We were on the very first Western cruise and things might have changed since we went.
We were there on a very very hot day and it was kind of misable so that might have added to my unpleasant trip.
We left the ship and got on the high speed Ferry Boat - what a ride. We rocked and rolled so much that everyone was running around with plastic bags to give to all the sick people. The water was not rough - but the boat was unbelievable. My son - 26 yo - was so sick. The ride was about a 30 minute ride.
When we got off the ship we walked to a bit and found a parking lot full of buses. Our bus was rather old and smelly - and their were thick curtains on the windows. I am sure the curtains were to probably keep the air conditioning in, but that meant that you could not see anything.
We left and traveled about an hour - they stopped at a souvenior stand - they had really nice things and they had some snack items that were reasonable. We were encouraged to get extra water to take with us and the price was not bad.
WE left there and went to the ruins - again it was extremely hot. The ruins were nice and interesting and our guide was very imformative - we did not get to climb the ruins or anyting - or go in them - just look at them.
I felt like the last hour of the tour was an infomercial for some tablets that they were selling with the Milan numbers system on them. Lots of people bought then and you picked them up at the end of the tour - but he spent a lot of time talking about them.
When you were finished looking at the ruins you could take the tram back to a shopping area.
I do not like being hassled - and if you tried to look people kept coming up to you - hate that.
They had a show outside with people going up and down a pole in costumes - it was interesting to see. After each time they did it they would walk around the crowds with a hat and try and collect money.
You had to pay to use the bathroom there - and I was told to not washed your hands because the bacteria in the water would get on your hands and if you ate something or touched your mouth you could get sick.
We did not stop at a beach on the way home.
When we returned to the bus there were bagged lunches piled on the front seat of the bus - with no refrigeration or anything - but the bus was air conditioned.
The lunch consisted of a ham and cheese half sandwich, an apple, chips and if you wante a drink or soda or beer, they had large bottles sitting in water - is this the bacteria water I ask myself - and they would pour you a cup of whatever - I passed on that with fear of getting some of the water in my mouth.
I did not eat the sandwich as I did not like the cheese not being refrigerate and did not eat the apple because I was concerned about the way it might have been washed or if it was washed.
So I had chips for lunch.
Most people did eat their stuff and did not hear about anyone getting sick - so it was just me worrying about it - it mush have been fine.
We traveled back to the port and we drove thru some sad little towns - when i see this poverty it always make me so sad.
The tour guide - who was very nice and very entertaining - ended the trip with saying that we should tip him - but in a very nice way.
We walked back to Ferry boat and they were passing out sea sickness pills - the Disney people were - and I think they realized how rough the ride was going there. I took some just in case.
The ruins were interesting - but we kind of just stood there and listen to someone talk about them - would have like to experience them a bit more. Not sure there is anything speical about the Tulum ruins except they are on the ocean - and was wondering if we could have done the same thing on one of the four hour tours and just not seen the tiny glimse of the ocean.
Like I said - it was the first cruise - I am sure they have gotten feedback on this tour and changed things, ie. the beach afterwards and the Subway food.
I did it and am so glad I did, but not sure I would do it again.
This is just my opionion.
DArlene
