Showing posts with label Roatan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Roatan. Show all posts

Friday, May 22, 2026

Lost Shaker of Salt- Day 5

Nirvana Ain't Cheap
MSC Day #5 
Roatan, Honduras 


We love specialty dining and this night did not disappoint! 

Morning
We both slept much better and were up ready for the day before 8am. We decided to try the Main Dining Room for breakfast and were impressed with the speed of service but disappointed (again) in the overall food. Most of our dishes were served cold and the flavor (overall) of the food was still lacking quite a bit in our experience and opinion. 

The island of Roatan is SO PRETTY and one of our favorites! 

It is time for BREAKFAST! 

Main Dining Room Breakfast Menu 


Pancakes
Kellie- 3.0 & Chris- 3.5


Special of the Day- Mexican Bowl
Kellie- 2.0
This was interesting to say the least... The egg texture was AWFUL but the flavor was not bad! 

After breakfast we went back to the Infinity Pool and Hot Tub areas to try and enjoy another morning of a less crowded ship. The Adults Only hot-tub on the side of the ship was warm and not at all crowded but it was in the sun and it got hot very quickly so we decided to go back to the pool. Our last stop was the Fresh Orange Juice at the Jungle Pool Bar! 


My traditional buoy picture... just 5 days late! 


I really enjoyed this empty hot-tub. I just wish it wasn't in the sun! 


The Jungle Pool Lounge was not at all crowded on this PORT DAY! 

We ate a very early and light lunch since we had massages in the afternoon. The Marketplace Buffet offered lost of variety and I loved the layout of this buffet but overall the food was mid-level (Applebee's) at best. We did enjoy the Tuna, Chicken and Egg salads most days! 

Afternoon
We went to Times Square for more trivia... this time Board Games. Chris came very close to winning but there was a group of teenagers who knew all of the answers. We also tried to win the General Knowledge trivia but we fell short again! Maybe we won't win a trivia this cruise... Wait and see! 

Chris was even able to get into the "tie breaker" of the General Knowledge but was not able to come home with a win! I guess this is just an excuse to go on another cruise! 


POV- Come with me to my Cabin! 

While Chris went and took a nap, I went to enjoy my Thermal Spa Package that was a perk of the MSC Voyagers Club. TIP- MSC offers status match with all major cruise lines so I was able to be GOLD Status based off my current Emerald Status on Royal Caribbean. You have to request the Status Match at least 2 weeks prior to your sailing date. For whatever reason, Chris was not able to get his loyalty status matched; which was highly irritating. BUT that just meant I was able to enjoy one of the MSC GOLD level perks by myself. This "Thermal Spa Package" perk allowed me to enjoy over an hour of every section in the MSC Spa which included Saunas, Thalassotherapy pools, fancy hot tubs and even a "snow room" for energy. This was easily the fanciest spa I have ever enjoyed on ANY cruise we have sailed. If you are status matching on MSC, be sure to enjoy your "hour" Spa Package. 

(Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures) 

We booked a massage on the first sea day for only $159 which included a 50 minute hot-stone massage, scalp massage, foot and leg massage and a free gift. This was a great massage and we both enjoyed it very much. With our tip for each massage therapist, this cost $390 total and it was well worth it in our opinion. 

After our massages we went back to the room and changed clothes for the evening before going into the Sports Bar to watch the opening round of The Masters. The Masters is one of my all-time favorite sporting events and this Sports Bar was an incredible place to watch the highlights. We were able to get a small booth TV area all to ourselves and while the bar-service was slow at the start of this afternoon, we really enjoyed it! 

Shortly around 5PM we decided to go and get cookies and small snacks in The Loft Cafe. We loved this venue and really enjoyed the continental snacks they offered during the day- plus the incredible bar service. 

Evening
We went back to our stateroom and got ready for the evening and watched the Sail Away from Roatan. We were hopeful to see pier runners but our stateroom was on the opposite side. 


We love sail away... It does not matter the destination! 

We had dinner reservations at Kaito Sushi for 6:30PM but we were very hungry since we ate such a light lunch at 11AM so we went to the Specialty Restaurant Lounge to see if we could get in to eat around 5:30PM and they honored our request. 

Kaito Sushi is a Specialty Restaurant aboard the MSC Seascape and is an upcharge of $32-40 (depending on the sale). We pre-purchased this meal at only $34/each and that INCLUDED gratuities which is a steal for a specialty meal. The Package we selected included 4 plates from the Kaito Sushi Belt, 1 Soup or Salad, 1 Main Entree & 1 dessert. This was regularly $40 (plus tips) which is still a great deal but with our lower price, it is an even more impressive cost. 

We loved the Sushi Belt experience overall and the sushi itself was really good; it is similar to the a sushi restaurant on land and we thoroughly enjoyed this meal. We agree that Royal Caribbean Izumi Sushi is better but overall this was easily the best food onboard the MSC Seascape! We couldn't even finish everything and for the first time of the cruise we had to go back to the room to lay down because we were so full! 


We really enjoyed this restaurant! 


The menu from Kaito Sushi! 


The traditional California Roll from the Sushi Belt! 
Kellie- 4.0 & Chris- 3.5


Tempura Shrimp and Vegetables 
Kellie- 4.5 & Chris- 4.0
This was really good tempura and fried PERFECTLY! 


Teraki Filet Mignon
Kellie- 4.0 & Chris-
This was outstanding and flavor was spot on. My filet was a little overcooked for my perfect steak but overall it was great! 


Chuukara Maguro 
Kellie- 2.5
I have never had sushi like this and it was an experience! I am not sure I would order again! 

Banana Tempura
Kellie-3.5 & Chris- 4.5
Overall this was good! 


This is another Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurant we would visit again! 
Easily our best meal onboard the MSC Seascape! 

Check out our experience at Kaito Sushi


We took a brief "power nap" and then made our way back to our favorite place onboard- The Cocktail Bar. We loved the drinks offered here and despite the $2 upcharge for our favorite drinks, we loved the atmosphere and the bartenders especially. We talked to the bartender, Ashish Rao from Mumbai, for nearly 2 hours and we loved it! We shut down this bar once again shortly after 10PM. 


We were back to our balcony just in time for the sunset! 

We went to the Main Theater for the Adult Comedy Show and it was packed. This was one of the only times we felt crowded on the ship. TIP- I would plan to get to the comedy shows at least 10 minutes early! The comedian was funny and his act was all about getting older and we laughed way too hard. We ended the night at the Casino Bar talking to another bartender about their life back home! We even shared pictures with each other of our beagles! We really do love getting to talk to the staff onboard. 


The Atrium around 1AM! 

Let's Talk Ship- Day #5

It was another great day onboard the MSC Seascape, despite not even getting off the ship! 

UP NEXT... Cozumel, Mexico! 

 God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Harmony of the Seas- February 2026








 


Carnival Conquest- 2006

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Friday, March 27, 2026

Living in Harmony- Roatan

 Monkeying Around
Coxen Hole- Roatan, Honduras 
February 18, 2026 


We love Roatan! 

Morning
The alarm went off at 7:15AM so Natalie and I could get ready for the day in Roatan. Once we got ready for the day, Natalie and I went to Central Park to get breakfast at Park Cafe. TIP- Park Cafe offers grab and go breakfast options that are on the lighter side but still fulfilling. They offered breakfast burritos and sandwiches every day of our cruise (albeit the same variety daily) as well as "Build Your Own Bagels", oatmeal, pastries and hot & fresh coffee and juices. They did NOT offer the freshly squeezed orange juice like Cafe 270 on the Anthem of the Seas.


Hello Wednesday- We're halfway through the cruise! NO! 


They are ready for the day!

After breakfast we met up with the boys on the Royal Promenade to get Starbucks coffee, water bottles and Powerade before getting off the ship around 8:30AM- All of which are included with the Deluxe Beverage Package. Once off the Harmony of the Seas, we walked out of the terminal area and into the transportation area which was very busy. It took us a little while to reach our location but we met our driver, Shari, and were in her mini-van within 10 minutes. The morning weather as we approached Coxen Hole was very rainy and windy. The Harmony of the Seas was able to dock but 2 other cruise ships, the NCL Viva and the Rhapsody of the Seas were not able to port. The NCL Viva actually left mid-morning but the Rhapsody of the Seas had already allowed a few tender boats to take passengers ashore and had to wait on them to get back. I am so grateful Harmony of the Seas did not have to tender and we were able to port in Roatan. Although, the same vibes did not follow us the next day! 


Hello Rhapsody of the Seas (one of RCCL oldest & smallest ships)! 


The gorgeous NCL Viva- She ended up leaving and not being able to tender! 


The Rhapsody of the Seas. 

Once our tour started Shari took us to the ROATAN sign near the northeast side of the island before going to West Bay Beach for the Roatan Chocolate Factory Tour. This was so cool because we were able to see the gorgeous waters of West Bay Beach as well. TIP- West Bay Beach area is one of the most visited areas of Roatan from cruise ship passengers. The waters are so pristine and the beach sand is white. The beaches themselves are not as "wide spread" as other Caribbean ports but the overall experience is still incredible. The Chocolate Factory Tour was great and lasted about 30 minutes. We were able to see them make chocolate and try pretty much every flavor offered. We also got a bundled package of 5 chocolate bars and a gorgeous box for only $30 US Dollars. 


We have been to Roatan over half a dozen times but never been to this sign! 


#RoatanSun 


Making chocolate in the Chocolate Factory! 

We loved this little tour and Honduran people! 

After the Chocolate Factory Tour we walked a bit in West Bay Beach to get to the Rum Factory Tour. This is a Rum Factory owned and operated by a US Tourist now living in Roatan. The rums were very flavorful and not too sweet. We tried them all and gave him a nice tip but opted not to purchase any bottles as we just didn't want to hassle with carrying them around all day. 

After these tours we loaded up in the mini-van to get to the Daniel Johnson Monkey and Sloth Hangout on the other side of the island. This was about a 45 minute drive on some very sketchy roads but we made it. The van did not have great air conditioning so the overall trip was ok- barely. Once at the Daniel Johnson Sloth Hangout we luckily arrived right as a large group tour was starting so we did not have to wait long. This was about 11AM local time and we heard many people had waited over an hour. 

The tour was so great and started off in the monkey cage where 4 different monkeys jumped all over us and swung around the cage for 15 minutes. It was so cool and so much fun! The kids absolutely loved it. The monkeys on the other hand love CHRIS- he is always the one the animals LOVE. 


This crazy monkey LOVED Chris and kept swinging to him! 


Luke was having the time of his life! 


Natalie really enjoyed this monkey who was a little "less crazy". 


Another view of Chris with two monkeys! 


This monkey kept trying to steal Luke's hat! 

After the monkey cage we went to the Sloth Hangout where about 8 different sloths were just hanging out, quite literally on the trees. However, we did get to see 2 sloths try to escape the area at the end of our visit. 


This sloth area was not even enclosed, just a free for all! 


These sloths were SO CUTE! 


Luke loved getting to look at all the sloths on his own time! 


Natalie loved them too! 


This guy had just curled up and we snapped a quick pic! 

We then saw a few Honduran birds before our tour ended and we started the trek back to the Terminal area at Coxen Hole, although this drive was only 15 minutes long. We were able to see schools let out for the day and students walking back to their homes and villages as well as pass by Mahogany Bay where the Carnival & Princess Cruise ships dock. 


They loved getting to hold these beautiful birds! 


I think this tour was a HUGE success! 
Thank you Daniel Johnson Hangout! 


Hello Harmony... We have missed you! 


This is at the Coxen Hole port area... Lots of shops and places to get food! 

This tour cost $40/ per person and was booked directly through Daniel Johnson Hangout. We tipped Shari an additional $40 as she was a phenomenal driver for the day. BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE- This company offers multiple tour options and is incredibly easy to book and communicate with. 


Seriously one of the best excursions we have had as a family! 
CHECK THEM OUT! 

Once back at the terminal, Chris and Luke opted to get back on the ship immediately as they were hungry and wanted lunch while Natalie and I decided to stay in the port area and do a little shopping. We stopped at several stores getting some Roatan souvenirs and also got a smoothie style drink before getting back on the ship. 

Afternoon
Once back on the ship we met up with the boys in the Windjammer for lunch. Luke had already eaten and was doing the FlowRider but Chris waited for me and then we checked off the Windjammer Bar from our Pub Crawl. TIP- The Windjammer lunch is one of the only options for lunch as you get back onboard from a day of excursions. The food and service are good but this is one of the only times I truly miss Carnival and the Guy's Burgers lunches and experience. In my opinion, this is the ONLY area Carnival soars above any other cruise line- Fast Food options. Especially with newer ships that offer Guys, Blue Iguana, Shaq's Chicken and so much more. 

Chris and I went to Boleros as it was one of the only bars open this early in the Port Day afternoon but we really wanted to catch up with our favorite bartender, Yash. He was able to have about 8 weeks off before coming to the Harmony of the Seas in October and we were able to see pictures of his family and his home life in India. 

We met the kids at Schooner Bar for Movie Quote trivia and while we entered thinking we would do well, we performed terribly and did not come close to winning. Chris and Natalie opted to nap for the early afternoon while Luke went back to the FlowRider and the Ultimate Abyss while I went and laid out in the Solarium. 

As the passengers started getting back onboard, Luke noticed longer and longer lines at the activities and opted to go change and I met him at On Air for some more trivia and then we all got ready for an evening spent onboard Harmony of the Seas. 

We all met at Vintages for afternoon wine and quiet time before going to the Rising Tides Bar at 5PM. Unfortunately, Natalie missed this decent in the Rising Tides Bar by minutes but Chris, Luke and I loved it. TIP- The Rising Tides bar is a great option for quiet drinks if you have the drink package but I am not sure I would pay for a drink as it really is just a gimmick in my opinion. Nonetheless, we enjoyed it and met Natalie in the Royal Promenade 30 minutes later for Star Wars trivia in On Air. We did much better at this trivia but still did not win. 


The Rising Tides Bar Cheers! 


Poor Natalie- this was 2 minutes after we started the decent! 


We all loved the Rising Tides Bar! 

I walked the outside promenade and was able to catch a gorgeous sunset as we left Coxen Hole. We then went to Wonderland on Deck 12 Forward to try the Wonderland Bar and get that bar checked off our Pub Crawl. Chris and I both opted for the Cotton Candy Cosmo based off the rabbit in the movie Alice in Wonderland and it was AWESOME. The bartender poured it so fast I was not able to take a video but it was delicious. all went to Vintages and they were having a Wine Tasting but Ursula still took care of us, which was awesome. This is why I cruise Royal Caribbean- the service is hard to beat! 


We are ready for another WONDERFUL night onboard! 


Goodbye Roatan... Until next time! 


The gorgeous sunset (blocked by the Carnival Celebration). 


The Wonderland Bar cocktail menu! 


The Cheshire Cat Cosmo (Made with cotton candy). 


Wonderland Specialty Restaurant (Deck 11) 


The Wonderland Bar (Deck 12) 


We loved the entrance to Wonderland on Deck 12. 

Evening
We had reservations at Izumi Sushi at 7PM but we arrived at 6:30PM and they still were able to seat us and get our meal started. The food was absolutely incredible. The kids loved getting to try really fancy sushi other than the grab and go we get from HEB near weekly. Natalie also tried an Asian entree and loved it. However, the service was a little sub-par in our experience for a Specialty Restaurant. As we closed out our tab and signed our check we realized they put our meal under "Ultimate Dining Package" and we were only charged for gratuities. I later learned this was a free meal from the MDR Maitre'd due to our first night fiasco. Once again, thank you Royal Caribbean. We did not ask for any of this but you certainly know how to take care of your customers! 


The boys are SUPER excited for dinner! 


The Izumi Sushi menu. 


Pork Gyoza Dumpling
Kellie- 4.5, Chris-4.0


Luke's Sushi 
Izumi Spider Roll- 5.0
Snow Crab California Roll- 5.0


Kellie's Sushi 
Izumi Ryu Futomaki Roll- 5.0
Truffled Creamy Lobster Tempura Roll- 5.0+


Creamy Sesame Balls- 1.5
The desserts at Izumi are seriously AWFUL! 
We loved it on the Jewel of the Seas 2025 when we were offered to get TWO appetizers and forego the desserts instead. This was SO MUCH BETTER! I wish all ships offered this!

After dinner we hurried out to the Love and Marriage Show in the Royal Theater. This sailing they listed this show as PG-13 so we opted to allow the kids to tag along. This show as very tame compared to others we have experienced and I am grateful for that. Natalie thought it was hilarious and Luke... had a few questions! 

Then we all went to Studio B Ice Rink on Deck 4 Midship for the show "1887" based on the story of Romeo and Juliet. We LOVED this particular show and the athletes did an outstanding job. TIP- This Ice Show is NOT to be missed on any Royal Caribbean ship. The ice skating is Olympic performance level and the storylines and plots are phenomenal. This is typically offered only 2-3 nights on a sailing so be sure to reserve your tickets early as the seating is limited. 


The set design alone is so impressive and hard to believe it is on a cruise ship! 


This show was one of my favorite Ice Shows I have ever seen on a Royal Caribbean Ship! 

After the Ice Show, the kids opted to go to bed and Chris and I went to the Boots and Bonnet Pub to talk to Xue and listen to the live music before grabbing a late night snack at Sorrento's and calling it a night before midnight- we were tired. 

It was a great day on Roatan Island in Honduras. We loved getting to play with the monkeys and Izumi Sushi onboard Harmony of the Seas. 


Our day in Roatan was a success! 
Did you miss Sea Day #2?

Up Next... Costa Maya! 

God is Good... ALL THE TIME! 

Click on a link to see our past cruising adventures:
Jewel of the Seas (B2B Part 2)- July 2025








 


Carnival Conquest- 2006


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