c-leg5

Wasn’t this supposed to open in 2020? Any updates on its progress or which cruise lines will use it? I was actually referring to the new “piers” in Galveston rather than new ports as destinations in my post above. Other cruise lines have come and gone from Galveston. I just find it strange that MSC would build a new terminal without test sailing for a season first.

We dock at Coxen Hole and have never had any difficulty getting a driver for the day and customizing a tour. As @Guest 2000 says there are any number of private driver companies regularly recommended on here - some long standing, some more recent - just read some recent reviews. We have never had a difficulty customizing to include exactly what we want, if you choose a freestyle tour with any company on the island. You only run into difficulties of a pre-set schedule if you choose a group tour

Interested to know what sort of better deal? Originally it was just PAYG but later they started asking for a minimum cover but it was credited back to food and drinks so are you saying you got a discount? There isn’t any actual booking fee it just reserves a lounger for you when you book in advance and you can ask for a particular position if you have a favorite. We did get a better deal once by paying pesos on local menu but they stopped that for non-locals.

It’s a lot of money for a beach day especially if you buy the water sport package.

I am wondering if as a result of this the PAYG section (pool) is quieter and certainly better choice of food and drinks? It’s a gamble depending on time of year.

I would like to know too. The website still shows menus for AI and PAYG. It would be good to know since AI has reduced options. I know they don’t encourage PAYG and I don’t think you can reserve but I don’t know if it is discontinued which would mean they no longer have segregated areas. It certainly won’t be available in March.

No it is not common. Perhaps the OP @jimandamiwas considering dining arrangements, or the fact it will be dark and they didn’t want to be at the beach any longer? I think it was a self-imposed all-aboard as opposed to something official, but I could be mistaken. There are several small hotels in Mahahual and evening dining for divers and residents but not a lot to do in the evening.

It’s pity you didn’t suggest some alternatives for those that want to try somewhere different.

No, you would need to provide your own, or ask the car rental/driver service if they can provide. Would this be a RC excursion or independent?

Sorry I thought you had been on Epic recently. You had said on another thread they had used the Carnival pier in Cozumel I was trying to determine if there was a new pattern emerging, but if you were on Holland America recently that explains it.

As others have stated you can always try. In my experIence it doesn’t always mean it will happen.

I thought from another post you were on Norwegian? Didn’t you dock at Coxen Hole?

Despite being a big fan of Cozumel and of course, opinions are subjective, I can’t think of anywhere that would fulfill all those criteria, IMO. I can make some suggestions for you to research and perhaps others have better ideas. Intercontinental and Cozumel Palace are considered higher-end/pricy hotels. They have /had day passes but are not somewhere I would consider on a cruise ship day (maybe land vacation since they are not the type of accommodation we stay in, as we stay extended.) So no personal experience with either or food, but not what I consider beautiful setting. YMMV. Buccanos beach club has day beds and better food. Nachi Cocom popular quieter beach club with mixed reviews recently. Chankanaab has private area Cabana Beach. Mr Sanchos (busy beach club) has private VIP villas for overnight, not sure if you can have them for the day. Hotel B boutique hotel. As I said, it depends on your expectations, and what you consider most important, but I know you will not find what is available on other islands or Caribbean destinations. We have spent many wonderful days on cozumel but luxurious is not a description I would use.

Thanks for first-hand review and confirming location. There has been a sudden interest in this venue which seems to have been open over a year. Perhaps it has just become cruise ship excursion?

I am confused. Last time you asked this you said you upgraded for free. Did you call and get cabin category code as suggested?

It depends on your idea of luxury. Cozumel is not known for big resorts with lots of fancy facilities. Secrets aura is the only Adult - only I can think of but not sure I would consider luxury. There are higher class/priced resorts. There are boutique type resorts. There are more private beach club areas. Is this just for a couple? It depends what your idea of luxury is and what facilities are important to you.

Puerta Maya or International?I know NCL can be a little random. They have even tendered sometimes in the past but I am assuming this is one of their larger ships? The site I use shows Langosta I wonder if they change some times.

Where did you dock? Didn’t you dock downtown? Where were you trying to go?

This is why we would only do it on a land visit not from a cruise where time is of the essence AND they know it.

We have been several times. Last time we were in port 12-6. I have several observations but personally would not go again with those hours. By the time you have walked through the port to meeting point, wait for arranged transport and travelled it is best part of an hour before you arrive. IF there happens to be another ship docking at that time (check port hours) they will halt disembarkation temporarily which can also cause a delay getting off which has happened to us. Not sure if your posted hours are local times? Costa Maya is on EST year round so when we travel from Galveston at that time our ship time is an hour behind local time. This is important because sunset is about 6.30 local time so it is dark when we were returning. Makes the afternoon short and you will recall the route is dark and bumpy. Although lunch was provided as usual it was basically 2pm biological clock by the time we ate and personally I didn’t really want to eat much at that time. YMMV. Finally because the visit was so short we tried to take the last recommended taxi back when they came round to sign up, probably 4.30pm. I understand that was our decision. Transport had always been very reliable previously when we have visited so we felt comfortable choosing this. However as luck would have it this time taxi was 20 minutes late arriving which left us much too close for comfort returning to the ship. Although not quite as far as the meeting point it is still a long walk from taxi drop off back to the ship, fortunately we are relatively mobile. If it was a first visit I would probably go for the experience on the understanding it will be short however since we have been before I would only go with reasonable port hours now. Some people will say they always go to Maya Chan no matter how short the visit is.

It is true many taxis have seat belts that are non-fuctionable or cut and you would have to ask for another. Taxi prices are quoted on a board at the pier - up to 4, 5 and 6-8 person rates. Many taxis are taxi vans but if there are 4 of you, you should pay 4 person rate if they are the next in line at dispatch. Out on the street is a different matter. ETA If you walk to Park Royal with a stroller walk oceanside until you are opposite the entrance to Park Royal.

The big advantage of Park Royal with young kids is you can walk from International or Puerta Maya. We have never booked in advance (I am not sure it is even possible) but it’s been a while and things change. We have always just bought a pass in the lobby but be careful not to get tied up with timeshare representatives - it may be cheaper but not worth the time involved/wasted. I have written to the reservation desk to get current prices policies. If you find they are full you can always try El Cid across the road. My second choice but always an option, or take a taxi to somewhere else - more difficult with young kids regarding car seats etc. Only cruise ship excursions have age restrictions. No problem independently regarding the beach locations. Transport is your biggest problem and whether you need a car seat. Some private drivers will have car seats for rent but will require a 3/4 hour minimum rental for an excursion - not worth it if you just want a ride to the beach.

along with most others I would have thought which is why I was surprised early dining was full. Perhaps they reduce capacity?

We were on the Adventure and only ship in . It was our first visit there. We had a great day and it wasn’t crowded. We took the boat across the bay then the shuttle back at the end of the day. The only thing was they didn’t open all the food venues - not sure if that was due to lack of staff or lack of guests? It wasn’t a problem for us but something to consider if you want it close by. There was bar service close by.

There certainly seems to have been a lot of sudden interest in this tour! - not sure how long it has been open, certainly more than a year according to reviews so I am surprised not many first hand reviews on CC. Several broker descriptions you could piece together if you search for “Cozumel Lucha Libre”, or “Barriecito” on Google maps has several photos. It appears to be just past Puerta Maya before Discover Mexico, so not far from southern piers.