Cruise Talk: Carousel excursions - Tulum vs Chichen Itza

Cruise Talk

Cruise News

Welcome to Cruise Talk the Internet's most popular discussion forum dedicated to cruising. Stop by Cruise Talk anytime to post a message or find out what your fellow passengers and industry insiders are saying about a particular ship, cruise line or destination.

>>> Reader Reviews
>>> CruisePage.com Photo Gallery
>>> Join Our Cruise Club.

Latest News...Carnival Cruise Line today announced that reservations are now open for Carnival Festivale, its exciting new ship launching in 2027, and revealed further details of the ship’s features set to transform the cruise experience into a non-stop celebration of music and family fun. Carnival Festivale will make its way home to Port Canaveral with a spectacular 15-day transatlantic voyage from Southampton, England on May 2, 2027. This maiden voyage features calls...

Latest News...Holland America Line is setting the table for Koningstafel — a regal reimagining of the Chef’s Table experience. Dutch for “King’s Table,” Koningstafel blends behind-the-scenes galley access with a multi-course feast rooted in rich culinary traditions. Available on cruises 14 days and longer, Koningstafel debuted on Oosterdam in July and will expand to Westerdam, Zaandam and Volendam in the fall...

Latest News...Princess Cruises unveils the next evolution of Spellbound by Magic Castle, the captivating speakeasy experience born from a collaboration with the famed Hollywood icon, The Magic Castle®. Reimagined for the brand-new Star Princess, this immersive venue invites guests into a mesmerizing world of illusion, sleight-of-hand, and unforgettable storytelling at sea....

More Cruise News...

my profile | register | search | faq | forum home

»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Ships » Carousel excursions - Tulum vs Chichen Itza

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: Carousel excursions - Tulum vs Chichen Itza

Kelly
First Class Passenger
Member # 857

posted 01-26-2000 04:40 AM

I want to visit some Mayan Ruins while docked in Cancun. I can't decide if I should sit on the bus 3.5 hours to go to Chichen Itza or take the shorter trip to Tulum and go to the beach or that water park they have nearby . Anyone have any ideas or suggestions ? Only 4 days to departure .

Posts: 25 | From: Markham , Ontario , Canada | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Barryboat
First Class Passenger
Member # 33

posted 01-26-2000 03:53 PM

Kelly,

Haven't been to Chichen Itza, but Tulum...I've been to over 50 times and really enjoy every visit. Xelha is wonderful! You can swim with Dolphins here. (cost is about $70) I know Chichen Itza is much larger, but you will get your fill with Tulum.

Posts: 1851 | From: Bloomington, Minnesota (Home to the Mall of America) | Registered: Mar 99 | IP: Logged

Natalie
First Class Passenger
Member # 347

posted 01-26-2000 04:24 PM

Kelly

I feel that you will benefit more by going to Tulum. If you go to the other one you will be spending over 5 hours travelling and I am sure you dont want to do that. Tulum is just a smaller Mayan Ruin site but probably just as interesting

Have fun on your hols if I dont speak to you before.

Posts: 61 | From: Yateley, Hampshire, England | Registered: Apr 99 | IP: Logged

Bobby G
First Class Passenger
Member # 49

posted 01-26-2000 11:20 PM

Kelly, we visited Chitchen Itza three years ago. We docked in Cozumel, a rough ferry? ride to the mainland and then a 3 + hour ride to Chitchen Itza. We only had less than two hours at the ruins and then the the long return to the ship. I am glad that we went but if I went again I would look for a flight from Cancun or Cozumel to Chitchen Itza. The drive is a super highway but there is nothing to see until you get there. I was 63 then and I climbed the 91 steep steps to the top of the pyramid. It was a great view as you were above all the trees.
We will be in Cozumel in two weeks on another cruise and we will probable stay on the island. I would like to see Tulum but the ferry ride last time was enough. I think Tulum is the only Myan ruins on the ocean. I would recommend that you see one or the other and I think you will be pleased with either choice. Enjoy

Posts: 36 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 99 | IP: Logged

MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 01-27-2000 12:43 AM

The ferry ride was rough for us too...some passengers complained that there should have been a warning about the rough ferry trip. Alot of people on my ferry got "sick". It made for a good "adventure" to Tulum though. But like Bobby I'm gonna check out the island next time.

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-27-2000 09:40 AM

Yes the ferry ride from the ship to Playa de Carmen was rough and the smell of diesel fuel made some people ill. We actually got right on the ferry (or tug boat at the time) from the ship and it was still dark out. If the ship docks in Cancun that would be better. The ruins were interesting but once was enough. The bathroom facilities at Tulum left much to be desired. If you do go, make sure you take a roll of toilet paper and toilet seat covers. I always carry a partial roll and some covers in a small bag in my purse. The lady in charge was handing out ONE piece of toilet paper to each lady. Needless to say my roll was quickly gone helping everyone out!!!!!! It wasn't funny at the time be we all laughed when we got back on the bus. Oh yes, take some hand wipes as there may be no water or very little in the washrooms.

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 01-27-2000 12:44 PM

Hahahaha....How could I forget the bathrooms. Bring small coins, like dimes and quarters. I think the guy at the men's room was charging what was $0.10 U.S. to use his toilet. And they were charging extra if you brought a video camera. Still photo cameras were free.

[This message has been edited by MagnmPI (edited 01-27-2000).]

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-27-2000 12:56 PM

MagnmPI - I laughed harder at your answer than at mine. Why would you want to use a video camera in the washroom?
I forgot about the lady who handed out the one piece of TP. She didn't ask for money, but when you were finished in the stall, she went in with a bucket of water and flushed the toilet. This was the way they did it - no handle on the back to flush with. Wonder if anyone else has some funny stories about the bathrooms in Tulum? The one at Dunn's River Falls on the beach, was even worse. It didn't even have a seat - boy it was cold!!!!

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

MagnmPI
First Class Passenger
Member # 299

posted 01-27-2000 02:56 PM

I was typing so fast...I didn't realize what I unintentionally wrote. It costs extra to bring the video cameras into TULUM.

hehehehehe.

Posts: 545 | From: San Francisco Bay Area | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

sympatico
First Class Passenger
Member # 797

posted 01-27-2000 02:59 PM

Oh, ya! Bet you had it in the washroom!!!!!! That sounds funnier.

[This message has been edited by sympatico (edited 01-27-2000).]

Posts: 3305 | From: Toronto, Ont. Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Kelly
First Class Passenger
Member # 857

posted 01-27-2000 05:09 PM

Thanks everyone for your advice . It sounds like I should go to Tulum and be sure to have toilet paper , small change , and hand wipes but no video camera. That shouldn't be a problem since I don't own a video camera . I agree spending 5-6 hours just travelling to Chichen Itza doesn't sound worth it . I believe our ship docks in Calica and is 1.5 hours from Tulum , no mention of a ferry , I think it said bus transfer in the excursions book . Two more days to departure , I will be sure to tell all of you how it went on my return from the Carousel .

Posts: 25 | From: Markham , Ontario , Canada | Registered: Oct 1999 | IP: Logged

Bobby G
First Class Passenger
Member # 49

posted 01-27-2000 06:06 PM

Kelly,

You only ride the ferry if you dock in Cozumel. From Calica it is only a bus ride. On the day of our rough ferry ride the guide got seasick on the way over from the mainland (the sea was rough) and we were all given a choice to cancel with full refund. Only two little old ladys cancelled and the rest roughed it. The waves were coming over the top of the ferry. As we were leaving the ship they were handing out our meals and putting them in a large plastic bag. They were also handing out extra plasic bags as barf bags. Many were used. After it was over I was still glad that we went.

Good luck on your cruise and tour.

Posts: 36 | From: SC | Registered: Feb 99 | IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

Ultimate Bulletin Board^TM 6.1.0.3

VACATION & CRUISE SPECIALS

Check out these great deals from CruisePage.com

Royal Caribbean - Bahamas Getaway from $129 per person

Description: Experience the beautiful ports of Nassau and Royal Caribbean's private island - CocoCay on a 3-night Weekend Getaway to the Bahamas. Absorb everything island life has to offer as you snorkel with the stingrays, parasail above the serene blue waters and walk the endless white sand beaches. From Miami.

Carnival - 4-Day Bahamas from $229 per person

Description: Enjoy a wonderful 3 Day cruise to the fun-loving playground of Nassau, Bahamas. Discover Nassau, the capital city as well as the cultural, commercial and financial heart of the Bahamas. Meet the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, the guardians of Blackbeard's treasure.

NCL - Bermuda - 7 Day from $499 per person

Description: What a charming little chain of islands. Walk on pink sand beaches. Swim and snorkel in turquoise seas. Take in the historical sights. They're stoically British and very quaint. Or explore the coral reefs. You can get to them by boat or propelled by fins. You pick. Freestyle Cruising doesn't tell you where to go or what to do. Sure, you can plan ahead, or decide once onboard. After all, it's your vacation. There are no deadlines or must do's.

Holland America - Eastern Caribbean from From $599 per person

Description: White sand, black sand, talcum soft or shell strewn, the beaches of the Eastern Caribbean invite you to swim, snorkel or simply relax. For shoppers, there's duty-free St. Thomas, the Straw Market in Nassau, French perfume and Dutch chocolates on St. Maarten. For history buffs, the fascinating fusion of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. For everyone, a day spent on HAL's award winning private island Half Moon Cay.

Celebrity - 7-Night Western Mediterranean from $549 per person

Description: For centuries people have traveled to Europe to see magnificent ruins, art treasures and natural wonders. And the best way to do so is by cruise ship. Think of it - you pack and unpack only once. No wasted time searching for hotels and negotiating train stations. Instead, you arrive at romantic ports of call relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Holland America - Alaska from From $499 per person

Description: Sail between Vancouver and Seward, departing Sundays on the ms Statendam or ms Volendam and enjoy towering mountains, actively calving glaciers and pristine wildlife habitat. Glacier Bay and College Fjord offer two completely different glacier-viewing experiences.

More Vacation & Cruise Specials...