2Okies

Just sent our email:

Mr Mierzwa,

We understand that Galveston is considering a rate hike for port access fees that will affect parking fees at Privately owned port parking and shuttles from hotels.

We understand that costs do go up, but the huge increase that has been suggested is very unreasonable. Your city filters 1000's of cruise ship visitors through your local businesses every day - hotels, restaurants, shopping and....the parking lots. To add an increase of this size to the parking for cruise ship passengers is pretty much like shooting yourself in the foot! People from Texas, Oklahoma, Lousiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, etc. cruise from Galveston because of the affordability in cruise prices and the other costs related to the trip - hotels, food & PARKING!

This high rate increase will put small business owners OUT of business. Think of your future. Do you want to risk the benefits you enjoy from the 1000's of visitors to your city every year who spend their money in your establishments, by increasing the costs of parking to where they are out of reach for many visitors who cruise for a week or more at a time?

We have enjoyed our visits to Galveston many, many times, and taken a number of cruises from your port. We are not wealthy by any means, and have to bargain shop for the best prices on hotels and parking to make our cruises affordable. At an increase you are suggesting, added into the cost of the hotels and cruise costs, we would most likely cease our cruising in the future.

Please reconsider the increase that is to be considered at your next meeting. This change could effect your entire economy, not to mention put a lot of your own local people out of work.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this regard.

We have a cruise scheduled in January on the Magic, and this will be our first Cove balcony. We are pretty excited about trying it out. From what I've learned, the balcony is about 10 sq ft bigger than the other standard balconies. They are also cheaper than regular balconies. It is only on the 2nd floor (about 30' from the water). The best place to get one is usually in the center of the ship (but look at the deck plan, and make sure you are not under the gally if possible - supposedly there can be a lot of noise from above). There is also more privacy w/a Cove because no one can see you from above or below. Many people claim to see more sea life at this level of the ship. You can definitely see more when in port.

The cons - the door can be shut by staff to close off your balcony if you are in very rough seas. You will still have a window - thus making your room an ocean view. Sometimes, this may only be done for one day of the cruise - sometimes longer, depending on the seas. However - how many are really out on any other balcony in rough seas? Even the main doors are often locked in case of rough seas where you cannot go outside.

This is all I've found in my research. You can search the forum and find many threads about cove balconies.

There is absolutely NO reason why you should go w/Carnival for the dolphin excursion in Cozumel! Go to Chankanaab's website & book independently. You will save LOTS of money by doing so, and will have exactly the same experience - probably better, than the cruise ship.

We usually do all of our excursions independently everywhere UNLESS, there is extensive travel to & from an excursion, which could cause a problem on returning to the ship. If you do your homework (search independent cruise excursions on Cruise Critic and read reviews) then you'll be fine.

But, Cozumel is a place where you can do them on your own w/no problem. Just don't go over to the mainland on your own - as that could be a problem. Use Carnival if you do a mainland excursion.

Let me just get this out the way before the trolls come out. I know I am a 6'3" black dude and everything but I just don't like beer. I can fruity drink with the best of them though...don't judge me!!! LoLoL

 

Besides...them Carnival drinks got a knockout blow that you just don't see coming till its too late. One minute you sucking them down and chasing them with wine from the room and next thing you know you doing the cupid shuffle with a group of grandmas from Boise....*shrug*

I love it! Your review is a hoot!

I've been to Cozumel. I believe you can walk right through the Puerto Maya pier (if its Carnival) and turn to left (I think) and walk a ways and come to a beach. Or, for a minimal taxi fee, they can take a cab to Paradise Beach where the entry is $2pp. Does not include any food, but they can lay on the beach & enjoy the day. Taxi's usually cost anywhere from $8-12 (one way, and per cab) depending on where you want to go. ASK the price before you get in the cab, but a plan is always better over just telling a cab driver to "take us to a nice beach".

We will go to Roatan for the first time in January, and I've read that Carnival's Mahogany Bay port has a beach where the ship docks - just a short walk.

Others will probably chime in.

Thanks. I have seen your reviews of Maya Key and that looks fantastic. Looking for someone to chime on Upachaya which I understand only takes 10 persons and includes a nice lunch with 2 snorkel stops.

I asked about this excursion a while back, and didn't get much response. It looked interesting, but we decided to to w/Maya Key for our upcoming trip in January. It will be our first trip to Roatan, and it sounds like just about everywhere is good snorkeling - and that is what we want to do the most. Maybe (if there is a next time) we'll do one of the tours to just see the island. We would like that too. So little time to do all you would like!

If you've never been to Grand Cayman before - a trip to Stingray City is a must! We've used Moby Dick tours (find them online) 2 times, and they are very, very reasonable. They are a LOT cheaper than the ship's excursion to do the same thing, and the guides are so nice, and they spend a lot of time w/you and you get to enjoy it to the fullest. They will drop you off in town, and it gives you time to shop some of the shops, and look around before you get back on the tender boat. We also had a little time before our excursion left to look around in town too.

Cozumel has SO many options, and you don't have to spend any money here if you don't want to. If you like to snorkel, try the Money Bar - which is free (other than a taxi ride to & from - which is about $8-10 one way - that is per taxi) We've heard the food is good at the bar, and there are facilities to lounge on their man-made beach too. I believe Paradise Beach is also very reasonable ($2 entrance I believe) to enjoy their beach. Food & water toys are extra. It would also take a taxi to get there.

But, if you want to just walk around the town, take a taxi into San Miquel and just start walking! There are so many shops and restaurants to explore - and its fun to interact with the locals. We LOVE looking around in town. Do not be afraid in Coz or Grand Cayman to just explore.

I agree with the previous poster - why pay for an excursion to do this? Coz is one of the easiest places to enjoy - and get around. Take a taxi to downtown San Miquel and just walk around and enjoy the shops and the abundant choices of food! We LOVE to walk around the town! No need to pay for an excursion to do this.

Ok - I guess a dumb question, but what exactly is the Chef's table? Do you pay to do it? Where is it, etc. I've seen it mentioned before, but don't really know what it is.

I always take mine. But, just for safety measures, I always unplug it and put it away after every use. Then, its out of sight when the steward cleans the room. Also, that solves the issue if I were to forget to turn it off, and it should get confiscated because of that. Also - no one wants a fire on board ship. Just my own safety precautions.

There are actually 3 docks. Punta Langosta is right in town (which I love because you don't have to cab to town and back, Pueta Maya and International piers. These two are located out of town a couple miles and you'll need to take a cab. There are some shops and restaurants right at the pier, but I highly suggest going to town to see "Cozumel". Staying at the pier, which is highly commercialized and overpriced will NOT give you the Cozumel experience.

 

It's a great island. Kind of makes me sad when I hear people saying they didn't leave the pier area. So much to see and do, very safe and easy to get around.

I totally agree! Go into town and see the real Cozumel. Explore! There is nothing to be afraid of in Cozumel. They are really nice people there, and shopping & food is great in town.

After much discussion and your great comments and my memory kicking in on the tour I did to Tulum three years ago, I convinced my sis that she needs to stick with the ship tour. I had forgotten about the 45 min ferry ride (one way) and all of the transport in between. Agreed - too many bad things can happen (and it is Mexico) so don't tempt fate. The ship has a really nice all day trip that will fit the bill. Best Buy Tours is a very good tour group there she was considering but there were too many ifs involved. This company is best used if staying in a hotel not on a cruise ship with time limitations. Thanks for your help on this. Barb

Wise choice I believe!

Last September our ship, the Magic, did not pull out of Coz at 4pm as it was supposed to and we wondered what the hold-up was. We were watching from our balcony and saw the ferry come in, and a load of people come off and have to make their way over to the dock, and run down the dock to get on the ship. It HAD to have been a ship's excursion, as I don't think they would have waited otherwise. So....if a ship's excursion can be late, I would definitely think any other outside excursion could too. There are just too many variables in going over to the mainland on a cruise day.

I've seen Tulum, and its great - BUT, we were staying in the Mexican Riviera - a land vacation, when we took the trip.

I would advise NOT taking a trip over to the mainland by any other means other than a ship excursion.

We will have one on the Magic in January 2014, Port side, mid ship - right by the elevators.

We're really excited about trying one. The cheaper price is a good incentive to try it also - and still have a balcony. We've only had a balcony on the 7th floor, near the back.

I'll try to remember to get back on this thread then, and let everyone know how we liked it.

Tulum is nice to see, but if you ever have a chance to do a land vacation in the Riviera Maya - do it then. That is when my daughter & I did it, and it was a nice relaxing day to see the ruins.

As others have said, I would NOT do this excursion on a cruise unless it was ship sponsored. Way, way to many variables to make you late. Last year, in September when we were on the Magic, the ship did not sail away when we were supposed to, and we discovered it was because the ferry w/a load of passengers from the mainland was late getting back. We saw the ferry coming in w/all the passengers, and then their hurry-up to the ship. I'm sure it was a Carnival excursion, or the ship would not have waited.

I've heard people comment on missing this port. What is the main reason they would miss docking here?

Does it happen often?

If you haven't seen Mitsugirly's reviews of Chank, then look her up and read them (the links are in her signature).

We went to Chankanaab last year, and it could fit what you want to do with your family. They have a very nice pool, and I think there were a couple of restauants, and a few shops. The snorkeling is good for the son who wants to do that. The beach is man made (because Chank is very rocky w/steps down into the water - which makes for better snorkeling). There is a shallow area where you can walk into the water there too, but its not very big. Chank has the sea lion show, which is free w/admission. Its a nice park. I don't think either son would be disappointed in this choice either.

A few friends have warned us about going to Mexico lately but I haven't found anything on the ports we're going to (Cozumel and Costa Maya). Anybody heard anything crazy lately?

The INLAND MAINLAND OF MEXICO - yes, you need to avoid. But the Caribbean - No problems. They Mayan people are so friendly, and tourism is their livelihood.

Of course, be safe just like you would anywhere. We never carry anything very valuable with us. We take small bills to pay for things (and its fun to haggle prices in the shops), don't wear your expensive jewelry - leave that kind of stuff in the safe on the ship. I always wear a small purse with a shoulder strap, or even a fanny pack to keep my money close to me. We never use credit cards out of the country. We did last year at one of the Puerto Maya shops that was recommended by Carnival, and it was okay. But, in town - I wouldn't advise it. Too many chances of identity theft, etc. If we know we are going to do a lot of shopping, I usually take a small light-weight backpack ashore w/us too, just to help carry packages. Just use common sense and you will have a wonderful time!

..what have you done while in port. How is the shopping and is there shopping close to port?

There is TONS of shopping in Cozumel, and SO easy to do. There are two places ships come in - one is at Puerto Maya (Carnival ships mostly) and they have a lovely shopping area that Carnival has built right after you walk off the ship & down the long gang plank.

If your ship docks at the International pier, after you walk down the shorter gang plank, you take an escalator up & walk across the street on a bridge to shopping which will take you as far into town as you want to go.

The Pier shopping is great BUT, for the authentic shopping, we enjoy going into town an haggling with the prices. Food is good everywhere. There is plenty to do on a shopping day.

A taxi from Puerto Maya to town is just a few minutes. The island is only 8 miles long (if I remember right) so it doesn't take long to get anywhere. But, you would need a taxi - too far to walk. But, taxis are very easy to get. Cozumel is a very friendly place, and we always feel very safe there.

I want to see a real beach' date=' I enjoy snorkeling but its not what I am looking for, would you suggest we make time for Chank while we are there?[/quote']

 

It depends on what you consider a "real beach". If you mean soft sand, walking into the water type beach, then Chank isn't that kind of beach. Its rocky (best for snorkeling) but has man-made sandy areas w/chairs, etc., a pools, restaurants, the dolphin experience (extra $$), and a sea lion show.

There are other beaches at Coz that will will be more the sandy, walk-in type beaches, but I'm not sure what they are called. We used to go years ago, and found a lot of them just by driving & looking, but now days, resorts and beach clubs have went up all along the shore, and they all have names now. Do a search in the search tools for "sandy beach" if that is what you are looking for - or maybe someone will jump in here & tell you.

Also considering Chank or Money Bar for a beach/snorkel/relax day in Cozumel. We are 5 adults, no kids, some snorkel, some drink, some don't.

Do either of these places have a fresh water pool as well?

Chank has a very nice pool. From what I have read, Money Bar does not.

We basically want a great snorkel spot, and West Bay area sounds great. But, its just the HOW to get there, where to go, etc w/o spending a fortune. I can't find a West Bay excursion through the Magic in January. I guess we'll have to book independently. We usually do independent excursions, so that's not a problem - its just figuring out the best way to get to the beach, and the best price.

So far, this isn't showing up as an option through Carnival and in looking at their website I cannot book with them independently. Is there any other way to book and if not, what other options do I have for a comparable experience?

I'm wondering the same thing. I couldn't find it on our Magic cruise also in January.

We have an Olympus Tough also, and it takes GREAT pictures! We are thinking of getting another one so hubby & I both will have one when we are snorkeling.

I answered you in the post above ^ that should give you a good place to go & get some of your questions answered. However, from what I've read in most of the forums about Maya Key (because I'm trying to decide if that is where we will go on our cruise in January) I might be able to answer some of your questions. Our excursion to Maya Key would be through Carnival. I don't know if that is yours or not.

Hi all, my father and I are going on the Maya Key excursion in less than 2 weeks.

 

I'm super excited, and I have a couple of questions about it.

 

1. Is the water and tea unlimited? I imagine these drinks would be available.

2. How is the wading? My dad doesn't swim, but he does like to go about knee deep in the water. Can he see anything from the snorkelling dock? I think you will have to swim if you want to see anything good. Mitsugirly (the reviewer I mentioned above) said that you can see some small fish in the shallow water near shore, but the good stuff is out in the reef where you would need to snorkel.

 

3. How was the lunch, particularly the chicken? Mitsugirly said they loved the lunch, but you need to know its not all you can eat. You should get all you want when you go through the line, because you can only go through the line once. But, she said it was all very tasty.

 

4. Is the snorkelling good for a first time snorkeler, and somewhat weak swimmer? Also, does anyone know the cost of renting flippers and vest? I know that Carnival offers the "Beach & Snorkel" at Maya Key, which would include the snorkel equipment, or you can get just the Beach, which wouldn't include it, but I imagine you could rent it later if you wanted to. The way Mitsugirly describes it, the water is very calm, and there are guides in Kayaks, or in the water that will help you if you feel you aren't a strong swimmer. She said everything is marked off with bouys so that you know how to manuever through the coral and see things without getting yourself in a bind. I'm sure they probably have snorkel life vests available too, if you need them. Whereever we decide to go, we are taking our own snorkels & fins. Right now, you can usually find sets available at some of the sporting stores on sale because they are trying to get rid of their summer stock.

 

5. How's the gift shop there? This, I do not know.

 

There is supposed to be a pretty good zoo there though, and lots of animals to see and touch. If your father needs something to do while you snorkel, that might keep him occupied.

 

I would still suggest you read & look at Mitsugirly's review & pictures. It will tell you a lot more than I can, because I haven't been there. I does sound very nice though.

 

If you do go - be sure to get back on here and give us your review!