When Royal Caribbean introduced final week that they had 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 to be able to remodel Costa Maya into Good Day Mexico, scheduled for 2027.
Apparently, the success of Good 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 provide entry to the seashore, the primary pool will get very crowded when three ships are in port, and a number of the facilities are properly previous their prime.
From the dolphin enclosure to the chicken 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 – no less than that’s the idea.
Royal Caribbean is shopping for up the land on which the Misplaced Mayan Kingdom at present resides.
And should you’ve seen the waterpark on Good Day or Icon of the Seas, you recognize the executives in all probability have some huge plans for this space as properly.
What About Different Cruise Strains?
Royal Caribbean has acknowledged that different cruise traces, even competing firms, will nonetheless be allowed to go to the port.
Actually, it’s probably that the primary port space will obtain some much-needed upgrades and face-lifts after the corporate is completed with the challenge.
Anne Kalosh with Seatrade lately acknowledged that “ships from different cruise traces 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 seem like?
Till we hear extra from Royal Caribbean that is principally hypothesis. However the cruise line’s personal passengers will probably have unique entry to Good Day Mexico, whereas a central port space will likely be accessible to different cruise traces.
The important thing benefit for Royal Caribbean is that each passenger on these different ships will likely be properly conscious of this “different space” of the port that they’ll’t entry.
Maybe it will likely be just like the sensation Norwegian Cruise Line visitors have after they see Good Day at Cococay from Nice Stirrup Cay. In spite of everything, it’s lower than 2 miles away.
By the way in which, 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 fully 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 traces to seek out different ports to go to.
In spite of everything, who desires the competitors tempting away their passengers?
Cozumel is already a very fashionable 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 traces like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises may have some choices to make. Carnival is already creating their very own personal vacation spot at Celebration Key, on account of open subsequent yr on Grand Bahama.
This will likely be Carnival’s most formidable personal vacation spot up to now 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 and marketing for Good Day Mexico’s advertising and marketing will likely be on the port. However I’d not be stunned to see some cruise traces discover different locations.
Different cruise traces 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 look ahead to particulars on Good Day Mexico, it’s vital to keep in mind that not each cruise passenger desires the “Good Day” expertise.
Whereas many eating places and actions are included within the cruise fare, the additional prices and costs can add up. Crowds will be a problem as properly, particularly with a couple of ship in port.
Personal islands are designed for the vacationers at coronary heart, and don’t provide the cultural expertise of cruises with destination-focused itineraries.
That being stated, Royal Caribbean followers who love the Good 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 properly.