CDNJehn

They are known on the island and very reputable, but my experience with FB msgr response was spotty at times. Keep on them. It’s Semana Santa (Easter) week and it’s crazy busy, so maybe just lots of volume ... not making excuses, but I think they have limited “office” staff. We had an AWESOME time with them, enjoy!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Both have great beaches but Roatan has great snorkeling. We have visited via cruise and stayed in the island two separate weeks. Snorkel from shore in West Bay and take the water taxi or regular taxi to West End and snorkel at Half Moon Bay. We love Roatan!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We have used them for a private island tour. AWESOME to deal with. Had a great day! I’ve booked AI day passes twice through Island Marketing but never through cce.net ... wouldn’t hesitate to do so though.

Who did you go with?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

We’ve used Island Marketing a couple of times on Cozumel with no issues.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

So first, there are 2 "cozumelcruiseexcursions" websites ... one is .com and one is .net. My review is related to the .net company.

I actually initially communicated with them two years ago, and after opting for other excursions on our last two trips, I decided to book them this time.

The communication from them was great. They responded to my enquiry with detailed information that was clearly a form response, but very helpful. I booked online, putting down a small deposit and the rest paid in cash before we left on the tour.

They sent detailed instructions the week before our tour. Instructions on where to meet were clear and concise, and even made suggestions on when to cross the street to avoid vendors/tour operators.

Our driver, Leo (I think, I forgot to write his name down) was AWESOME. He works as a waiter at Paradise Beach as well. Super fun guy. It was just my Mom, myself and the guide, no other jeeps or people. He asked what things we wanted to do/see and we were off. There was a small cooler with water and beer at our disposal.

We went to a small beach bar to evaluate the water (it was a bit rough) and whether we wanted to snorkel there. We opted not to, and headed down to Punta Sur (entry fee was included). We went up the viewing tower and the lighthouse.

The guide offered to take our photos along the way and gave us some info about the area. We followed a group with a park guide and listened in as well.

We headed out and stopped for a photo op along the coast, on the ironshore.

After that we went for our lunch. We went to La Palapa de San Martin. Lunch was included, which was a chicken fajita platter. We paid for our own beer and soda. After lunch we went across the street to a gorgeous beach. There were massages available (for a fee). Sand was super soft and the beach was not crowded at all.

After that we headed up the east side of the island and stopped to see some of the beaches along the way. From there we headed to a tequila place (not the big one on the right). The folks there were very nice and knowledgable, and of course I got suckered into some tequila. Twist my arm. ;)

We wanted to do some shopping before leaving so we asked to head back to port. The driver ensured there was nothing else we wanted to see before heading back. We were gone for about 6 hours in total and had a great time. I would highly recommend cozumelcruiseexcursions.net

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

We used cozumelcruiseexcursions.net last week and had a private driver for the day. We went everywhere, including the east side. Lunch, water and beer were included.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Paperman's Coffee, across from the port on the second floor, has great coffee and free wifi...and their patio has a great view of the port area. Super nice folks.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

The Florida Aquarium is directly across the street from the port. They used to offer luggage storage so cruisers could enjoy a visit before heading to the airport.

 

Here is their link if anyone wants to contact them to inquire if they are still offering this option.

I sent an email yesterday and received the following response from Guest Services @ the Aquarium:

Yes we do offer to store your luggage while you visit the aquarium and the cost is FREE!

When you enter inside the aquarium, let the associate at guest services know you want to store some luggage and they will give you a ticket for them which you'll have to present upon leaving to get your baggage back.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Awesome, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

We are arriving quite late into Tampa next Friday and staying at Ramada Westshore ...

I'd like to get some juice/pop to bring onboard. Are there stores within walking distance from the hotel? Walgreen's, CVS, Walmart/Target, etc.

Does anyone know what the taxi fare from hotel to port will be? I know it's $25 from the airport...same from area hotels? I read online that the hotel has a port shuttle for $10/pp, which might be more cost effective. The closer to the cruise I get, the more I start pinching pennies that could buy drinks on board. ;)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

It's been a ritual for several Cruises to treat myself to a Grande Americano from the onboard Coffee Shop.

I agree. Is be paying for coffee at home. I drink Starbucks dark, so attempting the coffee in the Lido buffet is not an option for me, too weak.

I did find that the coffee served in the casino wasn't bad, stronger than the buffet coffee. Probably sits longer. :eek:

I bring Via packets now...reminds me to add those to my packing list!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Date: 2015-1-24

Ship: Carnival Paradise

Class of Guarantee: Ocenview Guarantee

Cabin Assigned: Riviera Category 6B

Date Assigned: 2014-12-31 (could have been earlier, just happened to check)

Pretty happy with cabin placement as my Mom is prone to motion sickness, so low is good for us.

Just wondering...do rooms ever get CHANGED at check-in? Or if you're assigned a room, that's your room? This is my first time booking a guaranteed cabin rate.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

We spent a week on the island in November after visiting via cruiseship in April. We absolutely LOVED Boca Catalina and Catalina Cove. Great snorkeling right from the beach at both. No facilities, but pretty quiet, even with ships in port. Lots of tour buses going by, but not many people stopping. Enjoy!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

You get a snorkeling briefing for newbies and then they take you right there for some really nice snorkeling. You can see the ship not too far away in fact i venture you could swim to it. They take a picture of you snorkeling in the water.

 

All in all the trip was fantastic, the guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. We gave them an extra tip.

Thanks for sharing your experiences. The description says it's a customizable tour...were you asked to provide input on what you did? I have snorkeled from shore near port before and was more interested in places we haven't been before.

Can I ask what you consider an 'extra tip'. I honestly never know what to tip for these types of excursions...I'm sure either really OVER tip or really UNDER tip. ;)

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I'm thinking of booking this for late January as well. Who did you book through and how much was it?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I booked through their website.

cozumelcruiseexcursions dot net

There was a small deposit taken and the rest paid in cash. Very clear instructions on getting to the meeting point.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Is that $10 pp or for the entire cab no matter how many people? This time around we "may" have 2 little ones, one of which needs a leash :eek: and I would never trust him to walk on by the streets even if they have a sidewalk. :o

:eek: indeed!

It was a flat rate. There were 4 of us. The cabs are to the right of the port exit.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Hoping someone will provide some info on this excursion. Doesn't look like too many have been/are interested in this. DH and I are doing a B2B, so thought we do an island tour week one, beach day the following week. Wondering which company would be the best to book with. Exciting!

I've subscribed to this thread and am booked for this excursion at the end of January. I'll post a report when we return.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Can anyone comment on how much a cab to get here would be?

I think we paid around $10 for a cab. It's been a while though. I'm sure that I recall the cab from Smith Cove up to Seven Mile Beach being around $20. Smith Cove is easily walkable in about 30 minutes...but I know you've usually got a little one with you mitsugirly.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

great discussion all. how does the cruise line upgrade work? Do I book and then just keep checking their prices and call them when the price goes down? and then ask to switch out/get credit for what I paid toward the discounted upgrade?

 

and I will call the cruise line, too - but I am hoping to get a little background/experience from forum members to best prepare before I call.

 

thanks in advance,

Martin

I can only comment on my experience with Carnival. After booking I watched the prices on their website or checked prices when I received a promotional email about cruise deals I called when I found a lower price/upgrade at same price I paid.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I've had at least 2 cruises where the price either dropped OR there were better cabin categories for the same price I paid. Most recently I was upgraded from an interior room to an oceanview AND was credited $60. Two cruises ago we were able to move from a lower floor balcony to a Lido balcony for no cost. For me, it has paid off watching prices.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Here are the beds separated with a cot under the dresser

Cool, thanks for the photo! That actually looks like it leaves a good amount of room in the cabin ... no hugging the wall to squeeze around the end of the bed.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

We've sailed on the Paradise, Elation, Imagination and Inspiration. Many times on the Riviera deck.

 

Never heard anything below us, except during embark/debark when they're loading the ship. Main deck above is only cabins. At worse you'll have some sort of Steward locker near you.

 

 

 

There's more walking around room if the twins are placed in an 'L'. One under the window and the other opposite the vanity. If the beds are next to each other, either ask your Steward to move them or do it yourself. The beds are very easy to move.

Awesome, thanks for the tip on moving the beds Sadie!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I booked my first ever guaranteed stateroom rate for this cruise. Originally I booked an interior and was able to upgrade on a sale to an OV (and got $60 back, sweet deal).

Room R80 (6B) has been assigned and I'm wondering:

How are the two twins set up in these rooms? I've seen them pictured side by side and also in a sort of "L" shape

Any complaints about noise from below in Riviera staterooms? My first cruise ever I was in a deck 1 interior room on Liberty and I must have been over some kind of freezer or fridge because we were awoken every morning at 4am to the sound of massive banging/slamming

This rooms shows connecting to the room next to us. Anyone have any issues with noise coming from a connected room?

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Interesting. Does this "box" get in the way if you've asked for two twin beds?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

I have booked this tour for late January so I'm VERY interested I hearing your report. I'm definitely a beach person and would happily lie still in the sun all day ... but I'm traveling with my Mom this time, who likes to get out and see things. I've been to Cozumel several times, and almost booked this excursion two trips ago (we did the bar hop instead) and last trip (we did the underground river excursion). Hoping to see some new sights this time around.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app