Looking for Feedback on Roatan Turquoise Bay VIP Excursion

[Jax]

Would appreciate any first hand experience with this excursion over and above what is listed in the cruise planner.  Curious about travel time, crowding, food quality, resort amenities, condition of resort and beach. 

[Baked Alaska]

I am also curious about his excursion. Trip Advisor reviews seem positive.

[Jax]

2 hours ago, Baked Alaska said:

I am also curious about his excursion. Trip Advisor reviews seem positive.

Yes reviews are consistently very good. I booked it so will report back. 

[Cactus527]

Had anyone done this yet and can give feedback?

[Jax]

59 minutes ago, Cactus527 said:

Had anyone done this yet and can give feedback?

Not until this Christmas.; sorry. 

[Cactus527]

I just found this via Cruise.blog . Check out #9. https://cruise.blog/2023/03/10-things-i-loved-and-hated-about-norwegian-bliss-cruise-ship

[PhilandSteff]

We did this a couple of years ago. It was an enjoyable time. The cove itself was very nice, the chairs and umbrellas good, food was "pretty good" as I remember it. There are basically no traffic laws in Roatan, so the van ride over there was a bit harrowing, although I applaud the drive for being able to place that van anywhere he needed to go.  You'll see quite a mix of people and places on the way.

Water was pretty clear, and very quiet. There are some in-water umbrellas and tables if you want to stay wet. This area of the resort for the VIP experience is reserved for this outing, so it was not crowded for us. Very constant service at your beach chair, but be prepared for tips, etc. so bring some cash. Multi-course meal and free drinks makes it as pleasant of an experience as you want.  There are cabanas to rent out (a different excursion), but we kept it simple with just the beach and were satisfied.

If you're looking for a quiet beach outing, this is a pretty good one, if a bit pricy. The ride back to the ship (about a 1/2 hour) again was a bit harrowing, but even the lady who admittedly over-imbibed slept all the way back, so wasn't too awful. We would do it again, but the wife didn't care for the ride over there and back, so we have stayed away since then.

Hope this helps a bit.

[Cactus527]

We just did Turquoise Bay today. We did the "Clear Kayak & Snorkel" option vs. VIP Beach Break. They actually have the beach sectioned off depending on which excursion you are doing, and it helps keep it from getting overly crowded. Our end had shallow entry water (clear), kayaks, kids play area (pirate ship and toys like floaties, corn hole, hula hoops, etc.), tons of chairs, 3? 4? palapas (first come first serve), big buffet and drink area, and sail cloths to provide more shade if desired. Restrooms were kind of sorry - they seemed like glorified outhouses with showers and toilets. Food was great but only available after 12pm. Drinks were non-stop, and there's a menu, but it seemed like a lot was unavailable due to lacking a particular ingredient. The snorkel and kayaks were done at a certain time and only once, so if you didn't do it then, well, tough. They were both definitely well done. Personnel were terrific and real gems. I agree with @PhilandSteffthat the driving is harrowing, but the drive and the island was beautiful. I would recommend it, but know what you're getting into.

[Amanda2211]

My Husband and I just went on this excursion for the vip beach break on our cruise on the Icon. I would give this a 5 star rating it was a great excursion. Our waiter Derian C was perfect and went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful day on the beach. The meal was amazing. My husband is extremely particular when it comes to food and he enjoyed his meal so much he finished mine. I would recommend this excursion to anyone. 

[Melissa R]

Does anyone know what the process is for getting from the ship to the beach? I see a long bus ride possibly but also saw quite a bit of steep stairs. I have a brace on my foot so want to confirm if we are dropped off at the beach or if there is a trek to the beach.