December 12 - 19, 2009 Western Magic

[pamrob]

I also need help for Cozumel. Someone mentioned a beach a few miles away that you could drive to. I found some discounts on cars and mopeds if anyone is interested for there.

We don't want to do ruins, Dolphins is a little over the top since we're spending so much else where... So, my question is.... Where is a good beach to hang out, without too much money? I think we'll shop some too, but am most concerned about the main activity for the day. Isn't there a beach that you have acitivities on the beach, toys, etc? I scaled down Castaway Cay?

On the cruise critic boards Paradise Beach has some pretty enthusiastic supporters. It's free and you can purchase $10 wristbands to enjoy the nonmotorized toys. There is another frequently mentioned beach but I can't remember it right now.

 

[pamrob]

Just got some bad news. We took our van in for new tires for the trip. Seems there is some front end issue that needs worked on. The repair and the tires will be nearly $3000. Not the news I needed right now.

Send me some positive energy!

 

[kcashner]

I'll try to answer a couple of the questions---

Boatswain's is where the turtle farm is. You get a color coded bracelet based on what you paid for...turtle farm alone, whole facility, dolphins, etc. The facility looked like any other water park--lazy river, etc. We were happy to see just the turtle farm with Captain Marvin's. Our tour DID stop at the rum place in June even though it wasn't shown on the web site. We were given the option of returning to the tender terminal area or going to a beach after our "mid-day" island tour.

Their departure/return times are listed on the web site.

Paradise Beach is the cheaper one in Mexico. (free, or $10 includes equipment). Chankanaub park is nice but pricey. Cabs in Mexico are priced by the cab, not by the person. Be careful about renting a car in Mexico...there are some horror stories on the boards.

Formal night--put DH in a suit, not tux. No need to spend the bucks (although they do look good!)

 

[bevtoy]

We have a sign up page at our cruise members site, if you wish to access the site PM me your email address and I will send you an invitation.

You can find helpful links and information plus a few photos and coupons.

 

[bevtoy]

I was told that when engaging a cab in Mexico be sure to set the price BEFORE you enter the cab or the price will be more...LOL

I'll try to answer a couple of the questions---

Boatswain's is where the turtle farm is. You get a color coded bracelet based on what you paid for...turtle farm alone, whole facility, dolphins, etc. The facility looked like any other water park--lazy river, etc. We were happy to see just the turtle farm with Captain Marvin's. Our tour DID stop at the rum place in June even though it wasn't shown on the web site. We were given the option of returning to the tender terminal area or going to a beach after our "mid-day" island tour.

Their departure/return times are listed on the web site.

Paradise Beach is the cheaper one in Mexico. (free, or $10 includes equipment). Chankanaub park is nice but pricey. Cabs in Mexico are priced by the cab, not by the person. Be careful about renting a car in Mexico...there are some horror stories on the boards.

Formal night--put DH in a suit, not tux. No need to spend the bucks (although they do look good!)

 

[bevtoy]

That is bad news .... I am sorry to hear this.

Just got some bad news. We took our van in for new tires for the trip. Seems there is some front end issue that needs worked on. The repair and the tires will be nearly $3000. Not the news I needed right now.

Send me some positive energy!

 

[HallsofVA]

Just got some bad news. We took our van in for new tires for the trip. Seems there is some front end issue that needs worked on. The repair and the tires will be nearly $3000. Not the news I needed right now.

Send me some positive energy!

That's no fun, but better that you get them fixed now and not when you're on the road with the family trying to get to the ship!

Last week we took our greyhound to the Doggie Dentist. $2900 later she has a much healthier mouth! That's the same amount we spent on our last cruise for an upgrade at the port to the Roy suite, so I'm lamenting that any money we had for an upgrade on this cruise was just spent on her mouth! Don't you just love life's little surprises!

 

[pamrob]

[

Last week we took our greyhound to the Doggie Dentist. $2900 later she has a much healthier mouth! That's the same amount we spent on our last cruise for an upgrade at the port to the Roy suite, so I'm lamenting that any money we had for an upgrade on this cruise was just spent on her mouth! Don't you just love life's little surprises![/QUOTE]


Ouch! DH and I both decided that we were fortunate to know there was a problem prior to getting on the road. I'm just remaining hopeful that there's no other little surprises. I'm certainly not going to let it ruin my vacation!

 

[HallsofVA]

[

Last week we took our greyhound to the Doggie Dentist. $2900 later she has a much healthier mouth! That's the same amount we spent on our last cruise for an upgrade at the port to the Roy suite, so I'm lamenting that any money we had for an upgrade on this cruise was just spent on her mouth! Don't you just love life's little surprises!

Ouch! DH and I both decided that we were fortunate to know there was a problem prior to getting on the road. I'm just remaining hopeful that there's no other little surprises. I'm certainly not going to let it ruin my vacation![/QUOTE]

That's the spirit!

Though I do lament that even though we spent the money we would have spent on an upgrade, and we put it on our Disney Visa, unfortunately since it doesn't count as an official trip charge, I can't get the 6 months no interest for her dental bill as I could if it has been an actual upgrade charge. Double bummer!!

 

[bevtoy]

CAn anyone tell me if there is internet in the staterooms?

 

[Orlando36]

Ouch! Sorry to hear about the van and the dog. Something about going on vacation sure does seem to drive big, unplanned expenses. My dog had dental surgery for $550 three weeks ago, but that sounds cheap now!

As for Cozumel beaches, Paradise Beach seems to be the one that comes up most often with good reviews. Several commented on the awesome guac! Most said the cab ride was $14 each way. The other one that gets a lot of "positive press" is Nachi Cocom. Great service, but I think you have to pay. I found a great beach map here: http://cozumelmexico.net/Cozumel-Beaches.html.

We signed up for the Cozumel ruins and beach tour which starts at 12:15. The complaint some had for that is that you only had an hour at Playa Mia. So, I thought we would hop off the boat first thing in the morning and take a taxi to Paradise Beach and stay there for as long as we could, then taxi back to the ship to catch our excursion. If we don't get up early enough that day (likely.... ), we will just explore near the ship and shop until excursion time. The beach trip in the morning may be rushed, but we sure would like to have more time to try out the inflatables and enjoy the beach.

We just booked our Grand Cayman island tour and stingray city snorkel through Native Way online. Here is what they sent back as a reservation confirmation:

"Pleasant Greetings from Grand Cayman...and thanks for contacting us!

I have reserved 4 spaces for you on our December 15, "Stingray & Island Tour" excursion. The reservation # is xxx. The price is $60 USD per person. We no longer require that you provide your credit card number to guarantee your arrival, so you are all set! You will pay on our tour boat. We accept cash, Traveler's Checks, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. If you pay via credit card, you will be charged a 4% processing fee.

The tour departs the pier at 10 AM Eastern Time and completes at around 2 PM Eastern Time. We ask that you check in no later than 9:45 AM Eastern Time. When you come ashore, look for the person carrying the sign that says Native Way Watersports. You may also ask for us at the information booth at the cruise ship terminal.

You will be driven by bus to popular locations on the island. You will also be taken to Stingray Sandbar by boat. On the boat, we provide free use of all snorkeling gear and vests, food for the Rays, and complimentary punch and bottled water. After the tour, you will be driven back to the cruise ship pier.

We ask that you provide at least one week advance notice to cancel. If your ship is unable to dock in Grand Cayman, we will automatically cancel your reservation, at no cost to you.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

I look forward to seeing you in Grand Cayman on December 15!


Sharon Ebanks"

Sounds convenient and professional. I am guessing the complimentary punch will not be spiked. Good info on the credit card; we will be sure to bring cash. It doesn't say that they will drop you on the beach, but I think I read that they will.

Hope this is useful rather than time-wasting! If I should quit rambling on, let me know!

My kids are bugging me every day about when we get to go. Guess I'll need to make one of bevtoy's cruise chains!

 

[Shoog]

23 days to go and I'm booking a cruise...we desperately need this vacation for SANITY! Even taking the kids out of school for a week.

it will be me, dh, dd 11, dd 8, and ds 6. My birthday is during the cruise

I looked briefly through the tread...does anyone have a cheat sheet on who else is going on this cruise?

So excited and preparing like crazy already.

Welcome - we have dd 11, dd 7 (8 in Jan) and ds 5 - we will have to get them all together. Are you going to the park before?

 

[Shoog]

I also need help for Cozumel. Someone mentioned a beach a few miles away that you could drive to. I found some discounts on cars and mopeds if anyone is interested for there.

We don't want to do ruins, Dolphins is a little over the top since we're spending so much else where... So, my question is.... Where is a good beach to hang out, without too much money? I think we'll shop some too, but am most concerned about the main activity for the day. Isn't there a beach that you have acitivities on the beach, toys, etc? I scaled down Castaway Cay?

Are you looking beach or snorkel? we are doing a snorkel - 6 hours $60 includes lunch - let me know if you would like more info - goes to the 3 main reefs, but won't leave time for shopping or beach.

 

[bevtoy]

CAn anyone tell me if there is internet in the staterooms?

Never mind I got it

 

[yiddles]

Got our trip packet yesterday. Today is Emily's 5th b-day. Lots to celebrate. Se y'all real soon. I do believe that is the appropriate smiley face.

 

[yiddles]

Also got our FE in the mail...looks great, smaller then I expected but very well done. We even started shopping for stuff to put in 'em all. This is our 1st time doing this so we hope y'all like the stuff.

 

[HallsofVA]

Ouch! Sorry to hear about the van and the dog. Something about going on vacation sure does seem to drive big, unplanned expenses. My dog had dental surgery for $550 three weeks ago, but that sounds cheap now!

As for Cozumel beaches, Paradise Beach seems to be the one that comes up most often with good reviews. Several commented on the awesome guac! Most said the cab ride was $14 each way. The other one that gets a lot of "positive press" is Nachi Cocom. Great service, but I think you have to pay. I found a great beach map here: http://cozumelmexico.net/Cozumel-Beaches.html.

Our dog had 16 teeth extracted on this visit. That's what drove the price out of control!

We're doing Nachi Cocom in Cozumel. Though there is a charge, unlike Paradise Beach, it is still significantly cheaper than what DCL was going to charge for their beach excursion, and it includes free food, drinks, etc. What we really like is the swimming pool, since we tend to swim in the pool and just wade in the surf when we go to the beach with the little ones, and also the fact that the crowds will be lower. Time allowed, I may also look into a massage since the $70/hr is much cheaper than on the ship. (In fact, I've already canceled my massage I'd had scheduled for the next day on the ship!)

 

[kcashner]

I was told that when engaging a cab in Mexico be sure to set the price BEFORE you enter the cab or the price will be more...LOL

Oh I love the rumors. When you get off the ship, right at the end of the pier is a large sign quoting the cab prices from that point to most of the popular tourist spots--posted in US dollars. I don't know whether the fare regulation is by the government or the cab companies, but it is right there for all to see. Of course, a tip is appropriate.

Yes, there is wifi in all cabins on the ship as well as most of the public areas. If you choose to not bring your laptop, there are computers available in the internet cafe near the promenade lounge on deck 3...same prices.

 

[GoBison]

I would recommend Mr. Sanchos and Playa Palancar beaches. They are both free. It is polite to order drinks from the business if you want to sit in their chairs. They both have nice beaches, cheap massages (relatively), good snorkeling. Not much for food.

If you just want a beach, go to the unprotected side of the island. Beautiful and uncrowded. Do not swim there though. Currents are too tough.

If you can drive in Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis or Salt Lake City can drive in Cozumel. And navigation is a joke.

If you decide to drive, there are some things that you should know "buy the insurance". In Mexico, you cannot leave the scene of an accident until a lawyer shows up. This insurance will get you a lawyer. This is according to my brother who lived there. And cabs are a nice alternative. Then you can have your margaritas I've found them reliable and fair.

Xcaret is really nice, but it takes a long time to get there and back, you spend half of your time commuting to the main land.

Can't wait to meet everyone. See you soon.

Hey, Bevtoy... where's today's picture?

 

[faithfullyeeyore]

Just wanted to bring this around as we now have two people celebrating!
Congratulations to them both!

badel, I will join you at the disco!!! Cancer freedom is amazing! I will also be cleared by then to dance and party and submerge myself in water!! Hot tub here I come!! Can't wait to celebrate with all of you!!