May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 9

[LiserAnn]

So this would be $178 for my family...am I nuts or does that seem high?

All the prices seem high to me...guess DCL needs to make up for the $100/pp panama port tax that they "gave" us.

 

[lillygator]

http://www.marigalante.com.mx/tours.htm
this tour....if I booked it, it would be $178.50 through DCL it is 270.00 they almost doubled the price for children.

 

[fourmcds]

Welcome back Marilyn....can't wait to hear all about your trip!

V...great pics, thanks for sharing.

John...thanks for sharing the ones of MGM, I am so sad that we won't be there this year for that, I love that light show (and all of WDW during the holidays)

Now, off to better things....searching through pages of excursions to try and figure out what we might want to do.......

 

[gydell]

Paradise Beach Adventure
Swim, sunbathe, boogie board or kayak amidst the scenic splendor of Paradise Village Beach Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, and discover a paradise you never knew existed.

Sit back, relax and revel in the breathtaking coastal scenery of Puerto Vallarta during a 30 minute air-conditioned motor coach drive — past the towering Sierra Madre mountains and the glistening Ameca River — to the elegant Paradise Village Beach Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. Boasting warm golden sand, comfortable umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and a variety of fun-filled activities to keep you entertained, the Paradise Village Beach Resort is a 400-acre oasis under the sun, offering something for everyone in your family.

Upon your arrival, savor a sip of a refreshing cocktail and enjoy the day as you desire. Sit back in a comfy beach chair and lose yourself to the panoramic seaside splendor of sand and sea. Sunbathe on the sun-kissed sands and take in the tranquil sounds of the ocean waves, lapping in the distance. Stroll along the breathtaking coastline and get lost in the local flavor, or make a splash in the turquoise ocean water. Plunge down one of two waterslides at the giant resort pool and explore an underwater cave and Mayan-style pyramid. Sail along the gentle ocean current atop a boogie board, kayak amidst the turquoise-blue ocean, or shop amidst the 100 colorful shops and boutiques at the nearby Paradise Plaza. Enjoy an authentic Mexican buffet lunch and then join in a game of beach volleyball with family and friends. After approximately four hours in paradise, take in the sights once more as you embark on your 30-minute motor coach trip back to the ship.


Port of Call: Puerto Vallarta Activity Type: Beach & Water Activity Level: Moderate Duration: 5 hours Price: Adult: $59 (ages 10 and up)
Child: $30 (ages 3-9), under 3 free Ages: All Ages Additional Information Buffet lunch (steak fajitas, hamburgers, chicken, seafood, quesadillas, salads and desserts) and three beverages (bottled water, sparkling sodas, beer, and mixed drinks) are included.
Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Please note, however, that the beach is not wheelchair accessible.
This excursion is stroller accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
Guests are encouraged to wear swimming attire under clothing if wishing to swim at the beach.
Boogie boards and ocean kayaks are included.
Complimentary lockers are available. However, a fully refundable $20.00 deposit is required at the front desk for use of the lockers.
Guests are encouraged to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, additional clothing, cameras and/or backpacks. Guests should bring towels from the ship.
Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.


So this would be $178 for my family...am I nuts or does that seem high?

It's about a $12 cab ride. Check with the hotel direct and see about a day rate. This is a lovely property but is very large and spread out. It is an all= inclusive resort It is next to our resort. It does include lunch which is probably around $12-$15 each.

 

[LiserAnn]

I'm glad we did it. The DGS liked it but I will not do it again. We always try and look for things that DGS can get something out of and yes he did like it.

Yes, I agree-new experiences are always good. We prefer to try new things as well. I'm glad to hear you like it. My kids are enamoured with sunken ships, so they probably would enjoy it.

 

[LiserAnn]

http://www.marigalante.com.mx/tours.htm
this tour....if I booked it, it would be $178.50 through DCL it is 270.00 they almost doubled the price for children.

Wow, two years ago DCL was charging: $62.00 (ages 10 and up), $52.00 (ages 3 - 9), but I paid $178 by booking it online. For a family of 4 DCL's price is up $42!!!

 

[lillygator]

well I printed everything out and will go over with John tonight and see what he wants to do.

 

[fourmcds]

well I printed everything out and will go over with John tonight and see what he wants to do.

this may be a silly question....is there any way to view these all easier than going into each excursion individually? V...did you just print out the summary page or the details from each excurions?

 

[LiserAnn]

this may be a silly question....is there any way to view these all easier than going into each excursion individually? V...did you just print out the summary page or the details from each excurions?

That's what I was wondering....

 

[lillygator]

I just did the summary page.

 

[scottishwee35]

Wow...the dolpin adventure in Acapulco is expensive....$700 for a family of 4?!?! I think I'll pass, as much as that we wanted to do it!!!

Yes very expensive as we had done it at Discovery Cove but my son missed it out and he want to do it next time. So look at the price oh very expensive.

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

About excursions some of these are expensive but I was thinking that last Cruise at Med. As it was very expensive but end of day that it was worthing. I think Disney had good organised with med. excursions.

Scottishwee35

 

[lillygator]

I like the security of booking through them just not the price. I went and pulled only the all ages excusrions and listed the time length and total cost for us....might help John make his decisions!

 

[gydell]

About excursions some of these are expensive but I was thinking that last Cruise at Med. As it was very expensive but end of day that it was worthing. I think Disney had good organised with med. excursions.

Scottishwee35

On a whole I think DCL does good on excursions. But we were on the TA cruise and some of them were not too good!

 

[scottishwee35]

We look at Pirate Boat Sail and Snorkel Adventure at Puerto Vallarta.

My son want it now not dolphins. Oh well, it look good too.

Scottishwee35

 

[lillygator]

I think we may do the pirate one as well not sure what John will say, knowing him, yes!

 

[scottishwee35]

On a whole I think DCL does good on excursions. But we were on the TA cruise and some of them were not too good!

Oh dear, but our cruise med excursions was awesome I think we done with them for Rome, Naples, Palmero and Pisa. That was it and we went to private tour all days in France Nice, Monto Carlo, Eze, St Paul and perfume factory was excellent day.

Scottishwee35

 

[gydell]

Oh dear, but our cruise med excursions was awesome I think we done with them for Rome, Naples, Palmero and Pisa. That was it and we went to private tour all days in France Nice, Monto Carlo, Eze, St Paul and perfume factory was excellent day.

Scottishwee35

We went to the animal park and once there is was over an hour standing and waiting for them to decide what to do and then we were suppose to follow a guide but there was no flag or any sign who the guide was so everybody got lost. At the shows all the other cruise lines had reserved seating, not us so we were split everywhere and some didn't get to see shows. Other tour there were four buses and when we stopped for lunch they were out of food for the last bus and this was a 6 hour tour with kids. Another tour we walked forever to get a free drink and the churches were closed when we got back.

 

[scottishwee35]

We went to the animal park and once there is was over an hour standing and waiting for them to decide what to do and then we were suppose to follow a guide but there was no flag or any sign who the guide was so everybody got lost. At the shows all the other cruise lines had reserved seating, not us so we were split everywhere and some didn't get to see shows. Other tour there were four buses and when we stopped for lunch they were out of food for the last bus and this was a 6 hour tour with kids. Another tour we walked forever to get a free drink and the churches were closed when we got back.

Oh, that was terrible, Have you told dcl about it?

I remember when the Cruise arrived Barcelona and first week of Europe cruise and lots of people were not happy with excursions and dcl had to change it. Turn out much better.

Hope this Cruise should be better excursions!!

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

It seem quiet now, maybe everybody are busy now.

Okay, I am off to work now start at 10pm to 6 am. Don't feeling like to go now. As it is my first nightshift just for 2 nights.

Goodnight

Scottishwee35