desertmom4

If you are fine with a beach with no frills (no inflatables, pools, water toys, etc.), go to Playa Palancar. The taxi fare will be more because it is the furthest away, but there is no cost to get in. If you use a table and umbrella, you are expected to buy food. The beach is less crowded and quiet. They have snorkeling gear to rent if you want to snorkel. Our family had a nice, relaxing time there.

It is the furthest way (about a 20-minute drive), but I would recommend Playa Palancar if you are looking for a less crowded, nice, quiet beach. It doesn't cost anything to get in. If you use one of their tables/umbrellas, you are expected to purchase food. We were there two weeks ago and loved it!

I would pick Galveston since you haven't been to any of the ports. From my research and my experience Falmouth is not a favorite of most people.

We went on the Nativeways Stringray, Snorkel, and Starfish tour last week. It was supposed to be from 11:30 - 2:45. We didn't get back to the ship until after 4pm which wasn't a big deal for us because the last tender was at 5:30, but it did last longer than what we were told. Half of the people on the boat were on the Rum point tour, so we dropped them off at the beach before going to Starfish Point. Maybe that is why it took longer. We also dealt with torrential downpour during the snorkeling portion of our tour, so that may have played a factor also. Besides a little disorganization with getting everyone on a bus and then on a boat (we had to switch boats because we were told to get on the wrong one), we were very happy with the tour and would use them again.

http://www.cozumelinsider.com/Taxiinternational?From=Taxiairport

Confirm price with driver before leaving, about 25 mins. ( may have had price increase by then!)

This link is outdated (at least for the 6-8 passenger fare). We were there on May 31st and were expecting to pay $40 each way for Palancar. It ended up being $50 each way. Made money a little tight for us for the day because we were expecting $40 (should have brought more cash to begin with - lesson learned). Loved the beach though! Totally worth it!

Thanks for the info. Any idea on what hours it was open and/or the wait for the other slides?

Our family just got off yesterday too. It is hard to say what the "normal" will be for the Tidal Wave since it was only open the last two days and there was no communication that it was open. My husband somehow knew it was going to open at 9am on the last day (probably by asking a crew member). My daughter and him were able to go down 10 times and only waited in line for about 5 minutes each time. But I think that is because most people didn't know that it was open. As far as the other slides go, the wait times ranged from no wait to 20 minutes. The wait for the Flow Rider was usually the longest....sometimes 20-30 minutes.

We just got off yesterday. Our family had 3 Promenade rooms (7329, 7323, and 7321). I personally stayed in 7323 and we had no issue with noise. They were conveniently located close to the elevators and stairs. They seemed to be more roomy than other inside staterooms that we have stayed in on other cruise lines.

I was curious about the same thing...anyone?