The Royal Playa del Carmen, MX Trip Repot with Picture Link
Sep 8th, 2007, 05:45 PM
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The Royal Playa del Carmen, MX Trip Repot with Picture Link
The Royal Playa del Carmen - Sept. 1 - 6, 2006
We had previously been to Playa del Carmen in 2001 to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We liked the area so much we decided to return to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. In between, we have been to numerous other destinations and have stayed at several AI hotels/resorts.
Check-in - We booked a regular standard suite (note all rooms are suites it's just the view and location to the beach and pool your paying extra for). We were able to do the on-line check-in. However, we were not able to use the program to pick our actual room. Any category over a standard suite you can pick your room. The computer program offered us the opportunity to pay for an upgrade in order to pick our own room, but we decided not to do it. Instead, we were given the option of "double or king"/ "smoking or non smoking". There is also a section to select for a special occasion. We noted it was our anniversary. Also, is a space for any special requests. I noted if we could have a pool view if possible since the program indicated there were standard suites close to the pool area.
Upon arrival to the hotel, we were the only people checking in. Quick and easy. While the reception staff was getting everything together, another staff member was pouring us champagne. There is a wine refrigerator with wine, champagne, OJ and glasses by the entrance next to the reception desk. They will either get it for you or you can pour it yourself. We were assigned room 620. We were not offered an upgrade and we didn't ask for one. Our room was a king/smoking room on the first floor in the Uxmal Building. This is the farthest building to the right, so no pool view. It has a open patio with hammock and a view of the ocean if you step off the patio and turn to the left. The room itself was excellent. Best room of any AI hotel we have been to. But, if your picky about location, location, location, this is not the building to be in unless your on the 3rd or 4th floor. We didn't care for the open patio. Absolutely no privacy with everyone walking by. What we do love about The Royal is all rooms are suites, have a real jacuzzi tub, in-room bar and stocked frig included in the base price. Most other hotels your going to pay top dollar to get those features. Staff delivered a small cake and a bottle of champagne for our anniversary to our room, which we enjoyed in the jacuzzi.
Dining - We thought the food was very good compared to many other AI hotels we have stayed at. We love Mexican food and was very happy to see refried beans, guacamole, several varieties of hot sauces and general Mexican food at the ala cart restaurants and buffet. Our favorite restaurant was Maria's across the street at the Gran Porto Real. We ate their twice. What we loved most is that there are no reservations for any restaurants. Just walk in and be seated. Never had a wait at any restaurant. I wish all AI hotels would do that. Making reservations is so inconvenient. The only restaurant we didn't care for was Asiana. We're not that big on California rolls and do not eat sushi. I don't like rice anyway and the the stir fry is not the same quality you'll find at your local Bennihanas or Shogun type restaurant. There is only one hibachi cooking station and sitting there is no big deal. No cooking show is provided. We thought is was ridiculous that men had to wear long pants and closed toed shoes at the open air restaurants, while the women can run around in short mini-skirts and any type of sandal. The weather was hot and my husband was burning up. They should at least replace all the light fixtures with fans just to keep the air moving around. If you don't see something on the menu or buffet just ask. If it's available they will bring it to you. We asked for huevos rancheros with salsa at Pelicanos for breakfast and it was no problem.
The 24 hour all inclusive snack and drink area is a great concept. We went in there a couple of times for in between snacks and drinks. Very convenient. Also liked the continental breakfast station in the Lobby. Nice selection or hot and cold breakfast breads, fruits, juices, coffee and bottled water. We had an early tour one morning and it was nice to be able to get something and eat since the buffet wasn't opened yet.
Pools/Beach - We are pool people and loved the pools. We spent most of our time up and around the swim-up bar. The service was great and we saw many staff members walking around getting and taking drink orders around the pool and beach. There is more covered seating on the beach than by the pool. They need to get several more umbrellas for the pool area. We never were able to get lounge chairs around the pool with an umbrella, so we would get loungers on the beach with covered cabanas close to the pool and walk over. The beach was nice, but we've been to much better on other Islands. The sand is soft and white. However, the water was quite wavy and very cloudy. There are rocks to the right, but just go down to the left and you can get right in. We did not wear water shoes. We found the water temps at the pool and beach perfect. I am very cold natured and the pool temp was great. DH indicated maybe it was a little to warm for him. The jacuzzi at the pool was only slightly warmer than the pool. There are canoes between the beach and pool filled with bottled water and fresh fruit. Help yourself. There is also a guy walking around with a cart full of books, magazines and sunscreen if you need it.
Excursions - We went to Xel-Ha on Sunday for the entire day. We purchased the AI at the door for $108 p/p. We went ahead and just got a taxi to and from The Royal. I didn't feel like trying to find the bus station. It was $36 up and $40 back. (+ tip) For the convenience it was worth it to us. We got there right at 9:00 am when they opened and several tour buses were behind us. We thought "oh, no" large crowds, but the buses were going to the Dolphin Swim and we never saw the people venture into the actual park area. The park is HUGE. It never felt crowded. We did lots of walking trying to find everything. We finally just plopped down at a nice covered area to snorkel. The snorkeling was OK, the water a little cloudy. I think it had to do with the effects of Hurricane Dean. Lots of areas were roped off due to damage that had not been fixed yet. We enjoyed the included drinks and restaurants. They had my favorite beer; Corona on tap. Why can't I get that in Texas??? Plus when you ask for lime and salt they don't look at you like your crazy. The food in the ala cart restaurant was OK. We walked over to look at the buffet. Very large selection, but I hesitate eating in open air buffets. Better safe than sorry. We did get ice cream from the self serve machine and it was good. We went to Xcaret in 2001, and of the two, we liked Xcaret better. There is just more things to see and do as well as the night show. If we ever return to the Playa area, well definitely go back to Xcaret.
Tulum and Beyond with James and Anna - We booked this tour on-line. There were 12 people on the tour (six couples). We went to Tulum and stayed about 1 1/2 hours. We had a private guide for part of the tour, who was very detailed on the info and history of Tulum. We thought the site was amazing. The beach is beautiful. It was very, very hot though. We then went to the Gran Cenote to cool off. So nice. The snorkeling was very good due to the water being so clear. Not many fish though. Afterward, we went to "Jungle" Beach in Tulum for swimming and lunch. The beach was very nice, but the water very wavy. After a nice lunch of bar-b-cue chicken, beans, rice, tortillas, guacamole, chips and salsa, we headed to Azul Cenote. This Cenote was more crowded with people. The water didn't seem as clear due to all the algae growing on the rocks in the water. There was lots of fish though. The snorkeling was very good. It was difficult to determine where the rocks in the water were and I ended up creaming my thigh on one. Resulted in a baseball size bruise. Ouch! This tour was really great and our guide Mitch was just wonderful and very knowledgeable. Would recommend this tour to everyone.
5th Avenue - What we loved so much about this area in 2001 was 5th Avenue. Lots of cute little beach bars with amazing ocean views, very few people, and a limited amount of shops. So much has changed in 6 years. Now the area is very much built up with tons and tons of restaurants, bars, and shops everywhere. I was amazed and a little disappointed in the change. I can see now why people are heading to Tulum and Akumel. We went to La Bodeguita del Medio for Mojitos and found the bar too crowded and the live band too loud. We just couldn't enjoy the atmosphere. The Mojitos weren't all they great either. The bars at The Royal made Mojitos very well. We also tried an outdoor cafe for chips, pico and Mojitos. The worse $15 I ever spent. With those experiences, we didn't give any others a try. Besides the food and drinks at The Royal were so good. 5th Avenue was also very crowded and most places were packed anyway. The weather was hot, hot, hot, so after walking around for a couple of hours, we looked like we just stepped out of a sauna.
Overall - We still like Mexico better than most destinations just due to the fact your going to get way more for your money in an AI hotel. There is also plenty of things to see and do off the resort. However, we still like Cozumel the best for that area, and we would like to go back to Cancun someday and see how much it's changed. Of any hotel we've been to previously, The Royal Playa del Carmen is by far the best. The little things they they provide indicate they know how do to AI very well. We loved that there was bottled water everywhere. I can't believe some hotels we've been to bottled water was not included in the AI plan. The help yourself food and drink stations were a plus. The rooms were very nice especially with the included features. The overall price was not so over-the-top like many other resorts we have either been to or researched. We found the service and the staff very nice and accommodating. We would definitely go back to this resort and recommend it to others.
Pictures are at: http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Which include pictures from the on-line check in of the map of the hotel. Any questions, you can e-mail me at [email protected]
We had previously been to Playa del Carmen in 2001 to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We liked the area so much we decided to return to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary. In between, we have been to numerous other destinations and have stayed at several AI hotels/resorts.
Check-in - We booked a regular standard suite (note all rooms are suites it's just the view and location to the beach and pool your paying extra for). We were able to do the on-line check-in. However, we were not able to use the program to pick our actual room. Any category over a standard suite you can pick your room. The computer program offered us the opportunity to pay for an upgrade in order to pick our own room, but we decided not to do it. Instead, we were given the option of "double or king"/ "smoking or non smoking". There is also a section to select for a special occasion. We noted it was our anniversary. Also, is a space for any special requests. I noted if we could have a pool view if possible since the program indicated there were standard suites close to the pool area.
Upon arrival to the hotel, we were the only people checking in. Quick and easy. While the reception staff was getting everything together, another staff member was pouring us champagne. There is a wine refrigerator with wine, champagne, OJ and glasses by the entrance next to the reception desk. They will either get it for you or you can pour it yourself. We were assigned room 620. We were not offered an upgrade and we didn't ask for one. Our room was a king/smoking room on the first floor in the Uxmal Building. This is the farthest building to the right, so no pool view. It has a open patio with hammock and a view of the ocean if you step off the patio and turn to the left. The room itself was excellent. Best room of any AI hotel we have been to. But, if your picky about location, location, location, this is not the building to be in unless your on the 3rd or 4th floor. We didn't care for the open patio. Absolutely no privacy with everyone walking by. What we do love about The Royal is all rooms are suites, have a real jacuzzi tub, in-room bar and stocked frig included in the base price. Most other hotels your going to pay top dollar to get those features. Staff delivered a small cake and a bottle of champagne for our anniversary to our room, which we enjoyed in the jacuzzi.
Dining - We thought the food was very good compared to many other AI hotels we have stayed at. We love Mexican food and was very happy to see refried beans, guacamole, several varieties of hot sauces and general Mexican food at the ala cart restaurants and buffet. Our favorite restaurant was Maria's across the street at the Gran Porto Real. We ate their twice. What we loved most is that there are no reservations for any restaurants. Just walk in and be seated. Never had a wait at any restaurant. I wish all AI hotels would do that. Making reservations is so inconvenient. The only restaurant we didn't care for was Asiana. We're not that big on California rolls and do not eat sushi. I don't like rice anyway and the the stir fry is not the same quality you'll find at your local Bennihanas or Shogun type restaurant. There is only one hibachi cooking station and sitting there is no big deal. No cooking show is provided. We thought is was ridiculous that men had to wear long pants and closed toed shoes at the open air restaurants, while the women can run around in short mini-skirts and any type of sandal. The weather was hot and my husband was burning up. They should at least replace all the light fixtures with fans just to keep the air moving around. If you don't see something on the menu or buffet just ask. If it's available they will bring it to you. We asked for huevos rancheros with salsa at Pelicanos for breakfast and it was no problem.
The 24 hour all inclusive snack and drink area is a great concept. We went in there a couple of times for in between snacks and drinks. Very convenient. Also liked the continental breakfast station in the Lobby. Nice selection or hot and cold breakfast breads, fruits, juices, coffee and bottled water. We had an early tour one morning and it was nice to be able to get something and eat since the buffet wasn't opened yet.
Pools/Beach - We are pool people and loved the pools. We spent most of our time up and around the swim-up bar. The service was great and we saw many staff members walking around getting and taking drink orders around the pool and beach. There is more covered seating on the beach than by the pool. They need to get several more umbrellas for the pool area. We never were able to get lounge chairs around the pool with an umbrella, so we would get loungers on the beach with covered cabanas close to the pool and walk over. The beach was nice, but we've been to much better on other Islands. The sand is soft and white. However, the water was quite wavy and very cloudy. There are rocks to the right, but just go down to the left and you can get right in. We did not wear water shoes. We found the water temps at the pool and beach perfect. I am very cold natured and the pool temp was great. DH indicated maybe it was a little to warm for him. The jacuzzi at the pool was only slightly warmer than the pool. There are canoes between the beach and pool filled with bottled water and fresh fruit. Help yourself. There is also a guy walking around with a cart full of books, magazines and sunscreen if you need it.
Excursions - We went to Xel-Ha on Sunday for the entire day. We purchased the AI at the door for $108 p/p. We went ahead and just got a taxi to and from The Royal. I didn't feel like trying to find the bus station. It was $36 up and $40 back. (+ tip) For the convenience it was worth it to us. We got there right at 9:00 am when they opened and several tour buses were behind us. We thought "oh, no" large crowds, but the buses were going to the Dolphin Swim and we never saw the people venture into the actual park area. The park is HUGE. It never felt crowded. We did lots of walking trying to find everything. We finally just plopped down at a nice covered area to snorkel. The snorkeling was OK, the water a little cloudy. I think it had to do with the effects of Hurricane Dean. Lots of areas were roped off due to damage that had not been fixed yet. We enjoyed the included drinks and restaurants. They had my favorite beer; Corona on tap. Why can't I get that in Texas??? Plus when you ask for lime and salt they don't look at you like your crazy. The food in the ala cart restaurant was OK. We walked over to look at the buffet. Very large selection, but I hesitate eating in open air buffets. Better safe than sorry. We did get ice cream from the self serve machine and it was good. We went to Xcaret in 2001, and of the two, we liked Xcaret better. There is just more things to see and do as well as the night show. If we ever return to the Playa area, well definitely go back to Xcaret.
Tulum and Beyond with James and Anna - We booked this tour on-line. There were 12 people on the tour (six couples). We went to Tulum and stayed about 1 1/2 hours. We had a private guide for part of the tour, who was very detailed on the info and history of Tulum. We thought the site was amazing. The beach is beautiful. It was very, very hot though. We then went to the Gran Cenote to cool off. So nice. The snorkeling was very good due to the water being so clear. Not many fish though. Afterward, we went to "Jungle" Beach in Tulum for swimming and lunch. The beach was very nice, but the water very wavy. After a nice lunch of bar-b-cue chicken, beans, rice, tortillas, guacamole, chips and salsa, we headed to Azul Cenote. This Cenote was more crowded with people. The water didn't seem as clear due to all the algae growing on the rocks in the water. There was lots of fish though. The snorkeling was very good. It was difficult to determine where the rocks in the water were and I ended up creaming my thigh on one. Resulted in a baseball size bruise. Ouch! This tour was really great and our guide Mitch was just wonderful and very knowledgeable. Would recommend this tour to everyone.
5th Avenue - What we loved so much about this area in 2001 was 5th Avenue. Lots of cute little beach bars with amazing ocean views, very few people, and a limited amount of shops. So much has changed in 6 years. Now the area is very much built up with tons and tons of restaurants, bars, and shops everywhere. I was amazed and a little disappointed in the change. I can see now why people are heading to Tulum and Akumel. We went to La Bodeguita del Medio for Mojitos and found the bar too crowded and the live band too loud. We just couldn't enjoy the atmosphere. The Mojitos weren't all they great either. The bars at The Royal made Mojitos very well. We also tried an outdoor cafe for chips, pico and Mojitos. The worse $15 I ever spent. With those experiences, we didn't give any others a try. Besides the food and drinks at The Royal were so good. 5th Avenue was also very crowded and most places were packed anyway. The weather was hot, hot, hot, so after walking around for a couple of hours, we looked like we just stepped out of a sauna.
Overall - We still like Mexico better than most destinations just due to the fact your going to get way more for your money in an AI hotel. There is also plenty of things to see and do off the resort. However, we still like Cozumel the best for that area, and we would like to go back to Cancun someday and see how much it's changed. Of any hotel we've been to previously, The Royal Playa del Carmen is by far the best. The little things they they provide indicate they know how do to AI very well. We loved that there was bottled water everywhere. I can't believe some hotels we've been to bottled water was not included in the AI plan. The help yourself food and drink stations were a plus. The rooms were very nice especially with the included features. The overall price was not so over-the-top like many other resorts we have either been to or researched. We found the service and the staff very nice and accommodating. We would definitely go back to this resort and recommend it to others.
Pictures are at: http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
Which include pictures from the on-line check in of the map of the hotel. Any questions, you can e-mail me at [email protected]
Sep 8th, 2007, 06:50 PM
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okay, cool pics. I've never been to any central american ruins, so maybe one day I'll get there...
so, those swings at the bar look like a LOT of fun. Did you try them out? I've seen pics of a bar w/ swings someplace in the BVI but I've not been to one myself.
so, those swings at the bar look like a LOT of fun. Did you try them out? I've seen pics of a bar w/ swings someplace in the BVI but I've not been to one myself.
Sep 8th, 2007, 07:42 PM
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Thanks. Yes, we did use the swings at the bar. There should be a picture of us sitting in one. I do not remember seeing any other swing bar any place else besides Mexico. What I really liked was the beach beds in the Lobby by the bar. It's like feel free to drink up and pass out on us. 
Sep 9th, 2007, 03:45 AM
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I must have missed the one of y'all in the swings. I scanned your photos pretty quickly because I was so tired.
The bar I remember seeing with swings was either on Jost Van Dyke or Tortola, but I haven't seen it in person yet.
The bar I remember seeing with swings was either on Jost Van Dyke or Tortola, but I haven't seen it in person yet.
Sep 9th, 2007, 07:12 AM
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Hi:
Nice review & great pictures. I'd have to agree about the your comment on Cozumel. Went to Playa for the 1st time about 10 days ago. Up & down 5th Avenue & on the side streets lots of construction. Thougt it would be a little more laid back. The pictures of your hotel did give me that relaxing feel though ...lolol. Very nice.
Did get to enjoy the $29.00 :60 Massage at Vernoica's (right next to the circle/cab drop off).
Thanks for the review.
Nice review & great pictures. I'd have to agree about the your comment on Cozumel. Went to Playa for the 1st time about 10 days ago. Up & down 5th Avenue & on the side streets lots of construction. Thougt it would be a little more laid back. The pictures of your hotel did give me that relaxing feel though ...lolol. Very nice.
Did get to enjoy the $29.00 :60 Massage at Vernoica's (right next to the circle/cab drop off).
Thanks for the review.
Sep 9th, 2007, 08:19 AM
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My grandsons would love all of the food available 24 hours a day. Great report.
Am I confused or am I remembering correctly that you are going to Curacao next. I'm just curious how you are flying. We go next month. I've had a terrible time getting a flight from Bonaire back to Aruba. Where are you staying? Owa
Am I confused or am I remembering correctly that you are going to Curacao next. I'm just curious how you are flying. We go next month. I've had a terrible time getting a flight from Bonaire back to Aruba. Where are you staying? Owa
Sep 9th, 2007, 09:35 AM
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nigelsmom, no we didn't go to the hotel spa or any of the spa's around 5th Avenue. It was just too hot to go to all the trouble.
Owa, yes we are going to Curacao April, 2008 for my 40th birthday. We choose SuperClubs Breezes. Just because it's AI and close to the attractions we are interested in. We're looking forward to trying the non-certified diving animal encounter at the Sea Aquarium.
Our only choice in flights is American from Midland. Which means Midland to Houston to Miami to Curacao. Living in the middle of nowhere is not great for traveling.
We loved Aruba last Sept. It has made our favorite Island list. Hoping Curacao is around the same. We meet a couple on-line in 2005 and we meet in Aruba. They are going to meet us again in Curacao and help me celebrate. I think it will be fun.
Hope you have a great trip. I will be looking forward to reading your trip report. What excursions do you have planned if any? I found this great site for booking tours on-line. We will probably book a few of them.
Owa, yes we are going to Curacao April, 2008 for my 40th birthday. We choose SuperClubs Breezes. Just because it's AI and close to the attractions we are interested in. We're looking forward to trying the non-certified diving animal encounter at the Sea Aquarium.
Our only choice in flights is American from Midland. Which means Midland to Houston to Miami to Curacao. Living in the middle of nowhere is not great for traveling.
We loved Aruba last Sept. It has made our favorite Island list. Hoping Curacao is around the same. We meet a couple on-line in 2005 and we meet in Aruba. They are going to meet us again in Curacao and help me celebrate. I think it will be fun.
Hope you have a great trip. I will be looking forward to reading your trip report. What excursions do you have planned if any? I found this great site for booking tours on-line. We will probably book a few of them.
Sep 9th, 2007, 03:38 PM
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Great trip report and pictures; I really like all the details that you include. They are so helpful to detail-oriented planners like me.
Sometimes I pick a destination for reasons other than great beaches, but for most vacations, really nice beaches are one of the most important factors to me. I have been thinking that Playa or Cozumel might be a nice change from the Caribbean, and I was wondering if you might be able to elaborate on your comment about the beach at Playa del Carmen not being among the nicest ones you have been to by comparing it to some other beaches. For the sake of comparison to places I have been, I would be interested in how you would rate the beach at Playa compared to any of the following: Barbados (south or west coast), Bermuda, Cancun, Domincan Republic (La Romana), St. Lucia (northern beaches - Reduit Beach, Cap Estate area beaches), and/or Turks & Caicos (Grace Bay Beach). FYI, GBB is my favorite of these by a significant margin, and other destinations that I am considering for future trips because of nice beaches are Anguilla, Bahamas out islands, Grand Cayman, and St. John. Thanks!
Sometimes I pick a destination for reasons other than great beaches, but for most vacations, really nice beaches are one of the most important factors to me. I have been thinking that Playa or Cozumel might be a nice change from the Caribbean, and I was wondering if you might be able to elaborate on your comment about the beach at Playa del Carmen not being among the nicest ones you have been to by comparing it to some other beaches. For the sake of comparison to places I have been, I would be interested in how you would rate the beach at Playa compared to any of the following: Barbados (south or west coast), Bermuda, Cancun, Domincan Republic (La Romana), St. Lucia (northern beaches - Reduit Beach, Cap Estate area beaches), and/or Turks & Caicos (Grace Bay Beach). FYI, GBB is my favorite of these by a significant margin, and other destinations that I am considering for future trips because of nice beaches are Anguilla, Bahamas out islands, Grand Cayman, and St. John. Thanks!
Sep 10th, 2007, 08:01 AM
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jacketwatch, we really liked the overall Star Princess ship. The set up was very nice and one of the reasons we picked Princess was because of the any time dining. However, cruising is really not our style. Did not like the rocking and rolling and the masses of people. Getting on and off was a big pain. We wouldn't do another cruise unless it was to Alaska. We prefer AI land vacations. I have a trip report posted on this site if your interested.
Sep 10th, 2007, 01:59 PM
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beachdreams3,
I haven't been to all the destinations you listed. Of the ones I have been to this is my opinion of beaches based on sand and water clarity:
Grace Bay on Provo T & C
7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman
Cozumel
Princess Cay, Bahamas (Eleuthera)
St. John/St. Thomas
Nassau, Bahamas
Aruba - the sand is very nice and soft. The water clarity a little cloudy, but we thought the snorkeling was very good at Baby Beach, Mangel Halto Mangroves Beach and open water snorkeling.
Negril, Jamaica - nice beach at the hotel. Only snorkeled at our hotel.
Playa del Carmen - Nice beach, but water too rough and cloudy. However, the effects of Dean probably had something to do with that. Many reports indicate that some hotels on the Mayan Rivieria, their beaches are basically gone or full of seaweed due to all the bad weather they've gotten on the last couple of years. Cenote snorkeling very good.
Cancun - The Carribean side is too rough. The Lagoon side better. Haven't been since 2002, so don't know currently.
St. Lucia - The sand is a light to medium brown and the water at the Sandals Grand was cloudy with no snorkeling. We went to a black sand beach and the water too rough. Open water snorkeling the water too dark to see anything.
Maui, Hawaii - We went in a Feb. Coarse brown sand, sapphire blue water, very rough and cold.
Don't much care for that side.
I still like Cozumel the best. It's more laid back and the snorkeling very good. I still like Grand Cayman, but the cost has become prohibitive. T & C is OK, but we found it too boring with not much to do other than water realated activities. Didn't think the snorkeling was as great as many people have reported. Diving is probably better. Ditto for St. John. I would return to Aruba in a heart beat. Just loved the atmosphere. We are going to Curacao in April. I understand the water and snorkeling are really good. I didn't care for Nassau. The Out Islands will have better water clarity, but we don't like being so isolated. Jamaica and St. Lucia are not destinations I would choose for beach or snorkeling. The topography is amazing though.
Hope that helps.
I haven't been to all the destinations you listed. Of the ones I have been to this is my opinion of beaches based on sand and water clarity:
Grace Bay on Provo T & C
7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman
Cozumel
Princess Cay, Bahamas (Eleuthera)
St. John/St. Thomas
Nassau, Bahamas
Aruba - the sand is very nice and soft. The water clarity a little cloudy, but we thought the snorkeling was very good at Baby Beach, Mangel Halto Mangroves Beach and open water snorkeling.
Negril, Jamaica - nice beach at the hotel. Only snorkeled at our hotel.
Playa del Carmen - Nice beach, but water too rough and cloudy. However, the effects of Dean probably had something to do with that. Many reports indicate that some hotels on the Mayan Rivieria, their beaches are basically gone or full of seaweed due to all the bad weather they've gotten on the last couple of years. Cenote snorkeling very good.
Cancun - The Carribean side is too rough. The Lagoon side better. Haven't been since 2002, so don't know currently.
St. Lucia - The sand is a light to medium brown and the water at the Sandals Grand was cloudy with no snorkeling. We went to a black sand beach and the water too rough. Open water snorkeling the water too dark to see anything.
Maui, Hawaii - We went in a Feb. Coarse brown sand, sapphire blue water, very rough and cold.
Don't much care for that side.
I still like Cozumel the best. It's more laid back and the snorkeling very good. I still like Grand Cayman, but the cost has become prohibitive. T & C is OK, but we found it too boring with not much to do other than water realated activities. Didn't think the snorkeling was as great as many people have reported. Diving is probably better. Ditto for St. John. I would return to Aruba in a heart beat. Just loved the atmosphere. We are going to Curacao in April. I understand the water and snorkeling are really good. I didn't care for Nassau. The Out Islands will have better water clarity, but we don't like being so isolated. Jamaica and St. Lucia are not destinations I would choose for beach or snorkeling. The topography is amazing though.
Hope that helps.
Sep 10th, 2007, 02:52 PM
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Thanks, KVR. As usual, great details about things I didn't even think about! I guess I mostly focus on the sand being soft and white with a nice long stretch of beach for walking and the water being clear and a pretty color, but now that you mention it, I don't like places where the water is too rough. It has been almost 10 years since my trip to Cancun, and I was having a hard time remembering exactly why we spent a lot more time at the pool than the beach, and your response made me realize that the water was pretty rough with large waves. I'm not an avid snorkeler, and I don't need to have a lot of activities or nightlife. Provo was a good fit for me, but I want to explore other places too. I think that GC or Cozumel might be good places for me to try next. I think the Bahamas out islands might be too undeveloped for my tastes, while Aruba and Nassau probably are too commercialized. I didn't choose St. Lucia for the beaches/water, but I'm glad I went because it was a really beautiful island overall. Thanks again; I'll be interested to hear your impressions of Curacao after your trip next April. I don't know much about the island but I was under the impression that it wasn't really known for beaches.
Sep 11th, 2007, 05:32 AM
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KVR: I am surprised you felt that much motion, esp. on a larger ship. We felt zip though I understand the Baltic is usually quite smooth. We sailed Alaska two yrs. ago. Its a must do IMHO. As fro motion there it was little to none. Princess will begin using one of its smaller ships in Alaska, the Tahitian Princess and though she is a beaut she tiny by todays standards, about 32K tons vs. 100K or more so motion would be an issue. Where is your review BTW? Cheers, Larry
Sep 11th, 2007, 05:44 AM
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jacketwatch, we had a very forward port cabin. There were several times it felt like the Captain just slammed on the brake as we were literally jerk. The evening we left Cozumel, walking down the corridors we could really feel the motion.
We have tried to go to Alaska for several years, but the cost was out of our budget. We will eventually get there. When we go it will be on NCL. Mainly due to the more relaxed atmosphere and dress code for dinner and the anytime dining.
Here's the link to our Princess report; http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=5
We have tried to go to Alaska for several years, but the cost was out of our budget. We will eventually get there. When we go it will be on NCL. Mainly due to the more relaxed atmosphere and dress code for dinner and the anytime dining.
Here's the link to our Princess report; http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=5
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