Carnival Spirit Reviews of Mexican Riviera Ports

[cruznon]

I really want to go to Z/Ixtapa. Why didn't the ship stop there? Can some please let us know if this to be the usual or just on that first trip?

[Chudley]

You're going to Ixtapa,that was only us that did not get that stop. Chud

[lderrn]

post it in the photo gallery!!

or right here!!!

 

I cannot wait til 11/17/2004

 

ps Goofballs- my nieghbors took the Manzanillo Beach and shoppong tour, they complained about getting 1/2 hour to shop out of 6 1/2!! they got a 25% discount bach to their acct

[catdvt]

lderrn,

 

I am also on the 11/17 sailing. It's coming up quick!!

 

cat

[vickie_bernie]

We travelled to Manzanillo last year for two weeks. It is a great place, and not touristy.

 

I highly recommend people getting off the ship and take a taxi to one of two resorts. Las Hasdas or Grand Bahai Real (formerly Sierra). They are right beside each other but one faces the Manzanillo bay and the other faces a smaller bay (can't remember the name). We stayed at the Grand Bahai, but I am sure Las Hasdas is similar.

 

I know that the Grand Bahai does allow people to stay for the day. I have attached some pictures of the resort for you to see. They have a buffet lunch and a hamburger/salad/taco restaruant beside the pool. Drinks are good and the beach is out of this world.

 

Las Hasdas has a golf course that you can easily play on. Just take a taxi, about 10 min. away. No need to worry about a tee time, there was hardly ever anyone on the course. Only the tourist play here as it is way too expensive for the average joe.

 

Enjoy Manzanillo, we hope to sail on the Spirit in November of 2005

 

Vickie

[cruznon]

Iderrn and Catdvt,

We're also on the 11/17 sailing! So excited! :)

[Bmrsmom]

Goofballs, thank you so much for your review, have you consider being a writer, you are an easy read. My husband and I were on the same cruise, must go back and see what we missed, except I don't think I can get my husband to go again, 2 &1/2 days at sea, then another 2 days, he didn't like that.

[JayS]

Thanks Goofballs for the reply.

 

I was on the Carnival web site. They added more shore tours to the list. Looks like they are trying to improve the choices.

[Bucky3]

What is the name of this beach you are discussing?

[bbiggar]

People who have just returned from this cruise, please post reviews of the ports, we are all waiting to hear the great time you all had.

[Hangman]

Hello all I was reading all the post about the Carnival sprit and all of your post were really helpful thank you. But I do have some questions about the cruise its about children I have a 9 year old and a 11 year old both boy I don’t know if that matter or not, I was hoping someone would let me know how the carnival kids camp is? I also was hoping to see if anyone was in the 4A category? My 11 year old get motion sickness riding in cars and getting on rids and was hoping that by me getting in the lower middle section he would not feel too much motion on the ship? Anyway we are leaving on the 4th of January of 05 and as myself being just retired from the Military I really need this so I hope you all can answer some or all of the question I have thank so much again for all of your post. PS. How is the family rooms does anyone know? It showed my a picture of the room we have and it showed two full size bed but our TA told us that they were pull down bunk beds please tell me that they are not bunk beds thanks

[pelletib]

Hangman,

Welcome!! See that you will be on the same ship as me. I'm taking my Mom on her first cruise. There is a small roll call going for our cruise on roll call under Carnival. Look for Spirit 8 Nighter 1/4/2005 R U Going and a second one Spirit-Jan 4,2005-anyone going. We're a small group , but seasoned cruisers. Hope to meet you on board!

[Diane F]

Hangman: I,too, am going on the same cruise and have also been posting.I was on the Spirit last year and had a 4A.It was for 2 people, but I am pretty sure you will have bunk beds and there are 2 twin beds that can go together,if you want, and the other two would come out of the wall.It should be fine for the boys.I am going with my son and his family and there 2 little boys, almost 3 and 5.They have cruised before and my grandson loves Camp Carnival. they will meet alot of new friends and have nice activities for them.Drop by our boards, if you would like, and chat with us.

[Frequent Floater]

My group of 51 has just returned from our wonderful voyage on the Spirit. Nov. 9th sailing. We had made arrangements for a excursion limo to take us to the pier arriving at 11am. Was that fun!!!!!! We were a sea of red shirts (my groups shirt color of choice for our "Floater" logo) arriving to see about the 50 persons in line ahead of us. There were NO porters to be found at this paticular location, think they were still at the disembarking areas. I would suggest one person stay in line and the other go find one or you will have others in back of you without much luggage trying constantly to pass you by as you try and manage your stuff. We finally did find more porters as we neared the terminal buildings entrance.

Embarkation was ok, The prior sailing was late in disembarking thus the wait. We sat in the terminal building with bloody marys in hand for about one hour before a quick boarding process began.

There is one elevator before the flights of stairs (about 2) and the switchback ramp start up to the ship. Very roomy and fast with a security gard to assist you. This is for those that need wheelchair or others that have any issues with managing stairs and those with carry on luggage.

The cabins were not yet ready but we were allowed to leave our carry ons and head to the Lido for lunch.

I will say that I have been a group leader only on Carnival and have seen major changes in all areas of service both good and bad in recent years. The Lido food is a big change for the good.

Most of my group had cabins on deck 4 Main aft. This is an excellent area on any deck to be as you take the elevators right there up to deck 9 Lido for food, fun and pools, or down to 3 or 2 for the Empire dining room. So very convenient. Some of the group had the extended balconies and some standard, I was lucky enough to have the wrap around L shape balcony cabin. The cabin itself is not good for entertaining as it is so cut up BUT the balcony was HUGE so most of the time I entertained there. I had packed one of those 3" pools that require no air, just throw it out and fill which I did. It became the best joke of the week for my group and the crew. A first I'm told. I ended up leaving it for the next lucky ones that were in that cabin. Of course we also had the battery operated blender with our drinks blending and the CD player so it was all good. YES I know you are all thinking WHAT!!! but my group is very imaginative when it comes to cruising.

Ok back to the week.

Muster drill was smooth and painless then it was up to the aft pool bar for drinks and sail away. I met several from the cc boards there at sail away. Some of them even joined us later on a fun tour.

This first night 20 of us decided to have dinner in the supper club. It normally is not open that first night usless there is reservations for more than 12 persons, so if you are with a group that wants to experience this great dining DO IT that first night. I had my travel agent get in touch with the Spirits group coordinator to have this pre planned for us. Well woth the $25. per person charge. The 24oz portohouse steak was so tender it hardly needed a knife. I had the lobster which was also excellent. Big raves for the surf and turff as well. Wonderful music duo that sang and played thoghout the entire 3 hours we dined. It was all so relaxfull. Would have liked to go back but found it hard to get reservations for such a large group again during the week. If you are traveling in smaller numbers its easier but do not wait. Get a reservation right away. I would suggest the nights that you are in Manzanillo as I found that to be the least favorite menu in the dining room. A note here as well about the attire for the supper club. I had heard that it was formal wear but we saw several men in dress slacks and dress shirts no tie and jackets.

Our first few days at sea where warmer and smoother than I expected. Usually its windy leaving from San Diego on the Pacific the first and the last at sea days. We had really calm seas the entire sailing and our last day was the most beautiful with FLAT seas, warm and sunny.

For those with children asking about Camp Carnival, I had great feedback from the 3 families traveling with my group. They ages of them were 4, 6, and 8, guess the first time you leave them is hard and you will be paged if there is a problem. Whoever checks them in will have to also check them out NO switching of parents or grandparents on this.

I'll skip here to disembarkation before finishing the ports. You will be called according to baggage color tags. First off is the VIPs, and early flights then by decks.The captain and cruise director were at the ships exit point thanking us (and checking the baggage color tags)

In 13 sailings this was the first time we were off the ship early (all 51 of us) , luggage was SO easily found and back to our limo for the ride home by 930 AM. End of part one.

[Frequent Floater]

Our first port of call was Acapulco. Since the ship had made it out of San Diego on time, had great sea conditions we were porting at 11:30am instead of the planned 1PM time. What a great thing. There is a small terminal building with some shops and a bar then you exit to find the taxis and tour guides. All very easy.

I had made arrangements with Roberto from the port authority, to meet me with several vans & drivers ready for a land tour for my group. We toured for about 3 hours at a cost of $15 per person plus tip. Remember these vans hold 10 or 12 persons so its really reasonable to go this way. One couple hired a taxi for the same thing at $55. for the 2 of them.

Since I had also made private arrangements for the 7:30 PM cliff diving show and a trolley bar hopping tour we had to cut short our land tour to get back to the ship by 5 PM to get ready for those night tours. The Cliff diving was fine. I would say you should see it once. The parking area is filled with street vendors but they easily move on if you smile and say no thank you.

There are several stairs in a narrow stair case down to the different viewing levels We had a great view from the 1st and 2nd seating levels at La Perla. The show is fast so be on time or you miss it, I'd say about 15 minutes.

Our next adventure was to board our open air trolley's for the start of one of the most fun tours I have personally hired for my groups. We had 2 trolleys for 40 persons. We stopped at 4 bars this evening, receving a free drink at each and spending about a half hour singing, dancing and drinking at the first 3 ( a local bar, Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe) We had a special area at each stop where we would be so not having to fight for seats was so VIP. Our last stop was at Senor Frogs. Need I say more. Again Roberto from the Acapulco port authority was a big help in making sure we all had the best service and a great time. He was so much fun and we all appreciated him joining us that night for the FUN.

Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa was my favorite port of call on this itinerary. We again hired vans and drivers for the day to take us on a land tour of the 2 places. We were able to stop when and where we wanted, stay as long as we wanted and never worried about them being there when we were ready to go back to the ship. Our last stop of the day was at Carlos & Charlies in Ixtapa. This place is right on the beach where you can get a massage for 1 hour @ $10. Do this it is so relaxing. They have little ez up type shade cabanas in the sand nar the waters edge. HEAVEN..

There is also a large pool where they provide volleyball, football and other games to play. The drinks are good and cheap. Restrooms are clean.

Manzanillo was next. I have no idea why Carnival even bothers with this port. I'm not one to advise ships sponsored tours as its usually cheaper and more fun to do your own, however in this port I highly suggest it after our experience. The taxi drivers do not speak any english and there is no air conditioning in the taxis. Sit down, shut up and hold on!!!! Know what I mean.

We took 4 taxis with 4 persons in each @ $8 per taxi over to Miramar beach. Its a long wild ride to get there maybe 15 - 20 minutes but seemed like hours. One taxi was in a accident on the ride home. No injuries thank God.

Miramar beach is a long stretch with tons of shops and vendors all along. We saw several of the ships tours there. We rented 4 lounge chairs and a large market umbrella at our paticular location from a local family for $2 per person for the day. Drinks all tasted the same so stuck to Coronas. Did try the poco loco where they make what tasted like a margarita in the actual coconut. Ask them to prepare the coconut meat with lime juice and hot sauce after you finish the drink. This is one of the best things I have tried. The flavor of the coconut meat with that lime is to die for. I do not know what the offical name is but they will know what you mean. Our paticular place did not have any restrooms or changing rooms. The family that took care of us there let us use THEIR home right there to change and use the facilities. So warm and welcoming...That was the only highlight of this shipping port.

I can't comment on shows as I have found that Carnival does the exact same type shows, skits etc on each and every ship and sailing. Therefore I do not go anymore. It is on the tv in your room if you miss anything anyway.

For first timers I suggest you do go and have fun at them.

We enjoyed our time at sea at the aft pool area, never having any problems finding a deck chair. We found a great bar service waiter, Anderson, who took very good care of us.

Dining room service was excellent, 7 tables of us together in the center of the lower dining area late seating. I was able to find 2 of my previous waiters from other sailing on the Spirit which was so nice.

Casino was good to most in my group that played there.

Room service was fast in most cases.

Shops and photo gallery were not that crowed most of the time I went. Good buys in the shops each day something different on sale, this day only thing.

Overall I loved the Spirit calss ship. Very easy to make your way around.

Hope this helps and you can always eme with questions.

[bonstersd]

Hey Renee! It sounds like you guys had sooo much fun. I have a question on your trolley tour....How much was it per person? Did you and Roberto discuss what bars you were going to or did he pick them? Did you go to a place called Paradise? And, finally, how long did the tour last? Thanks! Bonnie

[Frequent Floater]

Bonnie thats so funny cuz I thought of you and your group for this tour.. I had contacted Otto at Aquiro tours for this but now that Roberto has gone and experienced it himself he can help set it up for you. Email me for his info as he is not allowed on these boards to give this info.

I have other info for you as well.

Renee

[bbiggar]

Frequent Floater, question about Carlos and Charlies in Ixtapa. Since the place is right on the beach is there an extra cover charge to use the beach and pool? We plan on going here and having some fun without doing the cruise tour that is offered. Do you recall the price of a margarita here? How far away from the port is Carlos and Charlies?

[Frequent Floater]

Frequent Floater, question about Carlos and Charlies in Ixtapa. Since the place is right on the beach is there an extra cover charge to use the beach and pool? We plan on going here and having some fun without doing the cruise tour that is offered. Do you recall the price of a margarita here? How far away from the port is Carlos and Charlies?

 

We just hired van's right at the market shopping place (had 3 vans with 8 in each @ $15 per person) and did a short tour of both places before being dropped off at Carlos & Charlies. No cover charge and drinks are in large cups @ $5 per. Not watered down and they don't bug you to keep reordering. No charge for the pool or beach either. They have an MC and music there and get everyone involved in dancing and games. TOO FUN!!! It is a must to do the massage on the beach, $5 for half hour or $10. for an hour you think you are in heaven. As far as distance I think about 20 minutes max. This is the way to go, saves money to spend on drinks. Take your beach towel, camera and have fun.

[tnf]

At Carlos and Charlies in Ixtapa

do they have music outside on the beach or just inside?

tina

[Frequent Floater]

The bar is right on the beach and there is a seating area and dance floor all open air style with the pool right next to it.

[ALANDB]

Are Kids allowed at the beach and pool at Carlos & Charlies. If so is a ok spot to take the Kids. We will be on the Spirit 1/25/05.

[Frequent Floater]

Well it can be a wild place. We didn't see but 2 children except the ones of the ladies doing massages and hair braiding.

[arcone]

Hi All

 

Went on the Spirit 11/01/04, We had a good time. I know each sailing ihas it own groups of concerns which may not happen on all sailings. Main concerns on our sailing was LONG Lines getting on the ship both at embrakement and almost all the port of call. There was one entry point. In San Diego the line was wrapped around the building. This was at 1:00 p.m. We finally hired a bike taxi that took our luggage and one person to the front of the line inside the gate while the other walk in then we meet. Just be prepare for L O N G lines

Have fun.

[jnnifer01]

I've been wanting to do that sailing since I saw the itinerary several months ago. Thanks for the info. It's on my "to do" cruise list ;)