wdowns9

Is the long ride too Kohunlich worth it? The Chacchoben is closer and is it just as good?

We've been to Costa Maya on 4 different trips and the first time we went to Chacchobben and it was really nice because we were in a small group of 10; the next time we went the small group expanded into a bus. Both times were were happy but wanted to do something different so we went to Kohunlich. Our group was only 6 people which made the trip really nice plus there wasn't anyone there. The choice will depend on what you want to get out of your excursion. If you go to Chacchobben you will return in enough time to either visit the town or shop at the port. The longer trip will take away from shopping time. In Dec we are going to Dzibanche which will complete all three ruins in this area.

They didn't provide water on any of our trips - when traveling with either David or Ivan we were in a van as it was a small group, we stop on the way to sample fresh pineapple from the roadside stand with some added fruit spice. Our last trip we asked them to stop again to give others the experience as nobody new what was going on. There is a place before you enter the ruins for getting water, soda, snacks etc..We always travel with jerky and pringles in case we get hungry. One another trip as we stopped at a roadside bar and David got a crate of local beer for everyone in the van to try as we were on our way home..Your trip will depend on the number of people..We have been very lucky to have small groups plus either getting David or Ivan. You will have a good time. Another option to look at is - Kohunlich or Dzibanche..These take longer to get to but the group size is normally very small as everyone goes to Chacchoben.

We have used David & Ivan (Native Choice) three times and will use them again in Nov. They are top notch and you will have a good time. Guides are great and you get back in time to visit town or shop at the pier before boarding. You will not be disappointed..Chaccobean ruins are interesting; make sure to bring water and a hat along with some snacks for the ride.

No con's; all PRO's . we used VB for a private tour and we included the island tour, iguana farm, monkey's, stop off at a grocery store/shopping for drinks/local snacks/stuff. As we were driving around taking in all the sites the island had to offer we made it to the highest peak for some nice pictures along with stopping anywhere we wanted. We had lunch in hut on the water that our driver took us to for what the locals eat. We bought our driver his meal and I think we spent less than $20 total for 3 of us. We made it back in time to walk around, take the chairlift at Coxen to see what me missed or should I say didn't miss. Good value for $$ and we will most likely do the same in Nov.

We've used Cynthia and Nacho from http://www.ncqadventuretours.com/home and will be using them again in Nov. We went to the ruins and baboon sanctuary (howler monkeys) then had a nice local meal in town before going back to the port.

David and Ivan run a top notch company. We have used them several times and even brought down school supplies so they could distribute them to the local remote villages. Tours are generally very small compared to others which makes it really nice. I recommend that if you utilize NC that you ask them to stop off at the pineapple stands on the way to the ruins. They are the sweetest pineapples you will ever eat. Also have the guide get a bag of fruit spice. On our way back from one trip David stopped off at a bar and got a crate of beer so we could sample a local beverage.

We take Natrapel Plus insect repellent when we head into the jungles. My wife attracts skeeters likes she is a walking buffet. This product last 4hrs and does not contain DEET which is not human friendly. She wears 3/4 length pants and a short sleeve Columbia shirt; I'm always in shorts and a Columbia shirt. Never any problems. I believe I got the stuff from Campmor but you can find it at other online retailers. Malaria pills aren't needed. Enjoy your trip as we will be back again in Nov. The last time we went to Lamanai which had a 26mile boat ride into the jungle to the ruins.

We did have a medical evacuation by the US Coast Guard just after we left the mouth of the Miss River. We did circles through the night and waited for the Coast Guard to air lift them off at 10a. This only delayed our arrival in to Progreso by 2hrs but we departed later so there wasn't any impact to the cruise. We sailed full speed at 20nts to make up for the lost time.

We just arrived back from our 5-Day trip on the Elation. This was my 3rd time on her. This time I could noticeably see the changes both good and not so good.

Good:

* we were the 2nd cruise for them to have the Sea Day Brunch 830a-1p. Food was very good with lots of choices

* Punchliner Comedy Club - 2 comedians each did a family and adult show on 2 nights (5 shows each including the Welcome Aboard Show)

* Mongolian Wok on the Lido is always a favorite

* Embarkation/Debarkation was quick - arrived at 10a on the ship at 11a and the cabins were ready just before 1230p. We had our luggage taken off for us (Zone11) and we were off the ship by 915a and through Customs by 945a

Bad:

* lack of live music on the Lido

* she is showing her age with wear/tear along with a very outdated pool area

* ice buckets have been removed from the cabins; you will have to request one from your cabin steward

* pizza is very popular so be prepared to wait

* only 2 shows and another done by other guests - "Win" is not very good and hasn't changed from the past

* CD Steve I can say much about as he didn't provide any added entertainment

* most entertainment starts after 11p which is not the greatest for older people so we didn't attend.

*food in the MDR was hit/miss with more of a miss. Had to send our steaks back several times because they were killed well when we wanted med-rare. Luckily the MDR for Sea Day Brunch and regular breakfast saved the day.

The Elation is a good budget cruise going out of NOLA; just go with an open mind. For the price and proximity to where we live we would sail again.

We are doing the Carnival Dream reposition cruise and pull into NO on 4/14/14. We booked a room at the Hyatt Place near the convention center. I understand it's within an easy walk from the pier, which is a plus! My question is, how do we get to the NO airport to fly home? Anyone know if the hotel provides a shuttle to the airport? If not, are there other inexpensive modes of transit (other than city bus)? I know a cab ride would almost always be available (anyone know what that costs roughly?), just trying to get the best price.

 

Thanks in advance!

I was just at the Hyatt Place for our cruise on the Elation - this will help you as I got the info from the Op Manager - http://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com/services-rates.html

On our previous cruise out of NOLA we parked at Fulton St Garage (rooftop at $8 a day) and took the shuttle to the port. This time we are considering parking at the port itself, just for the convenience factor (pulling in and having porters take our luggage and not having to take a shuttle), but I am not excited about the price because we are doing a B2B sailing on the Elation so that is 11 days of parking to pay for.

 

I would love to hear how early you can park at the port. Does anyone know how early they will let you park? I would not want to wait until 11 or 12 to park, so if that is the case we will park at Fulton St and take the shuttle. Also, any big backups waiting to get into the garage?

 

Thanks

They were allowing people to park at 9a; we got to the terminal via the shuttle at 10a, checked in was given Zone 3 and on the ship at 11a. Rooms were ready just before 1230p

We just got back from our cruise on the Elation and got a surprise when we parked at Fulton Place which have used numerous times in the past. It appears that the original owner passed away but the website is still up which they can not take down. The garage is managed by NewOrleansParking.com. The cost is $12per day undercover and $8per day if you put your car on the roof. These prices are valid pre and post cruise and include shuttle. You do have to pay in advance to get these rates.

We were not aware that management changed and they were going to charge me $20 per day from my pre cruise then $12 when on the cruise. I told them about the website and they said it was not theirs and that I should reserve my space online (has to be Chrome or Firefox) to work and they would honor the price the $12 per day pre/post/cruise rate. Luckily I was staying at the Hyatt Place next door and the manager straightened it out for us. FultonPlaceParking.com is no longer the correct website for information.

We just stayed at the Hyatt Place across from the terminal and paid $10 per day parking and $119 for the room. Car is parked at Fulton Place garage.

There are always plenty of available options when you arrive so you are not committed to something that might get cancelled due to winds/rain or just bad weather. Prices will always be cheaper than what the cruise lines have to offer plus if you haggle you can bargain down the price.

For the price the Elation is workable. Leaving on her this Sat for the 3 or 4th time (lost count). Progreso is has some unique options such as Uxmal, Chichen Itza and other ruins, colonial Merida, not so good beach clubs compared to Cozumel. Then you will end up in Cozumel. Look at is as two vacations in one. I would recommend spending a couple of extra days in NOLA as there is much to see besides Bourbon St - head out of town to see the plantations, go to the Garden District, visit a couple of cemeteries. You have plenty of time to look at all options.

Thanks for the tip on Cozumel. Can anyone recommend an excusion in Falmouth? The falls make me a little nervous due to the slippery part and not for small children mentioned multiple times. Thanks

Haven't been there, you might want to ask in the Jamaica forum: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=111 or check TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g612473-Activities-Falmouth_Trelawny_Parish_Jamaica.html

We arrive on a Disney cruise into Cozumel at 8:15 and depart at 3:45. If you dont think we will have enough time for Tulum, we would appreciate other ideas. Thanks

First off you will enjoy your Disney Cruise - we did and we're over 50 without kids - Hint: Get a couple of blank 8x10 photo mats, color markers and some candy place them in a bags with your cabin number, take them to Guest Services and request character autographs - 2 days later they arrived back in our cabin signed with the markers minus the candy. They must have signing parties. No need to fight the lines to get something signed. We also dressed like pirates for pirate night/fireworks..It was great to be a kid again. Another neat thing was the movie theater-we went later and watched new or soon to be released movies (free popcorn/non-alch drinks) As for Cozumel I recommend that you grab a taxi for an island tour and you can go to the ruins of San Gervasio, go to the light house (Punta Sur) then explore the wild side of the island or head to a beach club. Most people go to shop and drink. Many options that are not expensive. Our first time we went to the ruins and toured the entire island by hiring a driver for the day. This way both of us could relax and enjoy our vacation.

Bacon unless the Bacon Police are rationing it out; of course the MDR for Eggs benedict (hollandaise on the side) forces them to make the eggs fresh and more bacon.

Hi! Could anyone recommend a tour company doing private tours of the Mayan Ruins? We would prefer to hire our own driver than be with the masses. Thank you!

Are you arriving in a cruise ship? if so which one. Some ships are not in port long enough because its a 45min ferry ride to the main land then another 2hrs to Tulum which forces you to take their excursion to ensure you make sail-away. If you sail into Progreso with Carnival you can go to Uxmal and Chichen Itza. Best option are if any of your ports are Belize or Cost Maya. Cozumel is unfriendly for touring ruins on the mainland because of time.

We will be renting a jeep or a car in March...any places you can recommand me ? Do you know HTL Rental ? They have dune buggy - that should be fun too!

You might want to read up on them as there are some current comments over that last couple of months - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150809-i66-k5985158-HTL_Car_Rentals-Cozumel_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

11 more days and we will be back in Coz for the 6th time..

There are rental places at all the piers, you can get a VW or a Jeep.make sure to get insurance-stateside and credit card coverage will not work. Many people have gotten taken with vehicle damage scams. Each time we've been we hired a driver for the day. Our schedule, what and where we wanted to go and didn't have to worry about driving. Much easier option. Negotiate with a taxi driver for 4hrs (should be around $70-$80) Jeep rental should be around $40 - http://www.islacozumel.net/services/lesspay/

Parking in NOLA is at premium $$ normally - it can range between $15-$30. When we sail out we park at Fulton Place Garage $12nt and they have a shuttle. As for a hotel that sleeps 6 you might be best with 2 rooms, we stay at Springhill Suites on St Joseph or the Marriott Convention Center as they are both near the port and close to the parking garage. There is also a Hyatt Place in the area. We've sailed out of NOLA several times and go there often on side trips (3hrs away), here is a good reference: http://www.neworleanscvb.com/travel-professionals/cruises/

As you are taking the transverse road out of San Miguel you will pass the Pee Pee Station which will be on the right then a short distance up the road you will take a left to the ruins of San Gervasio (plan on 1hr of 1h15mins) when you make your way back to the main road take a left to Mezcalito's Bar, follow the road along the water and you will find Coconut's which is the highest point on the island, as you continue stop off at El Mirador (coral formations) then head to Freedom in Paradise Reggae Beach Bar at the entrance to Faro Celarain (light house) there is a fee to enter the park. As you continue around the island you will pass many of the beach clubs such as Paradise Beach, you can also take a short detour to El Cedral is the oldest Mayan Ruins on Cozumel Island (only 1 blg left in the town) then work your way back into the town. We've completed this trip many times in 5+hrs with all the stops. Need to watch out for others who are drinking and driving as it can ruin your vacation. Designated driver is recommended.

The water in Progreso is nothing like Cozumel. Little to no reef, cloudy water with lots of stuff floating in it. You could opt for an excursion away from the town to Technotel with AP (Auto Progreso) ADULT: 35 USD CHILD: 22 USD Cozumel has a large reef system with clear water and lots of fish of all different colors and sizes. Nachi offers snorkeling and this is your best option.