c-leg5

5 minutes ago, buncosquad said:

We always use private shuttles, versus scheduled/public shuttles where you must be on their schedule and often picking up others.

 

Private shuttles pick us up on our schedule, and we wait for no one. Always point to point. They track our flights and revise accordingly. 

 

We always order airport to port area hotel for a day or two before cruise, hotel to port on embarkation day, then port back to airport on disembarkation.

 

Costs more, sure. However, the stress free travel is priceless.

Who are you using that will pre-book a private shuttle from the Tremont?

2 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

No, it wasn't. We did Blue Kay on our own a couple of times before the pandemic. We really liked it. I have been looking at cc to see if there were any newer reviews, and so far they are not promising. They probably raised prices as well. Pre-pandemic it was a reasonable $12 pp, with 2 drinks of your choice included. I guess we'll find out next month. 🙂

 

As for the Beach Escape ship excursion, I was just looking at the excursions for our upcoming Enchanted cruise to Costa Maya out of sheer curiosity. When I saw this particular excursion, I thought - for $50 pp with alcohol included, how bad could it be? Well, it had as many 1* reviews as it did 5* reviews, that's how bad. People's reviews said the beach they were taken to for this Beach Escape was horrible. It was not Blue Kay for sure. Oh, and the kid price is $45!!!! Ridiculous.

As I said above they have used Old Snr frogs in the past (especially if it mentions a pool) which is right next door to Blue Key and even bought/leased some of their land.  
 

There have been other locations which change from time to time so it would be interesting to know which location they are using recently. 
 

I think it is “only” open bar not AI so definitely not good value to me although it probably includes transport. Better options independently. 

On 4/18/2024 at 3:32 PM, little britain said:

 

Buy a return and don’t use the 2nd leg

Not good practice on a regular basis to book flights or legs you will knowingly not take, especially with one airline.

Be mindful of the consequences and as with anything be comfortable with the risks. 
 

2 hours ago, Itchy&Scratchy said:

just an FYI - Princess is offering the same excursion to the same beach, and it has as many bad reviews as good ones. Rocky shore lined with chaises so close to each other and the water that no one can even play in the sand...

 

 

I know you have been to Blue Key in the past. I didn’t think it was so rocky in that area of the bay?

The cruiseline “beach break” has had bad reviews on a regular basis. Usually it is the one in the old Snr Frogs but sometimes it is at one with shipping containers on the way out of town.

A long time ago they used to use Uvero (?) beach north of port but I haven’t seen that mentioned in a long time and don’t know if that still used.

1 hour ago, scubaslayer said:

 

I think this is where I am with it. First I would not complain about my servers on this, as they are doing their job. I mostly would just like to know in advance so my kid can plan accordingly. It isn't acceptable for her during her meal and I would like her to be able to escape before it begins and not miss out on her meal. I may not enjoy it but it is what it is. It just sucks if my kid is interrupted while eating and comes back to cold food. I guess I will speak to our server and see if we can arrange some sort of signaling so she can excuse herself at the correct time and it be less noticeable.

 

I am aware that some like it and Royal is likely to continue with it as they shift more from "fine dining" and acting more like a family friendly chain restaurant. As my kids get older we may switch lines but right now they want the slides and to act like kids and I'm all for that as long as it lasts.

Are you doing MTD?

4 minutes ago, KATHYMAC68 said:

How was the pool?

Was it safe to snorkel there? Someone posted that you’re in shallow water and the coral is high. They were getting cut up.

My daughter got coral burn many years ago when she was suddenly caught in a strong current. As posted above sometimes there is someone guiding you and I think there are ropes or something now so it may be easier to stay on course.

we have enjoyed the pool. It is away from the beach.

20 minutes ago, island lady said:

 

But you can cruise or drive home.  😉 

 

 

 

 

I see you edited your post.

14 hours ago, joepeka said:

It's been nearly three weeks and the OP has not responded to your question but I too would like to know. Melandria's experience was at Langosta and I'm not familiar with Hacienda Tequila in the Puerta Maya or International port areas.

@Melandria was at Cruz tequila according to receipt.

I find it confusing that the shops seem to have the names of tequila brands and multiple locations. Mi Mexico Lindo is another one but I have to wonder if they are all affiliated?
 

I am not familiar enough with tequila to know the system just that there have always been reports like this for as long as I have been visiting Cozumel.

2 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

This fear is overblown and gets way more discussion time on this board than it deserves.  Judging from these boards, you could get the idea that multiple families miss the ship at every port; in reality, most cruisers are back on board hours before sail-away.  You have great control over whether you get back on time; whereas, you have little control over whether a criminal targets you.  

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. 
 

2 hours ago, Mum2Mercury said:

Unless you have an emergency and miss the ship.

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. 

12 hours ago, KATHYMAC68 said:

Thank you!

I’m going with Maya Key. The animals and pool were the deciding factors.

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?

1 hour ago, Melandria said:

Oh I appreciate that, but that’s the name of the store, not the tequila he wanted.    He wanted one very specific one, and one with a scorpion in it.     I’m not a tequila drinker so I can’t tell you what was what lol.     Attached is the one he wanted..  that was the one we agreed 2 for 100.     (And the one I stg he wrapped in front of us    No lie, the sleight of hand would be impressive if I weren’t so mad!) 

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. 

1 hour ago, cruiselvr04 said:

Other countries are different and have different rules. In the Caribbean all you need is photo ID in ports of call. And a watch set to ship time!

Unless you have an emergency and miss the ship.

Just now, broberts said:

 

No. It's for those born abroad with one or two US citizen parents.

 

Thanks that is what I thought. 

2 minutes ago, broberts said:

 

A Department of State report of birth abroad, or whatever it's called these days, can be used in place of a birth certificate.

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

13 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

I don't think a Canadian BC would work. The BC is to prove US citizenship. 

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.

2 minutes ago, grantbob said:

 

What route do you take? Do you go on the roads  or is there a path along the shore? Thanks.

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. 

16 hours ago, Candleonwater said:

It is a closed loop cruise out of NJ. Called RCL and was told she absolutely has to have 6 months remaining on her passport or she will be denied boarding. I've sailed enough with them to know I can call 10 times and I will get 10 different answers.

 

That being said, I just ordered a new BC for her (the current one is in a plastic envelope but has been taped back together), just in case she needs it to board. Pushing her to go get passport photos and we will expedite everything we possibly can.

 

Now, tomorrow is 45 days - what time does check in begin?

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.

On 4/4/2024 at 4:36 PM, ddy123 said:

PS.  We have been to Nachi Cocom years and years ago but the reviews dont seem to be very good recently.  So thinking we may try something else

1 hour ago, bessinfl said:

Nachi Cocom is quiet because it limits its visitors to 100 a day. That's exactly what we look for. We loved the place because it's NOT a resort hotel. There's a pool and plenty to do, but we especially like the quiet, laid-back atmosphere.  

OP is looking for a change.

4 hours ago, Melandria said:

I’m not sure if it’s the exact same store.    But that is EXACTLY what happened.  
 

it was a brick and mortar store in the area that looked rather like a. Open air mall, with gates that you have to show your cruise card to get back into once you exit.     The words DUTY FREE were all over the the place.    
 

Receipt attached.  
 

(marked out hubbys name) 

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.

17 hours ago, Melandria said:

We did some shopping in the completely safe “duty free” area in the port.   There was a tequila shop and I was looking for a specific bottle requested by my son.     I found it, and the guy agreed to 2 bottles for 100.  
 

he wrapped them in newspaper and taped them in front of us.    As he wrapped them he placed them in a bag below the counter.   
 

we signed the cc receipt, it was in pesos not USD, but we were in the safe port duty free area so thought nothing of it.  
 

this morning I checked my credit card.   He charged me 397$ (TWICE!!!!!!! For a total of almost 800$).      Then, I went to take a photo of the bottle for my son, HE SWITCHED THE BOTTLES!!!     He had wrapped them in front of us and taped them with masking tape.  so we didn’t think twice, we just brought them onboard and didn’t even unwrap til we got home.  
 

regardless of how safe a port looks or feels- be vigilant.    I should have asked Siri how much 6600 Mexican pesos were in USD….    I didn’t.   I signed the slip, thinking we were safe.  My options are now VERY limited.     I can dispute the second charge.    But ultimately I will wind up paying 400$ for 2 20$ bottles of tequila.    

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.

16 hours ago, jean87510 said:

Are their passports expiring in 1 week or closer to the 6 month date?  Bring birth certificates with raised seal just in case.  I think you should be fine.  If not, based on experience with a sister traveling to England and never checked her passport date, you can renew in person at a regional office if travel is less than 10 days.  

 

Just remember to renew when you return!

What use would a birth certificate be on an open-loop cruise?
 

The OP already acknowledges that passports are required.

3 hours ago, kcmo74 said:

You can easily fit 3, and possibly more depending on how you arrange yourselves, but you also have a table with 4 chairs next to the bed so everybody can be in the area together. We had 11 between 2 beds and just switched throughout the day as some went to the beach or pool while others napped or lazed.

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.

17 minutes ago, wido78 said:

It is, but we prepaid gratuities prior to the increase.

 

Thank you CC for alerting me to that.  🙂

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?

57 minutes ago, ddy123 said:

We actually found The Cabana Beach at Chankanaab and are leaning towards that. Expensive but seems to be exactly what we are looking for. Not AI which for us is fine.  

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!