Ports in the Storm - Page 3 - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Pungo3 · 10-25-2005, 11:37 AM

Those photos are so sad. What a shame. It will take months & months to repair that much damage.

PagodaSwan · 10-25-2005, 11:39 AM

It could even turn out that the piers and buildings are beyone economical repair, it will be months before Cozumel can handle the numbers of ships and guests that it did prior to Wilma.

Pungo3 · 10-25-2005, 11:50 AM

I agree. This is just so sad. I was supposed to cruise there next week. Now, I have no idea where we are going instead or if we'll just get an extra sea day. Cozumel has been one of my favorite ports for a long time. I really feel badly for them. They depend on tourist dollars.

PagodaSwan · 10-25-2005, 11:54 AM

The port of Puerto Costa Maya, which apparently is not too far from Cozumel, has been undamaged and is able to accept cruiseships, it might be an alternative for some lines to use and from what I have read, although smaller than Cozumel, they are ready and willing to step in.

FlRic · 10-25-2005, 11:57 AM

Generally speaking, at least in the Caribbean, the resorts close down to repair their damage then re-open later with special prices for the first couple of weeks before assuming their previous price. Most of this damage will be covered ether by the government or by insurance since they are almost 100% fueled by tourist dollars and have no other source of income. It will probably be about 6 months to get things back in order IMHO.

Pungo3 · 10-25-2005, 11:57 AM

I believe Carnival is supposed to announce tomorrow where we are going. I believe Costa Maya is the #1 choice if they have room for us. It won't matter to me, I'll just be happy to be cruising.

PagodaSwan · 10-25-2005, 11:59 AM

Even if they cannot dock, they can always use tenders. Thats the one good thing about cruiseships, even if the docks no longer exist at least they can get you there once its all made safe. They may decide to use Cozumel again once the rubble is cleared and the buildings made safe...just use the tenders instead. Not ideal but certainly better than nothing IMO.

beth n rod · 10-25-2005, 01:00 PM

Costa Maya is beautiful. We were there in January. Much less commercialized, as it was describe to us it is like Cozumel was about 10 years ago. Friendly people, fun area, and plenty of ruins if you like those.

Beth

Caribbean Girl · 10-25-2005, 05:16 PM

My brother and SIL were there also and loved it...it is a shame to see all the destruction and hear about how much the people are having to put up with...

dolphingirl · 10-25-2005, 10:19 PM

Dh and I were in costa Maya last April. It's a wonderful port.The Ruins are great to see and pretty cool shopping area right close to the pier.