EmenGeeRoxx

Trust me I am confused too. If you take a look at the very first page of this thread you see some of the past brides talking about getting different charges if you stay at the Royal, if you stay at the Gran and if you are at neither. I just sent Zulma another email to clarify. Also I read a few pages back that they are now charging $15USD per guest for any extra hour you go over in the reception? I got my quote back in January 2009 and it says $10USD more per person per hour if I go over the allotted time. Here is what I have in my quote •If I want to stay longer at my reception dinner is there an extra charge? •Yes, 10 USD per person per extra hour. It will include the location, service and open bar. If your wedding is in an external area and you would like to have extra hours later than the time allowed, depending on the availability, we could move the group to the ball room.

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan Hi Allison and other brides, We are doing an excursion on a catamaran for our rehersal dinner. I contacted catamaya :::::::::: CATAMAYA ::::::::::. I got the info through another bride on this forum who used them. Our photographer Samuel Luna offers an extra shoot so we chose to have him do the rehersal dinner and thought a catamaran would be really cool. They offer the following, Morning Charter with Grilled Burgers From 10am to 2pm The lunch includes: Green salad with Italian and French dressing, Guacamole, Mexican salsa, tortilla chips and an hamburger that our chef grills on our stainless steel grill on the back of the catamaran. Cost: USD $40 Per Person Morning Charter with Lobster or Steak From 10am to 2pm The lunch includes: Green salad with Italian and French dressing, pasta salad, mexican salsa, Guacamole, Tortilla chips and Choice of one Rib Eye Steak or one Lobster tail that our chef grills (with garlic and butter). Cost: USD $50 Per Person You also may consider a Sunset Charter, as follows the prices and options: SUNSET Charter with Snacks From 3:30pm to 7:30pm The quoted 'standard' snacks are: Guacamole, Mexican salsa, Tortilla chips and assorted nuts. Cost: USD $34 per person SUNSET Charter with Hamburgers All the same sack as above From 3:30pm to 7:30pm Cost: $38 per person SUNSET Charter with Lobster or Steak All the same menu as the morning charter From 3:30pm to 7:30pm Cost: $45 per person All the options above include: - Beer ( Corona ) - national rum, vodka, tequila - Sodas: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite - Juices: Orange, Pineapple - Purified water · All the snorkel gear is provided. · The tips and transportation are not included. If you need us to provide the round trip transportation, please consider USD 10.00 per person. · A 30% deposit is required order to book the date, and the balance will have to be paid one week before the event. · At the following link you could find more images of Catamaya: YouTube - Catamaya Sailing Cruises The only thing is as you see above it is extra for the transportation. They leave out of puerto morales. I am waiting for our TA to see if maybe there is the same thing local in Playa so we do not have to do the transportation. Wow they must like you! I was quoted around $80 USD per person or I could charter the whole boat for $4000.

Quote: Originally Posted by kimmy44 I just have a questions, way back in the thread emengeeroxx says that he has to pay 20 extra for gran porto real guests coming over to the royal for reception but my TA was told that guests of any real resorts were NOT extra (unless above package number and then still were cheaper price), does anyone know what the deal is here? Thanks, Kim Trentlaw posted on June 24 that their guests paid $20 for the guest pass. Also in the price list I got it states guest price and non guest price. Non guest price means not staying at the Royal. From Zulma: "In the attachments I sent you can find the description of each buffet Regarding the non guest price this is all the people that is not staying in the royal playa del Carmen "

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan Hi Emen, We are acctually going on a site trip this Novemeber and a taste testing is included. However we put down a deposit so I was told if we had not it would be $50 per person. I was told by several people the food is amazing there. Including Lori and Lincoln from Moments That Matter photography. They acctually said it was the best food they have ever had. Thank you. Not sure if we will have time for a site visit, but we will try and be there a few days before.

Quote: Originally Posted by sarah310 It looks like the top link is the resort, and the bottom link is for a wedding at the eco park -- Xcaret. They are right next to each other, but not one in the same. Thank you. Reading a bit more it looks like the Park is a bit more expensive. Can someone please email me the pricelist and other relevant docs to gmesina A.T gmail D.OT com. I guess I don't have enough points to download them. I would like to know if you can extend the 3hr reception time? Seems a bit short. Thanks!

Can someone please tell me the difference between these 2 Occidental Grand Xcaret, All Inclusive Riviera Maya, Mexico All Inclusive Resort Xcaret Weddings - Cancun Mexico wedding riviera maya spectacular eco park Are they one in the same or is one for the resort and the other just for the park? Thank you.

Quote: Originally Posted by KPEG EmenGeeRoxx, did you ever find out about Wedding Insurance in Canada? I came across this as something to ask about when planning the DW but don't know anything about it in Canada. Let me know if you have any info on it. Thanks! No luck! I tried many companies in the US and they directed me to their Canadian sister companies and none will do it. They do have wedding insurance but for domestic weddings. None for destination. One of the travel agents recommended this as a substitute Manulife is excellent and does cover for cancellation and interruption for a multitude of reasons. There is no deductible and honeymooners get upgrade for free to the Concierge Deluxe Plan for the cost of the Recommended Plan. Here is the overview and the detailed coverage as well on this linkL: https://www.igoinsured.com/TravelWeb...rms/policy.pdf Plan Description Our most comprehensive packaged insurance for travel outside of Canada offering enhanced coverage and benefits . Including, 24/7 assistance, baggage tracking, theatre bookings, restaurant reservations, language services and business travel services etc. Exclusions apply. See policy booklet for details. Benefit Summary Medical Expenses Up to $10,000,000 Air Flight Accident Up to $250,000 Worldwide Accident Up to $50,000 Baggage and Personal Effects Up to $1,500 Mislaid luggage & Rental equipment Up to $500 Personal Money Up to $200 Trip Cancellation Sum Insured Trip Interruption Unlimited Travel Delay / Special Events Up to $1,000

Hello ladies....some questions...sorry if these are repeats 1) Tipping. Did you guys tip your WC, musicians, photographers/videographers, servers, DJs. And at what $ or %? 2) Taste testing. Were you able to taste test the food before your wedding? Thanks!

Anyone familiar with Gerardo Guzman from Mike's team? Any reviews?

Great 'tips' in this thread. Thanks

Elizabeth's work always amazes me. When I try and promote my wedding I send them links to pictures from her blog

I went there for a wedding a few years ago. I really didn't like the resort as there was nothing to do at night. You had to leave the resort to enjoy the nightlife. My buddy's wedding was on the beach and they had the reception in a secluded area. The reception ended at 11pm and there was nothing to do after except hang out at the lobby. You can probably find better.

Quote: Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl Is anyone planning on having guests stay at the Gran Portal resort (sister resort)? I have some guests that will have kids with them and some guests that may not want to pay the price for the Royal. I'm just wondering is this going to be difficult to have guests at 2 different hotels? For the wedding day I would be covered, but for the rest of the week, I wonder if I wouldn't see the guests over at the Gran Portal very often. I know that I can use their pool for free. Just wondering if that seems weird to pay for the all-inclusive at the Royal and to use the ammenities at the other resort. Are we able to meet up on the beach? Are the beaches right next to eachother. Any thoughts anyone has would be greatly appreciated. I was almost 100% decided on the Royal and then started thinking about these details and am a little concerned that I may not see my friends, except for any "planned" outings. It looks like most of my guests will be Gran Porto Real as well. My fiancee and I will still be at the Royal. I think it's okay. If we want some quiet time we can just stay on our own at the Royal and we can meet up anytime with our other friends at the Gran. It shouldn't be hard to find them. Just get their room numbers and you should be able to call them from within the resort. You can meet up on the beach and it has been suggested that you tell them to come to the Royal's beach as it is much nicer. The only crappy part is that we have to pay $20 more per guest for the reception if they are not staying at the Royal. Ah well.

Quote: Originally Posted by spatzle Hi, WC yazmin de la mora is taking care of EVERYTHING. Her fee is 475 usd. She offers three different english-speaking priests for 200-250 usd. Good luck! Thanks. That's a lot cheaper than one of the other companies quoting me. It's okay though I resolved everything on my own and found my priest. Thanks!

Yes, the prices have dropped across the board for Mexico a few days ago! TA said AC vacations usually posts first and are typically higher than the other tour operators. Transat should be posting their prices in the next few weeks and you should see even better deals.

Trentlaw thanks for the post. After the past few weeks of frustration and pricing things have finally turned. Your post got me and the fiancee really excited again. You are blessed to have that many people come down with you. I'd like to know more about the charter. Could you give details on pricing etc? Thx

Just this afternoon I believe. I called the TA and she said Air Canada is starting to load the prices now so Air Transat and the other tour companies should follow suit in a few weeks.

Quote: Originally Posted by lexibride What prices are you guys getting? Maybe try this site? Home I don't know if I can post it or not but I found cheaper hotel rates on here as opposed to the hotels site! Mods just delete if I shouldn't have it there! I am from Canada so all our pricing includes hotel and flight. As of this morning I was getting $2000+ CAD taxes and transfers included for the Gran Porto Real. Last year it was $1300. The Royal pricing was not out yet this morning so I was assuming it would be at least $500 more. Anyway I just checked the different sites and the pricing has gone down for all the resorts in Mexico for January! The pricing is similar to 2009 so I am very happy. Hoor-f@ckin-ray!!! Pardon my portuguese!

Quote: Originally Posted by loanmao EmenGeeRoxx....I feel your frustration as well. I think all the resorts are hoping the high season will remain high in 2010. I almost believe that it's not worth it for guests to do early booking to be promised the guaranteed group rate. Perhaps if they wait a little longer, they can find a dirt cheap option. Their site even boasts $35.84 USD for last min deal to The Royal!!! That should be a question I ask the WC during my site visit. I'll be going down July 21-23. Any requests for pictures?? Can you please take pics of the ballroom? I need to know the size and layout. If there is a stage can you take pics for me as well please? Thanks very much!!!!!

I just cannot get a straight explanation why the prices are higher? What is driving this? The prices are so low right now because of the SF, do they expect a surge in the New Year? For those that booked in the past, is their a one time price match option if the price goes down? Like shorting a stock?

Emailed the TA today and no sign of relief "At this time, Transat and AC Vacations have only loaded their pricing up to end of December and it could be a few more weeks before we see pricing in January for the Royal Playa del Carmen. Pricing has been loaded for the Gran Porto Real" Great, the Gran Porto Real prices for January 2010 are $2000+!!!! $700 more than the 2009 January prices!

How far is the Real? Just talked to the travel agent today and she offered no signs of price relief for January. I still don't understand the huge jump in price. It's f@cking frustrating, pardon my french.

I forgot in the US you guys get room rates and you have to book your flight separately? In Canada we get package rates which include flight, hotel and transfer. Those prices you quoted are per person for the room only correct or does that include flight and transfers?

Quote: Originally Posted by loanmao Emengeeroxx...We'll probably be there the same time! Allison&Kevin...will you be staying after your wedding on the 9th? Perhaps our stays will overlap as well! Maybride...hope things work out this time around.. good luck! I truly hope so! I am getting frustrated with the lack of pricing info and/or pricing increase from 2009 to 2010. I have contacted several agents and and of course I told them all I am looking for competitive pricing for 2010. Some tell me that the winter prices are not out yet and I have to wait until August when the tour operators come out with their packages and everything. Some tell me due to the swine flu pricing info has been delayed a few months etc etc. It's crazy because in 2009 the pricing for the Gran Porto Real was around $1300-$1500 for the run of the house and for the Royal $1700-$2000 for the Junior Suite. If you look now and try to get prices for 2010 they are asking for $2100 for the Gran Porto Real and $2300 for the Royal. As much it is a dream wedding and it should be about my fiancee and I, etc, I still want a good deal for my guests. I can't expect them to pay too much especially when last years prices were significantly lower. Loanmao or any other winter 2K10 brides, what pricing are you getting right now?

If anyone needs help booking the chapel at the Nuestra Senora Del Carmen let me know. It took me a while to gather all the info, but with the help with a lot of people on this forum, I have everything that you need.