Does Conquest have an excursion to Chichen Itza?

[katgilm]

The Carnival website does not show a tour to Chichen Itza while in Cozumel. However, I read a post that said there were more tours offered on the ship than on the website. Is that true? Does anyone know if there is a tour to Chichen Itza? I understand that is a much better Mayan site than Tulum.

[buddyjo143]

Chichen Itza is beautiful. Was there in 2001. It is in much better shape than Tulum. There is also more to see. Tulum, however, is on the ocean with some very beautiful views. (Can't believe I'm saying that ruins are in bad shape...they're ruins).

 

Anyway, I have found that sometimes they add tours and sometimes the tour is not available based on the day of the week that your ship will be in port. You can always search the port of call board and find a tour on your own if you really want to see Chichen.

[yst347]

I don't remember seeing a tour to Chichen Itza last week but I could have missed it. One reason why it may not be offered is the dock or tender question. It must take about 3 hours to reach from Cozumel so that makes six hours travel time alone. Add the extra time to tender off and on and time may make such a tour prohibitive.

[yst347]

Ok, I just got home and pulled out the shore excursion pamphlet from last week on the Conquest. A tour of Chichen Itza is listed, here is what it says:

 

Chichen-Itza Mayan Ruins

 

(approximately 11.5 hours) Explore the world famous Mayan ruins of Chichen-Itza, one of the most important archaeological sites on the continent. These awe-inspiring were left as a reminder of the incredible Mayan culture. Following an approximate 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen, you will board an air conditioned bus for a 3-hour ride through the Yucatan peninsula. Enroute to Chichen-Itza, your guide will inform you about the history and culture of the area. Upon arrival your guide will escort you through the legendary city, which extends over 6 square miles. You will have approximately 3 hours to explore the ruins, including the Pyramid of Kulkulcan, the largest and best preserved Mayan ball court, the mystical cenote where human sacrifices were performed, and the Observatory where Mayan priests accurately calculated celestial events, This is truly an amazing experience in history and culture.

 

Note: Buffet lunch is included and complimentary beverages will be served on the bus. This tour involves extensive walking; wear comfortable clothing and shoes. There is a $5-$8 (USD) tax for use of video cameras in the ruins. Professional video cameras and tripods are not permitted. A hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended. The tour duration includes a 45 minute ferry ride to/from Playa del Carmen on the mainland.

 

**This excursion is not available on all itineraries. Please consult the shore excursion order form upon boarding the vessel.**

 

Now for the bad news; I don't have the pricelist so I cannot tell you what it costs or if it was even offered. My guess though is that is wasn't. We were scheduled to be in Cozumel from 9 to 6. We had to wait for the pier to be cleared for us so we didn't tie-up till 10 but we stayed till 7. In any case we were in Cozumel for just 9 hours not 11.5 hours so I doubt the trip was offered.

[katgilm]

Thank you very much for the info on the shore excursion. You are right. I don't think we are in port long enough for that one to be offered.

[Arkaria]

Hi there..

 

I was on the New Year's cruise on the Esctasy that stopped in Cozumel, then Progreso. The Chichen-Itza tour was offered through the Progresso port, and the ruins were quite impressive to see. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your point of view) people aren't allowed to climb up the temple steps or on the ruins anymore...so it's just a visual experience. It also wasn't a buffet lunch as described..it was a bagged lunch as you returned to the bus for the trip back to the pier. It ended up being a very late lunch so it is advisable to bring something along or eat a big breakfast beforehand if you do go on this excursion. Our guide was great, but the bus getting pulled over for speeding on the was back to the ship was a little worrysome...