Was told this port not worth seeng. . .True ?

[tkrisnel]

I read through this entire thread, and it is filled with great information! We will be in Roatan November 2009 via the Crown Princess. We are getting married on board and were hoping to plan a specal day for our guests (about 25) in Roatan.

 

We were looking at doing a private tour, but really want to do a private boat/sailboat charter for a day at sea/snorkeling. I have been all over the internet with little success (seeing the same boat over and over for a group of our size). Any ideas/recommendations on private boat/sailboat charters for appx 25 people? :o

[MDSue]

We consider Roatan and Grand Cayman our favorite spots in Western Caribbean. Unfortunately, it is hard to find an itinerary with both.

We just did the Carnival Legend out of Tampa specifically because it had both these ports. It's a great itinerary.

[markstudy]

wow...if this was a poll... we've had 2 people who'd vote "skip it"

And 20 people who rated it at, or near the top of their list.

 

Funny spread? I'd guess the people who didn't enjoy this port aren't water sports fans?

 

I'm looking forward to it... and I picked my cruise because of this port.

 

Its so rare to find a place to snorkel, where you don't have a guide watching his watch, and pulling the group back in after only 45 minutes of snorkeling. I'm looking forward to not being on the clock, and swimming at my own pace... like St John's Trunk Bay.

[LisainFL]

Having just returned from RCI cruise last week, I am very surprised at what we saw vs what we expected. Yes, the vegetation is beautiful in Roatan, but this island is simply not equipped to handle the masses of tourists brought in on cruise ships. The snorkeling was bland, the beaches overcrowded. Everything very over-priced. We had a very low energy and uninteresting guide from Bodden Tours--not at all like the ones mentioned by others. Considering we wanted to go to the beaches mostly, it was a total waste of money for us. (Makes me question the authenticity of some of these postings). Traffic was a mess, no public toilets etc. The poverty is unfortunately striking and the government has little in the way of infrastructure or services for its people. We are not unfamiliar with 3rd world countries (so it is not that aspect that shocks us) but this small island is ill prepared for the thousands of tourists that disembark. I would not recommend this port and our family agrees that we would not choose a land-based vacation there.

 

 

That would have been my review of Belize. We had a FANTASTIC time in Roatan last week, but hated Belize. We even got charged an extra $2.00 per taco over and above the $6.00 menu price in Belize. What, you may ask, was the extra $2.00 per taco for? The FILLING!

 

sheesh!!!!

 

Take the Tabyana Beach Day Excursion (Carnival) or the Fins and Flippers excursion (non-Carnival)...you will have a great time!

[LisainFL]

I agree with Sparky that Dominican is my favorite, but DH has not been there. So far, this has been our favorite port of call together. We did the zip line and beach combo. The view was fabulous, everyone was very friendly, and the island was very clean. They had people constantly cleaning the seaweed of the beach while we were there. I would not hesitate to go again and we are looking at going on the same cruise (Glory) again this October.

 

 

I haven't been to Dominica, but up until last week, Cozumel was one of our favorites...but Roatan is pretty darn close to the top of our favorites list....we are even thinking about going for a whole week in November, flying in from Miami to the Roatan Airport. You can get a top shelf 2 bedroom condo on the beach with great amenities in Roatan for less then a flop hotel here in florida for a week.

 

I agree the island was very clean. We toured about half a mile around the port on foot, then did the 30 minute bus ride to Tabyana beach and back. The poverty didn't look much worse to me then it does in the rural south of the U.S. I've seen worse in small towns in the Carolinas, Alabama, Mississippi, etc.

[LisainFL]

The poverty is "in your face", we saw people struggeling and we saw a dead dog in the street as well as many ill looking ones. Children were begging and it seemed very guenuine (sp?) , and the dwelling were the worst I've seen in all the ports I've been to.

 

2 things...it makes you appriciate what you have and value your vaction and it makes you want to give more to people in need. It was hard to look past it and enjoy the day but....you do.

 

Have a good time and sorry if my post is a bit of a downer, you should know what to expect and of course this was my experiance so please take it as you will.

 

 

Like I said in my previous post, some people need to get out and see the USA more. I've seen worse poverty and dwellings in the southeastern US then I've seen in Roatan. Actually I've seen worse on some of the Indian reservations in this country too.

 

When I first moved to the Carolinas in the 1980's, 2% of the housing there did not have indoor plumbing. I hope that has been improved by now, but as recently 20 years ago, one out of every 50 households in North and South Carolina had no indoor plumbing. Try visiting rural West Virginia and Kentucky. At least these islands in the Caribbean have tourists visiting.

[marciacubed]

This was actually my favorite port and the only stop that I would be interested in returning to for an extended stay. There was obvious poverty on the island but if you can look past it, the island was beautiful and the limited people we had contact with were very gracious. They seem genuinely grateful to have people there spending money.

 

Quite frankly, as far as the people go, I felt this way about all the ports we stopped at. Belize was the only stop that I wouldn't really want to return to. It wasn't particularly scenic but I may feel differently if I experienced it again.

 

Bottom line....Honduras was awesome and I hope to return if I ever decide to get scuba certified.

I went to Roatan last summer and it was my favorite stop. I agree with the above post about Beliz I couldn't have said it better. We actually had a bullet hole in the window of the tour bus.

[vvs]

I know its only some peoples opinion, but have been told by a few who have been, its not worth the stop. Is it ? Not really hearing good things, any other opinions ? Would love to hear from others who have been. THANK YOU ahead of time. ( it is a port stop while cruising )

 

I realize this may be some people's opinion, but Roatan was our favorite port by far! We rented a private driver and saw most of the western end of this beautiful island before stoppping at Bananarama to snorkel. The beach is unspoiled and the reef within 10 feet of the shoreline. We snorkel here in Florida & the Bahamas a lot and this was the best we have ever found. Plus the rum drinks at the bar there were delicious and cheap! :D Do take cash though, no one wants to accept travelers checks.

[capncarp]

For DW and I, Roatan got under our skin, in a GOOD way. Yes, the standard of living is far below what most Americans consider acceptable, but the people we encountered were friendly and easy-going and generous. The place and the people, unlike the Caymans or Nassau or Cozumel are REAL and uncomplicated, and I hope they don't get developed over in Tourist Trap Modern:eek:.

 

 

I'd go back in a heartbeat! :cool: And I haven't even tried the local snorkelling yet!

[I Heart 2 Cruise]

I know its only some peoples opinion, but have been told by a few who have been, its not worth the stop. Is it ? Not really hearing good things, any other opinions ? Would love to hear from others who have been. THANK YOU ahead of time. ( it is a port stop while cruising )

 

We just got back last Saturday from our cruise and we loved Roatan. There's not much to do at the port and I highly recommend that you either grab a taxi and go to the West End where the beaches are beautiful. We booked a tour through the ship and went to this awesome up-and-coming resort (Taymalana (can't spell it!)) and it included a bus ride (about 30 minutes) in a school bus (yes, welcome to Central America!) and the beach clubish area was so peaceful. You could rent kayaks, snorkle equipment, etc. if you want. But our tour included the bus ride, use of the shower, changing rooms, restrooms, live island music, beach chairs and some fantastic shade under a palm tree.

It was a little spendy, I thought, but we wanted the beach and it would have been just about as much just for a taxi to get us somewhere.

 

Also, the shopping right at the port is very nice. No beggers, peddlers, or people pressuring you to buy. THe shopping stores are nicely cared for, and I tell you, the water was absolutely beautiful!

 

I heard from many people on our cruise that the snorkling was THE best!

[barefoot cruiser]

Our ship stopped in Roatan last week. It was the highlight of our trip. We booked a private guide through Theris Dixon Tours. We chose what we wanted to do. We ziplined with South Shore Canopy Tour, took a tour through the mangroves, visited the iquana farm (conservatory) and then went to a small resort and had a dip in the ocean and a bite to eat...the seafood on the island is not to be missed.

After this cruise, i would find it hard to book through the cruiseline. Jason our driver was a native, who told us about the culture history and what everyday life was like on the island.

The port area is a little interesting as many guides stand right outside the gate with the hopes of getting a group for the day, there is a military presence to keep things under control. having pre arranged a tour, we walked right through found jason and were off to paradise for the day.

 

sorry this is a little longer than I intended, but like I said Roatn was our favorite.

[aksteele13]

We spent a day with Juan Carlos in 2006 and have arranged to meet up with him again in April. Great guide and loved spending the day with him.. I say YES get off the ship!!

We ziplined in South Shore Canopy, went to West End/Bay (can't remember name) beach, lunch and snorkeling, saw the iguana farm, monkeys on the beach, and a little shopping it was a GREAT day.

 

Roatan was our FAVORITE port on the Legend two weeks ago. We also booked a private tour with Juan Carlos, and found it to be the BEST, personal experience. He took us around the island, showed us his childhood home, took us to see the monkeys, had an authentic meal, and then spent the afternoon snorkeling and lying on the private beach and swimming in the most amazing pools I've ever been in at Mayan Princess (for a ten dollar fee).

 

Please don't miss it. Find Juan Carlos. You won't be sorry.

[afcj1]

Roatan was our FAVORITE port on the Legend two weeks ago. We also booked a private tour with Juan Carlos, and found it to be the BEST, personal experience. He took us around the island, showed us his childhood home, took us to see the monkeys, had an authentic meal, and then spent the afternoon snorkeling and lying on the private beach and swimming in the most amazing pools I've ever been in at Mayan Princess (for a ten dollar fee).

 

Please don't miss it. Find Juan Carlos. You won't be sorry.

 

This sounds great. How do you get in touch with Juan Carlos?

 

Thanks:)

[kdkg11]

We just got off of the Valor this morning and Roatan was our favorite stop. We went to Fins and Flippers. It is a few minute walk from the ship to which they escort you to their boat dock. They take you across to their private island, there was snorkeling from the pier - there was a worker out in the water in a kayak in case anyone needed help, built-in pool, regular large restrooms, restaurant, bar and a large store. Everything looked to have been recently built. The food was great and so was the staff. They even rake all of the sand around the trees, gardens and on the beach. Another plus was it was not crowded, at one point I had the whole pool to myself. We snorkeled in Grand Cayman and Belize too but saw much more in Roatan. The only drawback was the fact that there are sand fleas in Roatan and they do bite, like mosquitoes. Bring bug spray. They did have an earthquake the night we left so hopefully there wasn't too much damage.

[98Charlie]

That would have been my review of Belize. We had a FANTASTIC time in Roatan last week, but hated Belize. We even got charged an extra $2.00 per taco over and above the $6.00 menu price in Belize. What, you may ask, was the extra $2.00 per taco for? The FILLING!

 

sheesh!!!!

 

Take the Tabyana Beach Day Excursion (Carnival) or the Fins and Flippers excursion (non-Carnival)...you will have a great time!

Lisa - Where did you get charged for the taco filling:eek: We usually end up at the Wet Lizard in Belize.....great conch fritters and cold Belekins:D

 

I really would want to avoid any restaurant that considers taco filling an extra with your taco order.

 

Charlie

[sunnykb19]

What a great thread! We went to Roatan on our honeymoon 9 yrs ago. We stayed at Anthony's Key. The people were SO friendly! We did the dolphin encounter and went to the parrot farm and had a great time doing both. We are doing our first cruise for our 10 yr. anniversary next year and I was considering doing an Eastern cruise, but then I saw that there is a port in Honduras. I think it would be so great to take our 3 kids back to the place where it all started (I get teary-eyed just thinking about it). Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the fantastic descriptions! I haven't read anything about the other ports on this itinerary but I think I may go based just on this one! Thanks again!!

[yazeee1]

Roatan was our FAVORITE port on the Legend two weeks ago. We also booked a private tour with Juan Carlos, and found it to be the BEST, personal experience. He took us around the island, showed us his childhood home, took us to see the monkeys, had an authentic meal, and then spent the afternoon snorkeling and lying on the private beach and swimming in the most amazing pools I've ever been in at Mayan Princess (for a ten dollar fee).

 

Please don't miss it. Find Juan Carlos. You won't be sorry.

 

This sounds like the perfect day to me. Did you go shopping for souvenirs at some point? That's the only thing I would want to add.

[lovevacadays]

This sounds like the perfect day to me. Did you go shopping for souvenirs at some point? That's the only thing I would want to add.

 

Not sure about the tour operator mentioned in the earlier post but you can also get the same type of day and shop for souvenirs with Victor Bodden's Tours. You can google him and then email him. He will have you fill out a form with things you might want to do. However, once you get there your tour guide will do whatever you want and at your pace. The great thing it is only your group in the tour as it's private so you can pick and choose or have your tour guide suggest something. We had Tex who you can request and if not available have heard great things about Ali and Lionel

[oratheeexplorer]

Been wondering what to do, if anything, in Roatan......I'm skeptical after reading other threads about the many, many people having problems with getting covered in bug bites......sand flie bites? Is this a problem if you do a tour through the ship and stay away from the beaches?

[phabric]

Not sure about the tour operator mentioned in the earlier post but you can also get the same type of day and shop for souvenirs with Victor Bodden's Tours. You can google him and then email him. He will have you fill out a form with things you might want to do. However, once you get there your tour guide will do whatever you want and at your pace. The great thing it is only your group in the tour as it's private so you can pick and choose or have your tour guide suggest something. We had Tex who you can request and if not available have heard great things about Ali and Lionel

 

I have good things about Victor Bodden on Cruise Critic. The price for 4 is $25 + admission fee for the attractions we want. How long was your tour? Which attractions did you do?

[LaurieCM]

We did the Bodden "Best Of..." last January and it was great. We did the general tour- up into the hills to get some great pictures of the bay, etc. We went to the "zoo" at Bodden's place- I had never pet an anteater before- Zuzu is a sweet thing and those birds and monkeys are crazy! There is ziplining available as well. Our driver took us to a resort for swimming- we went to the Mayan Princess- very lovely- $10 a person- a lounger on the beach or hang out at the fabulous connecting pools. We hung out at the beach and swam and then hit the fresh water pools- the pools had waterfalls and were a lot of fun (you can see all on line if you google Mayan Princess on Roatan). Later we went shopping and to his house- he brought out his "son" and when we asked his baby's name, he hestitated and said "Juan". I don't know if that was really his kid or just a ploy to get a better tip, but we were well treated, we had a great time and felt totally safe. Some people rave about their guide- ours was nice and did all we wanted- probably average. You can also snorkel or do other water sports. Bodden can arrange anything you want- scuba? Lobster for lunch at a bargain price? Just ask. Very accomodating people. The best part was feeling very safe. You will have a good time.;)

[lovevacadays]

Been wondering what to do, if anything, in Roatan......I'm skeptical after reading other threads about the many, many people having problems with getting covered in bug bites......sand flie bites? Is this a problem if you do a tour through the ship and stay away from the beaches?

 

We did a private tour with Victor Bodden. We didn't hang out at the beach. No bug bites at all.

[lovevacadays]

I have good things about Victor Bodden on Cruise Critic. The price for 4 is $25 + admission fee for the attractions we want. How long was your tour? Which attractions did you do?

 

I think we started around 9 (can't remember for sure) and got back to the ship about 3pm. We wanted a little leeway on our return as we had to be back on the ship by 430. We didn't add any extra price attractions on our day as we weren't that excited to see monkeys, etc. Live in Southern California and have one of the world's best zoo's in the San Diego zoo. The friend I ws traveling with wasn't a zipliner. We did go to a church, drove to several scenic places all around the island, stopped and bought some fruit from one of Tex' friends, went to where our tour guide Tex' brother worked at this beautiful dive resort just to see it (so incredibly beautiful and picturesque), Tex took us by his house and we met his dogs and walked out on the dock in front of his house, he drove us right on the beach close to his house, went to West End and had a wonderful lunch at the Half Moon Bay Resort. You can eat out on the outside patio. It sits in the bay with a view of the ocean one way and a beautiful bay view the other. There was actually water splashing up on our feet every now and then. We had two lobster tails a piece for $20. The meal was good but not exceptional. However, the ambience and view were magnificent. They also served the best Pina Coladas I've ever had. Then we drove through some other neighborhoods, went to the Cameo Factory and back to the ship.

 

In the 14 cruises I've done this was by far the most personal tour experience I've had. Got to meet our tour guides relative, some of his friends, his dogs, saw his house, drove right on the beach - it really was fabulous.

[sealovers]

We just completed the Carnival Dream Halloween cruise with a port of call to Roatan. The Carnival created port is clean, concrete covered and similar to shopping at your suburban strip mall....except you can walk around with an alcoholic drink in your hand viewing mass created souvenirs. If you don't leave this contained area, you have not seen Roatan. It's funny how Carnival does not clearly mark how to exit their enclosed 'port' area. If leaving the Carnival area, you must actually walk on the highway (no sidewalk) past the guards to get to the non-cruiseline excursions. They are allowed to return you to the actual port area. We booked a private tour with Victor Bodden and saw more than I wanted to see. We had booked the taxi and driver for the entire day, but was ready to return to the ship after about 4 hours. Of course several rain showers contributed to that decision. Victor Bodden's taxi driver, Anthony, was excellent. He was informative, professional and spoke with a beautiful english accent. If you really want to see anything on the island, just ask Anthony and he will take your there. He was born on the island and can answer any question you may have. We felt very safe with him. You will see many, many extremely sub-standard residences, as well as beautiful mansions with armed guards lining the perimeters of the properties. It is an island of contrasts. Clearly, Carnival Corp and the mainland of Honduras seem to benefit most from the cruiseship tourists. I was happy to actually contribute to the people of the island by booking with Victor Bodden and shopping at some of the stops on the island. Honduras should spend some of those proceeds providing more towards basic infrastructure for the island people. There is running water in many places, but drinking water is purified and must be purchased in 5 gal. jugs. We have many of these same issues in the USA, but then again, we have Medicaid, Foodstamps, health departments and more to assist those with a need.

Like another poster, I don't intend to give a negative impression of the island, it certainly has natural beauty, but I guess really seeing the Island made an impression upon me. If you venture around the island, just be ready for what you may see.

[lovevacadays]

In reference to the previous poster and the conditions you will see on Roatan - very like most Caribbean islands I have been to - there are indeed areas of extreme poverty amongst the absolute spectacular beauty of Roatan. If you are one that doesn't think you can handle that you may want to stay in the very touristy area of the cruise terminal. But, I think, you are really missing out. Roatan took our breathe away. We see very poverty striken places in Southern California or have you driven through the Ozarks in America? Extreme poverty does exist in all countries. I hope people who visit Roatan have the same wonderful experience we had even though we did see the poverty and certainly felt for the people there.