August 28, 2004 "LOST AT SEA" Cruise

[ThreeCircles]

Mary Anne--

Have you guys started talking about what (if any) excursions you might be planning? Do you think you might be interested in the Southernmost Scavenger Hunt on Key West Day?

I'm not 100% sure as to what Travis and I will end up doing at the other ports of call but I know we do want to try the scavenger hunt thing. We have visited Key West twice now and wanted to try something new.

 

[Mary Anne]

To be honest, I doubt we'll do any excursions. Hard as this might be to understand, we love to cruise but don't care for the beach, water, sand, or seeing many of the sights on these islands. We really enjoy being the the ship while in port and everyone else is off the ship.

Since we've never been to any of these places we'll probably get off for about an hour or so just to say we were there but have no desire to really do anything in these places.

I have been on cruises that I never once set foot off the ship while in port.

 

[SeaSpray]

Mary Anne:

One of my brothers who talked us into trying a cruise this past summer always says that he wouldn't care if the ship just circled the islands and never stopped. He really enjoys being on the ship, too, and wouldn't mind just staying onboard the entire time.

My DH doesn't have a huge interest in exploring the islands. He's not a beach person, so I think my one beach day will be the day we spend at Castaway Cay. He does want to get off the ship at each port, and he likes to snorkel, but he can do that at Castaway Cay too, so I don't think we'll be doing any snorkel or beach excursions.

I have a few excursions for each port that appeal to me, just not sure which ones we'll do. We do plan on the Tulum ruins though. (I think I've mentioned that before, haven't?? lol)

 

[Mary Anne]

We do plan on the Tulum ruins though. (I think I've mentioned that before, haven't?? lol)

LOL Yes you have. Could you tell me what it is? Now you've got me interested.

 

[xABearx]

Here's a description of the excursion, including prices and length of tour, from the DCL site......Andy


Tulum Ruins and Beach Tour (6.5 - 7.5 hours)

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. An additional fee will be charged for those wishing to bring a video camera. There are areas of rough terrain and strollers are not allowed. Not recommended for children under 8.

Adult Price: $90 (ages 10 and above)
Child Price: $70 (ages 5-9)
Departure Time: 9:40 am

 

[Mary Anne]

While that sounds interesting, I guess we'll pass on that too. We enjoy our time on the ship while it's in port too much to give it up for 7 hours or so.

 

[Mjasp]

41 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait till get under 40.


Excursions...I have no clue, still way too early for me. The scavenger hunt does sound like fun, but with 2 small kids complaining of the heat. Hmmm...Doesn't sound like much fun anymore If I wasn't with kids I would definitely do this.

I would like to go to hell, a quick excursion in Grand Cayman

Cozumel... Mr. Sancho's looks good.

Key West...In Key West I want to check out that sandal shop, after that who knows.

CC...Sitting with my chair in the foot of the water

 

[SeaSpray]

Thanks for the description, Andy!

Mary Anne: Yes, it's a VERY long excursion, and I can understand where it might not be everyone's cup of tea, as far as excursions go, especially if someone had younger kids.

I've done a lot of research on it, including reading extensive trip reports by people who've done it and they all highly recommend it. We'll be docked in Cozumel for almost the entire day, so this will still give us time to explore just a bit afterwards. I've looked into the ruins excursions that are actually on the island of Cozumel but they are not impressive at all; at least not in comparison to the ruins at Tulum.

Four hours of traveling time is a LOT, and it's the one point that made me hesitate planning it, but we feel it would be worth it. Both of our DSs have studied the Mayans, so we feel this will be an interesting excursion for all 4 of us.

 

[Karel]

I'm thinking about excursions, though nobody else wants to hear about them, lol.

Key West - my husband's brother lives down there so we want to hook up with him for an adult's tour of Key West. The kids haven't been there since they were 3, 5 and 6, so we'll walk around a bit and then they may go to the lab/teen club so we can spend adult time together.

Grand Cayman - wanted to go to the turtle farm till I read a very depressing post about how they live there for their whole life and they are raised for turtle products. Maybe we'll just shop a bit and have a look around.

Cozmel - I'd love to go to Tulum but I think it would be too much for the kids. Might go to the smaller ruins and then Chankabaub (sp?) I've always wanted to go to Xceret too so we might do that.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Everyone sounds well on their way to planning for land excursions or Magic excursions!

Mary Anne-- I can totally understand where you're coming from! Time spent on the Magic is about as good as you can get!

I think Travis and I may consider the Tulum ruins as well. The excursion is long but the site looks awesome and steeped in history! I bet the feel of the place is just remarkable!

 

[SeaSpray]

Jason:

In case you haven't seen them yet, scroll through the pictures on this person's web site. He got some great shots of the ruins and beach at Tulum. After comparing this to the ruins on Cozumel itself, we've decided it's worth it to take the day and go to Tulum. (Not intending to knock anyone who does the Cozumel ruins, but for us, we know we'd prefer Tulum!)

http://externe.net/photos/ll2-mexico-tulum-mayan-ruins/aligned_with_the_stars

 

[ThreeCircles]

SeaSpray--

Wow! Thanks for providing the link to that site. The pictures are the best that I've seen of Tulum and they really do make the other ruins seem minor compared to these.

I have a feeling that Travis and I will definitely be checking Tulum out!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Well, as much as I hate to see the weekend end, at least it's one more behind us now and puts us one more weekend closer to the Magic!

 

[markºoº]

WOW, has this list grown since I posted in June. Looks like there will be a lot of DIS members on the cruise.

Although it is early, I've been thinking about excursions. On our first cruise in 2002 (4 day) we did not do any since we had a 3 year old. This time he will be 5 and we have more choices. My other DS will be 12.

Key West - no idea yet. Probably explore a little on our own, do the trolley. I'm sure it will be HOT! Sorry, but I doubt we would do a big scavenger hunt. I don't think DW or younger DS would be interested.

Grand Cayman - I'm sure we will do stringray city. I'm also interested in the Atlantis Deep Explorer. It cost a small fortune but I think it would be so cool. Our older son would love this.

Cozumel - We might do something at Chankanaab. The cavern exploration looks like fun but DS will not be 6. I would consider the Atlantis sub if we don't do the deep explorer in Grand Cayman.

Anybody have thoughts about these excursions or other ideas from someone with a 5 year old?

 

[Mjasp]

Mark...Good to hear from you, I was wondering where you were. Thought you jumped ship LOL

Sorry, Can't help you with those excursions.

 

[ThreeCircles]

Hello Mark!

Sorry to hear that you won't be joining us for the scavenger hunt. I can understand that you guys want to do something together and that everyone will enjoy though! Vacations are family time!

Stingray City at Grand Cayman is a excellent experience! We booked through Captain Marvin's in August and will definitely try it again. We did the short excursion, about two hours or so, and want to try a longer one.

We've also visited Chankanaab. We got there late on our last visit and may go back next time. From the little we saw of the park, it looks like a nice place to visit. Bring extra cash though, as everything within the grounds is extra.


Make sure you check out the August 28th Cruise List site at <a href="http://www.threecircles.net">ThreeCircles.net</a> . Talk to you soon!

Jason

 

[Caren90]

WOW, lot's of new people since I last checked in.

MJASP- I noticed on your cruise list I never gave the ages of my family, if you would like to add them:
Me
DH
DD-12
DS-9

BIL
SIL
DNephew-8
DNiece-5

Thanks, it cannot come soon enough!!
Caren

 

[Mjasp]

Caren...Consider it done, I see you also have a DD 12 cruising, so will I, along with DD 8. Guess our 12 yr olds will be in the same age group in the lab.

Check out Jasons cruise list at Threecircles.net

 

[Caren90]

Great Thanks
I'll check out the website of anyone with a Howard Dean link in thier signature!
MJASP are you also in one of the secret porthole rooms-we have three-on the 5020 side?

Caren

 

[Caren90]

Great Thanks
I'll check out the website of anyone with a Howard Dean link in thier signature!
MJASP are you also in one of the secret porthole rooms-we have three-on the 5020 side?

Caren