Port in Cozumel

[cdixon22]

Hello,

Sailing next month on Independence of the Seas to Belize and Cozumel.  This will be our first time in Cozumel on a cruise ship.  I am on a budget and spending too much money on an excursion in Belize to zip line and tube the caves.  My question is, if I stay in the port area of Cozumel is there enough to do for a few hours or should I look at another excursion?  Thoughts or Recommendations? Thanks....

[tonyfsu21]

There's a Senior frogs and the standard duty free shops right off the ship. If you don't like to drink heavily or shop then I suggest taking a cab to paradise beach (8.00 cab fare and 15.00 or 20.00pp entry fee to beach). The staff at paradise beach is great and the beach is beautiful. You can get a couple lounge chairs in the sand and a server will bring u cocktails and pretty good food off a full menu (burgers, tacos, nachos, guac exc).

[WAAAYTOOO]

San Francisco beach is directly next to Paradise beach and costs nothing to get on. Had a great day there a few years ago.

[jticarruthers]

Our go to for Cozumel the last couple of times has been just to stroll the main drag ... as long as you can stand being asked to step into every store you can buy beers and margaritas for about $1 a pop and window shop to your hearts content. We usually give our son a few dollars and between that and the "free charms" that almost every store offers he ends up with a bunch of cheap gifts for his friends who may or may not be girls but are definitely not girlfriends (ah 12 its a fun age) and we get to have several drinks a piece.

 

Total cost including cab fare to/from downtown is usually about $20-$30 dollars ... just remember to be very clear in saying no .... I slipped up on this rule last year when my son proudly announced to the Diamonds International staff that it was our 15 year anniversary. This resulted in me being invited to enjoy the "complimentary" bar upstairs while he and my wife took an extensive tour of the store. I had actually planned on getting her a piece of jewelry at some point but that decision was made for me several drinks later.

[cdixon22]

Our go to for Cozumel the last couple of times has been just to stroll the main drag ... as long as you can stand being asked to step into every store you can buy beers and margaritas for about $1 a pop and window shop to your hearts content. We usually give our son a few dollars and between that and the "free charms" that almost every store offers he ends up with a bunch of cheap gifts for his friends who may or may not be girls but are definitely not girlfriends (ah 12 its a fun age) and we get to have several drinks a piece.

 

Total cost including cab fare to/from downtown is usually about $20-$30 dollars ... just remember to be very clear in saying no .... I slipped up on this rule last year when my son proudly announced to the Diamonds International staff that it was our 15 year anniversary. This resulted in me being invited to enjoy the "complimentary" bar upstairs while he and my wife took an extensive tour of the store. I had actually planned on getting her a piece of jewelry at some point but that decision was made for me several drinks later.

Too funny - I hear ya

[cdixon22]

San Francisco beach is directly next to Paradise beach and costs nothing to get on. Had a great day there a few years ago.

Thanks!

[cdixon22]

There's a Senior frogs and the standard duty free shops right off the ship. If you don't like to drink heavily or shop then I suggest taking a cab to paradise beach (8.00 cab fare and 15.00 or 20.00pp entry fee to beach). The staff at paradise beach is great and the beach is beautiful. You can get a couple lounge chairs in the sand and a server will bring u cocktails and pretty good food off a full menu (burgers, tacos, nachos, guac exc).

Thanks - sounds yummy

[cgsent]

$8.00 cab ride down town. the cab stand is right outside the port

Pancho's backyard is a really good place fro lunch. I believe it is inside los cinco soles.

they have a web site and have coupons if you like them.

if you do an excursion, salsa, salsa, margarita is a lot of fun. always sells out early. rccl has it or you can book it on your own. it is halfway between the dock and downtown

[Matt]

$8.00 cab ride down town. the cab stand is right outside the port

Pancho's backyard is a really good place fro lunch. I believe it is inside los cinco soles.

they have a web site and have coupons if you like them.

I dont mean to be disrespectful of your recommendation but I just want to add that I have been to Panchos and it's nice and all, but a little too touristy for my taste.

[monctonguy]

Lots to do just wandering around....shops, food, drinks etc....that's what I did on my first visit there last year and what I will be doing on this visit as well. Just exploring more areas and taking in the sights and sounds.

 

I didn't think the cab was that much from the pier to downtown, thought it was around $8 each way but I could be wrong. Either way its an enjoyable few hours and not real expensive to enjoy Cozumel.

[cdixon22]

Lots to do just wandering around....shops, food, drinks etc....that's what I did on my first visit there last year and what I will be doing on this visit as well. Just exploring more areas and taking in the sights and sounds.

 

I didn't think the cab was that much from the pier to downtown, thought it was around $8 each way but I could be wrong. Either way its an enjoyable few hours and not real expensive to enjoy Cozumel.

I think that is what we will do.  Thanks

[Galveston Steve]

I agree that wandering around the shops, food, etc. is a great, inexpensive way to enjoy Cozumel. For those who want something a little different, we REALLY enjoyed doing a food tour through Cozumel Chef. We were in a small group with a very nice local guide. They hired a taxi (van) that escorted us to the various stops. The great thing is we went to several "mom and pop" restaurants, typically with the restaurant in front, and their family home behind the restaurant. These places were truly local establishments, away from the main drag. We felt very safe throughout the experience. All food and drinks were included (including a beer), as well as the taxi. We even paid the driver a few dollars to take us all back to the cruise ship. They also took us to the local chocolate factory, a bakery, and the local market. It was a lot of fun and a nice way to get a taste of the real Cozumel.

http://www.cozumelchef.com/services/foodtourscozumel/

[Wilson]

Not sure when in Feb you are cruising so this might be too late. LoL

 

We take a taxi (about $16 up to 4 people) to Mr Sanchos. $55 all-inclusive (food, booze, beach, lounger, etc) We love the swim-up bar and the service is exceptional.  

[DocLC]

Not sure when in Feb you are cruising so this might be too late. LoL

 

We take a taxi (about $16 up to 4 people) to Mr Sanchos. $55 all-inclusive (food, booze, beach, lounger, etc) We love the swim-up bar and the service is exceptional.

 

I did Mr Sancho's last month and really enjoyed it. I also liked the fact that you could order off a menu, rather than be stuck with some buffet, and that it was unlimited.

[thundersmom]

Hi folks, i am new here, and looked on the RC site to book excursions and look around, but I do not see this Mr. Sancho's you all speak of? how do i find more info on it, it sounds interesting from what you all are saying, thanks!!

[WAAAYTOOO]

Just do an Internet search for Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel

[DocLC]

It's mrsanchos.com

[Wilson]

For April we have decided to go to Nachi Cocum instead of Mr. Sanchos. Reading that it is limited to 100 people, relaxing compared to Sanchos, same unlimited package and their website clearly states they will not tolerate "loud spring break type of behavior".

[WAAAYTOOO]

We were at Nachi Cocom on Feb. 26.  It was nearly deserted.  There may have been 20 people there all day.

 

It was a little chilly so most did not get in the water (except for the hot tub swim up bar) but we all had a great time.  The food was great and the sun came out in the afternoon and warmed everything up a little.  Plenty of drinks and a very friendly staff.

 

We are doing Mr. Sancho's on April 13 b/c we have never been there before.  We are doing the "Romantic Day" package b/c it includes a palapa or a sun bed...not sure which.  I was under the impression that Mr. Sancho's also limits the number of people for the day.  Guess we'll find out in a few weeks !

[DocLC]

WaaayTooo, you get both the palapa and the sun bed. I believe the limit is 200 people at Mr. Sanchos and it wasn't all that crowded when we were there. They also have a nice pool with a swim up bar, too.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Woohoo ! Thanks, Doc

[Adam P.]

We were at Nachi Cocom on Feb. 26.  It was nearly deserted.  There may have been 20 people there all day.

 

It was a little chilly so most did not get in the water (except for the hot tub swim up bar) but we all had a great time.  The food was great and the sun came out in the afternoon and warmed everything up a little.  Plenty of drinks and a very friendly staff.

 

We are doing Mr. Sancho's on April 13 b/c we have never been there before.  We are doing the "Romantic Day" package b/c it includes a palapa or a sun bed...not sure which.  I was under the impression that Mr. Sancho's also limits the number of people for the day.  Guess we'll find out in a few weeks !

 

Waaaytooo,  I think its Ray right? Haha

 

I was going to ask what you would be choosing for Cozumel as I've read in your previous posts you've done it all there at some point.  April 13th will be my 5th time there and we are debating in doing a beach day like Sanchos, or taking a ship excursion in the caves on the mainland.  Any thoughts or experience on heading to the mainland?  I've heard horror stories as well as  people with no issues in doing this.  We are in port 12 hours I think that day, with the excursion saying its only for 7 hours.  We should still have some time for shopping and maybe going into town for a bit, but are still undecided...

 

Also,  You are in an aft OS right?  I believe thats what I read in our previous empress talks, but could be mistaken.  We will be in the center aft JS right below you.  Make sure to say hello, as I believe you can look down onto the balcony below haha!  We get on the sailing before, on the 7th, and are doing B2B.   Getting pretty excited!  Hopefully the ship is somewhat interesting.

 

Thanks for your input!

Adam

[DocLC]

Adam, I know you did ask me, but I'll give you my two cents for half price. ;)

 

The trip across is worth it, but it does make for a very long and exhausting day. We did the ruins, and would do it again, but you spend a lot of time just getting there and back. It's a plus, though, that you have an extended port stay, so it may be worth doing.

[WAAAYTOOO]

Hey, Adam. We are doing Mr. Sanchos this trip. We had not done Mr. Sanchos b4 but wanted to see how it compares to Nachi Cocom, which we did in Feb when we were there.

 

We have gone to the mainland before. We particularly like Playa del Carmen. It's such a cute little seaside town and we've done the ruins numerous times which I highly recommend. Like Doc says, however, it is a very long day...but well worth it.

 

For shopping, you can't beat the plaza just a short cab ride away.

 

If you're interested in a close, all-inclusive, try the Grand Park, which is a 5 min walk from the port. Just turn left out of the compound and you will come to it shortly. You can actually see it from the ship -it's the big thatched hut close by the port. The last time we went it was $40 PP and included food and drinks for all day. if you're willing to sit through the timeshare spiel, it's free !

 

Actually, we are in the OS all the way forward (8506) on the starboard side. Would love to say "hi". We'll be in the casino. Nervous to see what he casino is like !

 

Yes, it's Raye...

[Adam P.]

Hey, Adam. We are doing Mr. Sanchos this trip. We had not done Mr. Sanchos b4 but wanted to see how it compares to Nachi Cocom, which we did in Feb when we were there.

 

We have gone to the mainland before. We particularly like Playa del Carmen. It's such a cute little seaside town and we've done the ruins numerous times which I highly recommend. Like Doc says, however, it is a very long day...but well worth it.

 

For shopping, you can't beat the plaza just a short cab ride away.

 

If you're interested in a close, all-inclusive, try the Grand Park, which is a 5 min walk from the port. Just turn left out of the compound and you will come to it shortly. You can actually see it from the ship -it's the big thatched hut close by the port. The last time we went it was $40 PP and included food and drinks for all day. if you're willing to sit through the timeshare spiel, it's free !

 

Actually, we are in the OS all the way forward (8506) on the starboard side. Would love to say "hi". We'll be in the casino. Nervous to see what he casino is like !

 

Yes, it's Raye...

Thanks for all info!!  To Doc as well!!

 

I think thats a much smarter choice as the OS up front seems to be like 4 times bigger than the aft ones haha.  

 

I will see you in the casino!  Also am very nervous about that casino....  Wonder if they will even have a craps table.  Or a real roulette table... I've seen electronic roulette in some pictures online, but I only do real tables.  

 

There are a few other areas of the ship that will be interesting to find out how it will all work, but I won't go into that haha...  I don't even know what my room will be like!

 

I plan on emailing Matt to set up a live review/blog of the ship/cruise's for the blog so we will see how that goes as ti would be my first.  I just feel like there is so little info about this ship available anywhere that it will be nice to get some floating around out there.  This, of course, will depend on the VOOM being up and running by the time we are onboard.  

 

23 days!!!  

[WAAAYTOOO]

Yes, it will be a real adventure.  I have no idea what to expect.  Good or bad it's only 5 days !  Since I've never had a BAD cruise, I don't expect this to be my first.  Guess we'll find out very soon !

[bcarney]

We were at Nachi Cocom on Feb. 26.  It was nearly deserted.  There may have been 20 people there all day.

 

It was a little chilly so most did not get in the water (except for the hot tub swim up bar) but we all had a great time.  The food was great and the sun came out in the afternoon and warmed everything up a little.  Plenty of drinks and a very friendly staff.

Thanks for this info - I just booked Nachi Cocom for our upcoming cruise (in two and a half weeks!)  The fact that they limit the amount of people there is what appealed to me; there are four ships in port the day we'll be there so I'm hoping this will avoid the crowds.

[KLA]

Thanks for this info - I just booked Nachi Cocom for our upcoming cruise (in two and a half weeks!)  The fact that they limit the amount of people there is what appealed to me; there are four ships in port the day we'll be there so I'm hoping this will avoid the crowds.

We are now looking at booking Nachi Cocom for when we're there in November - we were originally planning on doing the Skyreef Shore Snorkel and Tequila Tasting through Royal Caribbean, but I know what we were both really looking for is a nice beach day with good food and drinks. Nachi seems like it fits that for us, on top of being relatively quiet since neither of us are big in to crowds. 

 

I think the only reason we've been hesitant is that neither of us have ever done a non-Royal Caribbean excursion, so there's that little 'back of mind' panic about "what if we miss the ship or it leaves without us or we can't find a cab back?!"

 

I think once we do it once we'll be less anxious about it the next time, but Cozumel seems like a good choice for our first time going off of Royal Caribbean's offerings since it's a safe little island.

[bcarney]

I think the only reason we've been hesitant is that neither of us have ever done a non-Royal Caribbean excursion, so there's that little 'back of mind' panic about "what if we miss the ship or it leaves without us or we can't find a cab back?!"

 

I think once we do it once we'll be less anxious about it the next time, but Cozumel seems like a good choice for our first time going off of Royal Caribbean's offerings since it's a safe little island.

 

Actually if you are a little concerned about third party excursions, this might be one of the better ones to try out first; since you have to take a cab back to the ship, you are in control of when you are leaving the resort - so you can plan an hour early if it makes you feel better.  And I'm sure they taxi drivers know where they can find tourists that want to get back to the ship. :)

 

We were a little timid our first time taking a third party excursion using a tour guide, but generally speaking they know how these things operate, and they also know one late return can kill their reputation online... I'm completely OK with taking them now, except for those that require multiple types of travel - i.e., going to the mainland from Cozumel for a bus trip to the ruins.  For those I'm sticking with those booked through RC.