5 Cruise Ships in Cozumel when we go.....

[KatieJayCruise]

Me and the husband are traveling on the Carnival Magic, and it looks like we will be in port with Carnival Dream, Oasis of the Seas, Norwegian Getaway, and Carnival Vista in Cozmel on October 5th. That's a lot of ships! We really wanted to explore the port and just find a good place to eat, but now I feel like it's going to be kind of miserable with that many people in port at a time!

 

This is also our first time in Cozumel, so staying on the ship seems pretty lame!

 

Has anyone else experienced this volume? Was it as busy as it seems like it's going to be?

[JohninDC]

5 ships is about average fro Cozumel which has 3 cruise ship piers. The island can easily handle that volume. Don't stay on the ship - just figure out what you want to do/see and do some homework. ;)

 

Cozumel is an island, so most of the activities revolve around the water (snorkel, scuba, sailing, etc.) or beaches. Most of the beach clubs are lined up along the west side of the island with only their amenities and business model differentiating them. Travelling with kids? Want water toys? All-inclusive food & drinks? Snorkeling from the shore? Party atmosphere or quiet/relaxing?

 

For just two of you the Cozumel Bar Hop tour is a great way to see the island (both sides) and visit some funky bars. Afterwards you can do some shopping in downtown before heading back to the ship.

 

Good luck with your planning and have a great cruise! :D

[KatieJayCruise]

5 ships is about average fro Cozumel which has 3 cruise ship piers. The island can easily handle that volume. Don't stay on the ship - just figure out what you want to do/see and do some homework. ;)

 

Cozumel is an island, so most of the activities revolve around the water (snorkel, scuba, sailing, etc.) or beaches. Most of the beach clubs are lined up along the west side of the island with only their amenities and business model differentiating them. Travelling with kids? Want water toys? All-inclusive food & drinks? Snorkeling from the shore? Party atmosphere or quiet/relaxing?

 

For just two of you the Cozumel Bar Hop tour is a great way to see the island (both sides) and visit some funky bars. Afterwards you can do some shopping in downtown before heading back to the ship.

 

Good luck with your planning and have a great cruise! :D

 

Thanks for that JohninDC!

I'm used to the smaller ports that don't have more than a ship or two at a time, so I was pretty nervous to see so many! Glad to know that this is pretty average, so hopefully we find something interesting to do! We enjoy water, but we also live in Florida and experience the beach all the time. Our biggest want is to find some really good mexican food, something Florida is lacking in, and enjoying the island. Maybe a Bar Hop would be a good start, and ending it with some lunch! We're there for 8 hours so we have plenty of time.

[JohninDC]

You'll find better food downtown than at the piers, although Panchos's has lots of fans. LaChoza and Los Otates are highly recommended as is albino for seafood. Good luck!

[JT1962]

I agree that 5 ships is not a huge issue for Cozumel. Our go-to place in Cozumel is The Money Bar. It’s a $ 10-12 cab ride from the International Pier, has decent food and drinks at fairly reasonable prices, sandy and shady areas for lounging, good snorkeling (gear rental, if needed), massages for a fee, etc. It’s usually not overly crowded. Taxis are readily available when you get ready to leave.

 

Just remember which pier your ship is docked at, since there are 3 in Cozumel.

 

 

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[Tapi]

As others have said, 5 ships is not uncommon. Yes, they can handle that many ships, but it can feel a bit crowded in certain popular spots. You just don’t realize how quiet it can feel until you visit Cozumel on a land vacation when there are no ships in port.

 

Do try to get away from the town of San Miguel and explore the island. Many cruisers tend to hang out along the Main Street near the water, where you’ll find some of the big chain bars and stores.

 

We’ve done land vacations in Cozumel which has allowed us to venture away from the main town. We rented a Jeep and drove to the other side of island which is blissfully uncrowded. At times it feels as if you have the island all to yourself. The beaches on that side have more rugged and beautiful scenery, like in a postcard. There are some small beach restaurants along the way, but do keep in mind that there’s no electricity (meaning no gas stations or ATM’s) or cellphone signal in many spots on that side of the island so plan accordingly.

 

We also drove ourselves to the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio. Not nearly as impressive as what you’ll find on the Mexican mainland, but worth a visit if you’ve never seen Mayan archaeological sites before.

 

Have a great time in Cozumel, and try to steer clear of the overcrowded tourist traps. There are several, specially close to the cruise ship piers.

 

 

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[wms99]

After last years storms in the eastern carrib, we had 7 ships in Cozumel our day there. And one of those ships was that Royal dreadnought. It wasn't that crowded at all.

[OCruisers]

As others are saying ... 5 ships is sort of considered a light day.

No worries! Enjoy your port stop in Cozumel! :D