The Geek Family Goes Cruising - Valor 8/21-28 Western Caribbean

[megmno]

The following is the story of the GeekFamily's Best Summer Vacation Ever aboard the Carnival Valor 8/21-8/28!

 

It's a long and rambling account, but if you stick around long enough you will hear about:

• aft wrap cabin 7445 and aft extended 7447
  
• Discover diving and snorkeling at a private facility in Grand Cayman
  
• a Victor Bodden tour in Roatan including ziplining, monkeys and snorkeling
  
• the Chef's Table
  
• a private cave tubing excursion in Belize with cavetubing dot bz
  
• a Carnival excursion to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum.
  

Please note that I was inspired by the great review of the Glory that was written by Delta Hotel with assistance from his wife, Shaky Beef, which was more of a memoir or travelog than straight review. So if you are looking for an FBI review (“just the facts, ma'am”) you might want to “click on by” this thread.

 

There are lots of pictures, but alas no food porn. I was too busy eating to take pictures before chowing down!

 

Our Family: The Geeks

 

Each member of our family is Geeky and proud of it. Geekiness is not an insult. It just means that we know way too much about particular things that most people would find... odd. For example, I'm really into fiber, as in knitting. Once I started that it led me into spinning my own yarn and most recently weaving. I can hold a complete conversation on the properties of cotton fibers vs. silk vs. wool. On this forum, that's truly odd, but on a knitting forum, not so much.

 

So, dear readers, nod your heads if you can discuss with great knowledge the idiosyncrasies of individual ships in Carnival's fleet, their itineraries and even what is served for dinner on specific nights. If you are among those who is nodding congratulations, you are a CruiseGeek.

 

In our family we each have our own set of quirky interests, mostly revolving around computers. We're a little different than most people, I think. Our house has six computers but only one television. If the TV cable goes out, it might go unnoticed for a couple of days, but if our router slows down you should hear the whinging...

 

As GeekMom I have taken it upon myself to become the family CruiseGeek. I select the itinerary and excursions and tell them what they will be doing. They have learned over the years to take orders very nicely, too.

 

Besides GeekDad (age 48) and me (age 46) there are GeekSon (age 18) and GeekDaughter (age 14). GeekDad and I first cruised on the Spirit to Alaska in 2009, sans kiddos. Last summer the kids got to come along when we went on the Miracle to the Eastern Caribbean.

 

These are the GeekKids. GeekDaughter has been programming an interactive fiction computer game and GeekSon has been collaborating a bit. This is his first summer after his freshman year at a techie-type university, where he is majoring in Computer Science.

[retiredgram]

Ok, I want more. waiting.!!

[megmno]

While we had fun on the Miracle, the itinerary of four sea days and three ports turned out to be about two sea days too long for us. It turns out that we all like to have new places to explore and cool thngs to try out. Last year we did only Carnival sponsored excursions. After a year on Cruise Critic I've gotten a lot braver and decided to book some private excursions this year.

 

My evil plan this year was to schedule some really cool things to do on our own that would give us more of a taste of the places we were visiting. While there are some advantages to taking ship sponsored excursions, I don't really like the cattle car approach that most of them take.

PRE-CRUISE:

 

We arrived in Miami International Airport at 5:30 p.m. and took the airport shuttle to the Courtyard Airport South hotel. I chose a Marriott hotel because back when GeekSon was shopping for colleges I got a rewards card for Marriott. I figured that if I was going to start paying for college trips I might as well get something in return. Over the last year and a half I had collected enough points to pay for two rooms, as long as we didn't want to go to an expensive South Beach Marriott, which would have required a lot more points than we had.

 

(I also looked into paying tuition bills using a credit card that gets me air miles, but unfortunately GeekSon's college already was on to that little idea they now charge a convenience fee for credit card payments, which negates the value of the points.)

 

The Airport Courtyard Marriott was “good enough” hotel. Clean, comfortable rooms, a decent restaurant and a very nice swimming pool that is open late. GeekDaughter and I enjoyed an evening swim in the pool and it had lovely warm water. Maybe it's because we are used to swimming in Long Island beaches and pools, but it always seems luxurious to me to swim in 80 degree water. Maybe that's why I love going to the Caribbean!

 

SUNDAY - EMBARKATION

 

The following morning we enjoyed a very nice buffet breakfast (around $10 per person) and caught the hotel's shuttle to the Port of Miami ($11 per person, although the hotel also offers a package deal).

 

As we are not early risers by nature (computer geeks tend to be night owls) we caught an 11:30 shuttle. There was a long line outside the terminal, but it moved along reasonably well. The baggage handler was kind enough to inform us that if we took care of him, he would take care of our baggage. Not wanting to have to wear the same clothes for a week straight, we took the hint and tipped him $2 per bag. (An Australian woman we met later in the week told me that she and her daughter gave the baggage handler $30 so I guess maybe we didn't get shaken down as badly as they did!)

 

It took about an hour from arrival at the POM until we first crossed the gangplank. There was no waiting for zones as I've read other people have had to do.

 

[truchattycathy]

Great so far. I love your geekiness!!! Looking forward to more.

[dmarie21]

Excited to read this. I'm taking the same trip on 10/30.

[Celebrating40]

 

Our Family: The Geeks

 

Each member of our family is Geeky and proud of it. Geekiness is not an insult. It just means that we know way too much about particular things that most people would find... odd.

 

OMG, loving this review!! My long lost family went on a cruise! I am also a self proclaimed geek and oh so very proud. Keep it coming, cuz LOL!

[Stargateman]

Oh nooo you can't stop now lol I want more....great review so far :-)

[megmno]

The rooms were ready when we boarded so we went right up to see our first ever aft wrap cabin. GeekDad and I had the aft wrap 7445 and the kids had the aft extended next door. Because we had booked using Future Cruise Certificates we had to book one parent and one child in each room. Apparently our reservations weren't recorded as being for a family even though they were linked because the room steward made up the wrap with two beds:

 

 

However, he was happy to rearrange the beds for us by bed time:

 

 

The aft wrap has a wonderful balcony:

 

 

 

 

We also asked the steward to open up the divider between the wrap and the extended balcony. I wasn't sure if this could be done because according to Carnival's travel agent website “Goccl” that divider can't be opened. Apparently that web site is not always accurate, though, because the steward was happy to open it for us and said this is done regularly. The divider didn't have anything to secure it to, so we put a rubber door stop between the frame and the door so it couldn't slam shut.

 

Although the combined balcony was amazing, there were certain pros and cons. The wrap had two lounge chairs, two regular chairs and a small table. The aft extended had another two chairs and a table. Even with all that furniture, there was plenty of room to walk around.

 

There were wonderful views of sunsets each night, and lying out under the stars in the middle of the night while listening to the steady sound of the wake was incomparable. But during the daytime the aft side of the balcony was extremely hot and sunny.

 

The GeekFamily is also practically albino in coloration. Seriously, we had SPF 90 sunscreen and wore it assiduously during our various excursions, and yet we all got some amount of sunburn. So, although it might be great for other (less pale) families, the aft extended balcony didn't work out too well for us.

 

Fortunately our wrap had a side section that was often shady during the day, and also had a breeze when the ship was sailing. There were also times when there was some shade on the corner part of the wrap.

 

 

We booked a cruise on the Magic for next summer and have reserved a wrap plus the L-shaped (bowling alley) side balcony next to it. Hopefully that will give us more shade during the daytime but still the gorgeous views of the wrap during sunsets and nights.

[TakeMeAway1001]

I am loving all the different types of reviews that have been posted lately, we have some truly creative writers on this board and I thank everyone that takes the time to post a review, it's a great way to pass the time before the next cruise :)

[megmno]

After checking out our rooms we set off to get something to eat and explore the ship. The Valor has the usual Carnival enthusiastic design. If you enjoy Las Vegas style decor you will like the public areas on Carnival ships. If you don't, then not so much....

I happen to be amused by goofy looking stuff, like this:

 

 

Really, bananas??? Why??

For the most part the ship is lovely, especially when it's not crowded, as it wasn't during embarkation:

 

 

There were also lots of gold eagles all over the place:

 

 

The Lido restaurant, Rosies, was jam packed with people. There weren't a lot of open tables, so we headed upstairs to the fish and chips stand. This turned out to be one of the best places to eat aboard, and we came back several times during the week. The fried fish was hot and crispy and there were several tasty sauces available.

 

GeekDad was a little disappointed that there wasn't traditional cocktail sauce available. I had actually asked about this on CC earlier, and knew there wasn't any. I meant to bring some along, but forgot it. I have a feeling that if the TSA had found it in our luggage I would have been invited to a very special screening. What kind of whacko brings cocktail sauce on an airplane?

 

We also had cups of fish ceviche, ahi tuna with watermelon and octopus salad. They were all very good too, especially the ceviche.

 

One criticism I have of the Valor is that the public areas such as the Lido and the pool decks are very crowded during peak times. This is partly my own little quirk -- I don't like crowded places much at all. However, even if you are like me there are still plenty of places to go that are not crowded, such as the fish and chips area for lunch. If you can eat earlier or later than most of your other passengers it also helps.

 

Sometime this afternoon I also had one of these, which also helps me relax and enjoy the crowds:

 

 

My new favorite drink: the Miami Vice. It's half strawberry daiquiri and half pina colada. Very yummy! I am craving one right now!

[megmno]

Pretty soon the pilot left the ship.

 

 

and the view from the aft was this:

 

 

There was a small goof up with our dining table assignments apparently we were not listed as a family even though our bookings were linked. So we were assigned to different dining rooms. This necessitated a trip to the maitre'd, who reassigned us to a four person booth.

 

Dinner was very yummy. I had decided to try to eat the new “Didja” items that are now offered each night on the starters menu. For the first night it was cured salmon with apple and dill, and was very good. We often ordered extra starters so that we could try out lots of things. I think Carnival does an outstanding job on the appetizers I don't think I've ever had one I didn't like. The only complaint is that they are not very large portions, but that gives me the excuse to order two (or even three) of them!

 

For dessert I had the creme brulee, which I think is my favorite Carnival dessert. I'm actually not a huge fan of the warm chocolate melting cake it's a little too sweet and gooey for my taste.

 

After dinner we went to the Welcome Aboard show. The cruise director, Goose, seemed very personable. He was followed by one of the comedians who gave a preview of his show.

We were very tired, and went to bed soon thereafter. It's funny on land I can easily stay up until the wee hours of the morning. But when we're on vacation, especially at sea, I'm ready to conk out by about 11 p.m.

 

Still, in the middle of the night I woke up and stepped out onto our balcony. The stars were bright diamonds in the sky, and it was extremely quiet. It felt like I was completely alone, even though I was riding on the back of a small city of some 4500 souls.

[truchattycathy]

MMMMM I love those!!!!

[ShakyBeef]

Megmno,

 

I am truly honoured that you mention DH (and me:o) as your inspiration.:) Thank you. And I am definitely enjoying your memoir! Geek on, girl.:cool:

[australian_girl]

Exciting review so far... looking forward to reading more!!

 

Thanks for sharing. :)

[megmno]

MONDAY - SEA DAY

 

Monday was the first real day off I had in several weeks, and I made it a lazy day. GeekDad and I own a business and for the last several weeks I had been getting work done in advance for our absence, and writing up many pages of “what if” notes for our staff. In addition, I had been martialling the forces at home to get everyone packed for vacation. My strategy is to write up multi-page lists of things to pack and give everyone a list to work on. And then I check up on them. Repeat as necessary. (Anal, yes, but besides the cocktail sauce we didn't forget anything else.)

 

My parents were great people who worked very hard, but never seemed to find time for vacations. When I was growing up we never took any family trips. Instead, my parents had bought a house in the Poconos, a couple of hours away from New York, where they lived. They used to go there most weekends, and as a teenager I had to go along too. I'm sure it was restful for them, but for a teenager, it was Godawful boring. So it doesn't require a degree in psychotherapy to understand why I'm extremely dedicated to vacation planning.

 

[/German accent] You vill go on de vacation and you vill haf a gut time! [German accent]

 

I'm sure GeekSon and GeekDaughter will revert to my parents' style, in reaction to me!

 

To start off our lazy sea day, we ordered pastries and coffee from room service and then also went to the dining room for breakfast. This is another strategy to avoid the crowds on the Lido. Why stand in line when someone will bring you breakfast? One tip I heard was that if you order Eggs Benedict you should get the sauce on the side. Otherwise when it sits under the heat lamps in the kitchen it gets all hard and nasty. GeekDad said it was very good with the sauce on the side. I tend to eat light in the morning, and since this was actually Second Breakfast, I decided to have fruit and yogurt.

 

GeekDaughter and I once figured out how many meals you can eat each day on a cruise:

First Breakfast - Room Service

Second Breakfast - Lido or Dining Room

Mid Morning Snack

Lunch

Tea

Sushi

Dinner

After Dinner Snack at coffee bar

Late night buffet

 

Later in the morning the GeekChildren and I went to a Murder Mystery Challenge, which turned out to be a lot of fun. One of the assistant cruise directors presented a murder scenario which involved the cruise director, another ACD, the comedy club manager, the karaoke manager and one of the dancers. Each of them gave an alibi about where they were at the time of the crime. Clue sheets were handed out which listed each person plus five murder weapons.

 

During the rest of the week participants had to ask each of the suspects for a clue which might help eliminate people or weapons. In addition, cryptograms were printed in the Fun Times each day that provided additional information. GeekSon actually took a class in crypto-analysis a while back, so he was very helpful in solving those clues. By the end of the week we had approached all of the suspects and figured out “whodunit.” We submitted our answer sheet on the last sea day, and along with other people who got the right answer we were entered into a raffle, which unfortunately we did not win. The winner got a ship on a stick, a bottle of champagne and a piece of jewelry. Although I would have liked to come home with a solid gold plastic ship on a stick, it was still a lot of fun.

 

I also tried to meet up with a Cruise Critic roll call which was supposed to be in Rosies at 2 p.m. It was very crowded, but I walked around for a while without finding them.

 

I also went on the water slide. The GeekKids decided the line was too long, and bailed out. It was about a half hour wait, so they were right. But it was also a ton of fun, and I wasn't the only adult on line, either. Again, though, if you like to ride on the slide, try this at a time when no one is waiting. It's much better. I went back during a port day when we returned a bit early one afternoon. At that time there was no wait at all.

 

While the pool deck area was jam packed on that sea day, if you walked to the upper decks away from the pools there were plenty of lounge chairs available, and a nice sea breeze as well. Of course, when you have an aft wrap with your own private lounge chairs, that doesn't really matter, though.

 

Another aside: on our first ever cruise on the Spirit to Alaska GeekDad and I went without kids, but with another couple. Because the flight time to Alaska was eleven hours and we had a ton of frequent flyer miles, we got first class seats.

(Aside to the aside: If you are flying from New York to Anchorage, why must you connect through Dallas???? Doesn't anyone at American Airlines possess a map?)

Our friends, on the other hand, were in the back of the plane in steerage. We enjoyed torturing them with tales of excellent food, free wine and fresh baked cookies (really!). They, on the other hand, had to pay nine bucks for a sandwich if they wanted to eat. Ever since then, our friends have teased us a being “The First Class People.”

 

Well, at the risk of being thrown out of the Egalitarians Club, I have to say I really really like having a First Class Person Balcony. Not sure if I'll ever get to fly first class again, but if I do, I intend to revel in every minute of it, too. (Aside: Would the Egalitarian's Club have a president?)

 

Dinner this night was Cruise Elegant. Before dinner we took some evening photos on our balcony, including this one of me (too cheap to buy ship's photographers' photos):

 

 

The shawl I'm wearing is one that I started knitting while we were on the Miracle last year. (I am a FiberGeek as well as a CruiseGeek.) I learned a hard lesson with that shawl never never never try to knit a complex pattern while under the influence of boat drinks! Rum and yarn don't mix! I ended up with a huge mess and had to frog the whole project when we got home. However, the shawl is the color of the Caribbean sea and always reminds me of that cruise.

 

 

The lobster tails were still on the menu on Elegant Night, and still yummy. The Didja of the night was supposed to have been alligator fritters, but instead shrimp was substituted. It was still good, but I was a little disappointed not to get to try alligator.

 

At the Chef's Table dinner later in the week we asked the chef what had happened to the alligator, and he said something about it not being good that week. So does Carnival have a little supply problem with their gators? Since the corporate headquarters is in Miami you would think they could just send a couple of beards over to the swamps to bag a few extras...

 

Most men were either in a jacket or a dress shirt and tie to elegant night, although some wore polo style shirts. Most women wore a dress or skirt. I don't recall seeing any tuxedos, except on the waiters!

[megmno]

I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. I have a full rough draft written, so I expect to finish posting it tomorrow morning.

[Tio Marco]

Really, bananas??? Why??

 

 

Because the "Paris Hot" club was inspired by Josephine Baker. Baker was the first African American female to star in a major motion picture, to integrate an American concert hall, and to become a world-famous entertainer. She is also noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States (she was offered the unofficial leadership of the movement by Coretta Scott King in 1968 following Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, but turned it down),[3] for assisting the French Resistance during World War II,[4] and for being the first American-born woman to receive the French military honor, the Croix de Guerre.

 

On October 2, 1925, she opened in Paris at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, where she became an instant success for her erotic dancing and for appearing practically nude on stage. After a successful tour of Europe, she reneged on her contract and returned to France to star at the Folies Bergères, setting the standard for her future acts. She performed the Danse sauvage, wearing a costume consisting of a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Baker

[megmno]

TUESDAY - GRAND CAYMAN

 

We arrived in Grand Cayman at 8 a.m. This is a tender port, but they are extremely efficient so it only took a few minutes to get off the ship. We had an appointment at Eden Rock Dive Center for Discover Scuba classes.

 

Eden Rock is located about 4-5 blocks from the tender terminal. Grand Cayman is more upscale than the other ports we visited. At the terminal there are some vendors with booths, but just outside the terminal are many shops for everything from clothing to jewelry to alcohol. It is a very safe area to just walk around if you don't want to take a ship's excursion.

 

We walked over to Eden Rock, and signed in for our class. Discover Scuba is a program which offers a brief orientation on equipment and safety and then is followed by a guided dive up to 40 feet in depth. Each instructor can take a maximum of four people. Eden Rock offers this class for $90; Carnival offered it for $120.

 

Anne, our instructor, got everyone set up with gear and then gave us the briefing. Eden Rock's snorkel and diving area is out back behind the shop. We could see the Valor in the harbor the entire time, which was comforting since this was our first non-Carnival excursion.

 

Once we got into the water, I had a bit of a panic attack, and ended up dropping out of the class. I have a fear of putting my head under water which got the better of me, so I decided rather than mess up everyone else's class I would just snorkel around the ladder area instead. For some reason I'm not afraid of water when I'm snorkeling. This really worked out well as GeekDad and kids really enjoyed it. GeekDaughter and GeekDad would like to go for full PADI certification, which we will probably do at home.

 

 

Eden Rock also offers snorkeling. You can rent gear and a locker from them for $14 and use their ladder. They have a trail laid out with buoys you can follow. This is a much better deal than the ship offers. I have to say, if you are interested in snorkeling in GC, there is absolutely no reason to pay the ship's prices. In addition to Eden Rock, there are several other very reputable dive shops in close proximity to the tender dock.

 

We still had plenty of time after the class so we walked around the stores near the ferry terminal. GeekDaughter and I bought some pretty Island-style dresses. I also just had to have my picture taken with this completely inappropriate sign:

 

 

When on vacation it is imperative to embarrass your children at least once.

 

The Lido was empty when we returned to the ship so we got more fish and chips, and I made a trip to the water slide.

 

The ship was late leaving Grand Cayman, and they kept paging people. We watched the tender line from our balcony and once it was empty we figured we'd be leaving. The captain seemed to be revving up the engines. He appeared to have weighed anchor already but for waited at least 20 minutes past sailing time. Finally, one last tender came up alongside and several more passengers boarded.

 

 

Smile for the cameras, guys!

 

 

After we set sail that afternoon we stopped by the past guest party. The drinks and hors d'oeuvres were plentiful and there was decent music. We then stopped for sushi before dinner.

[jebby]

Thanks so much for your review and photos. I am enjoying everything so much. Can't wait for the next installment.

 

Joyce

[megmno]

Because the "Paris Hot" club was inspired by Josephine Baker. Baker was the first African American female to star in a major motion picture, to integrate an American concert hall, and to become a world-famous entertainer. She is also noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States (she was offered the unofficial leadership of the movement by Coretta Scott King in 1968 following Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, but turned it down),[3] for assisting the French Resistance during World War II,[4] and for being the first American-born woman to receive the French military honor, the Croix de Guerre.

 

On October 2, 1925, she opened in Paris at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, where she became an instant success for her erotic dancing and for appearing practically nude on stage. After a successful tour of Europe, she reneged on her contract and returned to France to star at the Folies Bergères, setting the standard for her future acts. She performed the Danse sauvage, wearing a costume consisting of a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Baker

 

Wow, who would have thought it? Thanks for the info!

[truchattycathy]

Because the "Paris Hot" club was inspired by Josephine Baker. Baker was the first African American female to star in a major motion picture, to integrate an American concert hall, and to become a world-famous entertainer. She is also noted for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States (she was offered the unofficial leadership of the movement by Coretta Scott King in 1968 following Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, but turned it down),[3] for assisting the French Resistance during World War II,[4] and for being the first American-born woman to receive the French military honor, the Croix de Guerre.

 

On October 2, 1925, she opened in Paris at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, where she became an instant success for her erotic dancing and for appearing practically nude on stage. After a successful tour of Europe, she reneged on her contract and returned to France to star at the Folies Bergères, setting the standard for her future acts. She performed the Danse sauvage, wearing a costume consisting of a skirt made of a string of artificial bananas.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephine_Baker

 

That is so interesting. Thanks so much for posting!

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Geeks are people too!

[megmno]

After we set sail that afternoon we stopped by the past guest party. The drinks and hors d'oeuvres were plentiful and there was decent music. We then stopped for sushi before dinner.

 

GeekDad and I went for a stroll on the upper decks before dinner and took some great pictures:

There were beautiful banks of clouds with the sun streaming through them:

 

 

The serenity deck was almost empty. During the daytime it was always pretty busy.

 

 

Looking aft from the top deck.

 

 

GeekDad and I both had new cameras, so we took a lot of shots together for comparison.

 

 

Then we both got really incredible pictures of a rainbow inside a cloud. I've never seen anything like it before.

 

 

 

At dinner that night I had the jerk pork, which I didn't like very much. GeekDad had the meatloaf, which was much better. There's been a lot of comment on CC lately about how items such as meatloaf shouldn't be offered, but I have to say that if it's done well, these comfort foods can actually be better than more fancy offerings. The Didja appetizer was sushi, which kind of surprised me because sushi is already available every night anyway. Didn't really see this as a “Didja ever try...” item.

 

After dinner GeekSon and I headed off to see 60 Seconds or Less which was a series of challenges for teams of passengers. For example, one challenge involved building a large pyramid of plastic cups. Another involved one passenger trying to bounce ping pong balls into a hat worn by another passenger.

 

Some folks on CC have complained that there have been cutbacks in the quality of the shows, and I suppose that is true. While there were several production style shows this week, I think there were fewer than in our previous two Carnival cruises. But I'm not among the people complaining --I don't particularly like production shows. I actually enjoy entertainment that involves the other passengers, as long as it is fairly clever. I also like the new comedy shows a lot.

 

Another long day of fun and so, off to bed.

[megmno]

TUESDAY - ROATAN, HONDURAS

 

We pulled into Roatan at noon on Wednesday, which allowed lazy folks like us to sleep in. Another fine first breakfast of pastries from room service followed by a Lido breakfast for those who wanted more. GeekSon has a healthy teenage boy's appetite while I am trying to manage my middle aged weight gain.

 

In Roatan I had arranged for a private tour with Victor Bodden tours. Victor's name comes up frequently on the CC ports of call board on CC and also on Trip Advisor, and virtually all of the reviews are highly positive. I felt comfortable going on a private excursion in Roatan because it is a pretty small island so you are never far from the cruise ship terminal. Also, Victor has many drivers and vehicles, so in the event that your driver's car breaks down he can easily send out a new driver, or at the worst a taxi.

 

Well, the reviews are right. The guide that we had, Keila, was very knowledgeable about the island, spoke excellent English and was very pleasant. Her car was a fairly new minivan which had good air conditioning (absolutely necessary!).

 

To get to the meeting point for Victor's tours you have to walk through the Mahogany Bay shopping area, which I think looks like a fake Disney town. This is somewhat up hill. Victor's directions said to go up the hill, so we assumed that was what he meant. But no, the real hill was outside the terminal gates. And it was very steep, although not very long. There is a $2 pp taxi available from inside the terminal, but by the time we realized exactly what “the hill” meant we were well beyond where the taxis were dispatched. For those who find walking difficult you should definitely get the taxi.

 

I am so glad we got to see the real Roatan instead of just Mahogany Bay. Keila drove us around and described the different kinds of housing there, ranging from gorgeous houses for expatriates to small homes that were for the local people. She showed us the public school and hospital trust me, you want to get travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage. While there is apparently also a private clinic on the island, the public hospital doesn't look like a place you would want to be sent to.

 

Keila took then took us to Victor's house which also has a compound containing some animals native to Honduras and Roatan. His house is also the center of operations for his business, so there were quite a few other customers and employees around, although we did not see Victor himself there.

 

This is also the start of the zip line course, which has about a dozen lines, and a rope bridge. Most reasonably fit adults should be able to manage the course, which has some pretty high platforms, but seemed safe.

 

First, everyone is outfitted with harnesses and hard hats:

 

 

Then at each platform the guides hook each rider up individually to the zip line. One guide goes ahead of the group to meet riders and the other stays behind to help everyone off the platform. At times it took a little leap of faith to jump off the platform, but it was very exciting.

 

Towards the end of the course they grouped us together so we could get some good photos. The GeekKids look like they are enjoying themselves without computers, even!!!

 

The guides also showed us local plants and got us some fruits from two of the trees that tasted like a cross between an apple and a plum.

[Slo_Pokey]

Your family is so cool! Thanks so much for the great review - this is probably my fav CC review so far. :D