Diez (10) Noches Calientes en la Riviera Mexicana/17 de abril 2011 (4.17.11 Wonder!)

[Susiesark]

On Easter Sunday we are in Mazatlan, and Randi is coming pretty early to ride those Happy Horses. Looks like Easter Bunny will have to postpone his visit. Unless anyone else has any ideas...

 

[my2mickeykids]

For PV we are debating between Las Caletas & Paradise Beach Adventure. Any thoughts or reviews? I see that Las Caletas got some positive reviews. Thank you!!

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

For PV we are debating between Las Caletas & Paradise Beach Adventure. Any thoughts or reviews? I see that Las Caletas got some positive reviews. Thank you!!

We went to Las Caletas two years ago with DCL and all had a great time. There's something to do for everyone: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sitting on the beach, walking trails, a few animals to see (a monkey and bird as I remember), massages, you could even add on a swim with a sea lion. It was really a fun day for all ages. And the food they served was good too! We would do it again if I didn't have my heart set on ziplining.

 

[LiserAnn]

We have done both brunch and dinner at Palo. Dinner is excellent but brunch is HEAVEN. Just my opinion. For this cruise I will try to book brunch and the kids will hang out in the clubs. Last cruise brunch was not available so we did dinner. Ds went to Flounders and dd went to the club.

I would agree...dinner is great but bruch was even better. Go with a really empty tummy else you'll fantasize about what you should have had but didn't (or you'll just schedule another cruise, lol)!

 

[LiserAnn]

I wouldn't be surprised if you can't do it on your own because we had to take a boat to get there. It was pretty secluded and everyone that was there seemed to be from cruise ships. It was a blast though! Maybe I can convince the family to go back since there's new activities. The ONLY thing that was a let down to me, was that the "pyramid" was basically the stage for their night shows. That was the extent of my efforts to give my kids a taste of the ancient Mexican culture.
Let us know if you are able to book directly with them, we might join you.

Is it something a 12 (almost 13) year old boy might also enjoy? Not worried about my 9 year old but we'll have that that "tween" 'tude going with our 12 year old. I want to find excursions that he'll enjoy too.

 

[LiserAnn]

My family and I are booked on this cruise, and we are so excited. This will be the first cruise for my dd's (6 and 8) and the first Disney cruise for all of us. We are from Henderson, NV (a suburb of Las Vegas), but I grew up in Southern California.

Welcome Devon! Lake Las Vegas (in Henderson) is our favorite getaway when we're looking to stay "local", so to speak. Although we were there recently and it looks like hard times have hit Lake Las Vegas. Where in So Cal did you grow up? There's a lot of us on this cruise from So Cal.

 

[True Romance]

We went to Las Caletas two years ago with DCL and all had a great time. There's something to do for everyone: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, sitting on the beach, walking trails, a few animals to see (a monkey and bird as I remember), massages, you could even add on a swim with a sea lion. It was really a fun day for all ages. And the food they served was good too! We would do it again if I didn't have my heart set on ziplining.

Dany, thanks for this review. It is great to hear that you guys really enjoyed it. Did you have any problems with jelly fish? I noticed on the DCL site it warned of them. Also on tripadvisor.com someone reviewed that they could not get in the water at all because of all the jelly fish. DCL did say they were a problem during the summer months and warmer water, so I am thinking in the spring we will not have a problem with them. I would just hate to get there and not be able to swim.

Las Caletas looks like a great excursion. Almost making up for no Castaway Cay.

 

[lucky1]

Is anyone in our group staying in Concierge level? Wondering if you have asked when Formal, Semi formal and Pirate Nights might be?

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Dany, thanks for this review. It is great to hear that you guys really enjoyed it. Did you have any problems with jelly fish? I noticed on the DCL site it warned of them. Also on tripadvisor.com someone reviewed that they could not get in the water at all because of all the jelly fish. DCL did say they were a problem during the summer months and warmer water, so I am thinking in the spring we will not have a problem with them. I would just hate to get there and not be able to swim.

Las Caletas looks like a great excursion. Almost making up for no Castaway Cay.

Yes, we had jellyfish when we were there in July. At least, they called them jellyfish, but they weren’t the big ones I’m used to; they were microscopically small – we couldn’t even see them in the water. We’d just suddenly feel a small pain like a pin prick. It wasn’t bad enough to keep us from playing in the water, but it was startling and annoying. Hoping you are right and you don't have to deal with them in April. But I had actually forgotten about them until you asked so even if there are a few in the water you can still have a great time!

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Is anyone in our group staying in Concierge level? Wondering if you have asked when Formal, Semi formal and Pirate Nights might be?

I wish! Someday....when I hit the lottery.

 

[M2DD's]

Guess what????
DH(cory) talked to his supervisor and he said that he may be able to go even if they strike. Then as he was leaving for the day he said he can for sure go On top of all that he said it was safe to book airfare. I was going to wait till SW opened up in October to start comparing rates but then delta dropped their rates so low I couldn't refuse. Were flying for 198$ plus tax round trip. Our total for our airfare is less than 1000$ for all 4 of us. Which just happens to be around the check amount DCL sent me when they offered the KSF promotion. So either the KSF or we fly for free either way we come out at a great rate for this trip

We arrive at LAX around midnight friday evening the 15th. Not sure what were going to do till Sunday or where were going to stay. I would like to return the rental car before we cruise since I would hate to pay the parking fee plus the 10 day rental car for it to sit in the parking lot. Any ideas?

 

[Susiesark]

Guess what????
DH(cory) talked to his supervisor and he said that he may be able to go even if they strike. Then as he was leaving for the day he said he can for sure go On top of all that he said it was safe to book airfare. I was going to wait till SW opened up in October to start comparing rates but then delta dropped their rates so low I couldn't refuse. Were flying for 198$ plus tax round trip. Our total for our airfare is less than 1000$ for all 4 of us. Which just happens to be around the check amount DCL sent me when they offered the KSF promotion. So either the KSF or we fly for free either way we come out at a great rate for this trip

Laura, great news all aroundNow, is the company still offering to pay for the cruise, or would that be too good to be true? As far as hotels, there are tons of hotels right around LAX and I'm sure there are shuttles that will pick up at the airport. If you could find one that will also shuttle you to the port,that would be great. Otherwise look into Super Shuttle. Then you can relax on Saturday at the hotel.

 

[LV Disney Fan(atic)]

Guess what????
DH(cory) talked to his supervisor and he said that he may be able to go even if they strike. Then as he was leaving for the day he said he can for sure go On top of all that he said it was safe to book airfare. I was going to wait till SW opened up in October to start comparing rates but then delta dropped their rates so low I couldn't refuse. Were flying for 198$ plus tax round trip. Our total for our airfare is less than 1000$ for all 4 of us. Which just happens to be around the check amount DCL sent me when they offered the KSF promotion. So either the KSF or we fly for free either way we come out at a great rate for this trip

We arrive at LAX around midnight friday evening the 15th. Not sure what were going to do till Sunday or where were going to stay. I would like to return the rental car before we cruise since I would hate to pay the parking fee plus the 10 day rental car for it to sit in the parking lot. Any ideas?

Sorry, I can't help with the rental car since we always drive to LA, but it's great that everything worked out so you can go on the cruise!

 

[Susiesark]

Now a question about dinner dress codes: I assume there is at least one 'formal' dinner, and I'd like to know how formal we are talking about. Also, are there other nights where it is less formal, but still dressy? It's been a long times since we cruised, and even then I was nursing, so I think we skipped the fancier stuff.

 

[Travelbee]

My family and I are booked on this cruise, and we are so excited. This will be the first cruise for my dd's (6 and 8) and the first Disney cruise for all of us. We are from Henderson, NV (a suburb of Las Vegas), but I grew up in Southern California.

Devon

Devon! I've added you to the roll call on our website!

Guess what????
DH(cory) talked to his supervisor and he said that he may be able to go even if they strike. Then as he was leaving for the day he said he can for sure go On top of all that he said it was safe to book airfare. I was going to wait till SW opened up in October to start comparing rates but then delta dropped their rates so low I couldn't refuse. Were flying for 198$ plus tax round trip. Our total for our airfare is less than 1000$ for all 4 of us. Which just happens to be around the check amount DCL sent me when they offered the KSF promotion. So either the KSF or we fly for free either way we come out at a great rate for this trip

That's great news Laura!

Now a question about dinner dress codes: I assume there is at least one 'formal' dinner, and I'd like to know how formal we are talking about. Also, are there other nights where it is less formal, but still dressy? It's been a long times since we cruised, and even then I was nursing, so I think we skipped the fancier stuff.

This question has come up a lot and it really depends on your preference. DH has wore a wide range from just a sports coat, a suit, and a tux on the last cruise.

 

[szubieta]

Welcome dallgower!!!

Just caught up on this weeks posts...been a really long week with school starting last Monday. I was so beat last night.

Brooklyn - Thanks for posting those pics of the seafood from Palo's brunch. Made Danny's mouth water. I personally am allergic to shellfish so I'm sure I'll find plenty to eat.

Laura (M2DD's) - I'm so happy for you guys! We all have to stay in pray with so much time left til we cruise.

Susiesark - Don't know yet with DCL, but we have been on a 10nt on PCL and we had 2 formal nights, 2 semi-formal, and the rest casual. We are not the Tux and gown type and am not sure if Danny will even bring a sports jacket for the MR. Had 3 formal nights on our 15nt Hawaiian. That cruise was more laid back and casual not a lot people dressing to the nine on that one. I kinda think the MR won't be too dressy either, but I've been known to be wrong. I wish we could get concierge level and find out all this info?

 

[szubieta]

OK...I just talked to Mike at Pirates of the Bay (PV) about the excursion. They have 2 full size pirate ships that can hold 250 people each. Say we should book early because weekdays in April are very busy (probably trying to sell me) If we have a group of 12 or more we can get a 20% discount $68 adults (12+)/$34 children (3-11). It would have to be paid by one person. He did say the website give the 15% $72.50 adult/$37 children if we book separate. I did tell him we are on the Disney ship a few times and he never said anything about having to book thru them and I also mentioned that we heard there were going to be 2 other ships there too. The location is 100 yrd from the ships dock. So we are within walking distance. I now just thought..I should have asked him if we could be bumped if the cruise want both ships. There policies say they never overbook. I will have to ask him when he e-mails me. Any more questions for them, let me know.

What is your opinion??? Should we book separate, get a couple of groups of 12 - 15 or do you just want to book through DCL?

 

[Susiesark]

OK...I just talked to Mike at Pirates of the Bay (PV) about the excursion. They have 2 full size pirate ships that can hold 250 people each. Say we should book early because weekdays in April at very busy (probably trying to sell me) If we have a group of 12 or more we can get a 20% discount $68 adults (12+)/$34 children (3-11). It would have to be paid by one person. He did say the website give the 15% $72.50 adult/$37 children if we book separate. I did tell him we are on the Disney ship a few times and he never said anything about having to book thru them and I also mentioned that we heard there were going to be 2 other ships there too. The locating is 100 yrd from the ships dock. So we are within walking distance. I now just thought..I should have asked him if we could be bumped if the cruise want both ships. There policies say they never overbook. I will have to ask him when he e-mails me. Any more questions for them, let me know.

What is your opinion??? Should we book separate, get a couple of groups of 12 - 15 or do you just want to book through DCL?

There are so may options for PV, but my kids, age 6 & 19, still vote on the Pirate Adventure. And the 20% off makes it close to $20 less per person. So count us in for 3 adults/1 child. And it would be good to know if we are guaranteed with no chance of being bumped. Thanks Sandy!

 

[szubieta]

There are so may options for PV, but my kids, age 6 & 19, still vote on the Pirate Adventure. And the 20% off makes it close to $20 less per person. So count us in for 3 adults/1 child. And it would be good to know if we are guaranteed with no chance of being bumped. Thanks Sandy!

Ok, I can do one group and that szubieta(2a/1c), kwemett(2a) & Susiesark(3a/1c) so that's 9. I can take a few more people to get 1 group of about 12. I will find out how we reserve with or without a down also.


Just checked cruise critic for Carnival Splendor and Norweign Star roll calls. Not even a second page for their threads.

Checked out the Carnival port excursions and they don't currently show the pirate boat, but I did see they have the Las Caletas you guys have been talking about.

Norweign currently shows the pirate boat & Las Caletas as an excursion.

 

[szubieta]

went to edit and it made a duplicate.