c-leg5

Nobody said it happens often but when it does it is a reality. MOST people do get back on board in plenty of time fortunately. MOST of the time you do have great control over whether you get back on board by exercising due diligence but do not dismiss so lightly those that do not make it back in time due to circumstances beyond their control be it a criminal act, a medical emergency or mechanical breakdown. Hence the reason for the word emergency that you quoted in my post. I haven’t experienced such an emergency while cruising but I almost missed a coach during a land vacation many years ago due to such an emergency and it isn’t fun I can tell you. I have also witnessed someone trying to fly out of Cozumel having lost their passport for whatever reason. Not only did it delay the passenger concerned but many people in the line trying to check in behind them (including us). I agree with the PP that said they weigh up each port on the day. Everyone has to be comfortable with their own risk assessment. I would never try to impose MY way of thinking on any one else - we take passports sometimes and sometimes we don’t. BUT the fact remains IF, for whatever reason, you are stranded abroad without your passport it is going to be inconvenient. Unsurmountable? Probably not.

I have been to both although not recently. i would return to both but they very different experiences and it would probably depend on who I was traveling with. Not sure if you have any specific questions or needs?

This appears to be coconut flavoured tequila can’t you argue that with your credit card since you were supplied totally wrong item? Did he want coconut? Since you said the charges are still pending it is highly likely one will fall off. Unfortunately in the almost 20 years I have been visiting Cozumel I have read many accounts of people not arriving home with what they intended to buy, to the point I would probably unwrap in the shop before I left if I ever purchased any but I think this is the first time I have read of overcharging by so much. We have bought other liquor in the official duty free shop without problem and also at Mega during land visits. Unless it is something special (only for export) we rarely bother purchasing to come home now because our local liquor store and total wine are usually comparable price wise. In the last 5-10 years there seem to be multiple locations that have opened for the same company and Mi Mexico Lindo ( I don’t know if they are related). I really have very little interest in tequila so only take a casual interest but it is a topic that seems to come up time and time again.

Unless you have an emergency and miss the ship.

Thanks that is what I thought.

Isn’t that for US citizens born abroad? Does it work for foreign citizens that become US citizens?

The PP has a passport that shows citizenship but I agree I think the BC would need to be US to used as stand alone. They are a dual citizen so birth country would be important. You suggested bringing BC for “peace of mind” but I was pointing out that may not work.

There is a walking track down the middle of the road much of the way. I recall seeing a You tube video once. You can cut through the new town towards the shore but the original coast path was blocked off years ago.

I realize she is a dual citizen but was she born in US or Canada? I am not sure a Canadian BC would work but I will defer to those with actual experience. It isn’t something I would rely on. She will need to enter and leave on US passport but carrying Canadian passport with her should work for expiration purposes.

OP is looking for a change.

Thanks for posting - at least we now know you were at Punta Langosta which might help someone else. Who wrote on the US$ amounts? Perhaps that will help with your credit card company case? I assume the shop was Cruz Tequila, although I thought that was the name of a tequila brand? Sorry, I don’t drink tequila so don’t know! The duty free at Langosta is by the escalator. The receipt doesn’t appear to be from there.

I am sorry to hear this happened to you and I am sure it was disappointing for you and your son. However your report does raise some questions to be of use as a warning to future cruisers. Which pier area is this a warning for? I think MSC generally docks at Langosta but I believe they have also used International and Puerta Maya. Are you sure this was the “Duty Free” shop within the port and not a third party vendor within the port area? I am unaware of a duty free in an open air area but we are usually at International. There was a previous warning a couple of weeks ago - was this the same vendor? I am assuming you used a credit card with no foreign transaction fees? We always charge in local currency on such a card but it is prudent to have a general idea of the exchange rate of the country you are visiting when traveling overseas. We would also get an almost immediate notification of a charge to our credit card for a significant charge. I am surprised you would leave a purchase unattended in any country. Could you not have taken your photo before, or after, the transaction was completed? As an aside, I haven’t cruised on MSC yet but it is interesting to learn that they have different security protocols for different classes of cabins. Does YC board at a separate entrance? I am trying to understand how and why they implement this policy.

What use would a birth certificate be on an open-loop cruise? The OP already acknowledges that passports are required.

I can see that working if you have two beds and table/chairs in between but doesn’t it rather encroach on next day bed if you are in the middle of a run? Not sure I would want to pay that much for a day bed and then have a large group right at my side. Of course lack of personal space is also my main issue with the loungers on the beach elbow-to-elbow at Paradise Beach. I like a little space not the ability to have to listen to the conversation of the people next door. The facilities are very good but personal space, not so much. I would have to choose the end of a run and hope.

Ok we generally use our OBC for that but if we have refundable OBC left over we might use it for specialty dining, or cash out at guest services.

IS your OBC greater than your gratuities?

Thanks , I thought you had wanted a pool. I like to look at the sea but prefer to swim in a pool. It is expensive but not as much as when it opened originally. I am sorry we missed trying it when they had promotions after Covid. Enjoy!

Glad it worked out for you!

@S.A.M.J.R. OK. Please quote or screenshot the Royal web page that says you MUST have 6 months left on your passport on all open loop cruises. Thats all I'm asking for. No one has been able to provide it From experience I can confirm that a recent open-loop cruise to Columbia definitely needed a passport with greater than 6 month validity and was closely checked at the port. Here is an article from Nov 2023 which would suggest this may be similar. https://travel.usnews.com/features/do-you-need-a-passport-to-go-on-a-cruise “When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises Some If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, St. Barts, and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island, is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti. If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.”

Expiration is set by issuing country for renewal. Entry requirements are set by the country you are visiting

Where did 60 days come from?

In this case, it is a general classification of the tour which I think could cause challenges to people with certain medical problems of any age. I don’t see any age restrictions and you don’t mention any insurance restrictions related to age. Obviously what is challenging to one person isn’t to someone else that is why they are advising you and leaving it to your discretion. This and similar independent tours usually on the local board although I haven’t checked what is offered since cruising resumed. Time restraints are usually the main issue.

This topics is discussed regularly on this forum both by boat and from shore. Have you tried the search engine for this forum? Choose “topics” and then “location” for most hits.

Just to add, The Westin looks nice but is expensive. It is in the same area as Buccanos and Playa Azul. I would be interested in a review if you decide to go with Westin.

I doubt you would get good snorkeling from the beach. A lot of that area is very shallow. I have been in the water but haven’t actually snorkeled there and can’t remember exactly. If you go to Google maps satellite view you will get an idea how far out the reef is. It looks some distance at that point. Generally in Costa Maya it is recommended you get a snorkel boat which can be arrange through any of the beach clubs, or directly, for a much better experience. We are one of Malecon’s customers from their early days. I realize prices have increased since then but if they are getting a minimum payment I can’t imagine they are bothered whether or not you reach it? Food is, or at least was, very good - a little different to the norm, and a little “fusion”. Pre- Covid we had several excellent visits there when they were new. I am glad they survived shut down and despite a rocky restart when we found service lacking it appears from recent reviews seem that they have weathered the storm.