runninggalintexas

I wonder how Royal Caribbean's CocoCay is holding up?  They just spent millions completely renovating it. 

There is a nice man made beach area at the port. The sand is not super white but is pretty nice. We were just there last week and I noticed they have a cabana type structure on the beach which would be perfect for traveling with a young child. It is a shaded structure with a large cushion and curtains you can close. It would be perfect it you needed to put your little one down for a nap. Not sure how you reserve one though. I was very impressed with the port area. They have a large pool with a swim up bar and tons of activities like swimming with dolphins, a small area with sting rays where you can snorkel and we saw an area with pink flamingos. And of course lots of shops. It was a rainy day when we were there but I would definitely love to go back and spend more time around the port area!

Is there a beach area with lounge chairs in the port or do you have to go to one of the beach clubs to get that?

Thank you, John and c-leg. Those shaded beds at Mr. Sanchos look like they will fit the bill. I noticed they also have curtains so you can close them off. Guess that's part of the romance package! ;):hearteyes:

Do they have any cabanas available at Blue Kay? I see Maya Chan has private cabanas for the day. Also, is the water really that much clearer at Blue Kay? That is my only hesitation as I want the crystal clear water but hubby wants a cabana. Dilemma....

My husband wants me to find a cabana like we had on Coco Cay (Royal Caribbean's private island). It was a wood hut type structure with a couch and 2 loungers. Had tons of shade and room to spread out. Does anyone know of a resort or beach club that would have something like that?

Thank you all for the suggestions! Mitsugirly, your pics were very helpful. I think Nachi Cocom will keep him happy. He can lather on sunscreen and sit in the shade all day! :D

My hubby is not a big beach fan but will agree to go if I can find a beach that has lots of shade for him and is not very crowded. Any suggestions for me? Thanks!

We are first timers to Roatan visiting in January. We just want a relaxing beach day with beautiful water, nice sand beach and access to food. We are not snorkeling so won't need that. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks! P.S. I am spoiled by St Thomas and St John beaches so wondering if something comes close to that in Roatan.

We booked our flight for the morning of the cruise so am a little nervous about that. Flight gets in at 11:30am. Hopefully no issues! What is the best way to get from the airport to the cruise terminal? There are 5 people in our group.

Are the beaches as nice on that side of the island? Was thinking the East end beaches are prettier. Also with Emerald Beach Resort being near the airport does that cause any issues with noise or anything?

I've read most of this thread but am still torn. I'm not interested in snorkeling. Just very calm clear water and white sand. Also access to shade, chairs and good food. Is Sapphire more for snorkelers and Coki better for the calm clear water?

We will be in St. Thomas in Feb on Freedom of the Seas. Is there a resort that offers a day pass? We are just looking for a nice beach with clear, turquoise water and some shade. Food/drink and facilities as well.

I second the vote for Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach. We just returned from our trip and stayed there pre-cruise. You can walk right down to the beach. Also, try the Hula Pie at Duke's in the hotel. Honestly, best dessert ever!!

If you book your luau with Roberts from their shore excursion webpage, their Island's Best Luau - Kauai is the Smith's Family Luau. And it includes transportation from the ship. I just booked it for our cruise and the Roberts rep confirmed it is Smiths.

http://www.gorabbitgo.com/activities_schedule_all.php

It got good reviews on trip advisor. I am looking at this tour as well. The ships tours are mainly Road to Hana and Ioa Valley. This one looks like a good sampling of Maui with beautiful scenery. Hopefully some one who has been on the tour will share their experience.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60631-d3214956-r180522622-Taste_of_Maui_Island_Tours-Kahului_Maui_Hawaii.html

I know what I want to do. I am just not sure if a day and a half is enough time.

Day 1 - Rent a car and drive to Waimea canyon and Kalalau lookout (supposedly one of the most spectacular and breathtaking views in the world)

Drive to North Shore beaches. Hike a bit of the first part of the Kalalau Trail, just to see the view of Ke’e Beach and a little of the Na Pali coast.

Smith's Family Luau

Day 2 - Helicopter tour. Then visit Kalapaki Beach near the ship before boarding. Ship leaves at 2pm.

I am thinking Day 1 may not be feasible with all the driving. If not, what should I cut? I am especially interested in scenic lookouts and spectacular views. Any advice is appreciated.

According to my cruise documents it looks like we will be docking in Kahului.

What is the best beach for just a relaxing beach day in Maui? Looking for the most beautiful beach and some facilities/food nearby would be nice. Also, will need some shady areas as DH does not like to sit in the sun.

I am planning our excursions for our February cruise. Where are some places to see a black sand beach? I am still trying to decide whether to rent cars on each island or do the ships excursions.

I haven't read any posts about watching whales from land. I am thinking it will be a much better experience to go on the boat. Maybe I should just get some Dramamine and go for it!

Thanks for the info! I don't typically have problems on a cruise ship but I went deep sea fishing once and was feeling pretty bad. I am thinking the whale watching boat may be similar in size to the fishing boat.

Its in early February.

I'm thinking of booking this tour through NCL for our Maui day. Has anyone gone on it? I am also a little worried about getting sea sick since this is likely a smaller boat. Is there any opportunity to do whale watching on dry land? :)

For those who have done both Passion Island and the beach clubs (Nachi, etc.) Is the water really prettier on Passion Island or about the same?