Port Day in Paradise: Exploring Mahogany Bay with Carnival Jubilee

Mahogany Bay: A Relaxing Port Day Stop on Carnival Jubilee

If you’re sailing on the Carnival Jubilee and see Mahogany Bay on your itinerary—get excited! This port, located in Roatán, Honduras, is one of the most relaxing and easygoing stops on Carnival’s Western Caribbean route. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy your day ashore without any stress.

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🚶 First Steps Off the Ship: Duty-Free Shopping

As you disembark the Carnival Jubilee, your first stop is a large, air-conditioned duty-free shop. You’ll walk through this to access the port area. It’s a convenient spot to grab souvenirs, sunscreen, or just cool off before stepping outside into the tropical sunshine.

What exactly is duty-free shopping? Duty-free is tax-free. One perk of cruise ports and cruise ships in general is duty-free shopping. Popular items to purchase in duty-free shops include alcohol, cosmetics, and jewelry. These things often have higher prices due to taxes applied.

🛍️ The Town Center: Local Shopping & Island Vibes

Once through the shop, you’ll enter a well-maintained town center filled with boutique-style shops, handcrafted souvenirs, and vendors selling fresh coconuts—served straight from the shell! It’s a clean, charming area that’s easy to navigate and perfect for a leisurely stroll.

This particular port has lots of fun photo ops and popular stores such as Del Sol and Cariloha. Additionally, handmade goods from local vendors are available too.

Port shops are great places to buy gifts to bring back home. In my blog post “5 Great Travel Souvenirs” I tell about some of our favorite things to buy while traveling.

🚡 Optional Chair Lift: A Scenic Ride (for an Extra Fee)

You’ll likely notice the Mahogany Bay chair lift carrying cruisers across the port area to the beach. It offers stunning views and a fun experience, but be aware—it’s not free. The cost is around $14 for a round-trip ride (prices may vary), so bring extra spending money if this is on your bucket list.

🍴 Food & Drinks: Not Included, So Plan Ahead

Unlike onboard dining, food and beverages in Mahogany Bay are not included with your cruise fare. If you’re planning to spend the day at the beach, bring cash or a card for lunch or snacks. There are several bars and grills offering local favorites and tropical drinks, but prices can add up quickly.

One thing we noticed was the restaurants can fill up quickly and the service at the lounge chairs can take a while. If you plan on eating while here you will want to order food and drinks early.

🏖️ Beach & Activities: Extra Fun at a Cost

The beach at Mahogany Bay is gorgeous and easy to access, even on foot. While relaxing in the sand is free, rentals for water toys, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and shaded cabanas all come with additional costs. It’s helpful to plan your budget in advance if you’re bringing kids or want to be active onshore.

❌ Skip the Excursion: Here’s Why

One of the best parts about Mahogany Bay is how simple and peaceful the day can be. In our opinion, an excursion isn’t necessary at this port. You can have a perfectly lovely time just browsing the shops, sipping a coconut, and lounging on the beach—all without booking anything extra.

Mahogany Bay is on the same island as Roatan, Honduras, however it is a different cruise port than Coxen Hole. Royal Caribbean ships port on the other side of the island and we have found that doing an excursion from here is much more enjoyable than staying in that port.

Check out our Roatan YouTube video here:

Final Thoughts: Mahogany Bay on the Carnival Jubilee

Mahogany Bay is a breath of fresh air in the middle of a busy cruise itinerary. It’s ideal for those who want to slow down, soak up some sun, and enjoy a relaxed port day without the pressure of excursions or schedules.

🎥 Want to see it in action? Check out our YouTube video here:

💼 Planning your own Carnival cruise? I’d love to help you book a trip that fits your travel style and budget.

Heading out on your own cruise? Don’t forget to check out our recommendations for Essential Travel Gear.

And remember… Life’s short… Take the trip!