When Royal Caribbean introduced final week that they have been shopping for a generally visited cruise port and 200 acres of land round it, the whole cruise neighborhood was abuzz.
In case you missed it, the cruise line spent $600 million in an effort to rework Costa Maya into Excellent Day Mexico, scheduled for 2027.
Apparently, the success of Excellent Day at CocoCay and the necessity to transfer that very same expertise to different cruise ports was a precedence for the increasing cruise line.
After visiting Costa Maya a number of instances in the previous few years, I’m conscious that the Mexican cruise port is in want of some upgrades.
The port space itself doesn’t supply entry to the seashore, the primary pool will get very crowded when three ships are in port, and a few of the facilities are effectively previous their prime.
From the dolphin enclosure to the chook aviary with rope walkways over the port beneath, I’ve skilled about all there may be to do within the central space.
However for these used to going exterior the port to benefit from the Misplaced Mayan Kingdom waterpark and zip line course, these days are additionally coming to an finish – a minimum of that’s the idea.
Royal Caribbean is shopping for up the land on which the Misplaced Mayan Kingdom presently resides.
And in the event you’ve seen the waterpark on Excellent Day or Icon of the Seas, you already know the executives in all probability have some huge plans for this space as effectively.
What About Different Cruise Traces?
Royal Caribbean has said that different cruise strains, even competing corporations, will nonetheless be allowed to go to the port.
In actual fact, it’s possible that the primary port space will obtain some much-needed upgrades and face-lifts after the corporate is completed with the venture.
Anne Kalosh with Seatrade not too long ago said that “ships from different cruise strains will proceed to be welcomed at Costa Maya, and Royal Caribbean indicated the expertise for all passengers will enhance with its redevelopment.”
So, what is going to this appear like?
Till we hear extra from Royal Caribbean that is largely hypothesis. However the cruise line’s personal passengers will possible have unique entry to Excellent Day Mexico, whereas a central port space might be accessible to different cruise strains.
The important thing benefit for Royal Caribbean is that each passenger on these different ships might be effectively conscious of this “different space” of the port that they will’t entry.
Maybe it is going to be much like the sensation Norwegian Cruise Line friends have once they see Excellent Day at Cococay from Nice Stirrup Cay. In any case, it’s lower than 2 miles away.
By the best way, Nice Stirrup Cay was the OG of personal islands, after opening in 1977. So, props to Norwegian for envisioning this complete idea.
Whereas the world surrounding the pier of Costa Maya will get updates and possibly be utterly revamped, as a profit to different cruise passengers, that attract of an unique resort simply toes away will definitely draw some consideration.
Learn extra: “Don’t swim right here!”: Cruise Passenger Warns After Port Official Calls for Ship Card in Costa Maya
Might Different Cruise Traces Discover Alternate options?
Whereas shopping for Costa Maya and the encompassing land was a genius transfer by Royal Caribbean, some speculate that this might encourage different cruise strains to search out different ports to go to.
In any case, who needs the competitors tempting away their passengers?
Cozumel is already a highly regarded cruise port that’s 100 miles north of Costa Maya, but it surely’s uncertain the a number of ports on this island can deal with each different ship from its neighbor.
Cruise strains like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises may have some selections to make. Carnival is already creating their very own personal vacation spot at Celebration Key, as a result of open subsequent yr on Grand Bahama.
This might be Carnival’s most formidable personal vacation spot thus far and an apparent signal that personal islands –like them or not—are a transparent a part of the cruise business’s future.
It stays to be seen how “in your face” the advertising for Excellent Day Mexico’s advertising might be on the port. However I might not be stunned to see some cruise strains discover various locations.
Different cruise strains might additionally start to supply extra distinctive shore excursions and experiences away from the port, partnering with native companies and creating their very own unique actions.
Backside Line
How will cruise passengers really feel in regards to the “two-ports-in-one” expertise? As we watch for particulars on Excellent Day Mexico, it’s essential to keep in mind that not each cruise passenger needs the “Excellent Day” expertise.
Whereas many eating places and actions are included within the cruise fare, the additional prices and costs can add up. Crowds could be a problem as effectively, particularly with a couple of ship in port.
Personal islands are designed for the vacationers at coronary heart, and don’t supply the cultural expertise of cruises with destination-focused itineraries.
That being mentioned, Royal Caribbean followers who love the Excellent Day expertise couldn’t be extra excited by this transfer by the cruise line. And for Galveston residents, a port in Mexico will imply that shorter sailings can go to the personal vacation spot as effectively.
