3/29/03 Weastern Cruise - Say "Ya Baby"

[Trekker]

Let me start by saying we had an absolutely wonderful time on our very first cruise, so much so that we booked for an Eastern Cruise next spring!

It was certainly interesting, considering the weather we encountered. We left port as expected on Saturday, that evening we were told there was a storm brewing at Key West and we could not go into port the next day. So they ran that ship as fast as they could to try and stay ahead of the storm. It caught up to us on Sunday afternoon, even the crew were saying this was the roughest they could remember. We nick-named the ship the S.S. Hurley for that day – You get the picture I’m sure.

Monday was supposed to be a day at sea – but they re-arraigned the itinerary to get us into Cozumel a day early and then into Key West on Thursday so we could get to all ports.

IMO Cozumel is just like any Mexico/USA border town - I always feel that the merchants were trying to "hustle" me. We did the Tulum ruins tour and I was very disappointed. The ruins themselves are great, but the “tour” was a joke. Our “English speaking” guide spoke “Spanglish” (I hope that is not offensive to anyone - it is not meant to be)we could understand about 25% of what he said and believed about 10% of what we understood. It was funny because we compared notes with our dining companions who took a tour of the San Gervasio Ruins, their guide told them the same story about being descended from the Mayans and having a specific birth mark that is a sign of the Mayans, and how it faded during his teen years. LOL!

The tour is described as!



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The remnants of a proud and fascinating civilization are yours to explore. After a boat ride to Playa del Carmen, you'll travel via air-conditioned bus to the Tulum Ruins. A knowledgeable guide will escort you through this sacred city and reveal its complex history. While at the Ruins, enjoy use of the nearby beach (approximately 2 hours). Beverages and sandwich lunch provided.

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I already told you about the knowledgeable guide, the beach is a joke – it is an area about 50 yards wide with no chairs, umbrellas, bathrooms, changing rooms, etc. There was also a woman sunbathing topless. What a great place to send families from a Disney Cruise! And you really only had about 20 minutes anyway.

The lunch consisted of a 6” subway sandwich (I can get these anywhere) and there was a very strange off taste as if the lettuce was turning. And the mayo did not taste like any mayo I ever had before. The beverages were small cups poured from 2 liter bottles. I really feel Disney needs to do a better job of seeing that these tour providers are really supplying what it says they are.

When we returned to the ship for a 5:30 PM departure we were informed we would not be leaving until 11:30 PM because we could not go into Grand Cayman. – the port was closed due to high seas. We were instead going to another port on the Yucatan called Costa Maya.

Here is a survey I got from DCL about Costa Maya and my responses, I think you can tell how I feel about Costa Maya!

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Dear Disney Magic Guest,
As a passenger on the March 29 cruise, you had the opportunity to experience Costa Maya, a port of call we do not normally visit. I was hoping you would be willing to give me some feedback that will help us evaluate future itinerary changes. It shouldn't take but a minute of two of your time, and I would be most grateful!
Warm regards,
Candy Parks
Manager, DCL Research
1. Overall, how would you rate your experience in Costa Maya? Would you say it was
Excellent
Very good
Good
Just Okay
Poor
2. Was you actual experience in Costa May the same as / better / or worse than you expected? If it was better or worse, how so?
Better - we were pleasantly surprised with how beautiful this port was. The effort put in to make this a wonderful place for ships guests was readily evident. In my opinion you could get rid of the Cozumel stop and add Costa Maya. Cozumel is the same as visiting any Mexican/USA border town.
3. How did you spend your time in Costa Maya? Did you take a shore excursion? (If so, which excursion did you take and how did you enjoy it?) Did you explore on your own? (If so, where did you go?)
Shopping, enjoying the free entertainment put on at the central stage area, beach, etc. This is truly a little Gem of the Yucatan!
4. Was there anything you particularly liked or disliked about Costa Maya?
It was much more relaxed than Cozumel - I did not feel that the merchants were trying to "hustle" me. I felt I was able to shop in comfort and to receive a great price on the jewelry we purchased.
5. Do you think DCL should consider adding Costa Maya to future itineraries? Why or why not?
YES! for all the reasons mentioned above.

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Wednesday was a day at sea, and was wonderful.
Thursday was Key West – I enjoyed this town very much and could visit there for a longer stay.
Friday was Castaway Cay – what a great place! I have to get my pictures from snorkeling developed – I hope they turn out, I’ll try to post if they do!

The crew of the Magic did a wonderful job making a tough week really enjoyable for their guests. My hat is off to them for a job well done!

 

[plutojudy]

Trekker, thanks for the trip report. We have some good underwater shots from Castaway Caykey, some of which you took. Want copies? Lotsa stingrays and star fish.

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Trekker - we were also on the Tulum Ruins tour - but we must have been on a different bus. Our guide spoke very good english and gave a really informative tour of the ruins. We missed the topless sunbather - believe me if she had still been around when we were there - my DH or my 12 yr. old DS would have noticed

I totally agree about the lunch. It was pretty lame - I was really glad that we had been forwarned about the lack of drinks and had brought our own bottled water. The little tiny cup of pop did not go very far after spending a couple of hours hiking and swimming.

We didn't go into Cozumel much - just spent about 30 minutes at the shops right at the end of the pier. So we didn't get the hassles that you must have.

I posted a trip report also - we had a great time and are looking into booking another cruise. Although I'm not sure if we will go Disney again or try RCCL instead. I looked into the time we would be wanting to go next year and it is at least $1,000 more than we paid this year.

Sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you on board. Sounds like everyone had a pretty good time even with the altered itenerary!

PS - my 12 yr. old played too much bingo and is still going around saying "Ya baby" or "D'oh!".

 

[Trekker]

BriarfoxinWA

What we ended up booking for next year spring breaks was the 4/3/04 Eastern - we have 2 category 11s for $2,090 each a total of $4,180 for all 4 of us for 7 days.


Also by booking before we left the ship we got a $200.00 onboard credit for each cabin - that takes our cost down to $3,780 for our little family of 4 - that is less than I paid for 1 catergory 8 this year.

We decided we did not need a Veranda or window as we were never in the room - 2 cat 11s actually give us more room and privacy - for less money.

They are really discounting Cat 11.

 

[Trekker]

Judy

Copies of the photos would be great, did you scan them in?

Ron

 

[BriarfoxinWA]

Thanks for the info Trekker - I priced checked at the DCL site and it was around $4,000 for 1 cat. 11. I think I need to get a quote from DU! We are debating now about going later in the summer and maybe doing the Southern Caribbean on RCL... But I REALLY liked Disney!

 

[Trekker]

FYI - if you are putting 4 in the cat 11 it is cheaper to get 2 cat 11s with 2 in each one.

 

[kpgclark]

Trekker, I PM'd you.

 

[plutojudy]

Trekker, when I close my eyes, Cindy and I are still floating in our tubes way out in the ocean.