Caribbean Cruise--A Diary--Day Four/Roatan, Honduras

April 14th

Exploring a new country—Central America. Roatan, Honduras was gorgeous. Our ship docked off a beautiful reef, and we were greeted by native dancers and singers.

I want to live in the house with the red roof on the hill.

The beautiful reef.

Today’s exciting adventure: swim with the dolphins. I’m happy to say we did have some time to shop. I found a butterfly shirt.

After piling into an over-crowded van taxi, we were shuttled to St. Anthony’s Key Resort. This resort has a history for my husband. In 2001, he and his ex-wife honeymooned there. He talked about the romantic setting, the cabanas and the dolphins they swam with.

The last time he was there he was miserable. Let’s just say the honeymoon was a precursor to how their 7 month marriage would become. For many years he desperately wanted to take me to this very spot and exercise the demons.

St. Anthony’s was as romantic as it was beautiful. Tranquil water surrounded the secluded island housing many cabanas. The only way across to the restaurant and main island was by boat.


Left: Cabanas Right: Dolphin Pen



Close-up of cabanas


We boarded a small dive-boat and headed to the dolphin pen. When we arrived, the dolphins greeted us and were anxious to show us their amazing tricks and give their kisses.



Dolphins greeting us.

 I have an issue with getting into cold water—anything below 85 degrees. From the time we planned the vacation, I prayed the water would be warm enough for me to get in. I guess I left out the I hope there’s no cold wind part. It was breezy—a nice breeze if you were walking around, but not so nice when you’re trying to talk yourself into getting in cool water.

The water got to my bare stomach causing me to shiver. Trainer and dolphin awaited us much deeper in. Thankfully, the water warmed up and engaging with the dolphin distracted me a bit.

The dolphin, Mr. French, allowed us to touch his skin, fins and even his teeth. After a brief introductory of dolphin anatomy and many mackerel awards, we got our pictures taken with him. We were even “French” kissed.

Trainer is pointing to a small hole which is his ear.

 

Most dolphins will not hold a mackerel in their mouths. They're too busy inhaling them.



Posing for the camera was no easy feat. Mr. French was quite heavy, the waves were knocking me around, and my feet were slipping in the sand.

Then Mr. French got to do what dolphins do best, play and show off.

Our sunset for the evening.

Fun dolphin fact: they make their noise through their blow-hole, not their mouths.

Fact about the Celebrity cruisers: they let the title of celebrity and the phrase, You're the star of your own cruise get to their heads. We met a lady on the elevator wearing snorkeling gear. She indicated she was going to go snorkeling in the reef we docked at.
 
My husband asked if they would let her do that and she answered, "I don't care. I'll snorkel until they kick me out." Which they did. She didn't even ask.
 
Later that night at dinner, we were waiting for the 8:30 dinner. The staff keep the doors closed until they are ready for the next dinner. The very same lady walks up to the doors, opens them and just walked in.
 
My husband and I told her they weren't ready for us yet. She ignored us and kept on walking.
 
One of the many incidents we encountered.