Debarking in Costa Maya--how's it work?

[Cindyrella]

Okay, I'm a planner, therefore checking this board every day. What I've learned is that our ship, the Rhapsody is suppose to call at Grand Cayman but hasn't once since Ivan and has substituted Costa Maya instead. Costa Maya is not a tendered port, correct? So how does debarking go? Free-for-all? first come first serve? by decks? Wondering because if we end up at CM instead of GC we'll want to go to the ruins AND have time for the beach. When a ship substitutes ports like that are the times in port the same?

[brentp]

At Costa Maya the ship will dock. Typically, at docked ports, passengers will get off at their liesure when they want to. There usually are not long lines to get off on docked ports (some times short ones very first thing, but they move fast).

At Costa Maya, there is a long walk across the pier, althought I hear they offer a free shuttle if you would rather walk. This link will show you some of the pictures of the pier area.

Costa Maya Pier (http://www.costamayacruiseexcursions.com/Port_Costa_Maya.htm)

[jwlane]

a free shuttle

I think there is a nominal charge.

[Cruisin' Patty]

We tendered from the Splendour at our leisure, not too long of a line, it went fast. The dock is long, the shuttle was free of charge. Tipping optional.

[jwlane]

We tendered

Really?

[Cruisin' Patty]

I'm sorry, I didn't mean tendered...disembarked. I'm still sad that I'm not cruising anymore.

[bruce-r]

At Costa Maya the ship will dock. Typically, at docked ports, passengers will get off at their liesure when they want to. There usually are not long lines to get off on docked ports (some times short ones very first thing, but they move fast).

At Costa Maya, there is a long walk across the pier, althought I hear they offer a free shuttle if you would rather walk.

Here is a picture of the actual pier:

http://brobertson.org/costamayagallery/images/01portfacilities.jpg

It might feel like a long walk if it is hot and and the sun is shining, but it isn't really that long. The buildings at the end of the dock are the cruise line built port facilities. I thought it was a combination of generic tourist stores, and local merchants selling "stuff". Not what I wanted to see on my day in Mexico. YMMV.

[johnsan]

Okay, I'm a planner, therefore checking this board every day. What I've learned is that our ship, the Rhapsody is suppose to call at Grand Cayman but hasn't once since Ivan and has substituted Costa Maya instead. Costa Maya is not a tendered port, correct? So how does debarking go? Free-for-all? first come first serve? by decks? Wondering because if we end up at CM instead of GC we'll want to go to the ruins AND have time for the beach. When a ship substitutes ports like that are the times in port the same?

Cindyrella,
Come check your ROLL CALL thread. I just joined. I've also been checking www.caymanport.com and discovered that we are now scheduled to go to Grand Cayman. It was just scheduled yesterday.
Good news....
John

[Cindyrella]

John,

I'm confused. :confused: I checked the Cayman port authority website and Rhapsody is not listed for march 31. It is however still listed on the Royal Caribbean website. I emailed Nativeway to book a stingray city excursion and the owner told me the Rhapsody has not stopped in GC once since Ivan. I'm really bummed because we chose this cruise mainly for the GC port.:mad:

[bosteph]

I was told today that we are definitely diverting to Costa Maya. My TA also told me that RCI "unofficially" told them that Rhapsody will not be returning to GC until June.

[mukluk]

Cindy-


I was on the Rhapsody 2 weeks ago and was diverted from GC to Costa Maya.

I have been to GC 3 times and Costa Maya is much nicer and alot more to do. Costa Maya is now our favorite port in the Caribbean. Food, drinks and activities are much cheaper and excellent quality.:)

[LeLe127]

I was on the Rhapsody 2 weeks ago too and was disappointed that we did not go to Grand Cayman, mainly because we had a Stingray City excursion booked :( . We did enjoy Costa Maya though. We docked there and rode the shuttle to the pier, got a tour to the ruins at Chacchoben at the booth near the buses there, took a taxi to Majahual and had awesome food and cold beer at Tapas on the beach when we returned (the BEST guacamole!), and got massages on the beach. Nice day!!:)

[Cindyrella]

LeLe,

How did you enjoy the ruins? I would really like to do this but I'm not sure my 17 & 18 yrs olds will enjoy it. If we went to the ruins would we still have time to do a little beach bumming? Did you eat at Tapas? How long were you in port?
Thanks.

[LeLe127]

Hi Cindyrella! We loved the ruins. Not as many structures as Tulum or Chitchen Itza (sp?), but worth seeing..very impressive pyramids and a beautiful walk through the jungle. If your teenagers have any interest in history or archaeology at all (or probably even if they don't), I think they will really enjoy it. You get to climb on part of them too. My son visited the ruins at Tulum when he was 18 and loved it! We saw the ruins as soon as we got there and it took about 3 hours total including the drive. If you are with a larger group through the ship it takes a little longer. Then we took a taxi to Mahahual and did have plenty of time to enjoy the beach and get massages, did a little shopping, etc. (the vendors are very aggressive..just a friendly warning). We did eat at Tapas, and it was great! We walked up to the restaurant and they asked if we wanted a table at the beach (which we did), so Emil took us to a table with an umbrella right on the beach. Their food was great, especially the chips and guacamole! We ordered shrimp and fish tacos. I thought they were very good! My husband did not like the grilled onions and peppers on them (the menu did not say what was on them..so you might ask on the other items). We were at port from about 9am 'til 5pm.

[asrubin]

LeLe127, can you tell me a little more about the tour to the ruins? Was there a company at the dock that advertised tours and if so, what should I look for when I get to the dock. Do you remember approximately how much the tour was per person and did they take credit cards or do you have to have cash?

Thanks,
Ann

[LeLe127]

Hi Ann, There was a booth after you walk all the way past the pool and through the shops and come to where you see buses and vans lined up..The booth had a sign that said taxis, and ruins/chacchoben tours, etc. The cost was $45 per person. We paid cash, and I'm sorry I don't remember if they took credit cards. :confused: