Cozumel/Mr. Sancho's Beach Resort-BEWARE!!

[webray]

You are blaming the wrong people...your blame should fall on the cab driver, however...why they would change the price after you were in the cab is beyond me, you always agree on a price before getting into the cab.

It seems to me that Mr. Sancho's beach area did not wrong you at all.

We had no problem at all in Cozumel...all the cabs/drivers we had were wonderful. We went off the beaten path to a local grocery store for our vanilla and tequila...all the locals wonderful. We were even looking for a place from our map (didn't exist anymore..so we found out), but, all the locals we ran into along the way were wonderful in trying to help us find it...keep in mind..our spanish is pretty much non-existant.

We can't wait to go back to cozumel and we will definately return to Mr Sanchos beach area. Your problem with a cab driver probaby could have been prevented with simple precautions.

 

[Rippington'sFan]

I forget who mentioned contacting the Authorities. Hahahaha
That would be a joke since I'm sure the Authorities have their hands in the profits too! When you visit these 3rd world backwards countries you have to be on your guard at all times. Don't trust anybody and don't venture off the beaten path. It's not worth it.
Like a few people mentioned..."negotiate the total price before getting into the cab".

 

[dianthus]

We were at Mr. Sanchos on the 11/8 cruise too. We had no problems with the cabs at all. We had a really nice driver on the way over. He offered to come back & pick us up at the same rate. We figured a bird in the hand was a good thing since we didn't know Cozumel. We said great, come back in 4 hrs. He was there right on time. There were 3 of us- we were charged $5 pp +we tipped $ 5 each way- so $40 roundtrip total, which we think was fair. The taxi rates posted in town said $5pp up to 4 people in the cab. Maybe that was the problem- how many people did you have in your party- over 4?

We thought Mr. Sanchos was great!

We are from Danbury, CT. What restaurant did you own here?

~ Linda

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Originally posted by Rippington'sFan
IWhen you visit these 3rd world backwards countries you have to be on your guard at all times. Don't trust anybody and don't venture off the beaten path. It's not worth it.

And some people wonder why Americans are so disliked. Your statement is very upsetting. 1)My grandfather was from Mexico, 2)Not everyone is so blessed as we are here in the US (even people living here aren't so fortunate as others), I have visited Mexico twice, once for pleasure and once on mission work. The people of Mexico are wonderful people with a great culture. Maybe you should take the time to actually learn about the nations you are visiting.

 

[sdptalk]

WOW! Emotions are running pretty high here.

Thanks for the warning about the cab drivers. Since we are going on the Western cruise over spring break, the heads up is appreciated.

I think that all the original poster was trying to do is vent frustration and warn us about something that could possibly happen. There is no need to rip her apart. Everyone has different experiences -- it is good to hear about both so that we can make our own judgments. If I get good service - I share it with people. If I get bad service - I share that too.

Again, thanks for the warning. We will have fun, but we will also be a little smarter when we travel there now.

Sandy

 

[dianthus]

I just reread this thread & if what I read is correct, you paid $1 more roundtrip than we did for 5 people with tips. We had 3 in our cab.

I didn't think we paid too much at $40 round trip w/ tips for 3. I guess it's a matter of perspective. But then again, we didn't have to wait, or argue with anyone over the fare. Our driver was so nice.

~ Linda

 

[jlawall]

I have traveled to Mexico a few times and it is always a "buyer beware!" town. We did the Fury Catarmaran excursion and really had a wonderful time. They even took pictures and they were processed before we returned to the ship. The staff got everyone dancing on the way back. It was really fun! It gave us a great impression of Cozumel. At Carlos and Charlies, we also had a blast. Once again the staff there made sure we had a ball and definitely return next year. So.....the lesson learned is.....if you try to save a little money, sometimes the hassles are NOT worth it. You just never know....thx for sharing and warning the rest of us!

 

[off2disney]

When we were in Playa del Carmen, we were told that it was a $10 cab ride back to the ship - however, we weren't informed that the cabs would ONLY take 4 passengers in the cab -- because we were 5 people, we had to take 2 cabs @ $10.00 each. (They wouldn't use a van to carry us together). I thought it was a rip off, until our cab had to swing by the police station so the guard could see how many people were in the cab. (at least, that's what it seemed like) Maybe he was in on the cut, too.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I'm not saying that what goes on is right, it's not. But some of these are desperate people in desperate times. When DH and I were in Cancun last year we spoke with some of the bartenders at our resort about some of the things they go through living in that country. You go to Cancun and it is beautiful in the resort area. Where these people live, it is nothing like that. And these are the "nice" parts of Mexico. I have seen the other side, too, the down right sad part of Mexico, and that was not even going too far into the country. And it is a real shame. Mexico is so full of culture and history, but the government hasn't taken care of its people. And this is what happens. Having spent a week in a Mexican orphanage it gave me a whole different perspective, and much more compassion for our southern friends.

Is there corruption? Yes of course. Is it right? No, not at all. But these people are trying to live.

Did you know that in Mexico, if you get in a car accident you are automatically arrested, no matter whose fault. Driving down highways you will see abandoned, wrecked vehicles because these people are so in fear of their government and their police.

Why am I saying all this? I really don't know, I am just upset about some of the comments I am seeing on this thread, and maybe if you understood what some of these people are going through, the extra $1 or $5 won't really matter to you. After all you just spent thousands of dollars to be on this cruise. Most of these people will not even see that amount of money in one year of working.

Just something to keep in mind.

 

[DisneyGator01]

It might have been a slow day... I would think on slower days, cab drivers might be tempted to inflate prices a bit.

Also, was it close to all aboard? I am sure these cab drivers are aware of when you need to be back, and will inflate prices knowing you HAVE to be back, and they are you way to get there.

Supply and Demand.. isn't capitalism great

Sorry you had that experience. It can be very nerve-wrecking being in a unknown place with different customs. But from my limited travels, I have learned it's best to try to adapt to the local culture as best as possible, and the more respectful you are of the local people, the better they will treat you. And even if they don't, you get to go back to a luxury liner, while they have to go back to some shanty town with few prospects of much better then that.

 

[markmyboy]

I don't really know why I am posting either, I just have to say that I often have brief pangs of guilt when I am cruising to some of these countries. It is beautiful for those 8 or 10 hours that we are there, but there are people who actually live there & I highly doubt that they get to spend their days relaxing on the beautiful beaches or swimming with the dolphins or go on a nice boat ride to snorkel!! They are working their butts off trying to make US feel special in THEIR home!! I would imagine there are more than just a few natives of these countries who harbor TONS of resentment towards us & I can't say I would blame them. All it takes is to have been born somewhere else & it could be me begging you to let me braid your daughters hair!! I try to be gracious to everyone I encounter on my travels, sometimes it is hard if you "feel" you are being harassed, but I always try to put myself in the other persons shoes & I am more thankful that I was born in such an affluent country. It is scary to think that it is sometimes just a matter of geography!!

All that said, of course it is hard to deal with the feeling you are being taken advantage of & feeling "stuck" with being treated that way & it sounds like the original poster handled the situation VERY well, going to the manager & then reporting it to the ship!! Just my 2 cents.....it's hard to see people make some hurtful broad statements!! About the OP AND the people living in these countries!

 

[cjsmith]

Wonderful post markmyboy, I couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[goodfaerie]

Markmyboy, what a thoughtful and empathic post! You have helped to boost my faith in the human animal! Hooray!

GF

 

[Rippington'sFan]

original quote by Miss Jasmine:

""And some people wonder why Americans are so disliked. Your statement is very upsetting. 1)My grandfather was from Mexico, 2)Not everyone is so blessed as we are here in the US (even people living here aren't so fortunate as others), I have visited Mexico twice, once for pleasure and once on mission work. The people of Mexico are wonderful people with a great culture. Maybe you should take the time to actually learn about the nations you are visiting."

I appologize for commenting the way I did. I guess I could have worded it differently. Believe me I'm not a prejudice person and I know the Mexican people are good people. There are many places here in the states where I wouldn't want to wander off the beaten path either. However when you are in places like Mexico or the Carribean etc... where tourism is the main industry the locals depend on it and do attempt to take advantage of it sometimes which is how this post got started about the over-charged cab ride. Are tourists vulnerable in these areas? Yes they are in my opinion. Generally the tourists are unfamiliar with the area and can sometimes wander into areas that you shouldn't or don't want to be in. Things can happen in these cases such as being robbed etc... It's easy for things to happen since the tourists are generally confined to a relatively small area when visiting these places and there are people out there that will try to take advantage if you give them the opportunity. You mentioned "no wonder the Americans are so disliked"? Well what are Americans supposed to think when they visit places and get ripped off like in the case of the posted rates for cab rides? Are we as Americans supposed to just shrug that off? Just accept being ripped off and write it off as donating to the poor? If the Authorities were legitimate they would crack down on all the problems since tourism is their #1 industry. Maybe they are but more needs to be done. Where would these places like Cozumel,Cancun, the Carribean Islands,etc... be without us
disliked Americans?

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Markmyboy, that was a great post. Thanks for saying what I couldn't seem to say. I'm glad there are others who understand what I mean.

Also, another little courtesy would be to attempt to speak in their language. In the case of Mexico, just a simple hola, buenos dias or gracias really makes their day! (I hope I spelled those all right, I never learned my own grandfather's native language. )

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Originally posted by Rippington'sFan
You mentioned "no wonder the Americans are so disliked"? Well what are Americans supposed to think when they visit places and get ripped off like in the case of the posted rates for cab rides? Are we as Americans supposed to just shrug that off? Just accept being ripped off and write it off as donating to the poor? If the Authorities were legitimate they would crack down on all the problems since tourism is their #1 industry. Maybe they are but more needs to be done. Where would these places like Cozumel,Cancun, the Carribean Islands,etc... be without us
disliked Americans?

Rippington's fan, I thank you for your apology, but I still see some of that same attitude in this post. You don't understand the conditions these people live in and the fear they feel from their goverment and their police. And actually, these people would probably be in the same place with or without us, because believe me the only ones getting rich and making the real money are the rich (government officials, etc.).

 

[Rippington'sFan]

to: Miss Jasmine


Ok, I understand your point. It does bother me though when I hear about people getting ripped off like with this cab fare issue where the rate is clearly posted and it is ignored and people are over-charged on purpose.

I just wish the Cruise Industry could somehow come up with a way to oversee that transportation rates for their guests when in ports are abided by. I know it would be difficult but there must be a way to control it better.

 

[spencertaylor]

I really cant believe the comments of how people want the Cruise Industry to take care of them, read your contract with them, they are not taking care of you. You sign this contract, and you are doing so with a forgien company, and you are signing away many rights that you have.
I think that Americans are egotistical and think that whereever they travel they should be worshiped for the almighty dollar, when it comes down to it, we are despised.
And for you to be an adult and think that someone should protect you is insane, stay at home, you are maybe safe there.
People rip people off everyday in America, who do you ask to protect you then?

 

[Rippington'sFan]

to: spencertaylor


"I really cant believe the comments of how people want the Cruise Industry to take care of them, read your contract with them, they are not taking care of you. You sign this contract, and you are doing so with a forgien company, and you are signing away many rights that you have.
I think that Americans are egotistical and think that whereever they travel they should be worshiped for the almighty dollar, when it comes down to it, we are despised.
And for you to be an adult and think that someone should protect you is insane, stay at home, you are maybe safe there.
People rip people off everyday in America, who do you ask to protect you then?"

You have some good points. I personally don't expect the Cruise Line to protect me even though it may have sounded that way. Nor do I expect anybody to protect me for that matter. I can take care of myself with no problems believe me! I don't need to be taken by the hand so I don't have to stay home like you suggest.
My point is that something should be done about the cab situation. It's a total scam that should not be ignored by the cruise industry. Maybe the cruise industry should supply their own cabs and drivers when in port. Why not do that? Then I bet you would find some honest local cab drivers almost immediately.

 

[dianthus]

Unless I didn't read something right, I don't think the OP was overcharged at all... The posted rate for the trip to Mr. Sanchos is $5pp yp to 4 people one way. Our party of 3 was charged $15 over & $15 back. We gave the cab driver $10 in tips, as he was so nice. I checked the posting before getting into the cab & confirmed it with the driver before we got into the cab.

They posted they paid $16 to Mr. Sanchos- 5 people = $3.20 pp
On the way back they posted it cost them $18- 5 people = $3.60pp. With their $7 tip included = $41 - 5 people = $8.20pp round trip. Even with the tip added in, well below the $10 pp rate round trip posted.

If I've read this wrong, let me know, but I think they got a really good deal- below the posted rate. Is it me? Am I reading their post wrong?