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 complete cruise group was abuzz.
In case you missed it, the cruise line spent $600 million with a purpose 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 occasions 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 principle pool will get very crowded when three ships are in port, and among the facilities are properly previous their prime.
From the dolphin enclosure to the hen 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 – not less than that’s the belief.
Royal Caribbean is shopping for up the land on which the Misplaced Mayan Kingdom at the moment resides.
And in case you’ve seen the waterpark on Excellent Day or Icon of the Seas, you already know the executives most likely have some huge plans for this space as properly.
What About Different Cruise Strains?
Royal Caribbean has said that different cruise strains, even competing firms, will nonetheless be allowed to go to the port.
In reality, it’s possible that the principle port space will obtain some much-needed upgrades and face-lifts after the corporate is completed with the mission.
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’s 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 can be accessible to different cruise strains.
The important thing benefit for Royal Caribbean is that each passenger on these different ships can be properly conscious of this “different space” of the port that they will’t entry.
Maybe will probably be much like the sensation Norwegian Cruise Line company 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 realm 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 ft 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 Strains Discover Alternate options?
Whereas shopping for Costa Maya and the encircling land was a genius transfer by Royal Caribbean, some speculate that this might encourage different cruise strains to seek out different ports to go to.
In any case, who needs the competitors tempting away their passengers?
Cozumel is already a very talked-about cruise port that’s 100 miles north of Costa Maya, however it’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 non-public vacation spot at Celebration Key, resulting from open subsequent 12 months on Grand Bahama.
This can be Carnival’s most bold non-public vacation spot up to now and an apparent signal that non-public 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 can be on the port. However I might not be shocked 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 concerning the “two-ports-in-one” expertise? As we anticipate 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 charges can add up. Crowds may be a problem as properly, particularly with multiple ship in port.
Non-public islands are designed for the vacationers at coronary heart, and don’t supply the cultural expertise of cruises with destination-focused itineraries.
That being stated, 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 non-public vacation spot as properly.
