The Lost Mayan Kingdom water park will be 'spectacular,' predicted Terry Thornton, svp itinerary planning for Carnival Cruise Line. 'This is more than an attraction. It will help Costa Maya attract more business,' he said.
Plus, it's sold as a shore excursion so cruise lines will benefit.
Building a Caribbean water park that will entice cruisers is a challenge since these types of attractions proliferate stateside, Thornton said. However, he thinks Costa Maya planners have come up with a distinctive theme that's authentic to the destination.
The Lost Mayan Kingdom has an adventure/discovery storyline that transports visitors through a jungle dotted with the remnants of Mayan civilization where there's also evidence of an archaeological expedition circa 1934.
The lazy river float adventure winds through lush terrain, across lagoons into tunnels and past Mayan ruins. The terrain conceals surprises like a jaguar temple.
The centerpiece of the vast park is a towering pyramid with multiple water slides. Other elements include a teen club with a large pool, a ropes course and a shop.
In connection with October's Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Conference & Trade Show in nearby Cozumel, FCCA Platinum Member Costa Maya will be providing short familiarization trips to cruise line executives.
Robert Shamosh Charabati, vp marketing and sales for Costa Maya, said that due to high interest in the new water park, the FCCA has sanctioned the fam jaunts as part of the Oct. 5-9 conference's official tours.
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