is it 'ok' to not get off the boat?

[mevelandry]

Of course it is okay to stay on the ship.

Cozumel is a tourist trap...and you've already been there. You know you won't be missing much.

I'm curious to know why you think Cozumel is a tourist trap. I'm going there for the first time and I have had a hard time chosing an excursion because too many of them were interesting (Mayan ruins, caves, beaches, etc.)...

 

[DLgal]

I'm curious to know why you think Cozumel is a tourist trap. I'm going there for the first time and I have had a hard time chosing an excursion because too many of them were interesting (Mayan ruins, caves, beaches, etc.)...

Well, it's mostly undeveloped island and the developed part is all for the tourist trade. Tacky gift shops, Senor Frogs type bars, etc. The ruins there are underwhelming (the impressive ruins are on Mainland Mexico). The beaches are okay but nothing amazing. I was bored by Cozumel.

 

[cmwade77]

Well, it's mostly undeveloped island and the developed part is all for the tourist trade. Tacky gift shops, Senor Frogs type bars, etc. The ruins there are underwhelming (the impressive ruins are on Mainland Mexico). The beaches are okay but nothing amazing. I was bored by Cozumel.

We actually really enjoyed the ruins there, but I would recommend doing them on your own, preferably with a local tour guide so you can avoid the rest of the tourist stuff Disney adds in.

 

[mevelandry]

Well, it's mostly undeveloped island and the developed part is all for the tourist trade. Tacky gift shops, Senor Frogs type bars, etc. The ruins there are underwhelming (the impressive ruins are on Mainland Mexico). The beaches are okay but nothing amazing. I was bored by Cozumel.

I understand what you mean about the port.

Friends of mine really appreciated visiting the caves and Xcaret... But I'm quite surprised about what you are saying of the ruins. My friends who have made excursions to Tulum and Chichen Itza had a lovely day and were very impressed.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We were impressed by Tulum as well. It was hot and sticky, but the ruins were worth seeing.

Back to OP's original question, you don't need our permission to stay onboard. It's your vacation; do what you want.

 

[DLgal]

I understand what you mean about the port.

But I'm quite surprised about what you are saying of the ruins. My friends who have made excursions to Tulum and Chichen Itza had a lovely day and were very impressed.

Those are not on Cozumel. Cozumel is an island...it has some really small ruins...nothing special.

I have been to both Tulum and Chichen Itza, but that was during a vacation in Cancun. Those are impressive, but not something I would consider with a port day in Cozumel (if you can even do that from there...I imagine it requires quite a long travel to e using boats and buses...)

 

[Soontobegoodsell]

We never get off the boat and enjoy it thoroughly. The only time is at Castaway Cay.

 

[mevelandry]

Those are not on Cozumel. Cozumel is an island...it has some really small ruins...nothing special.

I have been to both Tulum and Chichen Itza, but that was during a vacation in Cancun. Those are impressive, but not something I would consider with a port day in Cozumel (if you can even do that from there...I imagine it requires quite a long travel to e using boats and buses...)

Most cruise lines offer excursions to Tulum and Chichen Itza from Cozumel. I know DCL and Carnival do.

 

[MunFam]

In Cozumel, with our 4 year old, we did get off the ship for a brief moment to walk to Panchos Backyard for margaritas, chips, salsa and some other yummies, then we booked it straight back to the ship (oh, we stopped at MEGA to reload our booze supply too, ha). I was not in to the excursions at all. The ship, surprisingly, was very busy and it appeared that not a lot of people got off.

 

[BuzzLightyearInTampa]

Hello!
Taking our 1st Disney cruise with our 4-yr old daughter this December (5-day on the magic). We are considering *not* getting off the boat during our Cozumel stop because:
1. We have been a million times
2. Limited activities for her age excursion wise
3. Really needing as laid-back of a vacation as possible at this point.

The traveler in me believes it is a mistake to not get off. Our most favorite part of cruising in the past has been meeting the amazing people and visiting the ports. This time, given the short cruise and our first one with a youngster, it feels like the right thing to do.

Anything else for me to consider? We may get off, stretch our legs, get a few trinkets, one drink and head back up. Enjoy an 'empty' pool and deck?
Thanks!

DW stayed on board in Cozumel on our cruise last year while DS and I went on a short excursion. She loved it and actually plans to stay on board at Castaway Cay on the next cruise. For us, on most DCL cruises the ship is the main attraction.

 

[phinz]

I look at it this way: I pay big money for a floating resort that takes me from one locale to another. I don't have to leave my resort if I don't want to, and they will take care of my needs while I'm in my resort. Cabanas is open for breakfast and lunch, several bars are open, there are free movies and everybody else goes ashore so I have a deserted resort in which to spend my time. I couldn't care less about port stops, ultimately.

 

[cruiser21]

I'm curious to know why you think Cozumel is a tourist trap. I'm going there for the first time and I have had a hard time chosing an excursion because too many of them were interesting (Mayan ruins, caves, beaches, etc.)...

It's my favorite Caribbean port if that makes you feel better. We usually go to Mr. Santos or Chankanaab. Great beach, great food( guacamole on everything), great price, great drinks, NICE people, and very clean.. even the bathrooms. It's the Caribbean. How can it be bad? ENJOY!!!!!!

 

[GPaLarry]

When on a DCL cruise, I find the hardest decision I have to make in choosing whether to get off the ship (40-50 choices) or stay on the ship (20-30 choices) is which coin to flip to finalize my schedule.

 

[Laundress]

Sometimes we think of the ship as our destination. Relax and enjoy the near empty ship.

 

[cadien]

Most cruise lines offer excursions to Tulum and Chichen Itza from Cozumel. I know DCL and Carnival do.

You do spend more time traveling to and from than you do at the ruins though. We looked into it, because we're really interested in ruins, and ultimately decided that would be a land trip instead.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I can't say for sure about Disney, but some cruise lines offer specials (reduced prices) on spas, etc. on port days for people who don't shoose to get off the ship. DS used to work for another major cruise line and that's what they did.

 

[mevelandry]

You do spend more time traveling to and from than you do at the ruins though. We looked into it, because we're really interested in ruins, and ultimately decided that would be a land trip instead.

I remember reading that Chichen Itza was a long ride from. I think Tulum is 2 hours from Cozumel. But if it was the only way for me to see them, I think I would do it. So yes, it is a very long excursion.

 

[Soontobegoodsell]

I look at it this way: I pay big money for a floating resort that takes me from one locale to another. I don't have to leave my resort if I don't want to, and they will take care of my needs while I'm in my resort. Cabanas is open for breakfast and lunch, several bars are open, there are free movies and everybody else goes ashore so I have a deserted resort in which to spend my time. I couldn't care less about port stops, ultimately.

This is exactly how I view it. There are plenty amenities on board.

 

[WDWMarcy]

Hello!
Taking our 1st Disney cruise with our 4-yr old daughter this December (5-day on the magic). We are considering *not* getting off the boat during our Cozumel stop because:
1. We have been a million times
2. Limited activities for her age excursion wise
3. Really needing as laid-back of a vacation as possible at this point.

The traveler in me believes it is a mistake to not get off. Our most favorite part of cruising in the past has been meeting the amazing people and visiting the ports. This time, given the short cruise and our first one with a youngster, it feels like the right thing to do.

Anything else for me to consider? We may get off, stretch our legs, get a few trinkets, one drink and head back up. Enjoy an 'empty' pool and deck?
Thanks!

We looooove to stay on the ship! Do what YOU like!

 

[JW9DVC]

Has your child been? Maybe do an excursion with your little one? Dolphinaris was a lot of fun for my kids at that age.

Also. I'm one of those that unless you touch land. Then you didn't really go.

JW