I Want to Go Back Again.... and Again.... and Again....

What a great place to visit!
Here you can play with monkeys and parrots/macaws, learn the history of the island while inside a "Pirate Cave", ride a zip-line through the jungle canopy, go snorkeling, take a horseback ride, kayak, or just hang out in a hammock or lounge chair on the beach!
I took a tour with an English-speaking guide for this day trip (just a short drive from the cruise ship terminal). The bus drive to the park gave us a glimpse of day-to-day life on the island. I always enjoy seeing the colorful buildings in the Caribbean, and people smiled and waved as we drove by.
After arriving at the park, our guide gave us a tour of the botanical garden areas, which features over 200 different species of plants and trees. He explained how the park got its name... from the Gumbalimba Tree. This tree has a bright red, peeling, smooth bark and dark green leaves. Look for cut limbs from this tree used as fence posts on Roatan. Many of them will be growing into new trees, as the Gumbalimba tree can resprout from a broken branch. I was also fascinated by the Soap Tree. Yes, they really do use it for washing!
Next we walked through "Coxen's Cave" , a man-made pirate's cave with artwork and history painted on the cave walls, life-size pirates, treasure, weapons, and maps. This was very informative, and I learned a lot about Roatan's history.
We exited the cave. and carefully walked across a wood plank swinging bridge. I could see turtles swimming below, and some egrets near the shore. After a short walk we descended to the bird area. Some birds were caged, but most were free-flying macaws. These beautifully colored birds would sit on your shoulder or perch on your arm for a photo. But, don't wear your favorite baseball cap.... they LOVE to pick the little button off the top, and they do it immediately!
I hated to leave these pretty (and friendly) birds, but it was time to walk a little further and visit the monkeys. They are very active, and will jump on your shoulder or try to pick your pockets. You can take a picture if you're quick. I thought it was really cute to see them perched on someone's head with their tail curled around the person's neck for balance. There are different types of monkeys roaming freely. I especially liked the howler monkeys. TIP: Leave anything that looks like it could hold food at the park entrance. This includes backpacks, large bags or purses, and of course... food! (There will be someone to guard your things.) The monkeys were quite friendly, but we were told they can be very aggressive if they think you have food. I did take a small camera bag with money, etc. with me to see the monkeys. No problems.
This completed our tour, and we walked back through the beautiful trees to the park entrance. We were then left to explore on our own. There were frequent buses returning to the harbor, so you may stay at the park as long as you wish. I did not try the zip-line canopy tour, but my friends liked it.
I stayed another hour to explore the beach, and bought a few souvenirs from a local seller. The beach is sandy, but also had some seaweed left behind when the tide went out. A few people relaxed on beach towels, but there are also chairs to use. This beach is not the area with hotels so it is more primitive, but very enjoyable.
I would recommend this trip highly to people of all ages. I don't think it would be possible for wheelchairs to get around to all the places I visited, but there are quite a few things that would be accessible. I think it might be possible to see the monkeys using the path we exited on, but I would ask in advance about wheelchairs.
**Note: I don't think they allow visitors on a walk-in basis when cruise ships are in port. Check with your Excursion Desk or Tour Operator in advance. This was one excursion I thought was worth the price charged by the ship. Plan to spend the entire day here relaxing and enjoying the sights.... you won't be disappointed!

We live near Seattle, Washington, so it seemed like a good idea to arrive in Miami the night before. We flew there on Alaska Airlines (a favorite of mine), and the flight was good.
BUT, things started going bad when we reached the Miami Airport. My husband had wheel chair assistance, and we were escorted to the area for the hotel shuttle pick-up. The escort did not want to leave us there at 10:30 pm even though we insisted we'd be fine. When he did leave, however, he called our hotel first to find out when our shuttle would arrive.... which was in 45 minutes. OK. An hour later, still no hotel shuttle. I looked for a phone, but there was no public phone close. A shuttle driver called our hotel once more, and they said 15 minutes. An hour later, still no shuttle. TIP: Try to arrive in Miami before dark, and spend a little more for a reliable hotel. The shuttle area is dark and full of exhaust fumes, so it isn't a pleasant place to stand waiting for long.
I finally left my husband there, and had to go to another level for a phone (much of the airport is blocked off at night for cleaning). The hotel had no idea where their shuttle was, and we were told to take a cab at their expense. Fine, but we arrived at the hotel at 1:00 am. (A review of this hotel, the Rodeway Inn, will be included in this journal.) We struggled up to the taxi level of the airport with all our luggage, and immediately a man located a taxi. Yes, he knew where to go. While he was putting our luggage into the trunk I realized he had no idea where to go. He did not speak English. We took our luggage back, and said "No... we want another taxi." He picked it up and started putting it back into the trunk. My husband wrestled it away, and put it on the sidewalk. This went on for 5-10 minutes while I searched for the man who locates the taxis. When I found him, he DID find us another taxi. The first driver was very angry, and my husband twisted his knee trying to hold on to a suitcase that was going back into the trunk. (Taxis are expensive in Miami. This 7.8 mile trip from the airport would have cost us $25.00.) TIP: NO MATTER WHAT..... make sure the taxi DRIVER understands where you are going, and that YOU BOTH understand the cost. Do not go near the taxi until it that is settled. A good idea is to show them a written name and address (although that did not work in this case).
The next morning, the hotel shuttle left early so we did not get the complimentary breakfast. It deposited us at the cruise pier near our ship. Porters immediately grab your luggage and throw it on a cart. I found out later (when they ripped the wheels out of our luggage) that these baggage handlers work for the PORT, not the Cruise Lines. If you are allowed, take at least one carry-on sized bag with you! You will be allowed in your cabin about 2:00 pm, but some luggage may not arrive until that evening. TIP: Pack a few things for everyone in your party in the carry-on. A bathing suit is good to include if you like the pool or jacuzzi.
NCL has a nice waiting area after check-in if you arrive before the boarding time (usually noon). Check in is fast and efficient. When I finally get on board I breathe a sigh of relief, and then head for Deck 12 Aft (on the Pearl). You can enjoy a leisurely brunch there in a relaxing outdoor eating area. TIP: Look for the made-to-order Pasta Bar there. Your choice of pasta is cooked fresh, and then choose your sauce and what you'd like in it. YUMMY !! Another choice.... most people don't realize the Summer Palace (fancy Dining Room) is open for lunch when you board! It is usually uncrowded, has a great menu, and your suitcase is welcome to accompany you.