Cruise to Mexico

sabotg

My wife has planned a Mexican Riviera cruise for early next year. It includes stops to Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Normally the touristy areas are pretty safe and I’m sure for the most part that will be the case. With the escalation in violence recently we are rethinking the trip. So I’d like to hear from you Polkies on what you would do. We have until December to cancel. (We lose the trip insurance but that’s it) Has anyone been to the touristy areas recently? If so how was the trip?

wallstreet

My parents recently went to Cancun. They said they're done with Mexico. I think I am too. Too bad since they're so close to Texas.

xj4094dg

I have not been recently but I have worked in Mexico City and Tijuana in the past. We did computer systems for the national electric company down there and our security consultants told us that Mexico City and Tijuana were the most dangerous cities for Americans.

My company owns hotels in Acapulco and I won't go because of the violence. F-it.

I will NEVER go back to Mexico for any reason. I love it, but it AIN'T worth it. PASS.

dorokusai

We just returned from Cozumel, which isn't really close to any of the turmoil but we did cancel our off-shore, deep excursions based on what we heard and found on the news.

We still had a blast and while limited to the downtown area, it was excellent. We'd go back again, no doubt....and it was our 2nd visit to the area in 3 years. That being said, the rest of the country has become off limits for us and we'll simply go somewhere else for the next few years.

I believe one of the attacks was multiple firebombs into a local tourist area/bar/restaurant, not sure of the actual town but it was a common name. Just check out the news via internet...it happened.

Outfitter03

Completely cancelling a trip like this would be a real let down, especially with your wife planning this. Because you are still a ways out from departure you have the option to work with the cruise lines and see if they are willing to shift ships and destinations.

During the dark winter months, the weather is much more predictable and can be nicer in the Caribbean than in Mexico anyway. Depending on your location, airfare may add to your cost but for the better weather and the safety factor this is another option to consider.

You didn't mention which Cruise Line you were on, but they are all about customer service, unlike say, Airlines! They are usually very flexible and have ability to negotiate costs. Never hurts to look at the options and give them a call.

Outfitter03

If you are looking at switching ships and destinations here is a great link:
http://www.cruisecritic.com/. I like reading the travelers reviews such as found on trip advisor. You need to filter through the whiners but it gives you a good sense of what the ship has to offer.

Cruising Rocks!

gdb

It's really better in the Bahamas !

sabotg

Outfitter03 wrote: »

Completely cancelling a trip like this would be a real let down, especially with your wife planning this. Because you are still a ways out from departure you have the option to work with the cruise lines and see if they are willing to shift ships and destinations.

During the dark winter months, the weather is much more predictable and can be nicer in the Caribbean than in Mexico anyway. Depending on your location, airfare may add to your cost but for the better weather and the safety factor this is another option to consider.

You didn't mention which Cruise Line you were on, but they are all about customer service, unlike say, Airlines! They are usually very flexible and have ability to negotiate costs. Never hurts to look at the options and give them a call.

It's being booked on Disney Cruise Lines. We are bringing our two kids with us. I'm thinking about canceling the idea of doing any of the excursions and maybe if we decide to get off the ship stay close (In Port)

danger boy

sabotg wrote: »

My wife has planned a Mexican Riviera cruise for early next year. It includes stops to Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. Normally the touristy areas are pretty safe and I’m sure for the most part that will be the case. With the escalation in violence recently we are rethinking the trip. So I’d like to hear from you Polkies on what you would do. We have until December to cancel. (We lose the trip insurance but that’s it) Has anyone been to the touristy areas recently? If so how was the trip?

I just got home a week ago from this same trip.. don't worry... it's safe. There was never a time where I felt unsafe. Police everywhere, esp around the ports. Some even have armed military personnel guarding the tourists. Mexico will do whatever it takes to protect you as long as you stay out of the remote areas. Don't wonder off alone to any remote area.

We took a tour to the area of Copala and Concordia Sinaloa, Mexico.. with a tour bus and felt safe the entire time.

Don't cancel your trip.. you'll regret it. We were on Carnival Splendor ship.. fun times.. so much to see and do. The shows on the ship were fun, food was very good in the steakhouse. Drinks can get expensive on the ship.

Messge me or post here for more tips. Esp tips on getting booze on the ship.

Tequila rules and it's everywhere.

danger boy

we did zip lining 60 minutes outside of PV, and there too it was completly safe.. and that was in the jungle so to speak.. just book any excursions with a reputable company.

I think we booked through Canyon Canopy tours or something like that. There is plenty for your kids to do on a Carnival ship.. plenty for all age groups. Water slide, pool, mini golf, video arcade, tons of planned things by quality ship staff.. teaching kids to dance.. etc.

miner

I do Cabo twice a year - I have never felt unsafe there. The locals are very friendly and actually talk down about the cartels. Never been to your other destinations but PV has been getting alot of news time lately due to violence.