2Okies

We were just there in January, and had no problems. We were on a Carnival excursion, but I'm sure any reputable private excursion would be just as safe. Roatan is beautiful, the snorkeling is out of this world, and we can't wait to get to go back there.

The ONLY thing we heard was from a young couple we met on our ship, who was on their first cruise, and they got in a cab without a plan. They said the driver basically took them no where, and wanted about $40 for it, and they didn't have that much money on them. They asked if he would take a credit card (I know - stupid!) and he said yes, and he took them to an ATM machine. The machine was broken, so they asked if he could take them to the ship and they would get some money off the ship to pay him. He basically held the husband hostage while the wife went back on the ship to get the money. She barely had time to get the money, get back to the cab, and retrieve her husband before the ship left.

I think in their case, they just made poor decisions. They had no idea where to go, had not done their research on where to go, or how.

However, we had another older man we met, who was traveling alone, and he walked out of the port area to explore & had a cab driver stop to ask if he could take him anywhere. He asked the driver what he suggested, and he said he could take him on a tour of the island for $30. He made the deal, got in the cab, and had a wonderful day. He said the driver was extremely nice, and took him to a lot of neat places. So....I guess the moral of the story is - there are dishonest people everywhere. Just be aware of what you are doing, research before you go, and always ask before you get in a cab anywhere what the rate is, and get cab numbers for future reference if there is a problem!

PS: I recommended to the young couple: Next time you cruise, get on Cruise Critic and find out more about your ports, and what to do! :)

That might depend.....if there are more than 6 or 7 ships in that day, many times they do tender. I've been there when 4 ships were tendering! It's all going to depend on your ship, where it docks and what they tell you before you disembark. They will let you know onboard before you leave what time you have to be back on the ship. If all aboard is 4:30 (which it probably will be with a 5 pm departure), I agree with 2Okies that you should be heading back toward the ship by 4 pm. You don't want to be a pier runner! Nice thing is, there's a bar right at the "base" of the pier so you could hang out there until last minute enjoying the end of your day before you head back onboard. We usually get as close to the ship as possible and hang there for the last half hour.

I wasn't aware that ships had to tender at Coz sometimes, so thank you for that input, mrsfuzzmo. I saw where the OP mentioned a Carnival excursion, so I assumed they would just port at Puerto Maya. I guess that isn't always the case. Every time we have been there, we have ported.

But, your advice to just pay attention to what your ship tells you about boarding, tenders, etc. is the best advice. I know Carnival will have the papers in your room every night that tell you port times, and when you need to be back on the ship. Pay attention to those times! That is what you need to go by!

Oh - and if ship leaves at 5, I think you have to be back on ship by 4:30 at the latest. And, I would suggest making your way there by 4ish because there is usually long lines getting on the boat at Coz.

You do not "tender" at Cozumel. If you are on Carnival, you will port at Puerto Maya pier, and at that pier there is TONS of shopping, and its a very nice, clean outdoorsy type mall area.

Are you taking a trip to Chankanaab through Carnival excursion? I don't know the price of that if you are, but Cozumel is a VERY easy town to do things on your own. We went to Chankanaab last year, and caught a taxi at the pier for $8 to the park. It was $24pp to get in (or you can get a coupon online at cozumelinsider). Its pay as you go when you get in the park for food, dolphins, etc. Then, you can leave whenever you want to - catch a cab at the entrance, and go back to the pier, or into town to shop, depending on your time schedule.

You just walk off the ship at Cozumel onto the pier, and you are in Carnival's shopping area. There is lots to do there. When we went to Chank, we left as soon as we could get off the boat that morning for the park, and by about 1 we were ready to do something else. We caught a cab back to the pier, went on the ship & cleaned up & changed clothes, then went back out to shop on the pier until time to board.

Cozumel is super easy to do things. I wouldn't suggest a Carnival excursion to Chankanaab. Its too easy to do it by yourself.

I've pretty much got our list down to the minimum - except I did have a few clothes I didn't wear this time.

The only thing I didn't take & wish I had was a little pair of scissors - needed some a couple of times, and more hair conditioner. I took one of the little hotel bottles - and that wasn't enough. I like the ship shampoo fine - but need conditioner.

It's our first cruise! I had to twist a couple arms to get everyone to agree.

 

My husband, myself and our two daughters (16 and 6).

 

We booked through USAA's Explore Cruise and Travel and they have an option to book excursions through there site.

 

Glass bottom boat snorkeling tour - $45/per person. The positive is that our youngest can participate.

 

Most of the excursions seem to like kids to be a bit older.

 

I'm curious if the $45 is a good price, or if we should just go to one of the beaches and walk out from there? :D

 

My husband would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to do a dive so if there was a way to do both snorkeling (for myself and the kiddos) while he did a dive, that would be phenomenal -but if the $45 for the boat/snorkeling is good - I'm going to book it and call it a day. ;-)

 

Thanks for your input!

I would say check out the "Money Bar". Website link below:

http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/

It sounds like it would have most of the things you are looking for to please your whole family, and maybe you could save some money too. Its just a short cab ride from any of the ship ports (about $10/cab depending on what port you're at). The Money Bar is basically just a restaurant on the beach and is free to go to. However, as you can see if you look at their "Amenities" on the website, they offer some packages you can take advantage of. They do have diving excursions - which would interest your husband. You can snorkel there (they say the snorkeling is excellent). All it will cost you is the rental of your snorkel gear. They say the food is very good here, and reasonably priced. The have a small man-made beach to hang out on, but you have to enter the water by stairs because it is rocky here (that is why it is good snorkeling). Their amenity page says they have the glass bottomed boats, kayaks, etc. There is also a phone number, if you wanted to call and get more information on pricing. But, basically the place is free. If you have your own snorkel gear, it wouldn't cost you anything other than you food for the day. Many, many people recommend the Money Bar.

Please read Mitsugirly's review of the Cave Tubing she did with her husband & small daughter in Belize. It might answer more of your questions, or you might even privately message her and ask her for more information in regards to kids. She writes very good reviews, with lots of pictures that might help you to see what its like.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1851647&page=9

Cave Tubing Review Starting at post #179

There are 1000's of jewelry stores in Cozumel! Maybe not 1000's, but it seems like it. If you walk the main street in town, it is jewelry store after jewelry store, and I did see a lot of the Pandora like charms in many of those stores. I don't think you will have any problem finding some.

We just had Cabin 2338 on the Magic (which I think is just like the Dream) in January. We were right by the center elevators. We loved our room. It was quiet. Every once in a while we heard noise above us at night - but it was never past about 11:30 at night, which is when we were coming in from a show many nights. Being by the center elevators was very convenient. We just had to walk up one floor to go to dinner at night. Or, we walked left or right to catch the front or rear elevators to go to Lido, or to the theater.

Over all - our room was very peaceful. Sometimes during the day I would go down to our balcony and just sit and enjoy the peace & quiet, and get away from the hustle & bustle of the busy decks above us. You couldn't hear any noise from above, and it was really peaceful to sit and listen to the waves, and be that close to the water. I felt like I was the only one on the ship when I was sitting on my balcony. It was that quiet.

Also, since we were in the middle of the ship, we didn't get much movement, even on a couple of days when the seas were a little bit rocky.

My husband played dodge ball every sea day at 10AM in the basketball court. By the end of the week, it had become a spectator's event! It was a lot of fun to watch them play. My husband even got MVP for the week! (And he's 54 yrs old - so he was pretty proud of that!) He also had fun playing the bean bag & ring toss - outside of the Red Frog Pub, by the Lanai every day, and he got a medal for that too.

I went to the spa one day (first time I've ever done that) and got the tip-to-toe massage. It was pretty awesome.

If a good show is going to be in the theater, it is best to go in early to get the seats you want, otherwise you'll be found sitting behind poles, or so high you might as well not be there. Plus, you can enjoy playing some of the games they have going on in the theater before the show.

Go early to the comedy club - it fills up fast, and its not a very big theater.

The Aft pool is the quietest place to sit and relax in the deck chairs - away from the noisy Lido deck. And, there is food really close by so you don't have to walk as far to get food or drink.

There is a "taste bar" set up in the Ocean Plaza during the evening that I didn't discover until the last night. :( They have free samples - appetizer type things. You just have to go ask for one. They also have beautiful desserts & coffees there, but they are at an extra price. The taste bar is free.

one suggestion I would say, is on sea days, skip the busy lido deck for lunch. go to deck 5 for the oceanside bbq. very tasty and always had much shorter lines.

I absolutely SECOND this suggestion! They have little hamburger sliders cooked over charcoal and they are AWESOME! They also serve hotdogs, quesidillas, salsa & chips. The BBQ is set up just next to the lanai with a lot of tables & chairs. We would go just inside those doors, and there is also a "make your own salad" station. They have one guy working there, and its only set up for lunch. You choose your greens, meats, and a from a wide assortment of toppings & cheeses. They have a good assortment of dressings. We would get a salad & then go get the sliders. Best lunch on the ship!

Thanks to the other posters who knew where this ship docked. I had just looked at a recent itinerary of this ship, and it looked like it was docking in town. But, others may know that better than I.

Hope you have fun on your cruise!!

We were just in Belize mid January. At first, we were signed up to do the cave-tubing through our ship (Carnival Magic). However, about 2 weeks before our trip, I changed that to snorkeling at Sergeant Caye - also through Carnival - mainly because I was afraid the cave tubing might be cold in January.

However, we weren't that impressed with the snorkeling trip. The current was pretty strong where we were, and the reef wasn't that pretty.

After the trip, they brought us back to the ship, and we caught the tender boat in to town & shopped at the pier. There are some nice shops there - enough to keep us busy for a couple of hours before we caught the tender back to the ship.

That said...a couple of our table-mates at dinner that night did take the cave-tubing trip, and said it was great! They said they really enjoyed it. So, we wished we had stuck w/our original plan. I've read reviews on the cavetubing and they were all good. (look up Mitsugirly, and she has a great review of it with pictures in her signature line). It appears to be an excursion that just about any age can enjoy. Mitsugirly has a small daughter, and she was able to do the trip. She took the excursion through a private operator. I know the people at our table took theirs through the ship. The difference was, they said they were in the kind of group that had to put their feet under the person's armpits in front of them to stay connected in the tubes. On the private excursion, they are linked together by hooks, so you don't have to do that. But, our table mates with Carnival said they barely got back in time to meet the last tender to the ship. Of course, the ship waited on them. It is quite a distance inland to do the cavetubing, so whoever you would chose to go with - I would just make sure they are very reputable, as you wouldn't want to miss the ship at this port!

There are other land excursions in Belize, and I think if you choose a reputable operator, or go through your ship, you will be just fine. However, Belize is really not the place to enjoy the beach - at least that is what we experienced. And definitely have a plan - do not just roam Belize on your own. I don't believe that would be a safe idea.

If you are going to Roatan - I would HIGHLY recommend the Beach & Snorkel at Maya Key. The snorkeling there is the most beautiful I have ever seen. They also serve a very good lunch which is included in the price. There is a small zoo there also w/rescued animals. I think Little French Key is similar from what I've read.

I have reviews of what we did in Belize & Roatan both in my signature line also - with pictures.

I will be on the Carribbean princess on the 26 Of april. I booked the scoot tour in the morning with my mom Who is 72 but hâve the afternoon free.

 

Thank You for talking the Time to answer me.

I think your ship may dock in town at the Punta Langosta pier. If that is correct, and if you are interested in shopping & walking around looking at the town of San Miquel - you will be right where the action is, and no taxi will be needed. When you walk to the end of the pier, you take an escalator up to the bridge, walk across & you are in the mall. You can take another escalator down, and walk through the stores along the main road that runs along the beach. Its a very easy walk, and you'll see lots of things. Cozumel is very safe, and you should enjoy the shopping. There are many restaurants/bars along the way also.

If you want to go to a beach, when you walk to the end of the pier, cabs will be available, and you can ask to be taken to whatever beach you think fits your wants. Chankanaab is a good beach ($24 entrance fee) if you want to snorkel. Or, you can be taken to money bar, which is free and is actually a restaurant on the beach, that has a small beach area to lay out, and a great area to snorkel. They rent snorkel equipment there. It is not a walk-in sandy beach - you have to enter water by steps. That is why it is good snorkeling - it is rocky. If you want the walk-in sandy type beach, then you need to try Paradise or Sanchos. You will find info on any of these beaches on this forum.

It will just depend on how much time you have left after your mother's excursion. Most taxi rides to the beaches will take you about 15 minutes one way, and probably cost you about $8-12 one way.

young couple, 24 and 20 years old, doing our first cruise in two weeks. It's a five night cruise, one port in Cayman islands and the other cozumel. Looking to see if there are any other like minded people just to run into and chat up on the cruise.

 

I'm a couple years in as LEO and she's finishing school to be a teacher, were pretty laid back and just looking to enjoy the vacation. The only plans e really have are MAYBE snorkeling on Cayman and possibly a private driver for cozumel.

 

Since I don't exactly care to throw money away, I'm all for splurging as little as possible lol.

 

We're from eastern NC so we live close to the beach, hence why we're more keen on seeing the sights of Mexico than worrying about snorkeling or sailing.

Yes - find your roll call for your cruise, to find people like you on your cruise.

I've been to Cayman, and Cozumel - so maybe I can make a suggestion for excursions. In Grand Cayman the greatest thing to do is go to Stingray City and snorkel with the stingrays! It is just awesome! We've done it twice, and would do it again. They are just the most amazing animals. We did the trip through a private excursion, Moby Dick tours. You can google them. They are very reliable, have very good equipment, small excursions (which means a lot of one-on-one time) and they are very professional. Their prices were very reasonable.

In Cozumel, it sounds like you might like to do a tour of the island, since you aren't that interested in the water. Although, the water in Cozumel is probably the prettiest water I've seen in any of the Caribbean. It won't be anything like NC waters! It is the most gorgeous blue you have ever seen. But, look into hiring a driver for the day (you can find plenty of reviews about that on this forum). They will take you wherever you would like to go on the island. The island is small, so you can take a tour very easily, and still have time to come back and shop a while if you want to do that. The Caribbean side of the island (away from the ports) is scarcely populated, and beautiful to see. The current is much stronger on that side, so swimming is limited, but its beautiful there. There is a bar or two on that side to stop at. The island has some ruins to visit, a tequila factory, etc.

This Cozumel forum page should give you lots of ideas. Also check out the Grand Cayman page too for other ideas on excursions.

Have fun!

You didn't say what ship you will be on. There are 3 different ports for ships to anchor at in Cozumel.

If you are on Carnival, you will most likely be at Puerto Mayo's port, and you could walk through the port, turn to your left, and there are some beaches (El Cid is one I've heard of you can go to), or you can walk a little further, and there are places along the way you could get down to the water, but not really any places w/chairs, etc.

If you dock at International pier, it is basically the same place as Puerto Mayo's port.

The other port is nearer to the city, Punta Langosta, and there aren't any beaches really close to there.

The best bet, would be to look over the forums on this page, and there are MANY, MANY beach suggestions - Paradise, Chankanaab, Sanchos, Nachi Cocum, etc., that would require a short cab ride, and you would have a much better "beach" experience. Cozumel is a very small island, and any beach you go to will be a fairly short cab ride away. Cozumel is one of the best Caribbean ports - so leave the port and go see the island!

Thanks, it was actually your review and photos that tipped the scale for us to book Maya Key. :)

I have pictures of Maya Key and a review in my signature line too.

I now have a much better picture as to where everything is and where our friends will dock with the ferry. They are going to come to the ship and meet us there and maybe we will stroll back into town. It's an option at least. Thanks 20kies for your guidance.

I'm glad I could help! :) These forums have helped me out MANY times! It's always helpful to get pointers from someone that has been where you want to go.

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Below is a link to a Cozumel map that shows the town of San Miquel. On the far left of the map, is a road that says "to Airport". That is probably about where our taxi drive dropped us off, on that main road at the bottom of the map (the blue at the bottom is the ocean). You can see where it says "main plaza" (that is the square I've talked about). You can also see where the Ferry comes in, and where Punta Langosta is. The International & Puerto Maya Piers are off the map and would be to the far right. On the far right of the main road running along the bottom of this map, you will see a label for the lighthouse. Right past that is where we stopped to eat.

http://www.gocozumel.com/map.htm

Thank you for getting back with me. I just found out that we will be docking at International Pier.

 

Sorry about questions, but were the pictures taken at San Mieguel? If I am understanding this right, since we will be docking at International Pier, we can either walk or taking a Taxi there?

San Miquel is the only town on Cozumel island. If you are docking at International, you "can" walk into town from there, as there are sidewalks all the way, but you don't really get to the good shopping area until you get to the Punta Langosta pier that is right in town. The ships that dock there just have to take the escalator up to the bridge & walk across to the shopping area across the beach road in town.

Since we wanted to have the most time shopping, and we docked at Puerto Maya (which is right next to International), we took the taxi to the far side of San Miquel, staying on the beach road (the main road that runs along the beach in town). We had asked the driver to take us to the main square and drop us off, but he suggested if we wanted to go about 2 blocks further, we would be where the shops started and we could walk from there, so that is what we did. We basically stayed on the main road (the beach road) of shops until we got to the square, and then we walked around the square looking in those shops, and then came up one of the side streets to the main road again, and stayed on it all the way back to the ship. We just took pictures along the way of whatever interested us. Once you get past the Punta Langosta pier going back towards the International pier, you don't see as many shops, but there are still a few. That is where we crossed over to the beach side of the road, and walked on the sidewalk there back to our pier, Puerto Maya.

The town of San Miquel is built right on the ocean. Their main street runs right along the beach, and there are sidewalks to walk on, on the beach side, and on the stores side. The "beach" side doesn't have much sandy beach, its mostly rocks that looks like lava rock. (But, that is why Cozumel is such a great snorkel place - because of these rocks.) But, you can walk down to the water in many places. There is a seawall built in town, and you would have to jump over it to get to the beach in most places. There are more places to get down to the beach once we were past Punta Langosta pier, and past that pier is where we also stopped to eat some lunch.

There are many shops & restaurants all along the beach road, and as far back into the town as you want to venture. We had to stay mostly along the beach road because of the time we had. But, if you want to do more exploring in down and didn't have time to walk all the way back, you can always catch a cab somewhere along the way and have them take you back to your pier.

If your interested in doing what we did - just catch a cab at your pier, and ask to be taken to the far side of San Miquel where the shops start. Then start walking back. If you haven't already, look up a map of Cozumel, and that will help you get your bearings of where you're going. And, while in the cab, you'll see its not really all that far by taxi from ship to the end of town. It is a long walk - but a nice one.

Any more questions, feel free to ask.

Thanks for your ideas and thoughts 20kies. Yes, as I mentioned we are on the Sunshine and I understand the Magic will be there also that day. So hopefully Punta Maya is where we will be. Can't find any labels that say Punta Maya, but assume that of the four docks/piers there it might be the first one.

Not sure which will be easier - for us to go to town to meet the ferry, or have them find us at the ship. Suggestions?

I'm leaning to have them come see us rather than us trying to hail a cab to go there when over 4,000 people will be trying to do the same thing ( both ships dock around the same time). It might be quicker for them to hail a taxi to where we are. :D

I guess it will depend on what your plans are for the day. If you want to go to town and shop for the day, then you should get the cab and go to town and meet your friends at the ferry. If you want to go to a beach, then they could catch a cab to Puerta Maya pier and meet you there at the entrance. From there you could take a taxi to a beach.

You won't have any problem getting a cab at the pier. It is very organized. The cabs are lined up as you walk towards the street. While you are still in the Puerta Maya area there will be cab guys there asking where you want to go, and getting a cab for you. We have never had to wait, and we have had 2 ships there every time.

Thanks for posting this. BTW: do you know if they tried bringing waterproof cameras into the pool with them? I'm pretty sure this isn't allowed but just wanted to see if they made any exceptions at all.

 

I signed my wife up for Dolphin Discovery at Chankanaab and it would be awesome if she could bring/wear my GoPro into the pool with her. I'm pretty sure they won't let her but I may try anyway and see if they'll let it slide.

I know at Chankanaab you could not bring your own camera into the pool. They take pictures, and want you to buy the pictures, or the CD. Our daughter bought the CD, but I'm not sure what she paid.

I don't know about Dophinaris.

Has anybody been to Carlos and Charlie's beach club? Not sure where it is. We have been to the Carlos and Charlie's under senior frogs we had a blast just thinking we might try the beach club since we are bringing the kids this time. Any thoughts or tips would be helpful.

 

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We haven't actually been in Carlos & Charlies, but we walked by it when we were shopping in Coz. Its on the Main street that runs along the beach in town, and on the side opposite the beach. Since it is across the street from the water, I don't remember if there was a place to get in the water there or not. Most of the "beach" along the road area in town is rocky. You can get into the water, but its not the sandy walk-in beach type beach.

I'm not sure what you are wanting to do? Money Bar is another place along the beach that many people say is a great hang-out to get some great snorkeling and it has a small beachy area with some chairs to sun in. The entrance to the water is via some steps because it is rocky - but that is what makes for the great snorkeling. They have food & drinks, rent snorkel equipment, and offer massages, etc. Many people on this forum highly recommend it for an inexpensive day and great snorkeling.

Do you or does anyone else have any idea if there is a beach where we can just go for the day and lay down and tan? :) I'm having a hard time finding any information about "beach breaks" for Cozumel. :(

If you look through the Cozumel forum pages, I don't know how you are missing all the information about the beaches. There are many to choose from in Cozumel.

I haven't been here, but from what I've gathered, Paradise beach is a really good sandy beach to go to, and just enjoy laying out, and having a lazy day. Its very inexpensive - I think just $2pp to enter. Food is not included, but available. There are water toys, but they are extra also.

Chankanaab is a nice beach w/some other attractions as well. It is $24pp to enter, and once there you have great snorkeling (equipment can be rented), kayaks, free sea lion show, dolphins & manatee encounters, etc. There is a website for it if you want to see more.

Just look on the Cozumel forum page for more ideas.

I'm glad I decided to get curious and check out these posts. Pictures really help and maybe you can help us out.

 

We will be on the Bloggers Cruise (Sunshine) next weekend and going to Cozumel on the 21st. It's our first time to Cozumel.

 

We have some friends in Mexico that are driving over for the day to meet us. They will be taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and then we all hope to meet up and spend the day together.

 

Looking at the maps I can see where we might dock, but not sure where they might be docking to hook up with them. They have not been here before either, at least not that I am aware of.

 

But love the suggestion of wandering around the town and seeing what's there and stopping for a bite to eat. They have two teenagers that will also be coming with them and so any suggestions and ideas you have would be very really appreciated.;)

Looks like you will be on the Carnival Sunshine. It should dock at Puerto Maya since that is Carnival's dock. I googled to see where the ferry dock is, and it looks like it is in the downtown area at the Punta Langosta pier. So, you could take a taxi to there - probably about $6 according to this attachement, and meet your friends there. Here is a copy of what I found out about the ferry in Cozumel:

WHERE IS THE COZUMEL FERRY? Location: The ferry terminal is located right in downtown Cozumel, next to the Punta Langosta Cruise Ship Pier, right in front of Punta Langosta mall, and a block from the town square. Cozumel Hotel Guests: You can walk there from anywhere in San Miguel (downtown). From areas outside of town, you'll just take a taxi from your hotel or where ever you happen to be on the island. Taxis are readily available all over Cozumel. Very easy.

Cruise Passengers: A taxi to the ferry pier from the Puerta Maya or International Pier should cost about $6.00 USD and take about 7 minutes. If your cruise ship is arriving at Punta Langosta, then you can just walk next door.

COZUMEL FERRY MAP

 

Cruise passengers arriving at the Punta Langosta pier take an escalator up & walk over a bridge across the main road, and another escalator down to get to the street level.

So, if you just want to walk around town w/your friends, you will be right in the middle of town to do just that.

If you've never been to Cozumel though, and you have teenagers, they might enjoy going to one of the many beaches for at least some of the day, however.