Cancun/Xcaret transportation and admission questions??

[lurontravel]

Is it possible/practical to get from the ship to Xcaret? How much would this cost, and how much more time would this take us then going with the excursion that Disney offers? What is the admission cost for adults/children to Xcaret, and does the admission cover all that is mentioned in the excurison except transportation and lunch? How practical is this for a family with two young children to do? We are a family of four, and it seems to me that if it isn't too diffucult, we'd be able to save a LOT of money by just doing it on our own. Has anyone done this? Please help! Thanks.

 

[DenverVal]

Xcaret's website is www.xcaretcancun.com. Admission is $46.55/$23.75, but doesn't include transportation to the park; they advertise a tour from Playa del Carmen for a little more, but I don't know where the ferry lets off.
From their website:
Activities included:
• Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation from the selected city (Tours only)
• Guided tours available throughout the park (Tours only)
• Interactive: Coral Reef Aquarium – Butterfly Pavilion – Wild Bird Aviary – Bat Cave -Orchid Farm - Mushroom Farm
Marine Turtles - Mammal Island - Botanical Garden - Apiary
• Aquatics Underground River - Inlet – Posas –– Beach
• Cultural: Xcaret at Night, Mayan Village - Archaeological Sites, Museum
• Adventure: Mayan River

Activities with an extra charge:
• Aquatics: Sea Trek – Snuba – Dolphins – Snorkel – Diving
• Adventure: Horseback Riding – Sky Tour – Pony Tour

Services with an extra charge:
• Baby cars – Wheelchairs – Snorkel Equipment

Friends tell me that swimming with the dolphins and swimming in the underground river were the highlights of their trip, but they weren't on a cruise ship, so they had more time to spend there.

That might be a mighty long day with small children!