Roar an or Costa Maya?

[momK]

We will be on the Caribbean Princess ABC islands trip 1/28-2/5. We would like to add the 6-day Western either 1/22-28, or 2/5-11 to make it a btb. The "before" stops in Costa Maya, which is new to us; the "after" stops in Roatan instead. Any info that would make me lean toward one or the other?

[shepp]

Hard to say. Depends on what you want to do, which you didn't indicate. The port at Costa Maya is essentially a manufactured theme-parky mall, though it is close to some pretty interesting ruins. But if you're into diving, Roatan would be primo.

Edited December 26, 2016 by shepp

[momK]

Thanks, Shepp. Snorkeling and diving are favorites, so Roatan sounds better than seeing a new place, esp. if it's touristy.

[Colo Cruiser]

Yes for sure.

[terrysko2000]

We have been to both. We did a all inclusive beach day in Costa Maya - weather wasn't great but food, drinks and massage were good. In Honduras we spent the day in the port area - wish we had planned a beach or snorkeling day. Both have nice port areas.

[satxdiver]

Both Costa Maya and Mahogany Beach (Roatan) are ports built by Carnival Corp for their ships. Costa Maya is next to Majahaul and a short taxi ride. They have a really nice beach and further down the coast some beach resorts that accept cruise pax. We like grabbing a "taxi" ride to the town and escaping the expensive port. You can get ship and private tours to the nearby Mayan ruins for the history lovers. So we prefer this over Mahogany Beach.

 

Mahogany Beach also built by Carnival is fairly nice with a beach, shops, restaurants and bars. They have the usual beach rentals. You can do tours out of here either private or ship to resorts, jungle or to the famous west end beach. We now just stay in the Mahogany Beach area, since we have been to Roatan many times. It is very relaxing. Mahogany Beach can accommodate only 2 ships at a time while Costa Maya can take 3 ships.

[keithm]

We will be on the Caribbean Princess ABC islands trip 1/28-2/5. We would like to add the 6-day Western either 1/22-28, or 2/5-11 to make it a btb. The "before" stops in Costa Maya, which is new to us; the "after" stops in Roatan instead. Any info that would make me lean toward one or the other?

We like Costa Maya. It's touristy at the port. You then can take a short shuttle to the shore side village, where there are shops & lots of food. We enjoyed the "Krazy Lobster" restaurant. The food is very good & reasonably priced.

[dznymom]

I love Costa Maya. We take a short taxi or shuttle ride to Majahaul and wander down the malecon until we find a spot that appeals to us, and then just settle in. We are in and out of the water, and beers and food are very affordable. It is one of my favorite stops to just relax and enjoy, especially on a port intensive cruise, and we usually just spend peanuts compared to most places.

 

Roatan has very good snorkeling & diving, so that could swing the pendulum. I have not stopped at Mahogany Bay, so I can't speak to that area, but my personal experiences other than snorkeling have been underwhelming.

 

If the rest of the itinerary has stops with good snorkeling stops like Belize and Cozumel, my choice wold be Costa Maya. If not, then Roatan.

[Go-Bucks!]

I was in Roatan in 2003 (before it got commercialized) and had a lovely day in Coxen Hole and then at West Bay Beach (gorgeous). I was so happy to find a cruise that was going back to Roatan, but a couple weeks ago Princess cancelled that port and substituted Costa Maya. :(

 

I'm really sad, but went online and booked a day at Maya Chan resort. Anyone been there? Did you like it? Hoping to turn lemons into lemonade! :)

[34TigerLily]

We just got off a cruise hat stopped at both. We plan to stay on board the next time we stop in Roatan. We loved Maya Chan, an all inclusive in Costa Maya.

[TracieABD]

If you go to coaster Maya, take a three dollar cab ride to Steve Uhl's place. We always have the nicest day there. You may want to reserve your chair, and your massage with him in advance. The name of his place is the Tropicante.

 

http://www.sandalsandskis.com/tropicante.html

[goofy559]

I was in Roatan in 2003 (before it got commercialized) and had a lovely day in Coxen Hole and then at West Bay Beach (gorgeous). I was so happy to find a cruise that was going back to Roatan, but a couple weeks ago Princess cancelled that port and substituted Costa Maya. :(

 

I'm really sad, but went online and booked a day at Maya Chan resort. Anyone been there? Did you like it? Hoping to turn lemons into lemonade! :)

Maya Chan rocks. We visit every time were in Costa Maya. Steve, the owner is very responsive and accommodating of any dietary needs.

[Colo Cruiser]

I was in Roatan in 2003 (before it got commercialized) and had a lovely day in Coxen Hole and then at West Bay Beach (gorgeous). I was so happy to find a cruise that was going back to Roatan, but a couple weeks ago Princess cancelled that port and substituted Costa Maya. :(

 

I'm really sad, but went online and booked a day at Maya Chan resort. Anyone been there? Did you like it? Hoping to turn lemons into lemonade! :)

 

These days I would take Costa Maya any day over Roatan.

[Go-Bucks!]

Maya Chan rocks. We visit every time were in Costa Maya. Steve, the owner is very responsive and accommodating of any dietary needs.

 

 

Thank you! :D

[Go-Bucks!]

These days I would take Costa Maya any day over Roatan.

 

 

Sounds good. Why?

[Colo Cruiser]

Sounds good. Why?

 

 

The last 2 times this year and last too many issues with our tour guides. One private and one with Princess.

Costa Maya now we head to Mahahal and the beach and spend the day there.

[RoadTripFanatic]

Roatan. I've spent 20+ days on the island and I love it. We have spent 17 days on the island over two vacations and several cruise ship stops. We just take a taxi to West Bay Beach and snorkel for the day. It's my favorite spot to snorkel in the Caribbean. In fact we just finished the ABC cruise two weeks ago. Bonaire was fabulous snorkeling. It was my favorite snorkel spot on that cruise. When we came back we booked a week back at our favorite beach in Roatan for Spring Break