Cozumel tips

[Judgekw]

As I stated on my tips for Grand Caymand I have not been on the Western cruise but I have been to Cozumel too many times to count. Cozumel is a really cute little town. If you like to stroll around and shop it is a good place. The locals are very nice and they will bargain with you but they are not overly pushy. You can take a cab to the town center and just walk all over, it is very safe and we have never had any problems. There are lots of cute restaurants and bars where you can grab a drink or lunch. Pizza Rolandi is right on the main drag. It has the best pizza and pasta I've ever eaten! They also have great sangria and it is a really cute restaurant. Just ask the cab driver to take you there. I have been to the Mayan ruins on Cozumel and I would not recommend them. The snorkeling is great in Chakanaub (sp?) In addition to fish they have sunken statutes and stuff. You can also see iguanas and such. I personally would not go to Tulum or Xcarat. Once again, I have been to both and they are great but it would be a really long trip in the time frame and I think it would be exhausting. Cozumel is really quite nice and I would take advantage of time there. The beaches tend to be a bit rockey but the water is beautiful and there are lots of fish. If you happed to be a diver go for it! There are tons of little dive shops around, I would recommend Blue Bubble.

 

[Hopkins]

Thanks for the tips!

We are thinking about doing the Tulum ruins, but are apprehensive about it since a few people have said that it is a very long distance to go to spend such a short time there, not to mention in the blazing hot sun, too. Though, the site is beautiful. Our cruise is in January, so we'll hear more about the other excursions offered. We still might do Tulum since we aren't into the swimming and snorkeling. Hubby doesn't do that stuff.

Now, I can't pass up pizza... and you say it's the best... I'll have to try that even in Mexico. We are thinking about Pancho's Backyard for dinner instead of the ship.

Tina

 

[imgoingtodisney]

When I cruised on NCL in Dec we stopped at Cozumel. I still to this day cannot believe I had my MIL in Carlos n Charlies. The girls were falling out of their tops at 4 in the afternoon.

 

[vacationqueen]

Judgekw,

We are scheduled for the Xcaret excursion June 8th and the more I read, the more anxious I am getting. It looks beautiful. I have the brochures and I really would love to swim the lagoons plus I purchased the dolphin excursion for our daughter. So, do you think I should just skip this?? I hate to pay $400 to be rushed through something but on the other hand it looks so nice I would just like to see it. Looking for some opinions here..............

Thanks........

 

[llachance]

Having never been there before, the one thing my 15yo DD said she wanted to do was the ruins, as with other posters I am beginning to have my doubts as to this being the right thing to do. We travel on 7/6. would appreciate thoughts on what would keep a 15yo happy. She will be doing the Fury Catamaran with the teens that evening. Thanks

 

[trishy]

Now I'm concerned. We're on the 7/6 too so the clock's ticking. I have the Tulum booked for me and dd12 (misses the teen fury by a month! She's so bummed), but there have been quite a few posters with negatives about the Tulum excursion. It would sure help to hear some positives. Otherwise I might cancel and stick to the beach - maybe try to do Chichen on another trip to Cozumel and skip the ruins until then. Anyway, as *llachance* stated, any info is welcome. Sooner the better. Thanks.

 

[DARWIN91]

If it is just the beach you are looking for then try Mr. Sanchos. It is a great beach with watersports, live music, shopping, small freshwater pool and bar/food. Great atmosphere. Free admission. 15 minutes from pier. Costs us $15.00 each way(taxi) for 3 adults and 2 children

 

[Judgekw]

If you have older children and they are really interested in the ruins I would go. You might not get the chance to get back to Mexico again. I just think it is a long trip. I would not go with small kids, but if your 15 year old is really interested, by all means go! They are really neat and it is a worthwhile trip just long and hot.

 

[Judgekw]

Dear vacation queen,

I personally would not spend $400 to go to xcarat. It is really neat but I think you will be rushed. For $400, you could practically get back to Mexico again. Having said that, if money is not an objective go for it. If you decide not to go, there are lots of neat sea creatures and things to do in Cozumel. Snorkeling in the state park is really neat and you can see iguanas on the beach. In addition, I personally think the town of Cozumel is very cute and a good cultural experience for kids. You could do both the snorkeling and the town for a fraction of the XCARAT trip. However, it is a decision only you and your family can make. How old are your children? Do they have their hearts set on swimming with the dolphins? Hope this helps.

 

[Pigletsmum]

The ship will either be dropping you offshore from Playa del Carmen and boat you over from there or will boat you over directly from Cozumel (a longer boat ride). Most cruise lines do the offshore boating before docking in Cozumel. From Playa del Carmen to Tulum is about an hour. We stayed in Playa last year and went to Tulum. Tulum is beautiful but it is very hot there. If you are having second thoughts, do the dolphin trip right at Chankanuab Park on Cozumel. Great snorkeling here too.