Cruise 2013 - Day 7 - Roatan, Honduras

Our first port of call was the island of Roatan, off the north coast of Honduras. Ironically, the actual name of the town we docked at was Coxen Hole. You can't make this stuff up. Our visit was a little shortened, as we were still making up some of the lost time from the Tampa Fog Incident.

The island was very poor, but the people were very nice and overall it was the most culturally-enriching stop of the cruise. As soon as the four of us wandered away from the ship, not on an excursion but just on our own, we inherited Julio - a local 20-year old unofficial tour guide. It seemed that everyone group of wayward travellers were inheriting exactly one local youth, who latched on and followed you around.

Julio was very nice and not pushy, and before long he was showing us his home. Sure, he would be expecting a tip later, but we were enjoying his company and the experience. Soon, we were buying him beers and hearing all about life on Roatan. He helped us shop, showed us the best watering holes, and introduced us to erstwhile seaside restauranteur, "Mr. Brown Around Town". The food did not come from the restaurant, as it clearly had only a bar and no kitchen, but it was excellent nonetheless!

We tried the iguana, complete with small bones and pieces of skin, and some fresh red snapper done to perfection. Also sampled all three local beers - Salva Vida ("Life Saver" en espanol, the local "Man's Beer"), Barena (a Corona imitation), and Port Royale (the "girly" beer). Still, had to try it anyway.

After a thoroughly enjoyable day, we bid farewell to Julio, the island, and some well-earned US dollars....though we think he was pretty drunk by the time we left him.  Luckily he seemed to know EVERYBODY so we weren't too worried about him. Not sure if his regular cruise "pickups" usually bought him beer and food, he seemed to be the envy of the other locals.

Back on ship, we met up with Dave and Anne and the six of us enjoyed a nice dinner in The Venetian as the ship headed back out to sea.....

Coxen Hole, Roatan Island, Honduras

Shot from the largest bridge on the island

A Tale of Three Ships

Lunch at Mr. Brown's waterfront establishment

Standard retail village at the dock

Local fare - iguana (in brown sauce on the left) and red snapper

The Main Drag in Coxen Hole

All supplies come by boat from the mainland