Cozumel vs. Nassau?

[CisforCookie991]

Hello! Trying to pick our next cruise and looking at 3 options:

1. 5 night on the Magic, both islands and Nassau
2. 5 night on the Dream, also both islands and Nassau
3. 5 night on the Dream, Castaway and Cozumel

I know nothing about Cozumel. What are some things people like or dislike about it? It could end up just being a ship day for us. I know that Nassau would be a ship day for us. We don't have strong opinions about Castaway and Lighthouse Point. All 3 cruises are within about a week and a half of each other, but the price difference between 1 and 3 is considerable, with 2 falling somewhere in between. Any insight?

Thanks!

 

[Calantha]

Hello! Trying to pick our next cruise and looking at 3 options:

1. 5 night on the Magic, both islands and Nassau
2. 5 night on the Dream, also both islands and Nassau
3. 5 night on the Dream, Castaway and Cozumel

I know nothing about Cozumel. What are some things people like or dislike about it? It could end up just being a ship day for us. I know that Nassau would be a ship day for us. We don't have strong opinions about Castaway and Lighthouse Point. All 3 cruises are within about a week and a half of each other, but the price difference between 1 and 3 is considerable, with 2 falling somewhere in between. Any insight?

Thanks!

Hi,

I've been to Cozumel twice this year (once on the Dream and once on the Magic). We did a Disney excursion the first time and just did snorkeling off of a boat. I did not have a good time - there was nothing to see. The second time (a few weeks ago), I did Resort for a Day, and we went to the Iberostar and enjoyed the all-inclusive food/drinks/pool. The actual beach was meh. I would go back to the Iberostar but overall don't love Cozumel.

I'd probably take option 1 or 2. (I like the Magic slightly more than the Dream, although my son (9) would say Dream over Magic).

 

[foolish-mortal]

I prefer Cozumel to Nassau. Look into Paradise Beach or Mr. Sanchos. We always have a good time at Cozumel. We never get off the ship at Nassau but it's subjective. Just my own personal opinion.

 

[CisforCookie991]

Hi,

I've been to Cozumel twice this year (once on the Dream and once on the Magic). We did a Disney excursion the first time and just did snorkeling off of a boat. I did not have a good time - there was nothing to see. The second time (a few weeks ago), I did Resort for a Day, and we went to the Iberostar and enjoyed the all-inclusive food/drinks/pool. The actual beach was meh. I would go back to the Iberostar but overall don't love Cozumel.

I'd probably take option 1 or 2. (I like the Magic slightly more than the Dream, although my son (9) would say Dream over Magic).

Anything specific you didn't like? Or just... nothing special about it?

 

[CisforCookie991]

I prefer Cozumel to Nassau. Look into Paradise Beach or Mr. Sanchos. We always have a good time at Cozumel. We never get off the ship at Nassau but it's subjective. Just my own personal opinion.

So oddly enough, we're not huge beach people (we just like Disney cruises). Would you say it's worthwhile or is it just the beaches you like?

 

[Calantha]

Anything specific you didn't like? Or just... nothing special about it?

So for snorkeling, I think there's nothing much to see. And the rest, is just kind of meh compared to most of the other islands I've been to.

I'd rather have the chance to do both Disney islands. Now, as you are not actually beach people, that also gives you a chance to stay on the ship and it is less crowded, versus 2 days at sea to get to and back from Cozumel and everyone is stuck on the ship.

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

We’ve been to both ports a number of times. We mainly walk to the Straw Market and check out the shops in the port area when we are in Nassau. For us, there is more to do in Cozumel. We have done the chocolate factory tour on our own, https://kaokaochocolatefactorytour.com/ and the Cuisine workshop through DCL twice as our kids enjoy cooking. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...-mexico-mexican-cuisine-workshop-and-tasting/
We just returned from the Fantasy last week and we trying to decide between DCL and WDW for next year so I think I was actually looking at the same 3 cruises you are looking at (mid-late August 2025?). We finally decided on WDW, but had narrowed it down to either WDW or the Cozumel/Castaway cruise on the Dream. We felt that that cruise gave the best value and we liked the idea of 3 sea days to do activities like Palo brunch, tastings and trivia.

 

[CisforCookie991]

We’ve been to both ports a number of times. We mainly walk to the Straw Market and check out the shops in the port area when we are in Nassau. For us, there is more to do in Cozumel. We have done the chocolate factory tour on our own, https://kaokaochocolatefactorytour.com/ and the Cuisine workshop through DCL twice as our kids enjoy cooking. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...-mexico-mexican-cuisine-workshop-and-tasting/
We just returned from the Fantasy last week and we trying to decide between DCL and WDW for next year so I think I was actually looking at the same 3 cruises you are looking at (mid-late August 2025?). We finally decided on WDW, but had narrowed it down to either WDW or the Cozumel/Castaway cruise on the Dream. We felt that that cruise gave the best value and we liked the idea of 3 sea days to do activities like Palo brunch, tastings and trivia.

Yup looking at next summer! We just got off the Wonder recently so have that placeholder now. Those excursions look awesome, but my kids aren't old enough for the cooking one and one of them hates chocolate (yup, seriously). But now that you mention WDW, I might put a 4 day on the Magic + Universal on the table...

 

[Disturbia]

Cozumel was ok. We did the Disney excursion. They had just 10 life vests so required us to go back and forth and use only for 20 mins max and the water was rough. Wear extra sunscreen; we saw a child screaming in pain with his entire back sunburnt; it just suddenly creeps up on you and once it starts burning it will burn for several minutes (Breeze can be misleading). There was an all inclusive buffet and the kids water park was nice although there were drunk adults in the pirate ship and a senior gentleman fell with a young toddler (fortunately not hurt severely) in his arms after sliding down with him. Bathrooms were good vs Cayman Islands (attendant had to throw buckets of water and asked people to go in dirty toilets which were used multiple times and overflowing and was screaming at guests). As Tim describes in the video below snorkeling in rough waters was not great (we didn’t book it).

Jamaica had a level 3 warning so we didn’t get off. The Eastern Caribbean was a lot more enjoyable. Also you do have to adjust your watch on day 4 (Apple Watch and phone don’t adjust and we missed the princess gathering by an hour-had to line up 30+ mins for each and meet them individually).

 

[auntlynne]

I am not an all-day beach person. I don’t spend time on a lounger. No sipping cocktails beach- or pool- side.



I spend 90 minutes, max, on a typical beach day. I prefer water with easy entry. Sand that is soft and clean. Clear water, without a lot of seaweed or rocky bottom. And warm, but cool enough to be refreshing. My favorites being Castaway Cay and multiple beaches in the USVI, especially St John.

Last time I was in Cozumel, on a Feb cruise, my selected excursion, a beach day at Passion Island (Isla de la Pasion), was cancelled due to possible rough seas for the return (boat). I opted to go to Chakanaab beach park. The water was choppy that day. There was only a small area of Sandy beach access, the rest being rocky steps into the water. I made the most of my day, but did not go into the water. There were various animal shows and possibly a pool. Probably a cultural show, too. It was warm, over Super Bowl weekend, so any place not cold was a welcome relief.

Mr Sancho’s, Paradise Beach - mentioned by @foolish-mortal - also Nachi Cocom, are beach day venues. They offer food, drinks, a pool, loungers, a sand beach. Most do not include transportation, but arrangements for that are fairly straight-forward. Each has a different atmosphere, from more party to peaceful. Watercraft may be available. These venues have a maximum occupancy, so you won’t have a FL Spring Break size crowd.

Cozumel gained fame due to diving. It is located within the Mesoamerica barrier reef, second largest in the world - after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. If you have any interest, you could pursue a boat-based snorkeling or diving experience. My sister went to Playa El Cielo last year for a two- location snorkeling excursion. The second stop was at a spot that is famous for starfish. The water was shallow enough to stand in.

I have not found “my thing” in Cozumel and basically avoid Western Caribbean cruises. There are a few things I would still consider in Cozumel, so I don’t consider it the no-go of Jamaica (safety/ security). I have felt safe walking in Cozumel, going to the Mega store and Margaritaville for guacamole and just hanging out at the shops.

Typically, I get off the ships at most ports, if only in the secure area.

…I would take a cruise to Cozumel over a day at hot and humid Orlando in a theme park any Summer day.

 

[bakerworld]

Between Nassau and Cozumel, we'd choose Cozumel. There are self-guided walking paths. Our daughter did Beach Paradise and enjoyed it but we'd not Beachers (we just enjoy a water view, but I don't wanna get wet - LOL) and preferred to be within walking distance of the ship. It was just nice to avoid the 'hawking' that goes on at Nassau.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

I would choose #1 because the smaller ship means smaller crowds at the Disney islands. I've been to Cozumel twice and enjoyed both times. Our favorite was a beach day at Nachi Cocom. But I would rather experience LHP rather than go back to Cozumel. I probably would stay on the ship in Nassau, other than briefly stepping out to replenish the beer we're allowed onboard.

 

[Marthasor]

Hello! Trying to pick our next cruise and looking at 3 options:

1. 5 night on the Magic, both islands and Nassau
2. 5 night on the Dream, also both islands and Nassau
3. 5 night on the Dream, Castaway and Cozumel

I know nothing about Cozumel. What are some things people like or dislike about it? It could end up just being a ship day for us. I know that Nassau would be a ship day for us. We don't have strong opinions about Castaway and Lighthouse Point. All 3 cruises are within about a week and a half of each other, but the price difference between 1 and 3 is considerable, with 2 falling somewhere in between. Any insight?

Thanks!

I would pick #1. Magic is fabulous and as PP noted, the DCL islands will be far less crowded than if you are on the Dream. And if that's your cheapest option, bonus! Nassau and Cozumel are both ship days for us. Not a fan.