Carnival's Costa Maya stop

[jill24fan]

Carnival reported in USA Today that it would not be stopping in Costa Maya for awhile (because of the damage). Does anyone know what will be replacing this stop? I am going on the Carnival Legend in September and was curious. I have been to Costa Maya before and it was a lovely port with such wonderful friendly people.

 

[Cruzman]

According to a report in our local newspaper this morning, Carnival is still assessing the situation to determine alternative itineraries. Seatrader Insider News is reporting that initial estimates suggest that Costa Maya will be out of service from 6 to 8 months. Roatan and Belize would be likely alternative ports of call.

 

[LHP]

My guess is Belize, Progresso or Calica (Playa Del Carmen)


Costa Maya news from seatrader.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costa Maya estimates 6- to 8-month closure
22/8/2007
Puerto Costa Maya estimates a six- to eight-month closure due to damage suffered from the direct hit by Hurricane Dean, Seatrade Insider has learned.
‘We believe more than 50% of the pier is gone. It’s a multimillion-dollar loss,’ port spokesman Cesar Lizarraga said.

An assessment of facilities is under way and more information will be provided soon. No casualties were reported in the area as of yesterday, but there was heavy damage to the fishing village of Majahual and the town of Bacalar.

‘We will rebuild,’ Lizarraga told Seatrade Insider. ‘The region is counting on us.’ The Hamui family, chief investors in Puerto Costa Maya, will soon put forward their recovery plan.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón overnighted in Chetumal, 60 miles south of Puerto Costa Maya, and is scheduled to inspect the port and surrounding area today.

Lizarraga is starting to call on cruise lines in South Florida to discuss the future. He anticipates operators will redeploy ships to Western Caribbean ports such as Roatán and Belize while Costa Maya is rebuilding

 

[LHP]

Here is a picture of Chac-Chi (that is the resort to the right as you are walking off the dock)

http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070822/ids_photos_wl/r582010275.jpg

The huge frame you see is where the palapa (sp?) used to be. They have white covers over the cabanas to try to protect them until they can get them repaired.

I have heard from Joaquin and he and his family are all OK. Just a lot of rebuilding to do.

 

[1dennis3]

I am sailing in Janurary on the Glory and one of the stops is in Costa Maya. After reading this post, I called Carnival and ask about the port being closed. They told me that they have not been informed of this as of today (8-23-07)

 

[jhampton]

I leave in 2 weeks and heard the stop will be Progresso. Still can't find too many nice things about Progresso...except Corona Beach..anyone else been to Progresso?

 

[1dennis3]

We were in Progresso a couple of years ago. We did not take any excursions, we just wandered around town. We had a friend with us from mexico so she spoke fluent spanish. So with her we felt comfortable enough to wander around. We didnt like it though, really nothing to do. Found a fle market that was full of the regular tourist stuff mostly, wandered through the farmers market. I would not recommend wandering around town if you dont speak spanish. Some friends took excursuions from the ship and they had a lot of fun. I dont remember what excursions they took though.

 

[Cruzman]

Carnival announced late yesterday that the Fantasy would be calling on Progreso until further notice. The Holiday is also scheduled to call there on Monday's sailing, 8/27. I've been there twice but did not get off the ship; not too impressive. The ships dock at a pier at the end of a 4 mile long jetty that extends north from the town of Progreso. Complimentary buses operate in both directions while the ship is in port in order to ferry passengers into town and back to the ship. Were I to return there, I'd most likely take a tour to Merida, or to one of the Mayan ruins. Not much desirable beach activity around Progreso that I could see.

 

[turkeyman]

Why would they pick this port, Progresso, if it isn't worth a darn? Key West, the Caymans or Belize would be much more desirable. Could it be to save fuel or try to stimulate an enconomy that's in dire straits? I'm not impressed at all that we will be stopping there.

 

[SandyBeach]

This is the only port my husband and I split up and did two different excursions. He went to Chichen Itza and loved it in spite of the long bus ride. I went to Merida and the Mexican Rodeo and loved it. We are looking forward to returning again one day and doing something together!

 

[jill24fan]

The cruise we are on the end of September, on the Legend, was already planning stops to Belize and Grand Caymans.Cozumel and Costa Maya were the other 2 ports. Since it appears that Costa Maya is out, I don't know what they will use to replace it without changing the complete schedule.

 

[Tribefans]

The Legend cruise that leaves on 9/2 is replacing Costa Maya with Roatan. That is not to say your cruise will do that, but it seems like a logical substitution. Have a great cruise, wherever you go.

 

[LHP]

If Carnival really wanted to save fuel, they would go to Playa Del Carmen after Cozumel....like they used to do!! =COOL

 

[Cruzman]

[quote Tribefans]The Legend cruise that leaves on 9/2 is replacing Costa Maya with Roatan. That is not to say your cruise will do that, but it seems like a logical substitution. Have a great cruise, wherever you go.[/quote]

No longer the case due to Felix. Read on another board that the Legend will call on Ocho Rios and Grand Turk this week.

 

[ficklefemale1]

We are on Carnival Glory in January. Carnival told me that we would be going to Progresso instead of Costa Maya if the pier is not fixed by then. They are very optimistic that it will be fixed by January. However, now we have to deal with Hurricane Felix bearing down on another one of our ports of call, Belize. If that is affected, I think I will just rebook our cruise for somewhere totally different. Which brings me to my question:
Any ideas on transportation from Orlando to Miami?

 

[1dennis3]

I recommend Cocoa Beach Shuttle, we have found them to the cleanest and most reliable. They have a toll free number 1-888-784-4144.
It cost us $29.00 per person for pick up at the airport and drop off at hotel in Cocoa Beach, pick up next day at hotel and drop off at the port and then after the cruise pick us up at the port and take us back to the airport.
What dates are you on the Glory? We will be sailing the Glory on January 12th. I've been to Belize so I wont be to dissappointed it it gets changed but I have never been to Costa Maya and was looking foward to that. Been to progresso and dont care to go back there either. Belize was Ok if you get a good tour guide.
I wouldnt mind stopping at Grand Cayman, I've been there several times but I'm on my last bottle of Tortuga Bannana Rum and thats the only place you can buy it. I have looked in every port I've ever been to in the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean and Grand Cayman is the only place you can get it.