclaimer over, once at the top, the palapa had plenty of seats and was set up for attendees to either sit and watch or participate in the class. We learned about the island, the process of making chocolate, and then anyone wanting to participate was invited up. We roasted and peeled the nibs, learned how they were traditionally processed, blended the cocoa with sugar and cocoa butter and tempered the mixture. Everyone enjoyed it and got to taste the end product. When the class was over, a few chose to pass on the garden walk and were led down by the instructor. The rest of us were led through the trails to see some of the plants. This part was good, but not a highlight. After returning to the main building at the entrance, we were served a delicious lunch of chicken, rice, bean, plantain chips, fresh fruit, and lemonade. There was chocolate for dessert. Everyone wanted to know how to make the meal. The The dishes were cooked in coconut milk and very good. There was a small shop. They didn't sell chocolate bars, but nibs, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter.

The driver was good and talked about the island on both drives. He was easy to understand and very informative. You will have some free time to shop in port before or after if you desire.

I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed my time. It was a unique experience.

This is the website for them: http://www.islanderfishspa.com/

I am also interested. Friends have told me that I could walk from Paradise Beach over to Mr. Sanchos. Can someone let me know if that is true, or if the fish spa is somehow restricted entry?

I'm booked in for next week. I'll do my best to get back here with a timely review of it.

My friend and I are going in April. I've bookmarked this thread and will try to remember to report back.

Dramamine and Bonine work for me in general. When a trip called for something stronger my doctor prescribed Transderm Scopolamine patches. I wasn't old enough to drink at the time, so I have no clue what the rules are there. Your doctor knows best, but I wanted to share my experience.

I was 100% fine on the cruise ship because of the size and the stabilizers they use. So I didn't put them on until we were stopping at ports. I did need them for the smaller ships used on excursions. Previously, I had used the patches for a trip to Disneyworld. I wore them for a week and by the last day they had started to make me farsighted. Yes it is a side effect and yes it happens more often than you might think. I have had no problem with them when I only wear them a few days at a time.

My other favorite natural nausea buster are ginger chews. They are good enough to eat like candy.

I saw that and while I don't enjoy it, I will haggle. The excursion picks up and drops off at port. I'm not sure if they would let us skip the ride back or not. Something to consider. We have 8:30 or 11:30 options for the excursion through the ship. If we took the early tour we might have time to do that or catch a taxi back towards West Bay. I probably wouldn't risk going out there before the 11:30 tour for fear we wouldn't make it back to catch the tour. Thanks for your input.

Our ship doesn't offer an excursion to Goff's Caye and I have been looking at the various vendors of the excursion. Does anyone have recent (last 6 months) experience with booking Goff's through any of these companies? Are they all just vendors using the same operator? I was initially ready to book with Shore Excursioneer, but they get incredibly mixed reviews. Any input would be great. Thank you!

Viator - $55

EcoTours Belize - $55

Shore Excursioneer - $45

Belize Cruise Excursions - $40

It doesn't claim to be a plantation. I believe it is possibly Mayak Chocolates in Roatan.

Trujillo sounds much better, but I had located Mayak Chocolates in Roatan. They only appear to have a Facebook page. Trip Advisor lists them as both a restaurant and an attraction.

https://www.facebook.com/Mayak-763949777012200/#_=_

I and a friend (single late 20s) are doing the RCCL chocolate excursion on Roatan. Her request, not mine, and I am pretty sure I can't talk her out of it. I didn't realize that RCCL docks at Coxen and I know very little about it. The excursion is only 3 hours with lunch. What can we do before or after other that just go back to the ship? It didn't look like we could go to a beach without a fair bit more cost, which is a bummer. Ideas?

I am interested as well. We will be doing it regardless as I am pretty sure my friend picked this cruise because of the excursion...:rolleyes:

Thank you! Love the conference call booking idea.

I am cruising on Carnival with a friend and I think it may be uncomfortable or at least a hassle trying to split the sign and sail charges after the trip.

Is it possible to have separate sign and sail accounts even though we are staying in the same room? How do I arrange this?

I found some sources that said the dry dock was pushed to April/May. The Breeze is coming in to replace the Magic's itinerary.

1st choice Magic (if you would be going after the March drydock) and 2nd Freedom.

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When is the dry dock? We were looking at the March 27th sailing.

Magic 7 day to Cozumel, Belize, Mohogany Bay

Freedom 7 day to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Montego Bay

Liberty 5 day to Cozumel, Progresso

2 Single 28 year old ladies

I cruised once back in 2009, my friend has never cruised and is the instigator of this trip.

The Magic would require some sacrifices in terms of scheduling that I'm not sure are really worth it.

In all honesty, I've considered trying to talk here into stretching the budget for Royal Carribean after all I have read about how far down hill Carnival has gone in terms of evening entertainment and foodie. We are both foodies and enjoy the musical type shoes and the reviews of Carnival dining & lack of shows makes me think we may not enjoy it.