With Royal Caribbean Shopping for Costa Maya, How Will Different Cruise Strains Be Impacted?

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 group was abuzz.

In case you missed it, the cruise line spent $600 million so as to remodel 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 seaside, the principle pool will get very crowded when three ships are in port, and a number of the facilities are effectively previous their prime.

From the dolphin enclosure to the chicken aviary with rope walkways over the port under, I’ve skilled about all there’s 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 belief. 

Royal Caribbean is shopping for up the land on which the Misplaced Mayan Kingdom at present resides.

And when you’ve seen the waterpark on Excellent Day or Icon of the Seas, you understand the executives most likely have some massive plans for this space as effectively.

What About Different Cruise Strains?

Royal Caribbean has said that different cruise traces, even competing corporations, will nonetheless be allowed to go to the port.

Actually, it’s seemingly that the principle port space will obtain some much-needed upgrades and face-lifts after the corporate is finished with the undertaking.

Anne Kalosh with Seatrade not too long ago said 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 seemingly have unique entry to Excellent Day Mexico, whereas a central port space will probably be accessible to different cruise traces.

The important thing benefit for Royal Caribbean is that each passenger on these different ships will probably be effectively conscious of this “different space” of the port that they’ll’t entry.

Maybe will probably be just 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 world surrounding the pier of Costa Maya will get updates and doubtless 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 search out different ports to go to.

In any case, who desires 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 traces like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises can have some selections to make.   Carnival is already creating their very own personal vacation spot at Celebration Key, as a result of open subsequent 12 months on Grand Bahama.

This will probably 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 trade’s future.

It stays to be seen how “in your face” the advertising for Excellent Day Mexico’s advertising will probably be on the port.   However I might not be shocked to see some cruise traces discover various 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 concerning the “two-ports-in-one” expertise?  As we await particulars on Excellent Day Mexico, it’s necessary to keep in mind that not each cruise passenger desires 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 could be a problem as effectively, particularly with multiple 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 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 personal vacation spot as effectively.