DCL might not be going back to Grand Cayman until Jan or Feb 2005!!!

[jel0511]

I just called DCL to get information on Costa Maya excursions since it's a definate that the 11/6 cruise is going to Costa Maya. I got a extremely chatty CM who gave me lots of info! As of right now, DCL doesn't anticipate getting back to Grand Cayman until Jan or Feb of next year, since they don't think it will be up to "Disney standard" (her words not mine) until then. The say that with all the damage, lack of rental cars, lack of electricity and infastructure it will take that long for it to recover. The Shore Excursion Manager is supposebly going down to Grand Cayman next week to assess the situation there and to make a determination when DCL can begin visiting Grand Cayman again. So, my guess is that by the end of next week, or the beginning of the next we should have a VERY good idea how long Grand Cayman will be off DCL's itinerary.

 

[budwmn]

That is exactly the kind of information I need and DCL should be giving. I don't expect them to know everything or be able to control what's happening in Grand Cayman. However, I appreciate it when they're honest and forthcoming about the possibilities.

 

[CatLady]

Thanks for the Grand Cayman update. It's about what I expected, really. I'm sure that even the people who are disappointed will find something fun to do in Costa Maya.

Originally posted by jel0511
I just called DCL to get information on Costa Maya excursions since it's a definate that the 11/6 cruise is going to Costa Maya.

So what did you find out? Do they have a standard list of excursions for Costa Maya?

And -- this is where I probably will sound silly -- do you call the same line for reserving shore excursions that you do to actually make the reservation?

 

[jel0511]

There are about 6 excursions that DCL offers in Costa Maya. Here is a post I made to the 11/6 Cruise thread about how to find out info. None of the Costa Maya excursions can be pre-booked prior to boarding, they must be booked once onboard the ship.

Originally posted by jel0511
I asked the DCL Rep that. She told me that DCL would only release that type of information to my TA, who then would have to forward it to me. If you go to www.rccl.com and check their excursions, their list is basically the same as DCL's. I'm guessing they both use the same excursion planner in Costa Maya. The prices are different though. Also, if you go to http://www.dcltribute.com/navigators/mysterycruise0303/ it is a Navigator from 2003, which included a stop in Costa Maya. On page 2 of the Navigator from that day, there is a list of the excursions listed in Costa Maya. You can then match them up to the ones on Royal Caribbean to get the description.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Thank you so much for the informative thread.

I started looking into booking excursions directly with the vendors on Costa Maya. I went on cruisecritic.com and got the information. As with booking with DCL, I am sure it would also save money booking it yourself.

 

[abitjaded]

Ye gads, this is such sad news for the folks on Grand Cayman. What are the other cruise lines doing, anyone know? I cannot think but that Grand Cayman on limited capacity has tons more to offer than Costa Maya. The amount of amenities and interesting things to do at Costa Maya is pitiful. DCL must be getting some deal.

Carla

 

[MiaSRN62]

I cannot think but that Grand Cayman on limited capacity has tons more to offer than Costa Maya. The amount of amenities and interesting things to do at Costa Maya is pitiful. DCL must be getting some deal.

I agree with you abitjaded about Costa Maya....thanks for posting the info Lori.
I have to wonder if Costa Maya can handle the influx of tourists from all these cruise lines that are now substituting this port. I already read on another board (cruisecritic) of someone having to wait 2 hours for a taxi & of crowded (excursion) beaches.

 

[AnnMorin]

When I called they said our 12/4 was definately going to GC. I personally would love to see the ruins in costa maya, and from the photos I have seen of the beautiful GC it is not the way it was the last time I was there, I feel bad for the inhabitants butif we end up going there I think many people will be sadly dissapointed, it is going to take some time to get this island back to the paradise it once was.
Regardless of where we go I think people should be informed so they can book excursions and plan.

 

[mackymaddyconnorsmom]

I have emailed or even called some places in Grand Cayman. They are informing me that by the beginning of November , most ships are coming back. I hope they are right. We have no interest in Cm.

 

[spencersmom]

I'm so sad! We booked the trip so my husband could dive in Grand Caymen. I'm going on the Nov 6 cruise also and see quite a few of you are too! I'm so excited-I swear it's all I think about!

Thanks again!

 

[spencersmom]

This gal was so nice! She confirmed too that we were going to Costa Maya and said that we come in at 7am and can be off by 7:30 and have to be back on the ship by 5:30pm. There are 6 excursions and they may add more, she doesn't know at this time. Super sweet and helpful!

Still sad but hey, at least I won't be at work so it's hard to complain! Ginny

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

Ann: I totally agree with you. At this point, I just want to know what is going on.

Spencersmom: Thank you for the information. I was trying to figure out what time we can leave the ship in the morning. I think we are going to go on an 8:00 a.m. snorkel trip.

Does anyone have the list of DCL excursions from the past couple of Westerns?