We're heading to the Western Caribbean on the Oct 23rd sailing. We just got a letter in the mail informing us that because of Hurricane Ivan, they are changing our itinerary. Apparently, the damage to Grand Cayman was so bad that they are canceling the port call there.

So, instead, they are rerouting us to Costa Maya in Mexico. Any one ever been there, or have an idea on what to expect?

Oh I'm sorry Tony! Grand Cayman had some great shopping. I hope it won't keep you from Castaway Cay. I've never been to Costa maya, but when we stopped in Cozumel I shopped for an hour and went back to the ship (I liked the ship better). :)

Here is some info on Castaway Cay-

We got off the Wonder Sunday from our 3 day cruise. We did not stop at CC but spent a day at sea instead as well as an extended stay at Nassau. We were told this on the bus going to Port Canaveral via a letter that was passed out.

According to some of the cast members, CC was pretty well trashed during hurricane Jeanne. Repairs are underway but no one was sure when it will be safe for visitors again. According to the same cast members, it may take "years" for it to return to its natural beauty and splendor. So while they hope to get the island safe for visitors again soon, it may not be "the same" I sure hope that timeline is wrong and I would guess some Disney "Magic" may be used to get it back 100% in short time.

Tony, let us know if your trip takes you to CC. I would hope that by then signifigant progress have been made.

Along the same lines, when we were heading back to Port Canaveral, we stopped about 2-3 miles off the coast of CC for about 15 minutes. Captian Henry made an announcement that we offloaded supplies to a boat in order to continue repairs.

Yes, it was sad that we were not able to go to CC, but there is nothing that could have been done.

More in a trip report later.
:)