agape78

My husband and I will be traveling to Cancun in mid-June. We are in our late 40's. Any recommendations for activities and night life for our age group. We will be staying at the Royal Caribbean. Anyone with information on this resort. This is our first trip and we want to make the most of the week. Any recommended itinerary. Know question is long, but would appreciate as much information as possible.

MulletOver

If you and your husband are looking for a touch--actually more like a right cross--of Americana by the Carribean Sea, the hotel zone is just the place for you. Many of the names will sound very familiar to you (e.g., Hard Rock, Fridays, Piza Hut, Morton's).<BR><BR>If however you are seeking to explore something new and want to avoid Las Vegas by-the-sea, I recommend getting out of the hotel zone. Downtown has some wonderful restaurants like La Habituela and very cool clubs like Roots, which offer indiginous music and cuisine, worlds-away from the crowds and madness of the hotel zone.<BR><BR> It is often said that the Mayan Riviera begins where Cancun ends. No trip to Cancun would be complete without a leisurely drive down the sun-splashed coast to Tulum. On your way to these ruins by the sea, you will pass the charming town of Puerto Morales and the very chic Playa del Carmen.<BR><BR>Playa doesn't really come alive till the evening, which may make it difficult for you to appreciate its true chic appeal. If you get a chance, check out the Delano-esque poolside scene at the Deseo--picture South Beach without the attitude. <BR><BR>Wherever you go in Cancun and the surrounding area--even if you choose to go nowhere at all--you will enjoy spectacular weather and picturesque scenery!!!

Dee3

What MulletOver said is very true, but do not become discouraged. The Royal Caribbean is a fabulous resort. Actually it is a timeshare, member of the Royal Resorts where they have 5 individual, 5 star resorts in Cancun with a free &quot;trolley&quot; between them. The Royal Caribbean is set on a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, between the Royals Mayan and Islander. As result, you can swim, eat, and be entertained at all three by walking between them. The resort is immaculate, very family orientated, and the employees are extremely helpful and friendly. There are three types of units: the &quot;room&quot; which is like a 2 double bed hotel room, the &quot;suite&quot; which has a king masterbedroom and a livingroom, dining room and full sized American kitchen (completely equipped), and the &quot;villa&quot; which is the combined room and suite. On site, at all the resorts, are planned activities, shops, a grocery store and restaurants. Additionally, there is a travel agency, Thomas More, that will organize any trip to Tulum, Chizen Itza (sp!) and dozens of other places of interest. We have used Thomas More many times, including transportation to/from the airport, and are pleased with the quality and variety. On Sunday morning be sure to attend the free Orientation Breakfast there at the RC to learn of all your options. Cancun indeed is very Americanized, but the Royals are luxury and paradise. You do not need to venture to the downtown clubs and that atmosphere unless you want to. My husband and I are in the same age braket as you. We do not go downtown to the clubs, and we do not miss it. Downtown, however, are many restaurants which are worthy to visit. 6 pesos on the public bus will take you anywhere you want to go. We love the Royals, it's service, their numerous restaurants, and especially their quiet family atmosphere. Write me back if you have any other specific questions. This July will be our 5th trip to the Royals. As per a recommended itenerary, you have so many options. Just be sure to spend some time being lazy, reading a good book by the beautiful pools and/or under a palapa on the beach. The Caribbean water is magnificient. Enjoy!

agape78

Thanks for your feedback. Am beginning to feel much better about the trip. Both of you mentioned Tulum. Some people have recommended Chitzen Itza. Which do you prefer and should it be done through a tour company. My husband has a desire to see a bullfight. Is it worth the time and what about a dinner cruise?

Dee3

I would go to Chitzen Itza before Tulum because it is a Mayan classic and there is more to see. I went on a Thomas More tour arranged at the Royals and enjoyed it very much. The tour includes a very informative, interesting, and entertaining English speaking guide, buffet lunch, and a stop at the colonial city of Volloidad. Personally I prefer tours only because you have a guide to explain what you are seeing. Seeing how people drive in Cancun (like maniacs), I have no desire to drive. I have never gone to a bullfight, nor do I want to, but such can be arranged. I believe they are every Wednesday. There are dinner cruises as well on the Nipchte Lagoon; lobster cruises, pirate cruises, romantic cruises. There are many evening activities held at the Royals as well. Newly added is the Royal Bandstand at the Royal Sands which I understand has dinner, dancing, and entertainment of interest to our age group. The RB is only months old; never been there but plan to go this summer. Again, advice, don't overplan and itinerize (if such is a word!) The best thing about Cancun and the Royals are the beaches and pools, and the ability to completely relax, really converse with your spouse, meet others from around the US, Mexico, Canada, and Europe. Interact, people watch, marvel as almost extinct sea-turtles lay eggs in the sand at midnight. Sip on a frozen drink poolside listening to mariachis. Get up early and watch the sun rise over a pink toned Caribbean. Sunsets over the lagoon are equally as beautiful; full moons shimmering on the Caribbean will steal your heart. Simple pleasures, they are the best.

agape78

Dee,<BR>Thanks for all your insight. Think we'll take your advice. We really just want to get away and relax and the Royal seems just like the place to do that. We will probably plan on Chichen Itza and then just go with the flow.