I just received an e-mail from my Travel agent saying that the ship is not going to Cozumel like originally planned(because of hurricane damage)they switched the port to Costa Maya?
So has anybody been there? What would be good things to do with 3 kids?
I had everything all planned out until now..Now I have to research LOL..

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 09:02 am:

Jackie, Costa Maya is just to the south of Cancun and Cozumel, these are some %20Mexico&pdest=T.PAN&pdestname=Panama%20Canal,Shore Excursionslisted on the Celebrity site. I know you are not sailing on Celebrity, but that should give you an idea of what's available.

Don't know why the link is showing up the way it is, but you can check them out just the same.

By Jackie on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 09:09 am:

Thanks Karen, I have to look at all this stuff. Im disappointed, that paradise beach on Cozumel looked perfect for us..and cheap LOL

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 09:09 am:

Don't feel frustrated and disappointed. This happens occasionally due to things like hurricanes, it can't be avoided and is no fault of the cruise line. You can also check Cruisecritic and see what the folks there have to say. You might find something on that site that is cheaper and more in line with what your family wants to do/can afford to do.

Hope this helps!

By Eve on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 09:15 am:

Yes, I think that is the port our ship went to. It was wonderful. Beautiful shops! We took a cab to Chakanaab Nat. Park and it was the best day of the whole trip! Fantastic! I would go there again in a heartbeat! I'm sure you'll find something perfect! Good luck!

BTW-It's not expensive. Only $8 for snorkeling gear! We paid $80-90 in Belize!

By Alberobello on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 09:16 am:

They're probably stopping at Mahahual, south of Tulum on the way to Chetumal. There is not much there and the beaches are not so nice as in Playa de Carmen and Cozumel, however, there is "Banco Chinchorro" where you can scuba dive, apparently is beautiful there. I have been to Mahahual and although there is not much to do, it's beautiful and there is plenty of wildlife.

Have fun!

Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve
Banco Chinchorro

By Alberobello on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 09:22 am:

Eve, that's really good. I am glad you weren't ripped off. I just saw the prices on that celebrity website Karen gave, it's ridiculous, $89 for a tour!!! I am sure if you just get a taxi like Eve said, it would be much cheaper.

Jackie click on "Mahahual" there are lots of pictures of the place and it looks great. I think that since i've been (two years ago) it has grown a little bit.

Don't forget to try the seafood. Mahahual is a fishing village, ask for the seasonal seafood, i don't know when is the lobster season but if it is you'll have to have some.

By Conni on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 10:23 am:

Maria, I am guessing you have been to Xel-Ha too? Dh and I spent the day there snorkeling on our honeymoon and still talk about taking the kids there someday! Loved that place!!!

Jackie, I have no btdt advice on Costa Maya. But having been to Cozumel, Playa de Carmen, Cancun. I imagine you will enjoy it no matter what! I dont know how far it is from Tulum, but my aunt says not to miss Tulum if you ever have the chance to go... Dh and I didnt have time to visit Tulum when we were in the area.

By Karen~moderator on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 11:00 am:

You don't necessarily have to book your excursions through your cruise ship, the info I posted was just to give you an idea of what there is to do there. If you check Cruisecritic, or do a little research based on the excursions listed, I'm sure you can find something you will enjoy and at a better price too.

By Jackie on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 11:26 am:

Thanks everybody. I did not plan on booking any excursions through the ship. Ive just been researching what everybody has written, It seems so overwhelming.

By Alberobello on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 12:30 pm:

Conni, Tulum is absolutely beautiful but it is a bit far from Mahahual, it'sa about 3 or 4 hours by car and the road is very narrow and not very well lit. don't be overwhelmed Jackie, you are just going there to relax, aren't you? So don't worry you can do plenty of that and if you are interested in any activities you can do that too.

How long are you staying there?

Karen, the thing is i know people do take advantage of tourists and charge a ridiculous amount for tours and sometimes all you need is a taxi or get on a bus and pay for your entrance (which in most of the archaelogical sites is very cheap because they are nationally owned).

By Jackie on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 12:41 pm:

Im not sure how long the ship will be there for. Im sure at least 7 or 8 hrs. I have to check.

By Conni on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 06:25 pm:

Maria, I just looked at the map! Yeah, I'd skip Tulum, unless you want to miss your cruise ship. lol

Jackie, if I were going with my 2 yr old I would go to the beach and play, have lunch and shop. The airboat ride looks fun and the beach looks fun on this site. Of course, the ruins are probably interesting too! Man, I can certainly understand you're having a hard time deciding what to do. lol! It looks SO beautiful.

Ok, I think the link below is for the place you are going? If not then just ignore me.

http://www.puertocostamaya.com

By Conni on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 06:26 pm:

I couldnt figure out what the second argument was suppose to be in formatting my link. I didnt know I had 1 argument?