Princess Cruises Arrives in Roatan for the First Time

The island of Roatan has witnessed a historic milestone in its growing tourism industry with the inaugural arrival of Princess Cruises. For the first time, one of its majestic ships docked at Mahogany Bay, marking a new era in the island’s global connectivity. The arrival of Princess Cruises not only underscores Roatan’s appeal as a top Caribbean destination but also highlights investments in port infrastructure aimed at enhancing the experience of thousands of tourists who visit each year.

The welcome event was filled with ceremony and symbolism. A delegation of local authorities, including representatives from the Honduran Institute of Tourism (IHT), members of the Chamber of Tourism, shipping agencies, and port executives, gathered to greet the ship with a plaque exchange ceremony honoring this memorable occasion. During the event, attendees had the opportunity to explore the cruise ship’s facilities on an exclusive tour, discovering the offerings this luxury line provides to its passengers.

The entrance of Princess Cruises strengthens Roatan’s position as a strategic stop in the Caribbean cruise circuit. The island’s modern infrastructure and natural beauty make Mahogany Bay one of the most prepared ports for welcoming a growing number of visitors, thereby boosting opportunities for the local tourism industry’s development. But what makes Mahogany Bay such a coveted destination?

Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

The Mahogany Bay Cruise Port, a $62 million investment by Carnival Corporation, spans 20 acres in Dixon Cove, Roatan, Honduras. With a capacity to handle over 8,000 passengers simultaneously, this port has transformed Roatan into a key destination for millions of cruise passengers who visit the island annually.

Location and Accessibility

Located on the southwestern side of Roatan, Mahogany Bay Cruise Port sits in the crystal-clear waters of Dixon Cove, approximately 64 kilometers off the northern coast of Honduras. Just three miles from Roatan’s multipurpose port, Mahogany Bay offers a tropical paradise experience without being far from essential infrastructure and services. The proximity to Central America’s coast and the Caribbean Sea allows cruise ships to anchor at this island with ease, providing passengers a dreamlike experience in the heart of the Caribbean.

Terminal and Docks

The Mahogany Bay port complex covers just over 20 acres and is designed to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously. Its location in Dixon Cove not only protects anchored ships from harsh weather but also offers a perfect backdrop of tropical jungle and calm waters for disembarking passengers.

Inside the terminal, the Mahogany Bay Welcome Center greets visitors with services designed for their comfort, including information centers, telephones, bathrooms, excursion booking services, comfortable rest areas, and a Duty-Free Dufry shop offering luxury products at tax-free prices.

Amenities and Services at Mahogany Bay Cruise Port

Mahogany Bay stands out for its wide range of amenities and services that complement the Caribbean experience. From restaurants and shops to a private beach, this port ensures that each visitor has a variety of options to make their stay unforgettable.

Dining

Mahogany Bay offers diverse dining options, from local dishes to international specialties, allowing visitors to savor the best of Honduran cuisine in a luxury setting.

Private Beach

The jewel of Mahogany Bay is its 825-foot private white-sand beach, Mahogany Beach. Visitors can enjoy facilities that include a restaurant, bathrooms, and beach entertainment activities. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the port offers cabana rentals with waiter service and beach chairs. Additionally, visitors can rent water sports equipment, such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards, for a Caribbean adventure.

Shopping

The shopping options at Mahogany Bay are diverse and appealing. From the large Duty-Free Dufry Shop to boutiques selling handicrafts and souvenirs, visitors can take a piece of Roatan home with them. These stores offer local products and unique souvenirs that reflect the island’s vibrant culture and the hospitality of its people.

Cruises and Transportation Services at Mahogany Bay

The port is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation, which means that affiliated cruise lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises have priority for docking at its piers. This exclusive collaboration ensures that Mahogany Bay provides an optimal experience for Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines and their passengers.

Mahogany Bay to Roatan Airport

Located only 3.6 miles from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, Mahogany Bay is about 10-15 minutes away by taxi. Additionally, car rental services are available at both the airport and the port, although most passengers choose taxis due to the short distance between the airport and the port. If you need a taxi, you can book here.

Taxis

Taxis in Roatan are a common and convenient way to travel, with well-marked taxi stations at the port, the airport, and other key points on the island. You can book your taxis here.

Mahogany Bay and the Rest of Roatan

Despite its compact size, Roatan has a well-organized transportation network that allows visitors to easily move around the island. The main transportation options include taxis and rental cars.  If you need a taxi, you can book here.

Rental Cars

Although car rentals are less popular due to the effectiveness of taxis, those wishing to explore the island at their own pace also have access to rental vehicles available at various locations around the island.

Beaches Near Mahogany Bay

For passengers looking to relax on the beach, Roatan offers some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Here are some of the most popular options for Mahogany Bay visitors.

Mahogany Beach

Located within the port itself, Mahogany Beach is a man-made beach with stunning views of the bay and a swimming area supervised by lifeguards. In addition to rental cabanas, the beach offers free hammocks and beach chairs, perfect for relaxing on the sand or in the shade of a palm tree.

West Bay Beach

Located about 12 miles from Mahogany Bay, West Bay Beach, also known as Tabyana Beach, is one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated beaches. With white sands and a coral reef just 70 feet from the shore, this beach is ideal for snorkeling and diving, where visitors can immerse themselves in an underwater world full of marine life.

Pristine Bay Beach Club

For those looking for a private beach experience and gourmet dining, the Pristine Bay Beach Club offers an exclusive setting and first-class amenities. Experience Pristine Bay with the 2x1 Day Pass. Enjoy access to their beach, pools, and amenities—buy a day pass for two people for the price of one. Savor meals from their restaurants and join in on activities to enhance your visit, such as diving, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, driving range, and golf course.

Fort Consolation Restaurant

Only 5 miles from the port, Fort Consolation Restaurant in Coxen Hole serves fresh seafood and local cuisine in a setting that takes advantage of panoramic Caribbean views.