Port Change - Splendour of the Seas - Feb 13, 2006

[Cruise#3]

Just letting everyone know that they have made a last minute port change on the Splendour of the Seas sailing Monday, Feb. 13, 2006 from Galveston, Texas. We will no longer be going to Cozumel. Instead we are going to Playa Del Carmen. Don't know if this is good or bad, but I sure hop it doesn't mess up my shore excursion to Xel-Ha.

[Dave]

Actually, going to Playa will make your tour to Xel-Ha easier.

[Cruise#3]

I agree, however, I spoke with customer service and they say that they aren't sure that willbe one of the tours offered. I then I mentioned that if it was, I should be refunded some $$ because we wouldn't have to take a ferry from Cozumel to the mainland. But the customer service rep said he has never heard of them doing that. So now, do I purchase tickets on-line with Xel-Ha and take a taxi once I get there or hope Royal Caribbean does the right thing?

[Dave]

Are you saying you already booked Xel-Ha through RCCL? If so you are probably stuck with their price unless they don't offer the tour in which case you will get all of your money back. I haven't done it personally, but I'd be surprised if you were not able to buy a Xel-Ha tour at the pier in Playa (or Calica). I don't see a need to book it on-line before your cruise unless you were wanting to do the dolphin thing which can sell out.

[Sandy]

If so you are probably stuck with their price unless they don't offer the tour in which case you will get all of your money back.

RCI has a cancellation policy for its shore excursions, and it may be possible to get one's money back if you cancel more than 24 hours before the tour starts.

Cruise #3, if you are thinking of cancelling your shore excursion, contact your travel agent or the cruise line as soon as possible, and ask the cancellation policy for your particular excursion.

Sandy

[Cruise#3]

The problem I am seeing is if they do offer the Xel-Ha tour from Playa, I should get $18 per person returned to me since we aren't taking the ferry from Cozumel, (I've checked on-line and that's how much it costs if you purchase it at the dock). However, the RCCL customer service rep. stated to me yesterday that he had never heard of them doing a partial refund like that. I don't think that is right. So if they don't offer to give me some of my money back or don't offer that tour, I was thinking we might just do it on our own. What is the availablity of getting transportation from the pier? Which is the safest and most reliable? Any recommendations?