rhinomike

Yes. Many, many times. Never had a problem.

We are also departing that day on the Dawn. We departed last year at the same time on Canival Sundance. It was smooth sailing the entire trip.

They have floating chairs, beach volleyball and some soccer balls. No kayaks or other water toys, if I recall correctly. But email them to double check. Almaplena is further south than the malecon beaches, so nothing else nearby. Just enjoy a restful day.

Yes. That is my plan. I was just hopping for a few thing my boys would be interested in. Soccer will interest them. I was hoping for stand up paddle boards or a water trampoline.

Me, my wife and our 4 teenage boys (age 15 to 18) will be at Almaplena in about 2 weeks. Besides eating, drinking and relaxing... What else is offered? Do they or anyone else on the beach rent water toys?

Not crowded at all!!

Thank you. We don't like crowds. We have a private tour with Victor Bodden reserved. We are thinking about adding this in if it's not crowded.

If you want to do a cooking class in Cozumel, I would highly recommend Josefina's class. It is very authentic. You cook at her home, she takes you to the market to buy the groceries, and she makes the best margaritas. You will cook 10 or 11 dishes and have a wonderful feast. It is truly amazing. Here is the link:

 

http://www.cozumelchef.com/services/authentic-mexican-cooking-classes/

 

Check the reviews on Trip Adviser. This may be the best excursion we have ever done on a cruise!

Yes. We have done this twice and doing it again in 2 weeks. Great experience and great food. Highly recommend Josefinas.

It isn't really Cajun country - that is farther to the west.

 

It is on Bayou Des Allemands, originally settled by the Germans, as the name implies.

 

Des Allemands calls itself "The Catfish Capitol Of The World." There is a restaurant there called Spahr's. They serve wild-caught catfish, and lots of other delights. Certainly worth a stop, if you are in the area.

Great. Thank you so much. I really appreciate all of the info.

Sorry to be naive but is Des Allemands located in what is known as Cajun country or the bayou?

The tour guides are licensed, and their boats are inspected by the Coast Guard. You might find some local who would take you out into the swamps in his private boat, but that would be a crapshoot, and maybe not safe.

 

You might try looking at tours that leave from places outside of New Orleans. I know that there are some based in Des Allemands, about 40 minutes from the city. They are locals, and completely legit.

Great. Thank you. I will try looking in Des Allemands.

I just don't want the regular "tourist" tours that are staged and drive around a lake.

Now that Carnival is not at LFK..... How crowded was it? We don't like crowds and had decided against LFK for this reason. But now that Carnival is not there is it less crowded?

Bump. Any locals have any ideas or recommendations?

Now that Carnival is not at LFK..... How crowded was it? We don't like crowds and had decided against LFK for this reason. But now that Carnival is not there is it less crowded?

Well, the day we went, we had 1 couple sitting in front of us at the chairs/table/palapa at Blue Kay. There were a few people, I'm guessing maybe 10, down the beach a ways toward the end. It may have been people that were staying there at the lodge/camping area.

 

When we were at Almaplena, we had our family and 2 other families I believe from the ship there. They only allow like 10 people (or was it 20...it's been awhile) for the day there. But, not many people know about the place unless they have read my review and went there. Then they have lodging there as well too...just a few rooms. So, I'm guessing maybe 15 people tops there the day we were there.

 

Both places have soft clean sand. But the beach at Blue Kay was more gentle with a very slow slope going out...well, like I said in my review, I could stand up almost out to the rocks where the snorkeling was. Almaplena had a small drop in the sand right before hitting the water like you sometimes see at some of the beaches in the Caribbean. It's just where the water comes up and washes away the sand and you get that small drop down. It was no biggie to me. Blue Kay's beach was definitely a lot bigger and longer although at Almaplena, there isn't anything around there, so you could still walk a little ways down even though you were no longer on the Almaplena property.

 

Both places had crystal clear water when we were there. I enjoyed the water probably a little more at Blue Kay just for the fact that it was more shallow...which means you can see more from above. Obviously the deeper the water gets, the less you can see from above. If you are snorkeling with a mask and your head under the water, of course you are going to see everything either way.

 

I personally think the advantage of Blue Kay over Almaplena is the distance and time. With it being so close to the port, you save travel time and can stay longer. If Almaplena was closer, I would probably alternate back and forth between the two every time I went. You just can't go wrong at either I promise.

Great. Thank you. It sounds like a coin toss. I think we will stick with Almaplena since it is already booked. Thanks again. You're help is always greatly appreciated.

We always carry our bags on and off the ship.

We did so last year in New Orleans when we were on the Carnival Sunshine. It was a breeze. No problems at all.

It would be entirely up to you. I can't advise you to change, but if you look at the review and pictures you should be able to decide which would suit you the best. They are both fabulous places for sure! :D If there are any certain questions you might have on either that I can help you with, just let me know.

Thank you.

Which was more private or less crowded?

Which had a better beach with soft clean sand?

Which had cleaner clearer water?

Price is not an issue. I read your review. They both sound great.

We have done airboat rides and swamp tours before. I am looking for a real swamp tour. Something private for my family of 6. Price is not an issue. I don't want to go out on a lake or do some scripted tour. I want to find a real swamp tour. Maybe a local type guy that will take us out. Any suggestions. Thank you.

I'll throw in a 3rd option for you as well...check out my new review on Blue Kay. We just returned less than 2 weeks ago and it was AMAZING! Beautiful crystal clear blue water, amazing facility, HUGE long beach with powdery sand (snorkeling if you want), great food and excellent service. The best part, 5 minutes from port. :D

 

I just finished the review on it. I don't have the link up yet, but it's my Sun review. There are over 200 pictures of the place. :)

I am choosing Almaplena based on your reviews. And advice. We like the privacy. And the beautiful beach.

Now that you have been to Blue Kay.... Should we change? Which do you recommend?

We will be on the Dawn in 3 weeks. Where is this secret jacuzzi you speak of. Sounds perfect.

Doesn't matter. Your family will all be included in the priority tender and disembarkation.

Great. Thank you. I knew they were included on Carnival but wasn't sure about NCL. Thanks again.

I just went gold status. I have a question about the priority tender tickets and priority disembarkation. Are my wife and kids included in that even though they are not yet gold status? Does it matter if they are in my cabin or in the next room with a door connecting the cabins?

There is small differences. For example a different type of streak.

 

The quality is the same as they share a kitchen.

Yep. This. They are almost identical. But they do change types of steak and sometimes the sides that a company a meal.

We ate in the garden room every night. I wore Tshirt, shorts and sandals. Much more our cup of tea.

My 4 teenage boys spent most of their time in the basketball/soccer court. They were never bored but we had a very port intensive itinerary.

We were on the Spirit a few months ago. The dividers were closed and could not be opened. I mean they physically could not be opened unless you removed the 4 bolts and took the divider panel off. It was never meant to be open on the Spirit.

Great review. Great pics. Perfect balance. Thank you for sharing.

Finally. Someone. Lol. Thank you for the review. We have booked a private excursion with him.