c-leg5

Thanks, that seems to be the main go-to place at the moment on the malecon. They have certainly taken over a lot of frontage.

Where did you go on your return trip to Costa Maya? Had sargassum improved in October?

Sorry i have never been but Puerta Maya have their own website with a map and schedule. i presume it is up to date. Three Amigos and Fat Tuesday.

Use a search engine for “Puerta Maya map” and you will find a map and listing of what is available.

We have always booked with Tours Plaza who have a website and suggestions. There are others that people on here or TA Cozumel forum will recommend. If you know where you want to go and don’t require a guide you can negotiate at dispatch or directly with taxi on the street for a certain numbers of hours. Keep in mind there is no electricity and limited cell phone service on east side. You need to keep the driver with you and need cash for purchases there.

Agree, the coast route was the original route onto town and many people used to walk - not any more. The port has blocked access to this route.

Both have fairly detailed websites outlining what is available although a lot is hidden on Sanchos, (try hovering over search box). Paradise Beach website has recently become somewhat more user friendly. Both offer similar activities at slightly different prices. Both now only offer guaranteed admission with an AI booking. PAYG only on space available but not sure how critical that is these days. Sanchos requires all members of party to purchase AI or PAYG to sit in same area and food and drink menus are different for each pass type, (AI more restrictive). Sanchos has several smaller pools according to pass type whereas Paradise has one large pool for everyone. Water toys for both in deep water and may be too strenuous for 6 year old. Neither has anything specific for toddler. Sanchos has a reputation of being more party like; Paradise has a reputation for better food and drink BUT these are both subjective. Both are likely to be very busy, loud and fully booked if Spring Break week and will probably only take AI bookings.

Snorkeling in West Bay is from the shore, boat is optional. I haven’t done it but it is very popular and there are numerous threads and discussions on this board if you look back.

Have you tried emailing to yourself? I think that converts it to jpeg

I am not sure which clubs you are interested in that are not open? Some used to close on Sundays because this is considered a family day and there never used to be any/many cruise ships on a Sunday. Paradise Beach has always opened on a Sunday and since cruising resumed one or two others have also started to open. The vibe can be rather different on a Sunday for various reasons and all amenities may not be available because some have third party operators. Most regular beach bars are open and probably hotel resort day passes. So still plenty of choices just a different vibe to a regular day.

No problems if you stay in the tourist zone. The east side you need to keep your driver with you due to few roaming drivers, poor cell service and no electricity.

No problem getting a taxi to tourist areas on west cost of Cozumel, (north and south of pier). Main beach clubs with sandy beaches have become predominantly AI - Paradise Beach, Mr Sanchos, Nachi Cocom. Alternatives, sandy - Palancar, playa Uvas. Not sandy, PAYG, Money Bar, Sky Reef. North, semi-rocky Buccanos. Near to port (therefore save on taxi fare), rocky - day pass to El Cid, Park Royal, Del Mar Latino. All have websites, and photos and reviews on TripAdvisor. Use Google maps to find locations and distances. Several hotel resorts have day passes.

If you want actual sand you will need to taxi. Yes Passion Island is a boat ride away. Transport takes quite a while and therefore not much beach time. If you just want to look at the sea from a lounger on a man-made sandy area and rocky shoreline there are more options.

Here is a previous thread https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2954475-native-choice-tour/page/2/#comment-66267139

You can see from, (and show TA), above FAQ that that isn’t true.

From Royal website FAQ As of November 11, 2023*, the automatic service gratuity of $18.00 USD per person, per day for guests in non-suites staterooms and Junior Suite, or $20.50 USD per person, per day for guests in Suites, will be applied to each guest’s SeaPass account on a daily basis. The gratuity applies to individual guests of all ages and stateroom categories. As a way to reward our crew members for their outstanding service, gratuities are shared among dining, bar & culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams who work behind the scenes to enhance the cruise experience. In the unlikely event that a guest onboard being charged the daily automatic gratuity does not receive satisfactory service, the guest may request to modify the daily amount at their discretion by visiting Guest Services onboard and will be able to do so until the morning of their departure. Guests who have pre-paid their gratuity will not see a daily charge during their cruise. The automatic daily gratuity is based on customary industry standards. Applying this charge automatically helps streamline the recognition process for the crew members who work to enhance your cruise. We hope you find the gratuity to be an accurate reflection of your satisfaction and thank you for your generous recognition of our staff. A 18% gratuity is automatically added to all beverages and mini bar items. A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all spa & salon purchases. Guests can pre-pay gratuities by calling 866-562-7625 before the sailing. Guests booked through travel advisors, need to contact their advisor to add pre-paid gratuities to the booking prior to sailing**. If gratuities are not prepaid prior to sailing, they will be automatically added to the guests’ folios once onboard. *Guests who have already prepaid their gratuities will not be impacted by this change. Guests who plan to pay onboard, will be charged the new rate starting November 11, 2023. **Pre-paid gratuities can be added to an individual reservation up to 48 hours before the sail date.

Assuming you still have the original booking number i also assume they should be at old rate. I think I read the TA has to manually put in code for lower rates.

That is incorrect. you had to book before Nov 11 and pre- pay gratuities up to 48 hours before sailing.

I don’t think there is one. There used to be one in Playa. Have you trued the company website?

I am afraid that ship has sailed! Still a more enjoyable form of transport than flying if you have the time. Like many on the sailings we have used the crossings mainly as a more relaxing way from A to B.

thanks. yes I have enjoyed Lisbon. I have enjoyed most Spanish stops that I have done even if it is just wandering around and Vigo would be new.

Looks fairly similar to the Spring itinerary. I used to prefer the Caribbean loaded ports for the Southampton TA’s - Azores then straight across. Lisbon is interesting and I have never been to Vigo.

That could be because an increasing number are homeschooled.

Are you looking for somewhere in particular? A quick online search will provide maps and You-tube walk-throughs of port.

Just a quick hold and release.you will hear a click like a shutter after release.