c-leg5

Presumably Chankanaab? It would be more helpful if you were more positive and gave some indication of what you do like to do? Active/ quiet, beach, pool/beach, cooking/food, party, drinking, cultural, diving, fishing, adventure?

That would be International.

You book through their website, with transport - lots of reviews pros and cons on this message board.

It is unfortunate you didn’t check out TripAd photos in advance. All the coast around the piers is ironshore with some imported sand to provide sandy areas for the loungers above the sea wall. There is a tiny sandy cove at El Cid for young kids to dig. Next door Park Royal has a larger (not big) sandy beach cove with loungers and palapas that might have better suited your needs. Also more pools. Sandy beaches are away from the piers and require a taxi. El Cid does offer different day passes (or they used to, you would need to check current policy with reception) - minimum with food and drink credit includes WiFi, AI pass for day and twilight pass.

International Google maps will show you location and directions to where you want to go.

El Cielo.

Wasn’t this supposed to open in 2020? Any updates on its progress or which cruise lines will use it? I was actually referring to the new “piers” in Galveston rather than new ports as destinations in my post above. Other cruise lines have come and gone from Galveston. I just find it strange that MSC would build a new terminal without test sailing for a season first.

We dock at Coxen Hole and have never had any difficulty getting a driver for the day and customizing a tour. As @Guest 2000 says there are any number of private driver companies regularly recommended on here - some long standing, some more recent - just read some recent reviews. We have never had a difficulty customizing to include exactly what we want, if you choose a freestyle tour with any company on the island. You only run into difficulties of a pre-set schedule if you choose a group tour

Interested to know what sort of better deal? Originally it was just PAYG but later they started asking for a minimum cover but it was credited back to food and drinks so are you saying you got a discount? There isn’t any actual booking fee it just reserves a lounger for you when you book in advance and you can ask for a particular position if you have a favorite. We did get a better deal once by paying pesos on local menu but they stopped that for non-locals.

It’s a lot of money for a beach day especially if you buy the water sport package.

I am wondering if as a result of this the PAYG section (pool) is quieter and certainly better choice of food and drinks? It’s a gamble depending on time of year.

I would like to know too. The website still shows menus for AI and PAYG. It would be good to know since AI has reduced options. I know they don’t encourage PAYG and I don’t think you can reserve but I don’t know if it is discontinued which would mean they no longer have segregated areas. It certainly won’t be available in March.

No it is not common. Perhaps the OP @jimandamiwas considering dining arrangements, or the fact it will be dark and they didn’t want to be at the beach any longer? I think it was a self-imposed all-aboard as opposed to something official, but I could be mistaken. There are several small hotels in Mahahual and evening dining for divers and residents but not a lot to do in the evening.

It’s pity you didn’t suggest some alternatives for those that want to try somewhere different.

No, you would need to provide your own, or ask the car rental/driver service if they can provide. Would this be a RC excursion or independent?

Sorry I thought you had been on Epic recently. You had said on another thread they had used the Carnival pier in Cozumel I was trying to determine if there was a new pattern emerging, but if you were on Holland America recently that explains it.

As others have stated you can always try. In my experIence it doesn’t always mean it will happen.

I thought from another post you were on Norwegian? Didn’t you dock at Coxen Hole?

Despite being a big fan of Cozumel and of course, opinions are subjective, I can’t think of anywhere that would fulfill all those criteria, IMO. I can make some suggestions for you to research and perhaps others have better ideas. Intercontinental and Cozumel Palace are considered higher-end/pricy hotels. They have /had day passes but are not somewhere I would consider on a cruise ship day (maybe land vacation since they are not the type of accommodation we stay in, as we stay extended.) So no personal experience with either or food, but not what I consider beautiful setting. YMMV. Buccanos beach club has day beds and better food. Nachi Cocom popular quieter beach club with mixed reviews recently. Chankanaab has private area Cabana Beach. Mr Sanchos (busy beach club) has private VIP villas for overnight, not sure if you can have them for the day. Hotel B boutique hotel. As I said, it depends on your expectations, and what you consider most important, but I know you will not find what is available on other islands or Caribbean destinations. We have spent many wonderful days on cozumel but luxurious is not a description I would use.

Thanks for first-hand review and confirming location. There has been a sudden interest in this venue which seems to have been open over a year. Perhaps it has just become cruise ship excursion?

I am confused. Last time you asked this you said you upgraded for free. Did you call and get cabin category code as suggested?

It depends on your idea of luxury. Cozumel is not known for big resorts with lots of fancy facilities. Secrets aura is the only Adult - only I can think of but not sure I would consider luxury. There are higher class/priced resorts. There are boutique type resorts. There are more private beach club areas. Is this just for a couple? It depends what your idea of luxury is and what facilities are important to you.

Puerta Maya or International?I know NCL can be a little random. They have even tendered sometimes in the past but I am assuming this is one of their larger ships? The site I use shows Langosta I wonder if they change some times.

Where did you dock? Didn’t you dock downtown? Where were you trying to go?

This is why we would only do it on a land visit not from a cruise where time is of the essence AND they know it.