I had been to Costa Maya in 2004. The main port area is basically the same and if you're not looking for more than a few shops, a couple bars, a big pool (2.5 ft deep) and a small beach it will serve your purposes.

Fortunately we found out about the Tropicante bar from our Roll Call and emailed Steve (the owner from Texas) to get in on the beach chairs and umbrellas. We had about 15 people from the ship there and had a nice relaxing day. The bar is along the malecon in the village of Mahahual. It's about 10 minutes by taxi. All you pay for is the food and drinks you order. The guys taking orders are always nearby. I recommend the fish tacos, yummy. When you email Steve he'll give you the info on taxis, etc.

steveuhl@sandalsandskis.com

Costa Maya

Don't let my rating discourage you as we did NOT take an excursion. I wasn't even planning on going into town but my wife wanted to go and since this was her first cruise and the weather was great I agreed to go.

We just hopped on one of the tenders after the rush had subsided and took the 15 minute right to town. We walked around and a street tout (formerly lived in California) attached himself to us. He said there is a lot of poverty and drugs and no jobs. He eventually guided us to the little museum I gave him $5 and thanked him. Save the $10 on the museum.

We then walked back to the port, the wife bought a purse (knock-off Coach, $20) and had a drink at one of the bars before heading back to the ship. 

Unless you have made plans for an excursion you may as well enjoy the quiet time on the ship.

Belize City

Roatan was the one port I was especially looking forward to seeing. The ship docks on the south side of the island (Coxen Hole) but the beaches are all on the north side. Thus you have to find transportation.

We had booked the Zip & Dip tour with Southshore Zipline. Directions to their little kiosk is on their website and included in the email they will send to you. It's a short walk from the ship.

I had done a zip line in Costa Rica but this was my wife's first real outdoor adventure. We were teamed up with a lady from Chicago and her 24 yr old daughter. It was also their first time on a zip line so they were all apprehensive. They did great. The guides were helpful and fun.

After the zip line the driver took us to West End Beach where we were free to sun, swim, eat and relax for as long as we wanted just so we got back to the ship by 4:30. It was a great day.
 
info@southshorezipline.com

Roatan

I have been to Cozumel before so I knew what to expect. One of the guys on our Roll Call had estimated there would be 8 or 9 cruise ships and approximately 21,000 people in port the day we arrived.

Some of the members of our Roll Call did the Bar Hop tour by bus which goes from the port to the east side of the island and stopped at 4 bars along the shore.

When we tried to get on the tour (3 days before sailing) it was all booked up so I decided to just rent a car. The only drawback was when I found out the Avis office is located the the "other" pier (International). The Spirit docked across the road from Plaza Punta Langosta mall. No problem. Just a 10 minute ride by taxi for $7. One of the Avis guys took us back to the ship after we turned the car in.

There is only one road that goes to the east side (Benito Juarez) that meets up with Rafael Melgar that loops back to the city and the International Pier where we turned in the car. 

There is a Pemex gas station right across the street from the Avis building so that was easy. They even fill up the car for you and take US dollars.

We had a small Dodge with automatic transmission and A/C. The car was only $30 for the day but I elected full coverage for another $45. Even though I am an Avis Wizard member and was using my AMEX card I wasn't taking any chances.

We stopped at Punta Morena bar on the east side and enjoyed a couple large, cold daiquiris and some chips and salsa. 

We then by-passed Coconuts and headed to the third stop. We then ran into the group we were looking for. Unfortunately they were just leaving on the bus so we followed them to Rasta's. 

We all enjoyed margaritas and coconut shrimp. They had to leave on the bus but we stayed for another 30 minutes or so before heading back to town. A nice way to spend the day and we got to see a different side of Cozumel away from the traffic and crowds.

Cozumel

The cabin was tidy but functional. The room and bathroom were quiet. The balcony is only about 1 meter wide but still nice. The coffee maker, safe and flat screen TV were all nice touches. There should be a sign explaining that the in room water is $4.50 per bottle.

I've been to many Latin American countries and my wife is from Colombia so the language and living conditions we saw of the locals were no surprise to us.The ship works very hard to prevent illness with hand sanitizer machines all over and having someone standing by to spray your hands before entering the buffet and the two main dining rooms.

Norwegian Spirit Review

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