Feb 20, 2011 - Presidents' Week - Mexican Riviera

[samily]

Just got another 14" of snow - can't wait for this cruise to be here!!!

 

[LKFan]

Sunny and in the 70s in San Pedro.

 

[gichicdoc]

BRRRRRRR, I'm freezing to death here in Northern California and can't wait until the cruise! I can't make up my mind as to what we are going to do at the ports. I know we're doing Las Caletas in Puerto Vallarta although I've thought about canceling that and just winging it in PV. For Cabo we're doing the Dolphin Excursion. I'm still debating that one as I'm not sure whether my kids will freak out about it or not (they're enthused at the moment.) Mazatlan - I have no clue. I really want to book a Mazatlan Frank tour but I'm afraid the kids will be bored. The Salsa and Salsa Excursion looks like a hoot as well. There's also the thought that we could just wing it and do the beaches on our own. Oh, the indecisiveness.

We were going to do a privately booked tour through Mexico Fun to learn to Surf in PV but our two youngest are afraid that they will be eaten by sharks so instead we are doing the Las Caletas too (see u there!). In Mazatalan we are booked for DCL's Salsa & Salsa tour. I tried to book it independently (always trying to save a $) but the cruises have it booked completely. On Cabo, we are doing a private beach horseback ride which my DH and I love, love, love to do -- hoping it will still be romantic with 4 kids in tow.

 

[XMom]

You probably think I'm nuts, but I can't even imagine what 14" of snow would be like outside my window. I'm a bit jealous. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side. My poor kids have never even been to the snow. I would probably love to be in your position for a week and would probably want to come back to sunny so cal. Just think.....only 38 days!

 

[LKFan]

My kids have been to snow once - A couple of years ago we drove up to Mtn High. I've been to the snow less than a half dozen times and have only seen snow falling once in my life (a trip to Toronto).

I guess it isn't a surprise that over our kids' "ski week" we are going to Mexico.

 

[talie]

Our daughter likes shrimp, so if anyone knows of any good seafood/ shrimp restaurants in any of the stops, we're open to suggestions.

There is a thread on the main DCL forums about Mazatlan. If you go on there I'm sure Mazatlan Frank could recommend a good shrimp place.

My kids have been to snow once - A couple of years ago we drove up to Mtn High. I've been to the snow less than a half dozen times and have only seen snow falling once in my life (a trip to Toronto).

I guess it isn't a surprise that over our kids' "ski week" we are going to Mexico.

Originally we were looking to book a cabin up in Soda Springs for the week. It's a ski week in the Bay Area so everything was really expensive. So we decided to do a snow weekend this weekend and the cruise over our President's Day/furlough week break.

 

[Dishy24]

Just got another 14" of snow - can't wait for this cruise to be here!!!

I measured 23" on our back deck yesterday afternoon! I had to dig a path for our little pug to go out! 38 days can't come soooooon enough!

Sunny and in the 70s in San Pedro.

On Cabo, we are doing a private beach horseback ride which my DH and I love, love, love to do -- hoping it will still be romantic with 4 kids in tow.

Can you PLEASE PM me the info for this excursion?

My kids have been to snow once - A couple of years ago we drove up to Mtn High. I've been to the snow less than a half dozen times and have only seen snow falling once in my life (a trip to Toronto).

Send them here!!! I will buy them all their own shovels!!!

 

[samily]

I used to like the snow, but every year my tolerance level for the cold goes down a little more. I can see why everyone retires to FL! The kids love it though, they' ve had 2 days out of school and had a ball sledding & playing out there.

I sure hope it's still sunny & 70 in San Pedro when we get there!

 

[Pooh Lover]

Do you know how much it will cost? On another board, I've seen different info. on cost per person--I guess I'll have to contact them directly, but I'm just wondering how much to budget. The little waterpark area looks cool and was part of the reason we chose that one--I think my son will love it!

Erica, I just heard back from Crown Paradise and it's pretty reasonable.
The day pass for cruisers is $36 for adults and $18 for kids and inclusive of all drinks, meals and activites. The pass is good from 9-6 and you don't need to make arrangements ahead of time, just check in at the front desk.

See you there!

 

[LKFan]

I sure hope it's still sunny & 70 in San Pedro when we get there!

It was warm in San Pedro today - 79 degrees!

 

[Dishy24]

Quick question-

Do you need a passport for this cruise? We have them-- I am asking for a friend... Thanks!

 

[LKFan]

Quick question-

Do you need a passport for this cruise? We have them-- I am asking for a friend... Thanks!

Check out the following on the Dept of State website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html


ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: For the latest entry requirements, visit the Embassy of Mexico’s website or contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, telephone (202) 736-1600, or any Mexican consulate in the United States for the most current information.

Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel beyond the “border zone” into the interior of Mexico. The “border zone” is generally defined as an area within 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. Regardless of the destination in Mexico, however, all U.S. citizens age 16 or older must present a valid U.S. passport or passport card to re-enter the U.S., even by land.

All Americans traveling outside of the United States by air, land or sea (except closed-loop cruises) are required to present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card. While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for re-entry into the United States by land or sea, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements. U.S. legal permanent residents in possession of their I-551 Permanent Resident card may board flights to the United States from Mexico.

 

[gichicdoc]

Check out the following on the Dept of State website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html


ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: For the latest entry requirements, visit the Embassy of Mexico’s website or contact the Embassy of Mexico at 1911 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20006, telephone (202) 736-1600, or any Mexican consulate in the United States for the most current information.

Since March 1, 2010, all U.S. citizens – including children – have been required to present a valid passport or passport card for travel beyond the “border zone” into the interior of Mexico. The “border zone” is generally defined as an area within 20 to 30 kilometers of the border with the U.S., depending on the location. Regardless of the destination in Mexico, however, all U.S. citizens age 16 or older must present a valid U.S. passport or passport card to re-enter the U.S., even by land.

All Americans traveling outside of the United States by air, land or sea (except closed-loop cruises) are required to present a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) compliant document such as a passport or a passport card. While passport cards and enhanced driver’s licenses are sufficient for re-entry into the United States by land or sea, they may not be accepted by the particular country you plan to visit; please be sure to check with your cruise line and countries of destination for any foreign entry requirements. U.S. legal permanent residents in possession of their I-551 Permanent Resident card may board flights to the United States from Mexico.

It's important to note that this cruise falls within the exceptions. I called DCL and they explained that U.S. customs makes exceptions to the passport requirement for cruises which depart and return from a U.S. port (a "closed-loop" cruise). In these cases, you can travel with a valid driver's license and a certified birth certificate showing U.S. citizenship (these are usually embossed with a seal and copies are not accepted).

I took this directly off the Disney Cruise Line website today:

Travel Documentation for Mexican Riviera Cruises

The following guidelines are based on U.S. government regulations, which are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with your Travel Agent, government agencies or the consulate in your home country to ensure that you have all the proper documentation to board the ship and enter each of the countries on the ship's itinerary. If you're visiting any country other than the United States, remember to contact the consulate of that country to ensure you have the documentation required to visit. Travelers can visit the U.S. State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov.

Required Travel Documentation
Select your citizenship to read details about required travel documentation:

United States Citizens
Canadian Citizens
Non-U.S. Citizens
United States Citizen
All Guests claiming U.S. citizenship, including children, must present one of the following documents as proof of U.S. citizenship for each member of their group:

A valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
A valid, unexpired U.S. Passport Card
A valid, unexpired state-issued Enhanced Driver's License (where available)
Trusted Traveler Program Card (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Citizens 18 years and older will be able to depart and enter the country with an original or certified copy of their birth certificate and government-issued photo ID.
Children under the age of 16 may present an original or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Naturalization Certificate.
Photocopies of any of the above documents are not acceptable.

 

[gichicdoc]

It is important though to realize if something happened and you had to disembark permanently in Mexico, you might have difficulties crossing the land or air border back into the US without an actual passport.
That said, I am sure that this has happened before and that with a birth certificate and driver's license, you would eventually be let back in

 

[gichicdoc]

Dishy24...

I sent you a PM

 

[LKFan]

It is important though to realize if something happened and you had to disembark permanently in Mexico, you might have difficulties crossing the land or air border back into the US without an actual passport.
That said, I am sure that this has happened before and that with a birth certificate and driver's license, you would eventually be let back in

I'm sure this was an issue with the Carnival Splendor which broke down off the coast of Mexico late last year. They were going to tow the ship to town (Ensenada, I think) in Mexico and then bus the passengers up to Long Beach. They changed their mind and towed the ship to San Diego and then put the passengers on a bus.

If they had to bus the passengers from Mexico to California, then they would have had to deal with getting people without passports back into the US.

 

[gichicdoc]

Though this is our 4th DCL cruise, we have never re-booked onboard (I know, stupid, right?!). Anyway, I want to know the following...

Can I book a 3 or 4 nt on the Dream (i.e. not the Wonder) while I am on the Wonder for our cruise and still get the 10% off and some sort of OBC?

Does anyone know what the OBC is for 3 nts or 4 nts??

 

[minie_meese]

Though this is our 4th DCL cruise, we have never re-booked onboard (I know, stupid, right?!). Anyway, I want to know the following...

Can I book a 3 or 4 nt on the Dream (i.e. not the Wonder) while I am on the Wonder for our cruise and still get the 10% off and some sort of OBC?

Does anyone know what the OBC is for 3 nts or 4 nts??

I know you can book for any Disney ship on board. You get the obc for each room you book and the fare discount for each person you book on board. If you add additional people later on they will be at the going rate.

When we last booked the deposit you needed to make was 1/2 if the going rate. I don't know if they are doing that now.
This is what is shown in the faqs.

Onboard Booking Discounts - The following discounts do not apply to Cats 1, 2, 3 or 12.
3, 4 and 5 day cruises $100 OBC / 10% discount off cruise fare only
7 day and longer cruises $200 OBC / 10% discount off cruise fare only

The following discounts are for 2011 cruises ONLY and are only offered if you rebook onboard or transfer an existing OBB to a new 2011 date in addition to the 10% discount off cruise fare only. Category 11C/old 12s are receiving both 10% and OBC.
Silver.................$100 for 3-6nt cruises.........$200 for 7nt or longer cruises
Gold...................$150 for 3-6nt cruises.........$275 for 7nt or longer cruises
Platinum.............$250 for 3-6nt cruises..........$350 for 7nt or longer cruises

 

[Mich123]

Hi All,

After researching on the DIS (the Mazatlan Frank thread) and confirming with the resort, we've decided to try a day on our own at El Cid, El Moro Tower. It's $38 USD for adults and $25 USD for kids 8-16 and includes food and the restaurants and snack bar and house drinks. They said that there might be people at the port to greet the ship and if not, to take a taxi to the hotel and pay at the desk.

I'm a little nervous about an excursion on our own, but the hotel looks beautiful and the cost is about a third of what we'd pay on a similar Disney excursion.

Anyone think this is a crazy idea?

 

[Jennifer_W]

Hi All,

After researching on the DIS (the Mazatlan Frank thread) and confirming with the resort, we've decided to try a day on our own at El Cid, El Moro Tower. It's $38 USD for adults and $25 USD for kids 8-16 and includes food and the restaurants and snack bar and house drinks. They said that there might be people at the port to greet the ship and if not, to take a taxi to the hotel and pay at the desk.

I'm a little nervous about an excursion on our own, but the hotel looks beautiful and the cost is about a third of what we'd pay on a similar Disney excursion.

Anyone think this is a crazy idea?

Where can you even FIND info about the MR ports and itineraries on your own (not through DCL)?

I have looked and looked all over the DISboards and have never found any info. I even did a search for "Mazatlan Frank" and came up with nothing! Passporter.com is pretty sparse, too. I would guess that at this late date our family will be booking things on our own...if I can find out some info. Thanks!