The two bathrooms make a big difference in getting ready for bed.  Things left to dry in them will take two days to dry, unless you can contrive to get the doors to remain open.  When coming into port, the cabin crib for our son would rattle.  It was metal. The sound proofing between the cabins is almost non existent.  The party girls next door woke us up with their whoops and laughter more than our son's crying could have possibly disturbed them.  Sad when a baby makes less noise than partying adults. If you are walking and talking in the hallways, everyone in their cabins can hear each word you say.

We were in town for Irish Fest 2016.  If you have children, be sure to visit the Louisiana Children's Museum.  It is a MUST SEE!

New Orleans

his is a relaxing, private beach owned by the cruise lines. We especially enjoyed the kayak rentals. $10 for 30 minutes. Per kayak, not per person. The kayaks do not have backs, so unless you have abs of steel, 30 minutes is plenty. The mangroves surrounding the island are beautiful. The recent hurricane has damaged part of the island. The starfish pond was destroyed. The starfish are making their way back, to be fed again. The playground was still under construction when we were there. I am sure it would have been a big hit with our children. The shell hunting is wonderful on this island. Be sure to pack surf socks or water shoes. The sand is not soft. It is mostly crushed shell. The buffet provided on the island is not vegetarian friendly. Everything has meat in it, or was cooked with meat products. The drinks on the island are good. About $8-10 US a piece. Cash only. It is too bad that we are only given 2.5-3 hours on the island. It would be better if the time was closer to 3-4 hours. All of the staff we encountered were pleasant. The restrooms were clean.

Chankanaab is our family's top choice for spending a day in Cozumel. It is a short cab ride from town. You can print out a discount coupon online, if you pay in cash. Otherwise, you pay full price with VISA. The sea lion show is included in the price, as are the deck chairs, swimming pool, life jackets, palapas, gardens, and crocodile rescue view. The small lagoon is an excellent place for walking among the fish. On the day we were there, several larger fish had swam in, over the low barrier. The water is much calmer in the smaller lagoon. Some of the tide pools had a wide variety of sea life. Snorklers who are leary of the ladders and rocks can enter the ocean from the lagoon's low barrier.
Vendors are very calm in the park. We were only approached twice by the spa staff and twice by the bar staff. It was a wonderful break!
When you arrive, the park has guides. Felipe is the one you want! Hand him your camera, ask for his garden tour, and let him snap all of your pictures. Bring him a $20 for his trouble. These will be, without a doubt, the best pictures of your trip. At the end of the tour, he will take you to the beach, or to the sea lion show. He knows where to seat you, so that you are in the shade AND the first ones onto the stage for the mandatory sea lion kiss photos. They have erected shade and added seats throughout the garden, to make the tours more pleasant for visitors. DO NOT wander the gardens alone. Some of the younger gardening staff will demand tips for very small courtesies. Go with a group or with a guide.
The park spa is very economical. If you are wanting a couple's massage or another spa service that is too expensive on the ship. Or back home, check the prices at the park spa. $20 a person for a 30 minute massage.
The food is very expensive and not worth the money. Crows are a problem, also, around the restaurant tables. Plan to bring your own water and protein bars. Eat a big breakfast on the ship. Avoid eating at the park, unless you purchase the all inclusive package that includes lunch.
Taxis are at the park everyday it is open. For a family of 5, it cost $17 one way.

Our family enjoyed the Fun n Sun Tour offered by Bodden Tours. Our group, from the ship, had a dedicated driver and tour guide for the duration of our time on the island. It was an entertaining and informative time spent on Isla Roatan. The tour was certainly a highlight of our trip. While at the beach, our guides connected us with a boat crew to take our family out snorkeling. About $90 for a family of 5 for an hour long guided snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, not counting about 20 minutes round trip boat ride. Where they brought us, we had the entire area to ourselves. They do take VISA, if you did not bring sufficient cash for this part. The bottled water is $1 at the resort. They had us back to the ship in plenty of time. This was a wonderful way to see a full driving tour of Roatan, as well as spend family time snorkeling together.

Our group, from the ship, had a dedicated driver and tour guide for the duration of our time on the island.30 minutes is plenty of time to spend among the mangroves around the island.

Carnival Dream Review

Relaxing family trip

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Deluxe Ocean View

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New Orleans

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