Just got a call yesterday from my TA.  Smithsonian Colon-Puerto Caldera (24 jan-31 Jan.) cancelled due to "numerous cases" on the previous cruise.  We were scheduled for PCR test tomorrow.  Cancelled all flights, hotels, etc.  Curious that Ponant knew about the "numerous cases" (their words in the letter emailed), but did not call the cancellation until two days before our departure to Panama.

Posted in another forum, but same questions.  For recent (late 2021) cruisers:  What was the standard and Bar Pass Champagne (brands)?  What brands of Tequila (regular and Bar Pass)?

Could anyone please tell me what included Champagne and Tequila brands were available on your cruise?  Also, what were the Champagne and Tequila Pass Bar upgrade brands if any?

For returning U.S. residents from any foreign country, in this case Costa Rica, the U.S. now requires a negative antibody test, not a PCR.  We have been advised for our upcoming Colon-Puerto Caldera (Jan 24-31) that these will be available at no charge to U.S. passengers.

Apologies to all for not providing an update, but WiFi onboard is veeeery slow.  Hope that the following helps those boarding tomorrow and in the future.  Assume that Cozumel will remain the embarkation port.  Know that getting to Puerto Morelos to PdC is easy.  Cabs available and a fairly short trip.  As for us we took private transport from Cancun and cost was ~ $65 U.S. so PM should be much less.  Ponant crew was helpful and efficient at the PdC meeting point, Grand Hyatt.  They handled all baggage for a short bus trip from the Hyatt to the ferry terminal.  Ferry trip was equally easy, though winds were up during most of our cruise.  Once on board you will find a beautiful, relaxing experience, so don’t fret.  You are cruising!  I won’t go into detail here, but a few tips.  Download as much as you can at your hotel as WiFi is slow and unreliable.  Announcements are made only in public areas (not staterooms), which I found delightful.  For English speakers, simply bear through the French announcements.  The Cruise Director speaks excellent French, English, and Spanish.  The reception desk is always there for you and helpful.  My experience was that French passengers kept to themselves so don’t be offended if they seem to ignore you.  It’s just a French thing!  Staff are polite, helpful and engaging if you approach them, though their training seems to be European Professional, not gregarious.  Just make friends with key staff that you expect to need most.  For me that was Deck 3 bar staff, maitre de, and excursion desk.  Highly recommend the Uxmal tour.  Less crowded that Chictchen Itsa (expect to see 8,000 tourists at least at CI) and Uxmal provides almost a private experience.  Also advise seeing Merida and Campeche.  Charming colonial towns.  Campeche small.  Merida 1 million population, but doesn’t seem that large and the colonial tour was very informative.  If Catholic especially a must.  Pre excursion lectures are good, but the onboard expert is very dry in delivery though complete if you like a university type seminar in an hour.  Don’t worry.  Be happy.  Have fun.  This ship, though small, is one of the best in high seas that I have ever experienced.

As far as itinerary, my TA also says that that there are no changes other than the Cozumel embarkation.

Sorry.  That was all my TA mentioned.  We are actually supposed to meet at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
1a Avenida esquina Calle 26, Colonia Centro, Playa del Carmen, Mexico, 77710 between 2:30 - 4:00.  I'll find out then.  BTW, booking in PdC does not guarantee that the port won't be switched again.  I'm sure that Ponant would prefer to pay PM berthing rates than Cozumel.

This just in from my TA.  We leave next week for the Yucatan Mexico cruise on Le Champlain.  It seems that the Mexicans and French are still negotiating.  Puerto Morelos is no longer the embarkation port.  It is now Cozumel.  You'll need to get from Cancun or Puerto Morelos  to Playa del Carmen on your own, but Ponant has secured a private ferry for the 45 minute ride to Cozumel at 5:00 pm.  Ponant says that the ferry is on them as well as disembarkation at the end of the cruise.  They did not specify whether that included a return to the airport.

WOW!  Such a thorough review.  If you don't mind I have a few questions about Ponant specifically.  We are Grand Admiral status, but our cruise docs do not reflect the additional 150pp Euro OBC.  Is this awarded and confirmed once on board or should I ask my TA?  I'm assuming your status included additional OBC.  Also, we are on Level 4, but Grand Admiral status allows for a complementary upgrade if space is available.  Do you know if this upgrade is awarded upon embarkation and check in?

Thanks for all of your postings.  They are the most informative reviews I have read on CC!

I have to weigh in a bit on this one.  The logic behind a quick, hopefully efficient, boarding with personal greeting is quaint and no problem for me.  What I can't fathom is the disembarkation.  They want 150 passengers off the boat at 8:00 AM!  Boats five times the size are able to turn the ship for the next cruise in half that time.  Does anyone have any idea why?

Check out my post from earlier today.  It gives both the response from my TA and Ponant when I called them direct.

Got my e-docs today.  My TA also talked with Ponant and Puerto Morelos has been the home port since the original incident according to Ponant.  I had other questions, decided to go directly over the transom and spoke with a customer service rep.  She confirmed PM as the start port.  The transfer offer in the event of a port change is acceptable to me and IMO the least Ponant can do.  Though Mexican intransigence and possibly greed is not Ponant's fault, the responsibility to do right by their passengers is theirs.

I have an email with the article linked into my TA.  Hope to hear something on Monday after she checks in with Ponant.

2 hours ago, garykool81 said:

 

That's excellent to hear! This article also seems to indicate that the issue has been resolved, so good news all around! Glad to see that this nonsense with the local government was worked out. 

 

https://www.riviera-maya-news.com/le-ponant-cruises-now-disembark-on-mainland-isla-mujeres/2019.html

I am a bit confused by the article.  It claims that the itinerary has changed and that the ship now departs from Cozumel, dated November 19.  Did Ponant in fact verify that PM is the designated port?  We leave on 12/14/2019.

Thanks to both of you for keeping us updated.  My TA reported back similar info, and I agree that there is little hassle in taking the ferry aside from shlepping the bags one more time.  My TA was advised that passengers in late November and December would be notified of port changes.  She also said that they have used more ports than Cozumel so far.  It's interesting your observation about Cozumel wanting the dock fees and traffic, but I'm more inclined to believe the government $$$$ explanation and ignorance on the part of the hoteliers.  I do hope that you contact the Chamber of Commerce in Puerto Morelos to state that you had to cancel your two nights because of the confusion.  The CofC was in favor of the port visits by Ponant.

I may have more info from my TA on Monday

Just reached my TA.  Apparently Ponant conducted a Webinar with her company today with results being posted tomorrow.  In a search, the only tidbit I uncovered was a post Mexico News Daily:

Hoteliers Trying To Stop Puerto Morelos Cruise Ship Arrivals

Permission for cruise ships to dock in Puerto Morelos has not been granted after local hotel owners formed a human chain to protest the plan, citing a lack of economic benefits the ships will bring and the negative impact they will have on the accommodation sector.

For the benefit of others that are booked for the Maya itinerary, I will post again when i have more news.

Thanks much for this info.  We're booked out of PM mid-December as well.  Do you know if Ponant has issued any advisories to passengers going forward?

Hi Jazzbeau.  A while back you indicated that you would be posting a review of your recent Ponant (Le Champlain?) trip, but I can't find it.

Thanks Jazzbeau for your detailed reply to schnapperin.  I have one additional question.  Do either of the restaurant or bar areas have a true, commercial espresso machine or are we limited to "pods"?

Both me and my TA are scratching our  heads over this one.  Apparently 4 pm is the standard embark time AND they want you off the ship on the final day at 8 AM.  Hmmm.  Eight hours to clean 92 rooms and restock, with as many crew on board as guests?

GOOD question!  I hopped on the offer before even checking air options.  Flying from Hawaii to San Diego.  Planning to arrive the evening before in Cancun.  Waiting a few days to see what happens with the CUN leg as Kayak advises that prices are likely to drop.  Here's what I found about transfers from the Cancun airport:

https://www.cancuniairport.com/cancun-airport-to-puerto-morelos/

Aloha.  Just booked this cruise for a December departure.  Scored on a $950pp airline credit.