c-leg5

We saw big crowds of people waiting for the Royal shuttle when we had booked Galveston express and there didn’t seem to be much seating. At least we had a timed departure. I think they ran every hour.

Not easy or convenient from Tremont or Harbor House like the old terminals is probably what you have read.

If you aren’t looking to sightsee or restaurants in Galveston I would definitely stay by the airport for less hassle and multiple transport transfers. Marriott is simplest but more pricy but other off-site hotels have shuttles to and from or you can Uber direct from hotel next day. We generally drive day of but have stayed occasionally the night before in Galveston. I am not a big fan of Galveston so unless there is something particular you want to do I personally would go for the cheapest most convenient option.

I would stay by the airport at a hotel with airport shuttLe and take one of several shuttle options directly to the port next day BUT I suppose the big question is how late in the day do you arrive and do you want to do anything particularly in Galveston.

That was why I said probably. You would have to assess what the port load is for Cozumel for the day and size of ships. I don’t think the site that breaks down which pier for which ship shows information for next month yet. I can see other HAL ships docking at puerta Maya on it this month but you may be correct because the other site I usually use for ship docking does show Punta Langosta. Unfortunately CC is so tied up in moderating which links can be quoted these days it is very difficult to share information. Last time I recommended it for relevant information I received a warning. It is a shame because I have received a lot of good information from others over the years. perhaps you can check with a roll call from an earlier sailing? Sorry I can’t be more help.

Probably Puerta maya

I agree it is nothing new. It has been occurring more often in the last few years and there have been numerous discussions on here about it previously regarding different excursions. It is probably due to insurance restrictions. People have often been able to book independently where the restrictions are different, or ignored.

There have been age limits on many excursions for a number of years and this has been discussed regularly on these boards. obviously you haven’t chosen one of these tours previously so you haven’t noticed. It is usually an insurance restriction which some people have been able to override/ignore by booking direct with vendor.

I agree AI is rarely of value to us, especially as we used to like to walk the length of the malecon and bar hop along the way but even if we stay in one place for a few hours and back to the ship we don’t need to eat much when there is so much food on the ship. we are more likely to do AI if we are staying in a condo on a land visit. We have only made inquiries once a couple of years ago about booking in advance and was told it was package only unless “they had room on the day” at Blue Reef which is why we have never been. We became regulars at Malecon21 which purportedly had better bathrooms. How are the bathrooms at the new location and is the food cooked on site? Interesting to hear the offshore nets extend that far I thought they would stop at Macho’s Bar.

Glad it worked out. I wasn’t aware you could book a la carte in advance. I thought that was only a space available on the day choice. Is this something new with this location? It is certainly something that is needed in Mahahual like it used to be. So was it protected by the baffles from sargassum?

Didn’t you already ask this

How does this help you if you are in a suite?

Which beach do you end up at?

I would temper expectations and probably snorkel from shore on Cozumel and by boat in Costa Maya. Main locations on Cozumel all listed and described in this thread - Money Bar, Chankanaab, Sky Reef, as well as Playa Corona, Buccanos, La Monina. Be aware that most snorkeling in Cozumel is drift snorkeling so be aware of currents. Many people get in at one location and out at another. Currents are predominantly one direction at different locations but can alter and I feel it is safest to check with locals on the day. Reefs in Costa maya generally shallower but can be some distance from the shore depending on location.

How was your day?

Not sure exactly what you are asking, or what you are looking to do? we have walked town several times from International pier, dedicated walking path about 3 miles. Obviously depends on your mobility and the heat factor. Taxi ride is about $10 each way for up to 4 people. So if you know of things to do there it is quite easy to get there. Around International you have Royal Village across the road and a market area opposite Puerta Maya. Some people prefer the pier and shops at the Carnival port. You have bar and restaurants in both directions depending on how far you are willing to walk. You have day passes to El Cid (various levels) or Park Royal within walking distance. For budget friendly AI, you have Del Mar beach club for adults with pool and snorkeling within walking distance, no transport costs. For under $15 taxi each way you have Money Bar with snorkeling for cost of some food and drink. Lots of places to go on Cozumel independently that do not require an excursion, just walk, or taxi, plus cost of food and drinks to use facilities.. Also within walking distance, volunteer at dog shelter or walk to blue taco truck.

Thanks I have done cooking classes but not that one. Those are at Dolphinaris. I have seen several good reviews for both cooking and mixology (including on here) but sorry no personal experience. The chef is (or was) the popular chef who used to be at Playa Mia.

I think the name is IslandS Beach Club. It was a relative small club squashed in between Buccanos Beach Club and Playa Azul in the north of the island a few years ago. I have never been but I think it took some of the land from Buccanos and took over some of the activities they used to have that used to be cruise ship excursions zipline, climbing wall. It has a pool and a jet ski excursion and seems to sell excursions via Carnival website although I believe you can go independently. They have a website. Chankanaab is an established national park predominantly for snorkeling and diving but also has several third party contractors that run various activities listed on the website for the park. It has a pool, dolphin, manatees and sea lions, tequila tasting, massages etc. As always it depends what it is you are looking to do.

We have only taken the Express once when we were doing a one-way from Galveston and we left our car parked at IAH for our return. It worked well for us except my husband didn’t like that the driver was always checking something on his phone - schedule, route?? I agree those at Hobby were left with whatever seats were left over so might be something to consider. There also seemed to be some confusion as to how many had booked. We didn’t get a tour of Galveston hotels and it was before new Royal port was open so the two terminals were close together. I think the hotel people were dropped off after and I am surprised this isn’t routinely the case but may depend on time of day and day of the week.

Presumably if you tipped you were given a zero check to sign?

That probably depends on number in your party? Difficult to generalize with transportation and I don’t believe Uber is a fixed price, which maybe important for some sailings. Also depending on time of day I have had an 50 minute wait quoted for Uber from IAH unless you pre-book.

Where?

Thanks crew, So he is going to run both locations and the hotel?

That is a very strange and confusing listing on his website. No location directions but the same details as before and yet no mention of Blue Reef now. It does appear to be the location @crewsweeper and I indicated. Hopefully crew will come back with more insight. I am sorry to hear he is following the same package model. He is probably correct about less vendors - they don’t tend to make it that far. I am not sure how the beach will be - look forward to future reviews.

Sounds a fairly typical disembarkation procedure. you are supposed to watch the screens for group numbers. I thought they had generally stopped making announcements other than towards the end when they are trying to clear the ship. You should have had a designated waiting area listed on your info in your cabin with disembarkation procedure unless that is another info sheet they have dispensed with? We generally have an earlier tag but wait until our color is called on the screen. We have no desire to wait in a long line and certainly avoid the long line of those all rushing to do self-assist from ships in Galveston.