All-inclusive resort excursion in Puerto Vallarta?

I posted this on the Ports of Call/Mexican Riv, but thought I would try posting it here also.

Have any of you ever done this excursion through Royal Caribbean?

I've heard of excursions at all inclusive resorts in other ports, and it sounds like people have enjoyed them. This will be our first time in Puerto Vallarta, and I wanted to do one relaxing beach day on at least one of our port stops. Of course, they don't give you the name of the resort, so there's no way to check it out in advance.

Has anyone ever booked this particular excursion, or is it possible to book at an all inclusive resorts for just a couple of hours on our own? This excursion is 5 hours long, and it would be nice to have the option of hopping in a cab and heading back to the ship if we didn't feel like hanging for the entire 5 hours.

Of course, it would be nice to know which resort it is too. Has anyone just googled "all inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta" to see if you can book something like this on your own?

(We had a not so good experience with a RC excursion in Cozumel a couple of years ago. It was a beach park with a buffet and all drinks were included, but the place wasn't that great.)

I posted this on the Ports of Call/Mexican Riv, but thought I would try posting it here also.

 

Have any of you ever done this excursion through Royal Caribbean?

 

I've heard of excursions at all inclusive resorts in other ports, and it sounds like people have enjoyed them. This will be our first time in Puerto Vallarta, and I wanted to do one relaxing beach day on at least one of our port stops. Of course, they don't give you the name of the resort, so there's no way to check it out in advance.

 

Has anyone ever booked this particular excursion, or is it possible to book at an all inclusive resorts for just a couple of hours on our own? This excursion is 5 hours long, and it would be nice to have the option of hopping in a cab and heading back to the ship if we didn't feel like hanging for the entire 5 hours.

Of course, it would be nice to know which resort it is too. Has anyone just googled "all inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta" to see if you can book something like this on your own?

 

(We had a not so good experience with a RC excursion in Cozumel a couple of years ago. It was a beach park with a buffet and all drinks were included, but the place wasn't that great.)

I was looking for a client, and I think its this resort---http://www.travimp.com/hotel.php?msg=pvrljm

It looks like it, and the location matches. I know this overlooks town, and has one of the nicer beaches. There are some resorts in the Marina area , near where the ship docks, but the beach there is not so good. I have stayed in Pvr Twice, and cruised there once.

Diane In Music City

Have gone to NH Krystal. Didn't have to pay a fee, as long as you are ordering food or beverages. The pool is great, the beach is ok but the water isn't. It's close enough to pier that you can walk. Was treated very well, and the bar service at the beach was great. Would go again.

Recently stayed at the Riu Palace in PV, and that was absolutely fantastic, but do not believe they offer any specials for cruisers. If you get a chance, check out the Riu Palace.

I hear the spa at the Krystal is pretty good also.

I posted this on the Ports of Call/Mexican Riv, but thought I would try posting it here also.

 

Have any of you ever done this excursion through Royal Caribbean?

 

I've heard of excursions at all inclusive resorts in other ports, and it sounds like people have enjoyed them. This will be our first time in Puerto Vallarta, and I wanted to do one relaxing beach day on at least one of our port stops. Of course, they don't give you the name of the resort, so there's no way to check it out in advance.

 

Has anyone ever booked this particular excursion, or is it possible to book at an all inclusive resorts for just a couple of hours on our own? This excursion is 5 hours long, and it would be nice to have the option of hopping in a cab and heading back to the ship if we didn't feel like hanging for the entire 5 hours.

Of course, it would be nice to know which resort it is too. Has anyone just googled "all inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta" to see if you can book something like this on your own?

 

(We had a not so good experience with a RC excursion in Cozumel a couple of years ago. It was a beach park with a buffet and all drinks were included, but the place wasn't that great.)

We were there 2 weeks ago and went over to the Marriott on the other side of the marina from the ship, near the Westin and Mayan Palace. The Marriott was lovely, nice pool with waterfall and a nice beach, lots of padded loungers and umbrellas. We didn't want AI, we were only there for a couple hours and wanted to pay for our drinks and snacks. You walk thru the lobby out to the pool, and on the right side of the pool there is a pool shack, where you get day passes for 200 pesos (about $12), and towels. Corona beer were $4.50, they run a tab and you pay when you're ready to go. We didn't get any snacks, but the menu had lots of good looking stuff for about $10. White cab from the gangway is $8, yellow cab from out on the main road at the gas station is $5.

-Bob

hi,

we are on RCCL on April 12 09. I already researched this like crazy. Marival Resort is/was one of the resorts that rccl uses/used for their excursion. it changes sometimes. but we are going to the Marival Resort for an all inclusive lunch pass from 12-5 for only $25...check in with the concierge upon arrival. I was sent an email by the concierge that this pass includes all drinks, food, and use of the resort/pool. Great Deal!

E-Mail: concierge@marival.com.mx

Visit us at: http://www.gomarival.com

For Cabo San Lucas, RCCL is scheduled to visit Villas Del Palmar Resort for their resort excursion....I am still researching this resort and others to possibly visit on our own for Cabo!

Below is the Club Marival. Looks like a nice large resort, and a great price at $25. I would print out their email, so your entry to the resort goes smoothly. It is in Nuevo Vallarta. That will take some cab fare from the cruise pier. Cabs are less expensive if you walk out of the cruise terminal to in front of Wal Mart. You might ask your cab that takes you there if he would like to pick you up at a certain time for the ride back at the same fare, as the fare back from a new cab may be much more. You might also stop by the Grand Mayan on the way back for a 15 minute look around. At least a 1 minute stop to see the entry foyer. It is an amazing sight. Have a great time!

hi,

we are on RCCL on April 12 09. I already researched this like crazy. Marival Resort is/was one of the resorts that rccl uses/used for their excursion. it changes sometimes. but we are going to the Marival Resort for an all inclusive lunch pass from 12-5 for only $25...check in with the concierge upon arrival. I was sent an email by the concierge that this pass includes all drinks, food, and use of the resort/pool. Great Deal!

E-Mail: concierge@marival.com.mx

Visit us at: www.gomarival.com

 

For Cabo San Lucas, RCCL is scheduled to visit Villas Del Palmar Resort for their resort excursion....I am still researching this resort and others to possibly visit on our own for Cabo!

That is a great deal for Marival :) We have stayed here a here times and just love it.....make sure you ask the bartenders for the top shelf liquor it really makes a differance :)

Oh, and I found out that RCCL is scheduled to use the La Jolla de Mismaloya Resort on their Resort Getaway for the excursion while in Puerto Vallarta. So you can go check it out and see if you prefer that to our pick of Marival Resort.

a quick search of the La Jolla de Mismaloya reveals it is out of town south in a cove by itself, surrounded by tropical jungle (& a nice looking beach cove). It would be a neat ambiance of steep jungle mountains behind; a secluded tropical experience. I think, if give the choice between the two, we would pick the La Jolla de Mismaloya for it's seclusion and tropical ambiance (and it looks like a very nice large resort also). The Marival is a ginormous resort located on a long flat beach strip of many ginormous resorts.

Beach is nicer in Nuevo with the surf not as large usually, water clearer in Southside. Marival is noted for their food and drink. Barcelo until very recently was known for their food....as in posioning....many many people have been sick while at Barcelo.

Barcelo does have the nicer of the two locations, BUT based on what I know of that resort and it's food problems you would not catch me there at all :eek:

Now if it were DREAMS VS Marival I would pick Dreams in a flash and say forget trying to swim in the ocean and make it a pool day :)

Marival is NOT an ginormus resort by any means, it is very easy to get arounf and quickly too :)

Certainly it is bigger then some PV resorts (especially in the southside) but when I think of ginormus resorts I think of PDC and Cancun.....

Below is the Club Marival. Looks like a nice large resort, and a great price at $25. I would print out their email, so your entry to the resort goes smoothly. It is in Nuevo Vallarta. That will take some cab fare from the cruise pier. Cabs are less expensive if you walk out of the cruise terminal to in front of Wal Mart. You might ask your cab that takes you there if he would like to pick you up at a certain time for the ride back at the same fare, as the fare back from a new cab may be much more. You might also stop by the Grand Mayan on the way back for a 15 minute look around. At least a 1 minute stop to see the entry foyer. It is an amazing sight. Have a great time!

 

FYI That property between the round-about (on the road) on top of the picture all the way to the beach is NOT Marival and should not have been included as such. Those are tennis courts, restrooms/showers, I think a gift shop, a pool and a restaurant that are for public use.

If you look closely you can see a line of trees seperating the two properties, what you can not see is the fence.

Also there is no need to ask yout taxi driver to return...sigh...there will be many many taxis waiting at the entrance of Marival :)

a quick search of the La Jolla de Mismaloya reveals it is out of town south in a cove by itself, surrounded by tropical jungle (& a nice looking beach cove). It would be a neat ambiance of steep jungle mountains behind; a secluded tropical experience. I think, if give the choice between the two, we would pick the La Jolla de Mismaloya for it's seclusion and tropical ambiance (and it looks like a very nice large resort also). The Marival is a ginormous resort located on a long flat beach strip of many ginormous resorts.

Carnival's "Exclusive Resort Getaway" excursion in Puerto Vallarta is at the La Jolla de Mismaloya Resort. It is about 40 to 45 minutes from the pier. A friend of ours has been there and found it to be very enjoyable and relaxing. Especially the massages...;)

hi,

we are on RCCL on April 12 09. I already researched this like crazy. Marival Resort is/was one of the resorts that rccl uses/used for their excursion. it changes sometimes. but we are going to the Marival Resort for an all inclusive lunch pass from 12-5 for only $25...check in with the concierge upon arrival. I was sent an email by the concierge that this pass includes all drinks, food, and use of the resort/pool. Great Deal!

E-Mail: concierge@marival.com.mx

Visit us at: www.gomarival.com

 

For Cabo San Lucas, RCCL is scheduled to visit Villas Del Palmar Resort for their resort excursion....I am still researching this resort and others to possibly visit on our own for Cabo!

I go on RCCI on 4/26 and cannot find this offer--any advice?

Hi all interested in PV All-Inclusive Resort while on Mexican Riv cruise. We went to Marival Resort and had an enjoyable time. To get this deal, you need do nothing--just show up and ask the bellman where you need to go to purchase a day pass--we were escorted around the corner from the taxi dropoff/bellman area to a large foyer front desk for check-in. I always like to be prepared with an email confirmation, so I emailed the concierge at Marival and here is the response:

Greetings from Marival Resort & Suites!!!

We thank you for your email and are pleased to let you know that we offer the following all inclusive passes, the prices are per person and children up to 12 years have a 50% discount.

Day pass: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm or 6:00 pm to 12:00 am for 45 usd..

Full day pass: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for 75 usd.

Breakfast pass: 7:00 am to 11:30 am for 20 usd.

Lunch pass: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm for 25 usd.

Dinner pass: 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm for 30 usd.

Our drinks pass for three hours costs 25 usd. Children (up to 12 years) have a 50% discount.

As we are an all inclusive hotel you can not pay separately for any meal or drink, you must get a pass.

Please If you have any question do not hesitate to contact us.

Sr. If you buy a lunch pass will be able to use the facilities, food an beverages are included.

Please what ever you need!!!!

Luis L. León

Concierge

Marival Resort &Suites

Have a nice day..

Luis L. León

Concierge

Marival Resort &Suites

Phone: ++ 52 (322) 226-8200 Ext. 4465 or 4460

Direct phone: ++52 (322) 2269602

Fax: ++ 52 (322) 29-70262

E-Mail: concierge@marival.com.mx

Visit us at: www.gomarival.com

We choose to purchase the "Pase Comida" aka the Lunch Pass and we were there from 12-5pm exactly. They held my driver's license for security and to ensure we depart at 5pm. We used the pool & towels, the chairs, and ate and drank the entire time for only $25usd. We paid in US dollars in cash. The food is NOT spectacular as others have said on this Resort. It's good though. AND.....you won't hear me complain when I can eat and drink non-stop for 5 solid hours for only $25. So, enough said......it was well worth it. If you have kids, it has a great kid's pool area with 2 slides......our kids are 9 and 5 and loved it. The beach is clean, safe and steps from pool. Adult pool has swim up bar. Not a 5-Star Resort, but again, $25??? Can't beat that. If you really want 5-Star, go to RIU for $100 per person per day. The taxi from the cruise port cost us $20--we negotiated, they wanted $25-35. We didn't walk across the street to Walmart area to try the yellow cabs that are supposed to be less. So can't comment on that. On the taxi ride back, the bellman called a white cab for us and told me the price is fixed from Marival to cruise marina for $14. I confirmed that price with our taxi driver before leaving Marival and that is what he quoted. So $34 round trip for 5 people, plus $25 per person for a great day!!!

Hope this helps.......we just walked around Cabo....but everyone was heading to Melia for a resort getaway. Didn't get feedback though. Didn't get off the ship in Mazatlan, wanted to enjoy the day onboard with family. The open ocean in Mex Riv in April was too cold to enjoy a "pool day".......so we think the next trip back, if ever, has to be summer!!

Hi all interested in PV All-Inclusive Resort while on Mexican Riv cruise. We went to Marival Resort and had an enjoyable time. To get this deal, you need do nothing--just show up and ask the bellman where you need to go to purchase a day pass--we were escorted around the corner from the taxi dropoff/bellman area to a large foyer front desk for check-in. I always like to be prepared with an email confirmation, so I emailed the concierge at Marival and here is the response:

 

 

Greetings from Marival Resort & Suites!!!

 

 

 

We thank you for your email and are pleased to let you know that we offer the following all inclusive passes, the prices are per person and children up to 12 years have a 50% discount.

 

 

 

Day pass: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm or 6:00 pm to 12:00 am for 45 usd..

 

Full day pass: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for 75 usd.

 

 

 

Breakfast pass: 7:00 am to 11:30 am for 20 usd.

 

Lunch pass: 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm for 25 usd.

 

Dinner pass: 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm for 30 usd.

 

 

 

Our drinks pass for three hours costs 25 usd. Children (up to 12 years) have a 50% discount.

 

 

 

As we are an all inclusive hotel you can not pay separately for any meal or drink, you must get a pass.

 

 

 

Please If you have any question do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Sr. If you buy a lunch pass will be able to use the facilities, food an beverages are included.

 

Please what ever you need!!!!

 

Luis L. León

Concierge

Marival Resort &Suites

 

 

 

Have a nice day..

 

 

 

Luis L. León

 

Concierge

Marival Resort &Suites

Phone: ++ 52 (322) 226-8200 Ext. 4465 or 4460

Direct phone: ++52 (322) 2269602

Fax: ++ 52 (322) 29-70262

E-Mail: concierge@marival.com.mx

Visit us at: www.gomarival.com

 

We choose to purchase the "Pase Comida" aka the Lunch Pass and we were there from 12-5pm exactly. They held my driver's license for security and to ensure we depart at 5pm. We used the pool & towels, the chairs, and ate and drank the entire time for only $25usd. We paid in US dollars in cash. The food is NOT spectacular as others have said on this Resort. It's good though. AND.....you won't hear me complain when I can eat and drink non-stop for 5 solid hours for only $25. So, enough said......it was well worth it. If you have kids, it has a great kid's pool area with 2 slides......our kids are 9 and 5 and loved it. The beach is clean, safe and steps from pool. Adult pool has swim up bar. Not a 5-Star Resort, but again, $25??? Can't beat that. If you really want 5-Star, go to RIU for $100 per person per day. The taxi from the cruise port cost us $20--we negotiated, they wanted $25-35. We didn't walk across the street to Walmart area to try the yellow cabs that are supposed to be less. So can't comment on that. On the taxi ride back, the bellman called a white cab for us and told me the price is fixed from Marival to cruise marina for $14. I confirmed that price with our taxi driver before leaving Marival and that is what he quoted. So $34 round trip for 5 people, plus $25 per person for a great day!!!

 

Hope this helps.......we just walked around Cabo....but everyone was heading to Melia for a resort getaway. Didn't get feedback though. Didn't get off the ship in Mazatlan, wanted to enjoy the day onboard with family. The open ocean in Mex Riv in April was too cold to enjoy a "pool day".......so we think the next trip back, if ever, has to be summer!!

Thanks so much for taking the time to report. I was beginning to give up on a response. I contacted through the website and email and was given a much higher price. Are you talking about alcohol when you say drinks? That is unbeleivable if that is what you mean. If so, we will go to Walmart for the taxi and then go directly there. $25??? Too good to be true:D

vanillagirl -- does Riu really offer a day pass? I just sent them an email so I'm hoping to get a "yes" response because that place looks fabulous! And we're in PV until 10pm that day so it might actually be worth it...

The RUI in Puerto Vallarta has an usual location at the north end of Nuevo Vallarta. That end is far less improved, so the immediate area street front ambiance is far less appealing than south Nuevo Vallarta. This RUI looks very new and large. It looks like they have several properties in a row (likely time shares & all inclusive). I can't imagine that they would not welcome you with open arms. I also think that you could get 3 in a yellow cab from wal mart there for $10-$15. Most folks seem to choose the Krystal Resort, which is a 10 minute walk from the ship and charges about $40 all inclusive day pass.

If it were us, we would consider hiring an older kind looking knowledgeable cabby by the hour, for a few hours, and see some of the many great pv sites, then settle in for a pool relax (a/c in cab is great, as it could be hot/humid/no a/c). If you love resorts, you could stop in at a few in Nuevo Vallarta and try to cut a deal on an all inclusive day stay. You could try to cut a better deal when you arrive at the RUI Nuevo Vallarta (have the cabby wait, or join you to cut the deal). A 15 minute walk around the Grand Mayan will also make a lasting impression.

At the RUI in Cabo, we just walked right in and self toured the resort.

RUI Nuevo Vallarta

RUI CABO (below)

RUI Mazatlan (under construction, far from port)

Wow! The one in Cabo looks beautiful! I just love the idea of hangning there for the day!

Although...all this being said? Seems kind of a waste of $$ to spend money for an "all inclusive resort" when I just got OFF of one (except for the booze anyway!)

Maybe we'll just find a nice beach somewhere...

Although...all this being said? Seems kind of a waste of $$ to spend money for an "all inclusive resort" when I just got OFF of one (except for the booze anyway!)

 

Maybe we'll just find a nice beach somewhere...

We feel the same way!

COPIES OF PRIOR POSTS on beaches BELOW

Many folks take a 10 minute walk and get in free at the Krystal (just walk right in, from the sand is even better). The Krystal is this side of the 3 buildings under construction in the background, and google's vision of it from above. Most cruiser's here seem to report having a great experience at the Krystal, which has a nice beach also.

Puerto Vallarta has many beaches and many resorts, and many folks have varying experiences with resorts allowing entry.

The easiest beach with lots to see and many services is Los Muertos below. There are many choices of places to lounge around.

We will go again on 5/10/09 and try a highly rated los muertos beachfront spot known as "the beach house" (near the pier in the picture below). Some here say reservations are a must. I have no idea what the place we were at in the pictures below was named.

If you are on a budget, try to find a yellow cab outside the cruise terminal for up to 3+ folks for $5 each way, Have fun!

Hey Sophi :)

I have never personally yet spent the day at the Beach House (it is on my list of things to do next time) BUT my friends who have say to reserve the loungers!!!

It might be that since you are there in the start of slow season it might be alright BUT....do you really want to take that chance??

If it were me, I would be reserving a lounger.....:)

Oh and I hear the salads (especially the Cobb) are excellant :)

I want to hear a report on this (with pictures)...please :D

Thanks Sophi -- your posts are all so helpful! Really appreciate all the insight!

I will try to find this Beach House.....

Okay - just found the Beach House on TripAdvisor...so...how does one "reserve" a lounger!! this place sounds like JUST the ticket!!!

Okay - just found the Beach House on TripAdvisor...so...how does one "reserve" a lounger!! this place sounds like JUST the ticket!!!

From an earlier post by Quincytoo

"Make sure you have reservations for the Beach House,52 (322) 222 3198"

Thanks, Sophi - you rock as usual!