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Western Caribbean Excursion Cozumel, Mexico
June 17, 2008 This was already the sixth day of our cruise. Days on a cruise go by rapidly because there is so much to experience and because you are pampered. Cozumel, Mexico, is known for amazing beaches and as a dive and snorkeling destination. On board the ship, you could rent dive equipment from the SeaTrek dive shop. If you do not know how to scuba dive or snorkel, you can take lessons from certified instructors on the ship. Both of us grew up in Florida where we had access to beautiful beaches and water sports anytime we wanted. Therefore, the excursion we chose was the Tulum Mayan Ruins Express. As a reminder, all excursions are on ship's time. It would take six and a half hours at a cost of $168 for the two of us. We had heard so much over the years about the history of the Mayan civilization; it was natural for us to want to visit this area. The ship docked at 10:00 am Friday, June 6, 2008; and we had to be back on board by 6:30 pm. After an early breakfast, we had to join the tour group at the Savoy Theater on board the ship at 9:40 am. When the ship docked at Cozumel, Mexico, and was cleared by the port officials; the group was taken to board a tender for a 45 minute ride to Playa del Carmen. It's a beautiful town/beach on the Yucatan mainland of Mexico. Cozumel is an island about ten miles off the Yucatan mainland. The tender ride was very rough. I had to keep my eyes closed and try to stay relaxed the whole time. Usually I do not get sea sick, but this was a challenge. It was a rough ride. Many people on the tender were not so lucky. They handed out many plastic bags to passengers. If you tend to get sea sick, we recommend you take a motion sickness pill. After arriving at Playa del Carmen, the large group was divided into smaller ones; and our guide Juan lined us up in rows of two. Thus, we walked through the town to get to our air-conditioned bus for the next leg of our odyssey--a 45- minute bus ride to the ruins. Jose was the narrator on the bus. He said that when the Spanish first arrived, they couldn't understand what the natives were saying. So, when the Mayans said in their language, "I hear you, but I don't understand you." It sounded like "Yucatan" to the Spanish. That is how the land got its name. Jose said many times people ask him what would be a good item to buy that represents the area; he recommended the Calendario Maya which is individualized for you at a cost of $30. We ordered one at the beginning of the tour, and it was ready when we ready to returned to Playa del Carmen. It comes in a cloth carrying bag, and the book is well illustrated. About halfway through the bus ride to the ruins, we made a stop. Since we were the first bus at the stop, it was suggested I head to the restroom before there was a long line. My traveling partner searched the store for any good items to purchase. Two little handmade dolls were our choice. They offered us a taste of tequila which was alright, but nothing like the snake whiskey we tasted in China. Artisans could be observed fashioning art pieces from volcanic rock/glass. They have special permission from the government to make these art pieces. We could see a loom for Mexican blankets, but it was not in use at the time. It was time to get back on the bus and to finish our ride to Tulum. The day was sunny and very hot. You have to get from the bus parking lot to the entrance of the ruins. We opted to ride the tram at a cost of $2 per person round trip. Upon entering the ruins, there was a government fee of $3.50 to video tape Tulum ruins. Tulum is a walled Mayan city that is world famous. This magnificent city is the only one built by the Mayans on the Caribbean Sea. The colors of the sea are beautiful and clear. You will have to walk over rough surfaces so wear shoes that are comfortable. They suggest you wear sunblock and bring bug spray. Juan our tour guide was very proud of the Mayan heritage, and pointed out many interesting historical points as we toured the various buildings of the Tulum ruins. After his very informative tour, we were given an opportunity to tour on our own. When we finished our individual exploration, we returned to the bus via our tram ride. There are shops and restaurants in the area where the bus parked. Our excursion included a lite snack waiting for us on the bus as well as cold water. The bus ride back to Playa del Carmen was pleasant and the 45-minutes seemed to go by quickly. Jose took over on the bus to answer any questions the individuals asked. Juan then took the group back to the tender to ride back to Cozumel. The tender ride was much calmer going back and no one appeared to get sick. Our tour finished in downtown Cozumel where we were suppose to have time to shop. However, we found it really was not enough time. In order to get back to the ship, we had to take a taxi ride costing us another $6. This really didn't make us happy because of the time constraints for shopping; and we were not taken back to where the tour started (the ship). Keep this in mind when you choose excursions. In general, we enjoyed the excursion and took a lot of good video of our experiences. Disclaimer:
We are not part of the cruise line or any association affiliated with them. This is just to help you maximize your cruising experience. Share with me at: The MUSEUM at Zazzle
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