run4rain

What a shame that you didn't read my reply before your trip! If you had, you would have know that all you needed to do was mention to anyone working in the WJ that you are vegan, and the chefs would be thrilled to whip up something yummy for you!

 

Please, please please be sure to read it before your next cruise! (It is post #9, I believe, written last July- so really frustrating that you cruised a couple of weeks ago without having read it!)

 

I spent 30 days this fall cruising RCI (:D), on Explorer and Oasis, and except for the first few days on Explorer, where I had a head waiter in the MDR who openly said he thought vegans were nuts and did as little as he could to work with me (I was assured later, as I already knew, that he was definitely not 'toeing the corporate line'), I ate happily and well. The WJ provided, as always, plenty of great salad fixings including at least one bean salad or dish of beans each day- usually, btw, chick peas, so I'm not sure why you didn't find them. (Next cruise, just ask if they are available, and chances are they will be happy to bring a bowlful to you.). They will also prepare a dish with tofu, and sometimes even seitan, if you request it. And there are often nuts somewhere at both breakfast and lunch.

 

I have never felt a need to compromise my ethics and health by being 'flexible' (and never would- there is always something you can eat!); hopefully as you gain more experience as both vegans and cruisers you will also realize it isn't necessary (just as you will learn that you needn't be so concerned with your protein intake).

 

BTW- important note to vegans: the tempura in Izumi is NOT vegan!

And a note to you: the buffet at Coco Cay always has scrumptious fruit!! And crispy lettuce and juicy tomatoes! Plenty to eat!!!

 

Most importantly, I cannot let your declaration that 'unless you want to be miserable and starving you may have to let some of those things go' without responding to it, because that is absolutely NOT TRUE , and claiming that it is does a great disservice to those who are committed to a vegan diet!

 

If only you had taken the time to read the responses posted by those of us who took our time to answer your question- after all, you had MONTHS to read them!!- you would have found yourself extremely well fed with 100% vegan food!

 

But even more than giving misinformation to other vegan cruisers, your decisions to compromise and eat non-vegan food while declaring yourselves to be vegans to the dining staff contributes to the problem that many vegetarian and vegan diners everywhere have always had, and will continue to have, as long as those who request special diets then openly eat food that is not included in those diets: e.g.: 'if you are vegan, then you eat eggs- I know that because there was a vegan here last week, and they ate the burgers even when we told them they had eggs..'

 

It's great that you have chosen to follow a vegan diet! But please, take the time to educate yourself on the nutritional needs of vegans, and on all the food options available- that way you will never feel the need to make compromises!

 

I know I sound harsh, but as a vegan (and the previous decades as a vegetarian) I have run into the above issue way too many times. Perhaps, while you are still learning about and growing into your veganism, it might be best to say you much prefer a plant based diet?

 

Again- before your next cruise, please read the response I originally posted to your query :)

I found this thread because I'm researching other vegans' experience with cruising RCI and what's available to eat at the various places onboard. Many people have this very experience illustrated here with vegans. Someone with a balanced nutrient intake shouldn't get so easily frustrated. I am a vegan, and it really is a disservice to everyone involved when other vegans treat people this way. I just want people (vegans, non-vegans, freegans, whatever) to know that there are vegans out there who won't jump all over you if you don't agree with us or "misuse" a society-driven label. Happy cruising everyone!

Why book a tour, if you're stay so short of time? Go full DIY. From Playa there's an ADO bus to Tulum, the a short taxi ride from Tulum bus station to the ruins. Or, just hire a taxi in Playa who'll wait for you and bring you back. Just be comfortable with the driver and agree on the destination, wait time and price before getting into the taxi. There are guides at the site, if you need one. Price of entry to Tulum used to be 100 pesos, maybe a bit more now, but certainly not outrageous.

Sounds good. I had read about that option on trip adviser, but didn't know how reliable it would be. Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone has booked a tour to Tulum through Best Buy Tours, or some other tour company, and what their experience was. NOTE Yes, I realize that we would be wiser and safer to choose the tour offered through the cruise line. However, the tour offered through the ship stays at Tulum for at least 2 hours and my husband and I are only wanting to spend about 30 minutes at Tulum. We know Tulum's history, we just want to go feel the energy of the site and take pictures, then return to the ship early. Yes, we're aware it's a 45 minute ferry ride one way that can be rough and we know it takes around 45 minutes to get to Tulum from Playa del Carmen. We do have a plan B and a plan C in case a bus breaks down. It's also the last stop on our cruise, so it's no sweat to us if we have to catch a flight home if all goes horribly wrong ;). So, all that being established :D, has anyone stayed there only half a day through one of the private tour companies? Thanks in advance!

Hey gambee and mom!

I followed your review on Allure and have now read this one on X and am reading about Breakaway next. I absolutely adore your reviews and thank you for all the hard work you put into it and all your responses to the comments! I just found your "Cruise with Gambee" site and I love it! Very informative!

So it's ok to take pictures of strangers because they are minding their own business? These people weren't bothering anyone but this girl had to take a picture to show the folks back home? A little understanding of other customs and cultures goes a long way.

 

When I was on the Legend in February, there was a man about 40ish who was drunk. He was sitting on the pool ledge or at least trying to, when he vomited and then passed out, sitting up. There was a group of people pointing, laughing and taking their picture with him. I really felt sorry for him. It was sad. Talking to some other people I found out that the man was supposed to be going to AA while on board. They ended up taking him back to his room in a wheelchair. The people taking his picture most likely didn't know his problem, but it doesn't make it ok to ridicule him. What goes around comes around.

Just like you said, what goes around comes around. People will be people. There will always be rude people, there will always be people who look down their noses and judge others and there will always be those people who try to see the silver lining in every situation and act in kindness. There's not really anything to do but try to be a positive influence and spread a smile and some love.