lifes-a-beach

Welcome to the forum.  Those port times are common for a Costa Maya 5 day trip.  We are on one right now.  All aboard is at 6:30 for the 7:00 departure.  
 

I don’t know why the RC system isn’t showing excursions but there’s no need to use the cruise line for such.  If you want to go to the ruins, look at Native Choice.  Smaller group and they do a great job.  Other options include catching a cab to the malecon and find a place for some lunch.  We went to Krazy Lobster Friday and really enjoyed it.  
 

Be sure to check out the Costa Maya and Cozumel threads here under Caribbean.  Lots of good information there.

I carry a knock off multitool in my suitcase and have never had it questioned. Funny thing is, there’s a knife with a 5” blade in every silverware wrap in Windjammer. I guess they’re only concerned with a small but sharp blade as opposed to a stabbing instrument.  Because crazy people just want to inflict small cuts.  

These yellow loungers and the chairs in the background were also options.

That last one is the entrance to the restrooms.  Definitely the nicest and cleanest restrooms I’ve seen at a beach club.  Also, we ordered drinks from the above menu but without alcohol and were charged $5 instead of $8, which I thought was nice.  By comparison, Paradise Beach just went up to $8 for their smoothies.  

Went to Buccanos yesterday.  We were greeted by Kenny, who was very nice.  It was about 9:45 and they don’t open until 10.  He told us to go ahead and find a spot, that service would start at 10.  Entrance fee is $10 PP that is credited toward your final check.  Kenny gave us a couple of VERY SMALL tickets that we were instructed to use for the $10 vouchers.  Be careful not to lose them.  
 

The property is very nice and there were multiple workers cleaning and raking the areas.  They play music but it’s quite subdued, unlike other beach clubs that play their music loud.  The beach loungers aren’t too bad, but they’re not the most comfortable.  Not as bad as the wooden garbage at Blue Key in Costa Maya but not nearly as good as Paradise Beach.  Good enough though. Plenty of shade and palapas to get under.

There is a pool that is, well, just a pool.  Very nice but nothing exotic.

This is not a beach area like the other end of the island.  There is plenty of sand but the water is rocky so snorkeling is very good.  They have a walk-in area, as well as a dock with a ladder.  There are buoys out in the water a ways to keep boats away from snorkelers. If you’re going to get in the water, snorkeling without fins or just to get wet, I recommend water shoes.  I didn’t see sharp rocks but the sand surface isn’t real smooth either.

Our day was very cloudy and finally turned into a huge rain storm.  We sat under our palapa for a while and, when it slacked off a little, went over to the covered area where there are tables and chairs.  We ordered some food which was very good, if a little pricey. I got the lobster salad and my wife got shrimp ceviche.  Both were very good, as was the service and presentation.  Definitely not the usual cookie-cutter beach fare.  
 

We stayed at the table for quite a while watching what finally became absolutely pouring rain.  Finally asked our waiter to call us a cab, which was there in just a few minutes.  
 

Forgot to mention, there were less than 50 people on site during our visit.

Taxi fare was $17 each way from the Royal dock.  The ride back was through flooded streets that the driver had to slow down to pass through.  Water was 2 or 3 inches over the curbs and sidewalks.  Not that unusual really.  I’m going to try to post some pics and am happy to try to answer any questions.  

Thanks c-leg5.  I’ll definitely relate our experiences when we get back.  Our return is next Monday.

Can someone please comment on the availability of taxis leaving Buccanos.  We have always been spoiled just walking out of Paradise Beach to a waiting cab but their exclusive AI now doesn’t work for us so we want to try Buccanos next week.  Should we make arrangements with the driver that drops us off (which I’ve never done in Cozumel and would be a bit skeptical about)?  If it matters, we’re there next Saturday.  TIA

Consider Deep Woods Off wipes instead of spray. When we went to Lamanai the mosquitos were pretty hangry.  Someone offered us the wipes and they were so much better than spray.  There were folks spraying and overspray was just going everywhere.  The wipes were awesome.

If you happen to be stopping in Grand Cayman, they have a bounty on Iguana and I'm sure you can find a restaurant that has some.  They also have a limited supply each day of sea turtle, which was nasty IMO.  

If you're trying to find out about the dress code in the dining room, I've heard it's business casual and is strictly enforced.  Hope that helps.

I’ll take the $25 and just watch for someone to chair hog with their bag.  Dump it out on the chair and viola, I got revenge and a bag.  😂

1 hour ago, BND said:

Which has absolutely nothing to do with the topic.

Didn't you say this?

"Yes, but if I drink or eat fattening foods or lose $1,000, it doesn't impact your health at all."

Considering obesity kills more people than smoking, Windjammer and free ice cream is the real killer here. 

It’s super easy.  Just follow the police officers directing traffic.  Drive right up to the terminal.  There are porters there to take your bags at the sidewalk.  I usually tip a couple of bucks a bag.  Checkin is a breeze and you’ll either be shown where to sit waiting for your turn, or you’ll just go straight upstairs, depending on how crowded. If you’re so inclined, you may consider a mask inside the terminal, although I don’t think they’re required anymore.  Enjoy your trip and a pre-welcome to Texas.   

C-legs is on point.  Here’s the YaYa website page showing the different packages.  
 

https://www.yayabeachclub.com/bookings 

My wife says they got the deluxe no alcohol package and it was good.  Krazy Lobster doesn’t have the packages.  You can just get a table or lounge chairs and PAYG.  Their food was good and service was excellent as well.  It was very crowded the time we were there.  That may be the case at any of the beach clubs on any given day.  
 

Edit to say they made reservations the day before from the ship.