Magic City Cruiser

Thanks!

WOO HOO! Thanks to a cruise cut short by weather, me and my cruise buddies got a 50% discount on our next cruise and 8 of us are splurging on GRAND SUITES! We got the only two "connecting" GS's, I think, but I want to know if you can CONNECT the balconies? Can you open the balcony doors between all cabins? We have 4 cabins, side by side. It would be most booyah to have a balcony that went 1/3 of a length of the ship..:D!

I agree that it depends on the ship and season for some but I will always opt for an AFT. Even on the Elation when the only "balconies" they have are pricey "suites", we got an AFT Ocean View. I just love being at the very back with very little foot traffic and I prefer the AFT view.

I would say you should at least try. You should be able to get on the bus to Progreso without too much difficulty. Once in town, as I recall, the sidewalks are in pretty good shape and you can walk from the bus stop to the beach with little difficulty. I'm going next week, I'll try to remember to keep you in mind and check some details. Yes, I've been a major complainer about vendors but they are more "persistent" than "aggressive" and they seem to be mostly on the beach. Not all, but mostly ;).

Ah, gotcha! In that case, you are good to go. The route between Progreso and Merida runs through "civilization" - in fact, you'll pass American companies such as Walmart and the new Mayan museum. In the odd case that the bus would break down, Autoprogreso is a major provider and would be able to send a new vehicle, stat. Or you would be able to catch a cab. HTH!

Many thanks, Chris! Definitely gonna save the $ and take the Autoprogreso tour! We're looking forward to kicking back and exploring a bit in Merida!

That being said, I'm a fairly adventurous traveler and usually have no trouble getting around, even when I don't speak the language. I also don't have problems traveling by myself (I was a newspaper reporter for 15 years before coming to CC). Everyone has their own perception of what feels safe and what doesn't. I learned a long time ago not to lecture people about that!

Thanks, Chris. While I'm a cautious traveler ( I don't get out much :D) by "safe" in this instance I mean "Will the bus break down and we'll sit on the side of the road for two hours"? My main concern is that I get back on the ship on time!

Chris, Autoprogresso and Carnival have similar "Hop on and Hop off" bus tours to Merida. Of course, Carnival is less expensive. The only reason I would use Carnival in Progreso/Merida is a fear of not getting back to the ship on time. I haven't talked to Carnival yet but since it's a self guided tour as such, I don't know what they would do if we're late to the ship because a bus broke down or such. All that said, it seems you feel pretty comfortable taking the local bus into Merida and back? I have a passport and after several years of sailing to this location, I've pretty much decided if I miss the boat, I'll just have an extended vacation...;)...however, my husband who will not be on this trip isn't happy about me going to Merida on the bus. Can you comment?

I have no problem at all with the people trying to make a living selling stuff. They are typically honest, hard working folks trying to get by.

That said, the sheer volume at times makes the experience unenjoyable. I may actually buy a thing or two from them, but unfortunately I cant buy something from 100s of them or I would have to take up selling trinkets in progresso too because I couldn't afford to get home.

There becomes a point where enough is enough and I want to just enjoy my time for a 10 minute span without having to politely say no gracias.

Exactly, as I said in my previous post, I've been to Progreso on cruises many times and enjoyed all but the last visit. We didn't even have a "10 minute span" with no vendors. Maybe it was because we were a large group of women but we were constantly surrounded by vendors. Three, four and five at a time, going to each of us, one at a time. Jewelry, Toys, Guitar Playing, it was relentless. And, again...I always budget to buy something from street vendors in Progreso but it was like chumming the water...as soon as I bought something, three more vendors would show up. I sympathize and empathize with the plight of poor people making a living but these "locals" don't want to "enjoy my company". They want to sell me something.

If Progreso doesn't get a handle at least on vendors on the beach, more and more people like my friends won't even get off the ship. I'll get off the ship this year but won't go to enjoy lunch on the beach because....it's most definitely not enjoyable.

I've been to Progreso four times and went to the beach. I don't know if it's the group you're with, how many ships are in port, the time of the year, etc. but last October my group of 12 all went to Buddy's and the vendors were intolerable. I don't mind passing vendors as I walk, I don't mind a few coming by as I sit on the beach. I budget my $ intentionally to buy trinkets from a few vendors. However, last year, it was unending and relentless, 2 or three at a time, standing around, playing guitar, waving jewelry in our faces...we were constantly surrounded to the point of ridiculousness. Upon asking the manager of Buddy's if he could help, he explained these poor people had to make a living. Well, if Progreso doesn't get these street vendors under control, they will have no one to sell to because like most of my friends this year...tourists will stay on the boat when we get to Progreso.

Again, I've been four times and had great visits on 2 but the last 2 were not so great because of street vendors.

That said, I have always felt safe, enjoyed the food, been treated very well by restaurant and market staff, I don't find it "dirty"...or any of the other comments some others have made. But when I want to sit on the beach with my friends and enjoy a meal, I don't want to be continually harrassed by street vendors.

My group of 9 went with Tour Plaza 2 weeks ago, Gerry was our driver. We had a great time and Gerry was a most gracious host! I had chosen Tequila Factory, Punta Sur and Playa Palacar but after a brief downtown history tour and way too much fun at the Tequila factory (we took time for some delicious nachos, quacamole and quesidillas there) we didn't have time for everything. So, we stopped at El Mirador for pics and saved Punta Sur for another visit. Playa Palacar was very nice and we enjoyed our time there.

It was a great day in Cozumel and kudos for Gerry and Tour Plaza for a most wonderful day!

I am a touch nervous about doing that independantly, as I don't like the idea of 12 miles of water between me and the ship should stuff hit the fan LOL. Anyone here use that company?

Yeah, I always book independently in Coz but no way would I go to the mainland unless it was a ship tour. Too many things can go wrong and the ship WILL leave you if you're not on their tour, trust me :-)

Oh, and it's NINE of us gals on a girl's cruise! ALL depending on me to show them a good time!:D

SLP, could you tell me about Punta Sur. I really want a "flora and fauna" tour! Okay, I'm throwing in the Tequila Factory, too! :p

I'm planning on five hours, with stops being Tequila Factory, Punta Sur and Playa Palancar. I'm just not sure how much time to plan for Punta Sur. I def want some "Beach time" and I figure we can end up at Playa Palancar for lunch and more beach time. However, I'm not sure how Punta Sur is laid out? I'd like to go on the walking tour, take some pics, I'd like to see the crocs, the lighthouse, etc. Tell me what you did, please!

You will love Gerry! He was our driver in April and did an awesome job. For a real treat, ask him to sing for your group :)

Yes, I was happy to find we'll be with Gerry. He's the one that I remember the most from years back! Will most def ask him if he would honor us with a song!

We just reserved a van for our October cruise with Gerry as driver.

I'm so thankful for CC members for such wonderful information like this. I don't think I would have found all the neat things to do in Coz if it wasn't for CC!

I know we'll have an awesome time!

I'm planning on hitting the "scenic" spots; Chen Rio, Mirador and Punta Sur, taking the Tequila Tour and ending the day at Playa Palancar. I'm hoping we can end up spending an hour or so at Playa Palancar before we head back to the ship! Sounds like a great day to me!

I cruise with a group of friends. I was the only one that had been to Progreso. I told them I wanted to just "hang at the beach" but they could look at other things like going into Merida and ruins and such.

Half stayed on the ship and half went into Progreso. And, they all LOVED it. The Progeso group split up with some of us finding a beach bar (don't remember which one) and the others shopped and got massages. It's just a nice easy day to get out in the sunshine and walk around, put your toes in the water and eat some good food and just enjoy. The locals are friendly and the service is great. Really, what's not to love??

So, I came here to CC and found this thread which I found very interesting. And, if anyone knows Craig from Norfolk...I never did make note of the name of the cruise club...tell him Donna say's I hope our paths cross again one day.:)

And, as my gay friends have laughed at me on several occasions, I really DO know that "yall don't all know each other". :p

I've just returned from a 5 Day sailing out of New Orleans with 11 girlfriends. We are straight, range in age from 35 to 55 and just like to have a little fun.

While boarding, one of my friends kept backing into a young man in line so we apologized for being "boisterous" and a tish loud and made introductions. He had on a t-shirt with a bunch of names on it and explained that he was with a "group" of cruisers in a "cruise club". Craig was on his 1st cruise, had had his first flight, first trip to New Orleans and it was his birthday week. It wasn't until later that we discovered his "cruise club" was an organized African American gay/lesbian cruise. We were terribly excited. Now, I can be loud and silly but I mostly just like to sit back and watch but some of my girls karaoke and dance. We had GREAT fun on the dance floor with our club cruiser friends and most definitely, "a good time was had by all".

A great majority of my closest friends are gay so I'm used to being out in public with displays of affection but I was a bit worried as my perception was that a Carnival Cruise out of NOLA might not include the most "inclusive" of groups. However, while I'm sure it was there, I never saw any "disparaging looks" from any other cruisers...okay...did I mention that WE are a bit loud and obnoxious and we may be used to disparaging looks :D?

We had so much fun watching the club cruisers dance and met some really nice young men. Alas...you know how it is that in a cruise, you will see the same irritating bitchy woman or rude and crude football fan but never the people you chance upon and hope to spend time with? I only saw Craig one other time. He assured me that he was having a blast on his first cruise and there would be others. And, with a quick hug and a whiff of that intoxicating after shave...he was off to "mingle" with all his new friends.

So, I came here to CC and found this thread which I found very interesting. And, if anyone knows Craig from Norfolk...I never did make note of the name of the cruise club...tell him Donna say's I hope our paths cross again one day.:)

Yay. You did it :D

 

Now you will be posting lots of pictures.:)

And, I owe it all to you, sweetheart! Thanks, Lisa!!

[url=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2630231580106990755QfAhFl

Hope this works, Lisa!!!!! This should be a pic of me of the balcony of Triumph 8435, enjoying the good life!

XXXOOO

Donna

This is one of my favorites from another post. With my browser if I click it again once opened it enlarges very nicely.

 

http://image04.webshots.com/4/6/87/5/53168705ryAGbF_fs.jpg

Thanks, Lisa!!!!

I know I've seen it before and I've searched but can't find how to post them big ole pictures. Everytime I attach a pic is that's teeny thumbprint but I'll do my best!

We were in the secret AFT cabin on the Triumph last October, 8435. The balcony is 1/3 wider and deeper than the other AFTS. We were right next to the AFT wrap and our friends had the cabin next door on the other side. The balconies were adjoining and that was nice!

We didn't notice any unusual movement, any noise or any soot. The only thing negative I could say was that even in October, during the day it was HOT out there....no breeze to be found! Could have just been the direction we were sailing though.

We LOVED the AFT cabin and I fear are one of those "never go back" kinda people!

I think one of the things I enjoyed most was the photo opps. No more getting dressed and running top side to get pics entering or departing ports and got some great pics cruising down the Mississippi.

Okay, I've been reading a lot of smuggling threads lately. Just curious, of course. Nothing I would ever do. I wouldn't even consider such a thing. Nope.

However, my opinion based on my research is that no matter what you do or how you do it, check it carry it wax it poke holes in it and refill or cover it with Tampons...getting it to your cabin is gonna be hit or miss depending on lots of factors including how long the line is, whether or not the x-ray examiner has a happy love life or a multitude of other factors.

Am I right??

I love this post.. We'll be in our FIRST AFT for October 2010.

Can't wait.

Me, too! Triumph, October 11!:D