11/06/04 Western New and Improved Official Thread!

[poohssmum]

Ok, so we're going to Costa Maya ... I'm ok with that. Just wondering about the excursions ... I know we can only book on the ship, but where do we get the info about what excursions will be available?

 

[jjgarv]

I went to check on Travelocity about cabin availability for our cruise. Could not access our cruise. Went to DCL site and could not book anything for our cruise either. Does anyone think this means we are sold out or because we are less than 3 weeks to sailing and they cut off registrations?

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by poohssmum
Ok, so we're going to Costa Maya ... I'm ok with that. Just wondering about the excursions ... I know we can only book on the ship, but where do we get the info about what excursions will be available?

I asked the DCL Rep that. She told me that DCL would only release that type of information to my TA, who then would have to forward it to me. If you go to www.rccl.com and check their excursions, their list is basically the same as DCL's. I'm guessing they both use the same excursion planner in Costa Maya. The prices are different though. Also, if you go to http://www.dcltribute.com/navigators/mysterycruise0303/ it is a Navigator from 2003, which included a stop in Costa Maya. On page 2 of the Navigator from that day, there is a list of the excursions listed in Costa Maya. You can then match them up to the ones on Royal Caribbean to get the description.

 

[Mindymom]

I knew deep down that we'd most likely be going to Costa Maya, but I was still hoping we'd be going to GC. The only excursion we planned was on GC (swimming with the stingrays with Captain Marvins).

So now what. Any suggestions as to where we could get some good snorkeling in? Cozamel or Costa Maya?

My kids are getting very excited. Still really bummed that my husband won't be joining us (refuses to fly and we live on the West Coast). I have the suitcases out and have begun filling them up. I told my DS11 that he can't wear shorts for the next 2 weeks because I'm packing them.

Mindy

 

[sjcubedofct]

So, does anyone have a general website for good information about Costa Maya? I've got to get out a map and see where it is!

WOOO HOOO!! BRING ON THE SUNSHINE!!!

 

[scottygirl]

Sherry,

Here are two websites

http://www.costamayatravelers.com/
http://costamayacruiseexcursions.com/

Also, like Lori said go to www.rccl.com and
look at their Costa Maya excursions. I am kind of intersted in the Unimog excursion. I think it would be something my kids would like.

Mindy,

It is cold enough here that shorts are out of the question! I pulled up the big suitcases from the basement and have been setting aside some things to be packed, bathing suits and formal wear!

TTFN,

Jackie

 

[jel0511]

My only problem with Costa Maya is their lack of excursions for the under 5 set. The only one available is the Jungle Beach Break at Uvero Beach. Then there are only two more for those under 10, The Ruins and the snorkle tour. The 4X4 Unimog tour is for those 10 and up. I was on the phone with DCL yesterday getting all the info. Oh well, we'll be on the Jungle Beach Break!!

 

[scottygirl]

Lori,

Well it looks like we won't be doing the Unimog Excursion if it is only for 10 and older, unless DH wants to just take DS10!
Back to square one! I am trying to be positive, but this Costa Maya thing is bumming me out. DCL did not replace GC with a comparable port. I feel like we are being sent to a tourist trap. Maybe we should just look forward to a day at the pools on the ship. Okay, off my soapbox.

TTFN,

Jackie

 

[thumpery]

Hi Jackie,

You are not alone in your thoughts, LOL! I don't think it has really sunk in yet. My TA has not called to inform me or my friends of the change. A small part of me keeps hoping there is sliver of a chance still of going to GC. But who am I kidding; besides myself. GC was the main reason for booking this itinerary. We've always wanted to go there. Anyways, now I need to get off my soapbox. I know some are very excited about going to Costa Maya, and I am happy for them.

 

[sjcubedofct]

Some information, from this website:
http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/ports/costamaya.cfm

Exploring Mexico's Costa Maya
by Mary Ann Hemphill
May 7, 2003
There is something new under the Caribbean sun: It's Mexico's Costa Maya, an ancient Mayan maritime trading post, and now a port of call for a growing number of cruise ships. Costa Maya is on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 107 nautical miles south of Cancun. The newly-built cruise port of Mahahual has a jetty that can accommodate several large ships.


COSTA MAYA
This is quite a port, offering dining, shopping and recreational facilities. Throughout the day, trams run passengers back and forth between their ships and the pier complex, about 200-300 yards from the dock. There's duty free shopping, of course. One large palapa, or Mexican-style pavilion, houses local craftsmen who are making and selling their wares. Another has a restaurant and bar. Folkloric groups perform in an amphitheater, and there's a swim-up bar in a saltwater pool and a beach-style Mexican restaurant. The style and colors of the port complex are a modern interpretation of the Mayan culture.

Costa Maya is one answer to the Caribbean cruise lines' primary dilemma: where to deploy an ever-expanding fleet, and where to find new and interesting ports to attract a new passenger base and retain repeat passengers. This is especially true with the larger lines in the Caribbean, such as Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival.

The Costa Maya region is home to five of the area's ancient Mayan cities. Some of these are still being rediscovered; all are quite unspoiled. Chetumal boasts one of the best museums of Mayan culture. The impressive ruins at Oxtankah, the first Mayan city, date back to 350 A.D.
Chakchoben
Chakchoben was one of the principal distribution centers for the region's precious woods and jade. It dates back to 360 A.D. and was, until last year, largely unexplored.

Chincorro, a coral reef, offers tremendous snorkeling and diving opportunities. Its size equals that of the island of Cozumel. Divers who explore the reef might see some traces of the wrecks of 16th-century pirate vessels.


Cruise Critic's Costa Maya forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=169

Other sites:
http://www.puertocostamaya.com/eng/mayagetaway.cfm
http://www.mayanbeachgarden.com/

 

[scottygirl]

Sherry,

Thank you for the positive article. Are you a people pleaser? The link to the Port was also helpful. I wonder if you can book the excursions right at the port? I also wonder if they have the same age requirements? I looked at the Unimog Excursion and I don't see why you would have to be at least 10 for that. I mean I wouldn't take a baby or toddler on that, but an 8 year old would do fine. The airboat excursion also looks pretty neat.

TTFN,

Jackie

 

[nymets]

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF YOU CAN BRING WINE OR BEER ON THE SHIP ? I WOULD LIKE BUY SOME IN OLD KEY WEST FOR LATER IN THE CRUISE AT NIGHT?

 

[chefnm]

nymets,

from everything I read, you are allowed to bring it on the ship with you. They prefer that you carry it on instead of in checked luggage, and if you bring a cooler on the ship make sure to dump the ice out first. For some reason you may not bring ice on. Also, many people suggested buying the beverages before you leave PC. From what I read, unless you plan on going a good distance from the docks in KW you will pay a premium for your beverage of choice. If you bring wine to dinner, do yourself a favor and open the bottle in the room and just bring a glass along with you. They charge a corking fee for any bottle brought into the dining room that wasn't purchased their.
By the way, I think Al Leiter has found another career that he is good at. For your sake I hope he doesn't hang up the cleats yet.

Go Phillies!!!!!

 

[nymets]

I am so happy the Yankees lost to Boston my husband is a big time Yankee Fan I don"t have to listen to him braggin all the time till next spring training

Mets all the way 2005

Thanks for the info

 

[lUVTOGO]

Yes you can bring beer and wine on board. We had the towncar driver make a stop on the way to the port. We purchased a 30 pack of beer, some wine coolers and soda and put it in a rolling cooler. (No ICE) We checked it in with our luggage at the port and it was in our stateroom when we arrived there.

We also bought some drinks onboard (always had to try the drink of the day) when we were to lazy to walk back to our room. And we never brought our drinks into the dining room, I believe they still charge you a corkage fee if you bring your own wine into the dining rooms???We would just have a soda with dinner.

And when we got to St. Marteen we purchased more beer. Boy I am sounding like a heavy drinker

Maryann

 

[nymets]

It's ok as long as your not steering the ship we'll pick up some wine on 11/5 and party till 11/12

Children are staying home

mom and dad time after 27yrs

:

 

[Sue88]

Has anyone been parasailing before?
I am looking forward to it and would like to hear other peoples experiences.


Also, I have the second seating for dinner and will likely start off with Lumiere's. Anybody else with the same rotation?

 

[poohssmum]

Hey, we're (well I'm) 2 weeks away from flying out and when I came to check on how everyone is doing, this thread had dropped so low I almost didn't find it. Where the heck is everyone? Are you all busy packing already?

I'm a chronic last-minute packer I drive DH bananas because I panic and throw way more into the suitcase than I really need. He'll try to be helpful by packing for our boys, but I'll undoubtedly have to unpack their stuff and re-pack it ... to ensure we haven't forgotten anything. Hhmm, maybe it really is a good thing that he's flying down on Thursday morning to spend a couple of days w/his Dad, and the boys and I don't fly out until Friday night

Does anyone still have any last minute stuff they need to do or organize before they leave?

 

[confal1]

I am the opposite. I do also wait until the last minute to pack but it is because if I started packing now I would end up with the kitchen sink in my suitcase. We fly down on Friday afternoon. Of course if there are people on here who are Boston fans we have been on the edge of our seats and up until all hours of the night this week. Of course the World Series coming up won't help any of us get any sleep or pack. But it will all be worth it when the RED SOX finally win. :thewave:

 

[sjcubedofct]

You've got it confal, we can't pull ourselves from the games for a minute with the Red Sox playing. We've seen too many abrupt changes in the games, and we wouldn't want to miss them! And with the world series starting tomorrow night, well, packing doesn't look good for this coming week, either!

GO SOX!!