Costa Crowded

March 16, 2023

So, Costa Maya is another one of those “made places” I have been talking about. Costa Maya is one of the older ones. In 2001, Mexico built this fancy port near a small village called Mahahual, to attract cruise ships. There are a number of Mayan archeological sites nearby (within 1 to 2 hours). We visited a site called Chacchoben when we were here several years ago.   

Costa Maya shopping village and activities area, as seen from the dock

We decided to go for a walk around the port area to get some exercise. There were two medium-sized ships in port today, and it was very crowded. It was hard to navigate through the crowds to get anywhere. It was especially hard to get to the shops and to get into them.

There were aggressive salespeople outside every shop, attempting to engage passers-by in conversation. Every shop sold the same made-in China junk: t-shirts, island shirts, tote bags, towels, hats, flip flops, liquor, magnets. The ubiquitous jewelry shops were there, of course.

There were some bars and restaurants. There was a large free pool in the center, with a legion of kids in it. There were a few “photo op” spots, and a very small beach.

A flamingo habitat. Who doesn’t love these gorgeous, silly-looking birds?

Colorful parrots

I’m gonna name him “Flounder”

 

If you pay a few dollars, they will take a photo of you (with your camera) next to the two people dressed in traditional Mayan style

A fake Mayan temple provides yet another photo op

It was two crowded to make a full circuit around the port, so we decided to head back to the ship. We stopped on the dock to look at the beautiful, clear water.

When we go to the area where the ships were docked, we had to walk through a crowded metal canyon.

Sky Princess is the one on the left

In the evening we attended the Captain’s Circle Cocktail Party to see who beat us out of third place. They had about 50% more days at sea than we have. Can’t argue with that. After we disembark in two days, Sky Princess’s Caribbean season will be over and she will sail to Southampton, England. A number of folks who boarded this week will be staying on for the crossing.

After dinner we saw the new show, Spotlight Bar, which we had so enjoyed last week. Such entertaining choreography!

Today’s color is Flamingo Pink.