OceansOfTravels

1 hour ago, Guest 2000 said:

Taxi on the island are not regulated, it is all about the haggle. If you wish to take one directly from the port depending on the number on your party it could be 20/25pp. This is a round trip so do not pay the guy until you are returned. 

 

If you wish a bit of adventure, walk into town to the open market to catch the minibus. They run every 15/20 mins from Coxen Hole to West End (where Half Moon Bay is), the route is not direct but will get you there. If your party is over 3 or four this may not be the best choice do to the locals on the bus, space is sometimes limited.  

 

It is also possible one or more of the tour companies are doing shuttles to West End, I have not clicked though then to find out. 

 

Ginger's on Half Moon Bay maybe willing to sort you transport if you need loungers and food, same same with SunDowner's 

 

edit ~ sorry I just saw the number in you party. 

So if I'm understanding correctly, I will pay them $20 or $25 USD on the return, when they drop me back off at the ship, for both ways? Because that's like $4-$5 a person, and we were going to just lay out on our MSC towels to save money anyway, so that may be a good plan for us. We don't mind public transportation either, and actually, I make it a point to use public transportation wherever I travel, but I did not find out about the bus in Roatan until now. How much is the bus per person per way? And how long does that "indirect" way take?

If worse comes to worst, we will just walk into town like originally planned, and spend most of the day on the empty ship. However, this port is new for all four of us in the party, so we got to more thinking and we thought we should give it more consideration. 

Thanks in advance for answering my further questions, you've been such a help! :)

On 6/14/2019 at 8:04 AM, crewsweeper said:

I believe the ship based excursions are your best bet.  NoHoch Kay offers(offered) access to a smaller sailing cat that goes out for an hour or so. Up to 4 people, was around $200 per boat.  Didn't look all that great to us.  We passed.  But that was several years ago.

 

There is a motorized cat that goes off the fishing pier. Mainly a drinking/snorkeling tour.  Beach stop is on your own.

 

There could be others available along the malecon at different beach spots.  But do be careful.  Some of the boats could be old and there are complaints of getting back late; which is avoided via a ship sponsored excursion.

You're right, I found the $200 one online, but it isn't motorized, so it isn't appealing to us. MSC offers a $70 tour for 3 hours, and maybe that will be better. I will keep browsing around. You're also right about worrying about the ones from the malecon, so I will keep looking, and if I'm availed no success, I'll just book that one. Thanks!

We weren't planning anything for our short stop in Roatan (only 6 hours, we are docked from noon to 6PM), but, depending on price, we are considering heading over to Half Moon Bay Beach for a few hours. How much would a taxi for four cost from Coxen Hole to Half Moon Bay Beach.

To the OP, do you remember whether or not they were televising the Fifa WWC games or not? We go on the 17th and we're wondering if we'll be able to catch some games.

Can anyone recall whether or not they were televising the Women's World Cup games onboard the Armonia, either in the staterooms or in the Sports Bar? We go on Monday and we do not want to miss the USA-Sweden game!

Hello,

I was using iCruise to browse some cruises for January 2020, and I found a really nice 11 night Norwegian Spirit cruise that caught my attention. But, when I went to NCL.com to look at the prices there, it says that no Spirit cruises are available for that month. Was the cruise I found a charter or something? Does NCL have any European offerings in Janaury? Thanks in advance to anyone that can help me!

Hello,

We will be cruising to Costa Maya next week, and we are wondering what some catamaran cruise options will be. We could book with MSC, but we are looking to see all of the available options before we solidify our plans. Does anyone have any tour operator recommendations? We don't care whether it's snorkel-based or not, but we take preference to the ones that A) include a beach stop and/or B) offer drinks and/or food. 

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

I want to also voice my support for taking the later flight from BCN. When I came back from the Seaview, I stayed two days afterwards in the city, and then flew back to the States on a 3PM flight. I remember a 30 minute ride to the airport, which wasn't bad, but then 45 minutes in line to check our bags, and then another 45 minutes in security. Maybe it was just a bad day at BCN, but it was an obnoxiously long time to wait. As others have said, getting there isn't the problem, but being there could cut it close for you (once we got through security, we had enough time to go to the bathroom and then we had to board). I would take the later flight if you have the chance!

Hello,

Avid soccer fan here, and with my Armonia cruise in a little over a week, I will be out of the USA for their last group stage match against Sweden (which, if you are a soccer fan or follow the US Women's Soccer Team, you know this is an important game). I am wondering, for all that are cruising MSC this week and next week, do the MSC ships have access to the WWC games in the sports bars or on the stateroom TVs? Usually, the morning game is on FS1, and the two later games are on Fox (The American networks for both). Or, are they showing the North American Gold Cup games instead? I figured with MSC being a European-based cruise line, they would show a lot of soccer (as they have on my past cruises with them), so I want to know if the same would carry over for the women's teams.

Also, in the event that no one knows or says that it is not being shown, does anyone know who I can contact beforehand to request that the games are shown? 

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Due to the Cuba border situation, or cruise on the MSC Armonia in two weeks has been rerouted to Key West. We are really interested in a Catamaran excursion, as no one in the group has done one before. We do not care if it is just a catamaran cruise only, or a snorkel-based trip, but we would prefer an option with drinks offered, and maybe a beach stop as well. Could anyone recommend some companies or excursions to us? We would greatly appreciate it, thank you!

I know I said earlier that MSC's lack of communication was justified, but I'm starting to get upset. I saw the message on the website that said something would be coming tonight at the latest, but I really wanna know what's up. My cruise is in 10 days. I think we are still going to go through it, especially if they're gonna offer 50% compensation in return for people who stick it out. The way I see it, that is excursion/beach club money, and assuming there are many people (like on this thread right now) that cancel it because they cannot get to Cuba, an already-small ship will be practically empty. But, I still want to know what's going on so I can plan accordingly. 

Just now, AerynSun_JohnCrighton said:

Yes NCL does... and both companies have statements on their website saying they are monitoring the situation and will notify when they know... so far.. nothing from MSC... I find their lack of communication very disturbing. I don't like it. No responses to any emails I sent regarding other issues either. 

To be fair, in MSC's case, they are dealing with many more international cruisers and are not running the itinerary predominantly for Americans. Granted, they are marketed as such on the USA website, but I have read in multiple cases that Americans are a minority onboard for the cruises to Cuba. So maybe they are having a different situation and it's not as cut and dry as it would be for Carnival or Norwegian, which are vastly American-based. Could be wrong, but if I won't personally start worrying about MSC until later tonight.

Really interested to see what our new ports are going to be. We leave June 17th and stop in Roatan June 19th, Costa Maya June 20th, Cozumel June 21st, and should've been Havana June 22nd-23rd. I'm hoping for maybe Grand Cayman June 22nd and then a Sea Day june 24th, or Belize for June 22nd. Really don't want to go to Key West or Nassau, that would be upsetting.

Oh this is such great news! Seems like a closer walk from where we usually get an Airbnb when we go to the island, so looks like it's even better for us. How great!

I second the Caribbean Kayaking option. Definitely the best way to maximize your time there, plus having the kayak adds for extra fun when you start to get bored of tanning. In Cul-de-Sac, where you pick up your kayak, you can just call a taxi, or make an agreement with the one that picks you up from the ship that you'll pay him or her for both ways if they pick you up at whatever time you like. Many of the taxi drivers are open to doing this, and if they miss you, they miss their money from the first ride, so you definitely will not get stranded. Best of luck, it's a beautiful island!

We are trying to plan our two days in Havana for our upcoming MSC Armonia cruise, and it is nearly impossible! There seems to be so many things to do, activities, and tours that it is making it hard to narrow down exactly what should be done by first-timers on their visit to the island. 

For all those that have visited Cuba by ship already, what are some things that should not be missed by cruisers visiting Havana for their first time? I think I just need some other people to tell me what to do so I can make a decision, because it seems so hard to pick! What can't be missed? Any hacks on how to save money or time while in Cuba? Let me know!

Thank you so much in advance to anybody that can provide any help! 😄

Quick Question: How do people primarily get around in Havana? We plan on using one of our two days for a guided tour of the city in a car (haven't decided on a company or specific tour, if someone knows a good company or a route that visits good sights, let me know please!), and we plan on using the other day for walking, primarily to visit the Museum of the Revolution, the Malecon, and whatever else we couldn't cover in our car tour. But, I notice both the museum and the Malecon are relatively far from the ship, so how can I get over there? I am personally a huge public transportation enthusiast, so if there is a bus, please let me know. Or do people primarily walk around? Are taxis expensive?

Thanks in advance to anyone that can help!

Most definitely, go for it.

If you find the photos of the ships beautiful, you are already halfway there to truly liking MSC. Part of their charm is their modern ships, filled with Italian accents. All of the MSC ships boast beautiful public spaces, and updated staterooms, so if this appeals to you, I can already tell you will like the physical makeup of the ship.

However, the second half of the experience is the European flair, that can be seen everywhere, from the mannerisms of the crew and how they treat you, to the food, to the music in the club. I will say, it is definitely different in comparison to Royal, Carnival and Norwegian, but it's all perspective. I have spent some time living in Europe, and I prefer the European style of vacation, so MSC is actually my go-to cruise line. I like the waiters not asking me every 10 minutes how my meal is, and I enjoy spending over an hour in the dining room. I like the variety of food on the MDR platters, and the "ethnic" section encompasses more countries and cultures around the globe (yes, this is a jab at Carnival for putting a Mexican platter and chinese fried rice and calling it an "ethnic" counter). I also really enjoy Spanish pop music and German house music, so I find the music to be okay. In general, I enjoy the international clientele, and if this sounds like it may be your forte as well, or even something you'd want to try, I'd say to go for it. Worst case scenario, you don't like it, and you never go on another  MSC cruise again. But, it's better to try it out and know for sure it's not your speed, especially considering you already have a slight positive view/curiosity developing. 

I would pick the Radiance as well .Not only would you get two more days at sea, but you would avoid Portofino, which is so touristy and expensive. There is a free bus from the ship to the city in Marseilles, so you could do a cheap day there, or book a day trip to Avignon. Palma is also very pretty, and Palermo offers a lot of interesting excursions. Plus, the Radiance is newer and will likely be cleaner and have more bells and whistles. Hope you make the change!

Both of my experiences with embarkation in NYC have been favorable, both went very fast. You shouldn't have a problem. I think certain times, like between 12:30-1:30, it can get a little packed, but just try and get there a little early and you'll be good. 

Hello,

First off, I want to say I'm sorry for asking a question that I feel like is asked all of the time with Cozumel, and it's "where should I go for a cheap beach day?" There will be four of us, two adults and two 19 year olds, so we want a nice place to go and relax before our two full days in Havana. The beach club doesn't need to have a pool, but it would be nice, or showers as an alternative would be nice. In your recommendation, can you put the approximate taxi cost each way (we'll all share one), as well as how much a chair rental and/or enough food/drink would cost? (I know some allow you to use the chairs and pools and such for free as long as you buy a certain amount of food/drink from the bar). We are trying to save money (to splurge in Havana), so please don't recommend anything that would come out to over $40 per person please. The cheaper, the better :)

Thank you so much in advance to anyone that can help us, we are VERY excited for this trip, and it is very needed :D

8 hours ago, crewsweeper said:

Both shoreexcursioner and discover roatan offer catamaran tours.  Google both. Or check Trip Advisor for information.  These are generally reliable excursion middlemen type firms who book you with smaller local vendors. Prices are usually lower than cruise ship excursions.

 

As far as beaches, best beaches in Roatan are in West Bay a 25 minute taxi ride from Coxen Hole.  There is a bar/beach club within walking distance of the port.   I've never been there and haven't seen a lot of reviews about it.

Think it opened about a year or so ago. 

How much would a taxi run us each way? There are 4 of us, and only 2 of us will likely need beach chairs, the other 2 will likely be fine on towels in the sand. And do lots of the clubs have entrance fees, or do they just want you to purchase a chair or lunch/drinks? Any club suggestions?

Sorry for bombarding you with questions! :)

Hello,

Next month, we will be docked in Coxen Hole in Roatan from Noon to 6PM on the MSC Armonia. I am looking for a way to spend my day. This trip, I am planning to splurge on our two days in Havana, which means I am looking for something cheap to do while docked in Roatan. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have ever been on a catamaran and I am looking to try one this trip, can someone suggest a company that has some cheap tours? If there's nothing very cheap offered by a tour company? Would a beach trip be worth it? I can't see being ata  beach for only a few hours when I could just do the same in Cozumel or Costa Maya for the same price for 3 more hours. What is there to do in the vicinity of the port? Any beaches I could walk to?

Sorry for having so many questions, I have only been to Mahogany Bay in Roatan, so I do not know what to expect. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me!

I also think it's strange, but given they are doing weeklong cruises from other markets, it kind of makes more sense. They can probably rack up more money sending the ships to Europe or Alaska.

Yes, and I encourage it. Bring one for every person, refill them either with your cabin sink or with cups at the MDR. Very helpful for hot days in port!