Wednesday, June 4, 2008

LDS Shore Excursions in Cozumel




Hello and welcome to the VP corner. As Vice President of Cruise Lady, Inc I hope to share with you information about our company and the cruises and tours we provide. One of the questions I get asked most often is what private shore excursions do you offer and can you describe them. As pictures represent a 1,000 words I'll post a few highlighting the tours we offer in the Caribbean as well as share thoughts on each. We mix the exotic and beautiful Mayan ruins with fun in the sun activities at the beach. Let's get started!






Cozumel, Mexico. Almost every cruise we offer has a port call at Cozumel Mexico. This island took a direct hit from hurricane Wilma in 2005 causing extensive damage but there are little remaining signs of that devastating storm. Our tour begins in Cozumel at the state ferry dock as we board comfortable hydrofoil boats that whisk us to the mainland city of Playa del Carmen in less than 45 minutes. The seating is comfortable with a handy snack bar and bathrooms available. It can be rough sometimes so bring your meds for sea sickness. Once we arrive in the town of Playa del Carmen we walk to the end of the pier and are welcomed by our local, licensed LDS guide Helaman. He will be with us the next 4 to 5 hours to tell us about the church in Mexico and show us the ruins from an LDS perspective. We get to know him during the hour drive as we depart from Playa del Carmen to the eloquent Mayan ruins at Tulum. He is so knowledgeable and so genuine you can't help but fall in love him and his presentation. Once we arrive at the archaeological site we leave the bus for a short walk through the shopping village and board a tram to the ruins. For those with a little more energy the tram can be bypassed and a 15 minute walk brings you to the entrance. Tulum is the most picturesque spot of all the places we visit. The temple is perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea and contrasting with the pure white sand it will take your breath away. Helaman will guide us throughout this walled city and give us insights into the life of the Maya people and point out facts that only relate to the LDS faith. You will have some free time at the conclusion of the tour for perhaps a quick dip in the ocean or to buy a few souvenirs at the shops. Once we board the bus for the return drive to Playa del Carmen a Subway sandwich lunch will be served including a drink. During the hour drive Helaman will share his testimony and provide more insight into the things we have just witnessed. Once we return to Playa del Carmen we board the ferry for the return trip to the island of Cozumel with only 45 minutes to look around before we have to board ship.