Costa Maya

[txSherry]

Thought I'd start a thread on Costa Maya! I had so thoroughly researched Calica when I thought we'd be going there, and now I'm starting over on Costa Maya.

Jeff & I would like to (MAYBE) visit some Mayan ruins with our 7yo DD. I've been finding some options, including the ones offered by Carnival.

I was hoping for some firsthand Costa Maya experiences! We're not into the hard-drinking, party times; not on a family trip. (Not that we're prudish; and we do take trips without DD that are different in attitude.)

So bring on your experiences!! (Even the party ones :-) I can live vicariously, truly.)

--Sherry

[CanadianCruiser]

Sherri, I have been to Costa Maya and never left the pier. We found a hammock and that was all we needed. We were excursioned out b the time we got to Costa Maya. lol

When booking an excursion in Costa Maya please remember that this is the # 1 missed port due to high winds, so take caution in making payments for tours before arriving in Costa Maya. Monies may not be refundable with some tour operators.

[sailingrose]

I hung around at the pier too. It was really hot there!!! The pier was great, shopping, beach, and a great restaurant! Loved it.

[txSherry]

Oh ho! That is EXTREMELY good information for all of us cruise newbies!

We really want to do something cultural, and I had found information on David & Ivan's homegrown tours. However, given THIS info, I think i will wait and book an actual carnival excursion to one of the ruins, instead.

I've got Coz planned out as our beach day/shopping day! So no major excursion expenses there.

Of course, I may blow off all the 'edumacational' stuff :P and just have fun AT the pier.

Sooooo... AT the pier... I'm assuming you walk down the actual pier and can find the beach right there?

[txSherry]

Rose (is that right? ),

What goodies did you find shopping there? do tell!!

==Sherry

[sailingrose]

Sherry the shopping was pretty much like Cozumel, silver, t-shirts etc. but the beach was great. We followed our cabin steward to a restaurant at the pier that the crew loves. It was an upstairs place, cold drinks and good food. If your interested ask the crew (cabin stewards are great sources) about the restaurant with the big fish. Seems like they all know it.

If I remember right there was a pool too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Maya

Look around for some more pics. I can't seem to find the album with mine at the moment.

[zydecocruiser]

I've been to Costa Maya a number of times and never missed the port, although I know it happens. IT has also been my experience that most tour operators (anywhere), don't charge if the ship is late or misses the port altogether. In particular, I don't think David and Ivan even require a deposit (or at least didn't), so they really can't charge you anything.

There are a number of excursions you can book directly on the pier, if you want to wait and see.

Some of my pics:

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/ncl_sun_2006/CostaMaya/cm_1.htm

[url=http://www.zydecocruiser.com/valor_06/CM/cm_1.htm]http://www.zydecocruiser.com/valor_06/CM/cm_1.htm

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/valor_06/post...se/chac_chi.htm

[url=http://www.zydecocruiser.com/valor_06/post_cruise/tours.htm]http://www.zydecocruiser.com/valor_06/post_cruise/tours.htm

[url=http://www.zydecocruiser.com/costa_maya_dec_26.htm]http://www.zydecocruiser.com/costa_maya_dec_26.htm

[txSherry]

I really enjoyed your pictures -- it was like a tour in itself :-) Thanks!

[Donnask8pro]

We took a acab into Majahaul. 3.00 each I think. Small little real Costa Maya beach town w/ tons of bars/restaurants. We loved it. Not commercialized at all. The real deal