r first ever Club Med!

[Gregg]

Join us July 10, 2010 at our very first Club Med vacation in Ixtapa, Mexico. We're taking over the entire resort. You'll enjoy R Family's amazing entertainment and programming at this spectacular property. Hope you'll join us!!

On sale August 3rd.
:)

[rnforkids]

YAYYYYY! I cannot wait. This will be our first RFAMILY Vacation and my family is so excited!:D

[DiverBizz]

We signed up while on the ship. We are so excited I am going to tell everyone we know.

[Lakeladies]

We signed up while on the ship. We are so excited I am going to tell everyone we know.

We signed up on the cruise also. Can't wait. We are taking our golf clubs with us. If there is anyone else playing golf let us know.
MaryAnn and Jeanne

[2njdads]

We signed up on the cruise also. Can't wait. We are taking our golf clubs with us. If there is anyone else playing golf let us know.
MaryAnn and Jeanne

Ready to take our clubs as well...but wanted some clarity. Didn't we just sign up to show our interest in the Club Med trip, but there's no commitment until we hear from RFamily in August? Right?

[Mumof2]

any idea of the cost for 2 adults and 2 children for the club med trip?
Glad everyone that just got back had a blast
Thanks

[DiverBizz]

I will bring my travel bag with clubs if I can pack them in my scuba bag. I hope by that time my 2 year old son can carry all of his bags this year.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Ready to take our clubs as well...but wanted some clarity. Didn't we just sign up to show our interest in the Club Med trip, but there's no commitment until we hear from RFamily in August? Right?
Hey guys.PCD (Post Cruise Depression)
They will start officialy booking on August 3rd from what I understand..Give me a minute to get my head screwed on straight and I will ask the Rainbow Dove.
She is very tired from all the dancing , Gambling, and all of the Beautiful people she spent time with on the Cruise.
Love,
CCC

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

We signed up on the cruise also. Can't wait. We are taking our golf clubs with us. If there is anyone else playing golf let us know.
MaryAnn and Jeanne
You ladies were so much fun.I am so glad that you came.It was great spending time with you.
XXOO,
CCC

[Lakeladies]

You ladies were so much fun.I am so glad that you came.It was great spending time with you.
XXOO,
CCC

Hey Cheryl,
Same here. We had a blast. I'm glad we got to eat all that lobster together. You did beat me by one.:D We are looking forward to Club Med next summer and hopefully you will be there also. We made so many new friends and hope to stay in contact with all. Keep in touch.
MaryAnn and Jeanne

[Damsil]

I couldn't make it on this years cruise becaus eof my summer class schedule...BUT...I so iplan on going to Club Med....Can hardly wait for Aug 3rd!

[candue]

Mexico in July ,,,,,,,Yowser! I know it will kill me to not go so I might as well say I am. So glad we met will be in touch off of here.

[PetrieShodi]

Unfrotunately for us Mexico will not be happening next year. We are going the every other year route as we just cannot afford every year with rfamily right now.

We will definately travel with rfamily again just not next year.

[Shiningstar1977]

We didnt' attend the information sessions on the ship but should have.

Does anyone know the cost per person for the club med? Two Adults?

[Lakeladies]

We didnt' attend the information sessions on the ship but should have.

Does anyone know the cost per person for the club med? Two Adults?

The cheapest is $1199.00 each

[Shiningstar1977]

The cheapest is $1199.00 each

That's not too expensive. I will have to wait for more details I guess :) Not much more then the least expensive with the ship.....



Does anyone know what is Mexico like in July... we went to florida in September once and I nearly melted to death :)

[PetrieShodi]

Not sure about the temperatures...but I can tell you that May to October is Hurricane season on that side of the ocean!!!

[Nightowls]

90 ish with high humidity

[pengwin]

I am not sure. Hot, Humid, 1199 plus air fare. May wait for another full ship cruise

[jenniferoo]

Hi,

I'm new to the forums. I have always wanted to go on an RFamily Cruise. Does anyone know how we can find information on the website about the 2010 cruise to mexico? I only see links to the current July 2009 Alaska cruise.:confused:

Also, I am a student teacher, soon to be teacher so money is tight. I would love to go, but would need to save the $1000+ dollars it would cost for me to go. Does anyone who might have gone on a trip before know if there is an installment plan available?

Thanks for the help!

Jenn

[Kryst]

Hey Jenn!

The information that's available about the trip to Mexico has only been distributed through the Alaskan cruise. I wasn't able to get ahold of them during the info sessions, so if there's any specific pricing questions I can't answer that outright.

Just know that it isn't a cruise to Mexico, more of a destination spot where we'd spend the week at the Club Med Ixtapa resort. The prices are all-inclusive (including alcohol), though not all the activities there are included in the price. I think they said there are 300 rooms available.

The only cruises for next year are:

Hawaii March 27-April 3
Europe June 20-June 27
Carribean August 14-21

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Hi,

I'm new to the forums. I have always wanted to go on an RFamily Cruise. Does anyone know how we can find information on the website about the 2010 cruise to mexico? I only see links to the current July 2009 Alaska cruise.:confused:

Also, I am a student teacher, soon to be teacher so money is tight. I would love to go, but would need to save the $1000+ dollars it would cost for me to go. Does anyone who might have gone on a trip before know if there is an installment plan available?

Thanks for the help!

Jenn
It is not a Cruise to Mexico.They are taking over the Club Med resort.It will go on sale on August 3. I would call the office whan it books.You can put down a deposit than they are very good about payment plans.Talk to Colin or Gregg or anyone else that answers the phone.They re all very helpful.
Any more questions jus FIRE away

[jenniferoo]

Kryst and Cheryl,

Thanks for the info! I don't know why I thought it was Mexico...maybe the spelling of the cruise name or something ...lol. It's good to know that there are payment plans. Looks like I will make the Europe trip because I have school during the others. If I have any further questions come up before August 3rd I know where to go :) Thanks guys!

Jenn

[jklangbehn]

Hi Jenn, welcome.. club med is not a cruise it's a land vacation. the other 3 2010 events are cruises but not full Rfamily cruises. .it's a mix of Rfamily and well .. gosh I guess straight folk right hehe..

[jenniferoo]

Ok ok I am not up with the whole Club Med or Cruise thing. My traveling has been limited to planes, trains, and automobiles. I do not know if I am up for flying to Mexico. I like the idea of a cruise :D Are you going to Club Med?

[dreamerr]

1199 each is expensive for mexico in July on top of it. Just my two cents.

[masterplanner]

If they let me have that week off on vacation, I will be there....in a heart beat, I just had way too good a time this year on my first cruise to pass up the opportunity to not do it all over again !

The Masterplanner
AKA Dave du Canada ! :)

[candue]

Join us July 10, 2010 at our very first Club Med vacation in Ixtapa, Mexico. We're taking over the entire resort. You'll enjoy R Family's amazing entertainment and programming at this spectacular property. Hope you'll join us!!

On sale August 3rd.
:)

Hi folks, What is capacity at Ixtapa?

[Valentine]

Hi folks, What is capacity at Ixtapa?

If I am remembering Correctly.. they said something about 300 rooms?????

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

If I am remembering Correctly.. they said something about 300 rooms?????
300 Rooms 800 Guests.

[DiverBizz]

I have been on the Club Med website and looked at the place we are going to and it looks wonderful. As I was sharing with my sister-in-law she said she was there and it was funtastic. She and the kids even took a long car ride to a much smaller quaint little town for the authentic touch of Mexico. Her comment was the city is like Rodeo Dr. (Hollywood super nice area). As far as the price goes, it is all inclusive-food, 24 room service, unlimited drinks including alcohol (some mention of certain brands of drinks). Just think the price of the room, food, drinks, water sports, etc. and best of all-IT IS RFAMILY EXCLUSIVE-Check your calendars because there are only 286 rooms and several of us reserved rooms already.

lol Sounds like advertising but I want everyone to take advantage if they can.
This years temp. for July 10,2009:
Temperature:
Mean Temperature 83 °F -
Max Temperature 89 °F 88 °F 91 °F (1997)
Min Temperature 77 °F 75 °F 73 °F (1996)
sunrise/twilight 6:25am
sunset: 9:20pm

[jennifert]

This sounds great to me with some caveats. July weather will be VERY hot and humid with a good chance of daily showers, but we'll just have to take it slow and stay hydrated. It is pretty expensive for Mexico at that time of year, but of course R Family makes it extra special. I always think the all inclusives are a better deal for those who drink a lot and I prefer not to eat all my meals in the same place, but I know this trip is about more than food for us! I assume airfare is NOT included? This can also be pretty pricey. I am eager to hear more details and see if we can squeeze it into our budget! At least we have some time to save!

[Flannel and Fleece]

When I first heard the Mexico announcement the first thing that I thought of was the Swine Flu outbreak and the gang violence. Is anyone else thinking about these two issues. The humidity and rain in July I can deal with...illness and gang warfare give me a bit of the jitters.

Thoughts?

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20090424/mexico-swine-flu-epidemic-worries-world

and also:

This information is current as of today, Wed Jul 29 17:10:12 2009.

Mexico

February 20, 2009


This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure. Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only. When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors. When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place. U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities. Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks. Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The US Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel within the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for US Government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful. However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly. Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006. In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack. During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests. The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation. U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities. As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!" at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx. The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

[bullwinkle77]

You asked if anyone was thinking about swine flu and gang violence issues in Mexico...honestly, I was not thinking about it. I am a healthcare worker and already have to deal with the reality of doing my best to protect myself, family and patients from any flu, not just the swine flu. Currently, the death toll from Swine flu remains a drop in the bucket compared to non-Swine flu related deaths. As far as gang violence, this is an issue in many cities and even rural areas of the USA. My family will make the same kind of choices in Mexico traveling as we made recently traveling around Seattle and Alaska. I think a lot of it comes down to experience traveling and common sense.

[deadheads]

It's not that bad, use common sense. Anywhere you go on vacation, pay attention to where you are and what's happening, bad things happen everywhere. You can get swine flu or many other sickness at home or wherever you go, good hygean helps. Club med is a contained area, stay there and you probably won't have any problems, but if you want to venture out alot: don't go alone, let others know your plans, go where the tourist go, bring money but not an attitude, keep your eyes and ears open and realize you are in their country not ours. I am so excited to go, and can hardly wait to see all our friends all I can say is mas tequila.

[ColoradoDad]

I guess Flannel and Fleece's info is good, especially for anyone thinking about driving through Mexico, but in reality, if this is the vacation we go on next year, we'll be flying into the airport outside of Ixtapa (Zihuatanejo airport). The rates from Denver weren't that bad and from what I understand, shuttles are available from the airport to Club Med. People who wish can stay in the resort and others can venture out if they want. I personally don't see any issues about flying there and feeling safe with my family.

[Hyefem]

Club Med Ixtapa: #1 hotel in Ixtapa on Tripadvisor

Zihuatanejo: Andy's final destination in "Shawshank Redemption"

Zihuatanejo: Site of the beautiful pool scene in "When a Man Loves a Woman"

For those that have concerns, the only thing that may kill you is the weather.
The biggest crime will be the taxi driver charging you 20 times the normal rate.

[SunnyinMA]

Hi everyone. New to this site and to R Family. We've booked this trip for next July. We cruise with friends every summer but have convinced them to join us on this trip. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you a bit better and then enjoying a week in the sun in Mexico :)

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

Hi everyone. New to this site and to R Family. We've booked this trip for next July. We cruise with friends every summer but have convinced them to join us on this trip. I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you a bit better and then enjoying a week in the sun in Mexico :)
Well HI SunnyinMA,
I am Crazy aka Cheryl your un official welcome wagon.You will find a lot of helpful people here on the Boards.You have picked a great vacation.I have been on all of them and I have to say that it is one non stop LOVE FEST of acceptance,great people and the best entertianment you could find.
Please feel free to ask away.
Yeah we got a Trip!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SunnyinMA]

Well HI SunnyinMA,
I am Crazy aka Cheryl your un official welcome wagon.You will find a lot of helpful people here on the Boards.You have picked a great vacation.I have been on all of them and I have to say that it is one non stop LOVE FEST of acceptance,great people and the best entertianment you could find.
Please feel free to ask away.
Yeah we got a Trip!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the welcome Crazy aka Cheryl. It sounds as though we have made the right choice. I can't wait to hear who the entertainment will be. It looks great in past trips.