DETAILS:

 

Room Block Locations: Sunrise Toronja - some guests upgraded to Sunrise Luna (executive suites) Check on the map where you prefer to be. The assigned room block was close to the ceremony and reception, but further from the main lobby.

 

Miami Sales - Pilar Fernandez (disappeared), Geraldine Flores (inconsiderate)

 

Cancun WC - Claudia Fonseca (pre-travel), Valeria Vera (took over when Claudia had an emergency)

 

Wedding Package - Complimentary, plus $300 fee for civil ceremony costs

 

Welcome Dinner - Palapa Fragata

 

Wedding Ceremony - Bugambilias Gazebo (closest to Sunrise section)

 

Cocktail Hour and Reception - Bugambilias Terrace

 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS PURCHASED FROM MOON PALACE:

 

Hair and Makeup for Bride: $86 (paid with palace money)

Polish Change for Bride: $19 (paid with palace money)

Centerpieces for Table: $180 for two

Corsages for Mothers: $90 for two

Bride's Dress Pressing: $36

Groom's Suit Pressing: $23

Men's Dress Shirt Pressing: $8 each

Day Passes for 2 Guests: $86 each

Horse and Carriage Arrival: $130

Videographer: $500 (paid with palace money)

PSAV Speaker System for iPod: $230 (includes technician for 4 hours for less than 40 people)

Decor Set-up Fee: $55

Shipping for DVD: $65 (received week after wedding)

 

OTHER SUPPLIERS:

Real Touch Flowers: Afloral.com

Chair Sashes: Wedding Linens Direct

Photographers: http://www.light-scape.ca

 

BOOKING & RESERVATIONS: D

We became engaged at the end of July and since we knew right away that we would be getting married at Moon Palace we began the process of selecting a date. The online form requesting a date and time is easy to submit, and Palace Resorts replied very quickly to our questions via email in the beginning of the process. My parents are Palace Members, so we also knew we would be booking through our membership for additional benefits. At first, we were assigned to Pilar and she was very good at answering emails and sending us information to get our contract prepared. As soon as our contract was signed, the service became unbearable.

No one would return our phone calls or our guests phone calls, emails went unanswered for weeks, in fact I still have no response from an email complaint I sent in January to numerous people. We had to push to get anyone to accept a call, the trick we learned was to tell the receptionist that you are calling to make a payment. The word reservation doesn't work, you have to tease them with money. I'm so glad that we got additional benefits as members, otherwise I would only book through travel agents in the future.

Our reservation was moved around to a few different people when Pilar left, so every time I called when they asked who our sales contact was I would have to tell them that I don’t know because it is always changing. All our reservations had to be done by phone so it was frustrating for our guests. In the end, I played travel agent and would call with all the information.

I booked all the transfers through email. That process went smoothly. For our guests staying 7 nights, the transfers were included.

 

PRE-ARRANGEMENTS WITH CANCUN WC: A

About 4 months before our wedding date, I sent an email telling the Miami department that I wanted to make arrangements for private events. They gave me the contact information for Claudia Fonseca, and after that I would only send wedding questions to Claudia. I vowed not to bother her, as I understand that they try to focus on the current weddings. I would make a list of questions to email her and would only send her a message every couple of weeks. She would usually take a couple of days to get the answers, but was great. She was really helpful.

 

ARRIVAL: B

Our plane was delayed, and we had to wait over an hour for the last piece of luggage to be found. Needless to say, we missed our scheduled transportation, so we had to wait almost another hour for room on a van. We paid $6/beer at the airport but we were THIRSTY! We should have just hired a taxi when we got there. Once we arrived at the lobby, we were greeted with cool towels and directed to the member check in. We didn't receive a cold drink or flower, but saw others receive them :( Everything went smoothly there, but we were "encouraged" to meet with a planner to arrange tours and how to spend our palace money. We avoided her since we already knew how we were spending our money. She hunted us down once when we were walking through the lobby. She also called our room several times. Eventually she realized that we were spending our money on our own so she stopped calling. Or maybe it was because we skipped out on two meetings with her.

We reserved our room block on the Sunrise side, because it is more lively and exciting. There is also more restaurant options. We also spent most nights at the Swing Bar which is located in the center of the pool area.

We were quickly checked into our rooms at the members section, and began the long walk from the lobby to Toronja section. I felt so bad for our bell boy that had to push a fully loaded trolley with bags for 6 people! He was rewarded generously though. I wish we were told how far it was so we could have brought drinks with us.  We were also never directed to the special snacks that they have set up for members and when we went back later it was really empty. Not a great first impression for some of our guests.

 

ROOMS: A

We travelled with the groomsmen and DH’s parents, so all three of our rooms were very close. We could look out our balcony and see the ocean, the mini golf and the room service kitchen. Initially, our room was right next to the groomsmen which could have been awkward, but we moved the day before our wedding to another section (away from DH’s parents). It was convenient for a few days, since everyone tended to stick together, but not very conducive to “honeymooning.”

The rooms were beautiful and spacious. The rooms with king size beds have hammocks and we fell asleep in ours many nights. It was fabulous to go out to the balcony, feel the breeze and listen to the ocean. The bathrooms were nicely stocked with towels, Biosilk shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion. There was also Biosilk bubble bath beside the Jacuzzi.

Since we were staying 11 nights, and a room upgrade is priced for 7 nights, we moved to the Luna section for the last 7 nights. A few of our guests were there and my parents were in the Presidential suite in that section. The rooms were similar, but had a few upgrades. We requested aromatherapy pillows and room scents.

We had two people that stayed in the Nizuc section because no one returned their calls to book in our group and they got frustrated and booked on their own. The rooms were very similar, just a few years older. The only difference that stood out for me was that they had a short glass wall around the Jacuzzi. The picture below was the view from our balcony in Luna.

 

 

TOURS: B

Booking tours was easy. The second day, we went to one of the many desks in the lobby with our list of what we wanted to book. Some of the tours were booked already, but when we went back later in the week they often added another bus so more spaces would be available. Because we were Palace members, each person in our group received 2 free tours. Some people didn’t bother booking any tours and just spent their time at the resort.

 

TULUM & XPU-HA: D – Bring a towel for Tulum and lots of water.

I really regret wasting a day on this tour. Several people had never been to Mexico before, so I thought this would be a good trip to learn more about the history and see some sites. After we had been on the bus for three hours on our way to Tulum I was regretting it. The highway is pretty boring and all you really see is the entrance gates to lots of other resorts. There is a lot of traffic, so it can be slow. Just before you get to Tulum, after 3 hours on the bus, you stop at a market with washrooms. This was only good for the washroom which was rustic, but clean and had running water. The market is overpriced and doesn’t have a lot of selection. Of course, by this time a few people were thirsty and hungry so bought $3 bottles of Gatorade. About half an hour later you get to Tulum. There is a huge market there with lots more shopping, but the guide hustles you past to walk to the ruins. But wait, just when you think you’re getting somewhere good, he’ll stop and talk for twenty minutes. After about a half hour walk, you finally get inside the ruins and can leave the guide. We did a quick walk around and then headed for the beach. The ocean is beautiful and the waves were great. Make sure you take off any glasses before you go in the ocean, one guy lost his sunglasses and was pretty upset. We played in the ocean for a while and then headed back to the market. You only have a couple of hours there, so plan accordingly. There was a Dairy Queen right by the parking lot, but I preferred the fresh coconut.

After Tulum, it’s back on the bus for a couple of hours until you get to Xpu-Ha. It’s another Palace Resort that is geared towards ecologically friendly vacations. It’s basically different huts built in the jungle. I had been there about 6 years ago and thought it was beautiful. Since then, they have lost access to the beach and everyone just sits by the pool. I feel bad for the people that stay there since the resort gets occupied by the tour for lunch. The food was okay, but I’m glad there is so much more variety at Moon.

We decided to go snorkeling after lunch and were excited to see the lagoon. I remembered there was lots of fish and was excited to try my underwater camera. All I can say is look out! They have snorkeling and kayaking in the same lagoon. Big mistake! There was lots of kids in kayaks that didn’t know how to paddle or look around. Most of us either got hit with a kayak or a paddle. It wouldn’t have been too bad, except there wasn’t any fish to see. So I guess it is more of a learn to snorkel excursion.

Overall, this was a day spent mostly on the bus.

 

 

ISLA MUJERES: B+

I wanted to be away from the resort the day before our wedding. I figured that way I couldn’t stress because I wouldn’t be able to change anything. This was a good trip for the day. A few years ago, you used to board a boat right at the MP dock which would take you to Isla Mujeres Palace. Now that it is adults only at the Palace resort, you take a bus into Cancun and then catch a boat from there. The cruise to the island is nice. We made sure to be at the front of the line so we could get a good spot up front. We were a group of 10, so we had to make sure there was lots of room for everyone. It’s a nice calm cruise, and the water is beautiful. Make sure to ask where and what time to catch the boat in town if you’re not staying at Dolphin Discovery. We wandered around a bit before having lunch. They have Manatees, dolphins and sea lions there. After lunch, we caught a taxi to Isla Mujeres Palace, it was $5. Just be forewarned that it is adults only, so no kids. Once there we grabbed a spot by the pool and relaxed for a bit. It is really quiet there, we almost felt bad for making so much noise playing around. There were water bikes, so we used those for a bit. Then we had another snack and headed into the city for a little shopping. It was $5 again. Shopping wasn’t too bad, we got a few things.

The boat ride back is fun. The guides do a routine and have tequila shots. I’m pretty sure it’s the same routine from 6 years ago… but still entertaining. After that it’s back on the bus for a nap on your way to Moon Palace.

 

 

ZIPLINING: B+

This was the only tour we went on alone. It was nice to finally have some time just for the two of us after our guests left. I was starting to feel like a tour guide always making arrangements for everyone and telling people where to be. When you board the bus, they take you past the place so that they can sell you all the additional activities. We didn’t want to do anything but zipline. Once you’re there the process is quick, sign your waivers, get your safety equipment and a quick lesson before they send you on your way. It’s fun and happens really fast, there’s not much time to get scared. The whole route takes about half an hour and you’re always moving. It was fun. When we were done, a bunch of us tried to wrangle a trip back to the hotel from a bus driver. For $3 each we managed a trip across the street, where the resort is. Otherwise, you have to wait at least an hour for the bus back.

 

 

RESTAURANTS: A+

There is so much variety available, and I always say if you’re not happy with what you got, there’s still over a dozen other restaurants you can choose. Here’s a list of our opinions.

ARRIFICES: Brazilian in Nizuc

There is usually a wait, so they give you a pager and you can have drinks in the lobby while you wait. The salad bar is good. They bring the meat to your table on skewers in traditional Churrascurio style, with a card to flip red or green if you want more. It is pretty decent, but my favorite part is the dessert cart. I probably would have only gone once, but other guests liked it so we went twice.

MANGLAR: Buffet in Nizuc

Hubby and I went here once for breakfast on the day of our meeting with WC. It was decent, pretty much all the buffet breakfasts are the same.

EL CARIBENO – Caribbean in Grand

This was my favorite place to eat. We went there twice and so did lots of our guests. Everything looked fabulous and tasted delicious. The décor here is beautiful too, looking onto the infinity pool, and a huge glass wine cellar.

LOS TACOS – Lunch Stand in Grand

It was difficult to find, but it is beside the pool at the back of Grand. Hubby and I snuck off here one day and are so glad. It was sooooo good. They have platters of traditional tacos. It was nice to see the quiet lounge area there too. Maybe a nice escape from your guests.

LA TRATTORIO – Italian at Golf Course

We went here near the end of our trip. I went to the spa and hubby met me for dinner. I think by this time I was tired of eating every couple of hours, and full from all the eating and drinking over 10 days. It was good, there was lots of tables of two.

MO MO NO HANA – Japanese at Sunrise

It’s best to make reservations here because it is usually busy. We had 1 table of 10, 1 table of 8 and another table of 6. Unfortunately, we were spread all over the restaurant. They bring you a platter of assorted appetizers as soon as you sit down. I love the deep fried queso, even though I don’t think it’s at all Asian. I ordered sushi which was pretty tasty. We also tried the Saki, for which I still haven’t acquired a taste.

GONDOLA – Italian at Sunrise

We had both breakfast buffets and dinner buffets here. My favorite was the Mexican breakfast items here. One day I left my camera on the table and when I realized it a couple of hours later, they had it at the hostess stand. The dinner buffet was also really good here.

BUGAMBILIAS – Mexican at Sunrise

We often went here for breakfast. All the buffets have smoothie bars that are made to your request.

 

WEDDING DAY: A+

 

GETTING READY: A

Finally, the part you have been waiting for. Our wedding day was amazing, with just a few snags. We spent the night before our wedding apart. I didn’t sleep well the night before because I stayed with my MoH and just wasn’t tired when we went to sleep. Plus, I’m used to snuggling with DH. We should have stayed up later, but it was probably a good idea to be well rested. I was up early on the day of our wedding, and was eager to start getting everything together.

Our wedding was scheduled to start at 3:00 so I booked my hair and makeup for 11:30. My appointment was booked with Alberto, and he did a fabulous job. He did my hair exactly like the pictures I provided and was able to cover up my peeling forehead with a great makeup job. I had burnt my forehead a few days earlier and when I was washing my face I peeled off a bunch of layers of skin. I did forget to bring my veil, but I was able to call my mom and have her bring it in time. The only other snag for the appointments involved my mom. My sister, the perfectionist that did nothing but complain about every decision we made, booked the wrong type of appointment for my mom. She only booked a hair style, not an up-do, so they charged for both. Eventually they got that worked out, but I know who is really at fault.

 

 

Meanwhile, DH was out golfing with his buddies. Of course, that ran late and instead of waiting for a golf cart to bring them back to the resort, they ran all the way from the club house. They all had to rush to get dressed, and when DH went to put on his suit, he discovered that they had only returned the jacket from the pressers. He had to call and have them track down his pants. Unfortunately, they arrived after the photographers had to leave to come take my getting ready pictures. I wish I had seen the staff running down the hall with his hot pants!

I wanted to have a light snack before we left for the ceremony, but the room service didn’t show up until we were all getting ready to go out the door. We should have called earlier, or ordered less. We were in the Presidential Suite and had enough food for 10 people, which mostly got thrown out. But it looked nice on the dining table.

The carriage ride was perfect. There was a driver and a footman, I felt like Cinderella. When we passed the golf course they asked if we wanted a drink , so we stopped and grabbed some bottled water. The highlight of the ride was seeing a deer along the way. When DH and I first started dating, I had to yell at him one night because he was so intently staring at me that he didn’t notice the deer right beside the road. Now it’s our little thing to yell and point out DEER! The carriage ride is so nice and I would have gladly paid way more for the experience.

 

 

CEREMONY: B+

The ceremony was held at Bugambilias Gazebo and is really quick. I had asked our WC to send the script, so I knew what was going to be read. Even though the JoP had a microphone, we could barely hear him over the breeze. We were told ahead of time that he might not let us include our sand ceremony, but he told DH before the ceremony that he would take care of us if we took care of him. Everything went smoothly and we were both so happy to be married.

 

COCKTAIL HOUR: A+

We chose to have the cocktail hour in the terrace beside the gazebo. We selected the Superior Hors D’oeuvres and they looked spectacular and tasted delicious! MP provided umbrellas, chairs and tall tables for our guests, as well as a full bar. After a small snack, we started taking pictures. At the end of the hour, Valeria made an announcement that it was done and the guests could go to the lobby bar until the reception.

 

 

RECEPTION: A

We held our reception on the same terrace. There was a few things moved around, and it looked gorgeous. A couple of days before, we had decided to spend money on the speaker system from PSAV. My sister had brought her Bose docking system, but we never tried it out, so we figured it was easier to just get the speakers. We brought our laptop with music, but we didn’t have a playlist. I didn’t really notice the background music through dinner. We ordered the Mediterranean Buffet and they added Moussaka at no charge. Everything was hot and tasty even though it took a while to get everyone to start eating.

I provided a list of specific songs for first dances and cake cutting. Everything went perfectly. We had a great time and we were really happy. The cake looked okay, considering that fondant tends to melt. It tasted delicious and even our guests thought it was the best cake they had all week.

 

 

At the end of the night, the staff started packing up and we announced the last song. Once everything was packed, we went to the Swing Bar for a few more drinks. It was a great night, and we couldn’t have been happier!

 

CONCLUSION:

There was a point in time that I was ready to cancel the whole wedding because of the lack of service from the Miami department. I’m so glad that Cancun took over and eased our pain. It was a great week, a fabulous day, and in the end I am married to the man of my dreams. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that a DW is easier, you have to have complete faith without seeing anything. I still check in on here, so please feel free to send me questions and I will help out the best I can.