c-leg5

1 hour ago, cruisegal40 said:

Thanks for this. We are going to Paradise Beach at the end of May.  Will still enjoy the place as we had a tough winter up north in NE. Again, much appreciated.

No problem.  The west coast does not have sargassum predominantly it is intermittent due to storms and currents.
 

One webcam is by International pier,  other further south between Paradise Beach and the southern piers at Intercontinental Presidente. Just google Cozumel webcams, they will give you an indication closer to your visit. 

2 hours ago, cruisegal40 said:

Any updates on this subject?

As stated by PP what has happened historically won’t help you plan.

If you are going to the west coast check the webcams it can change according to storms and prevailing currents.

If you are going to the east coast in the summer assume there is sargassum and be thankful if there isn’t.

6 hours ago, Bobug said:

How is  the vendor situation at Krazy Lobster?

vendors approach frequently along the malecon although less often at beach clubs towards the ends.

They are non-aggressive but an annoying disturbance if you are trying to read, sleep, listen to music or enjoy a conversation. 

3 hours ago, tbmrt said:

Coming to Cozumel and was disappointed to read many negative reviews re: Chankanaab which was always our go to when we visited there.

 

Paradise Beach has great reviews.  However, seeing all the inflatables I'm wondering if there is a quieter section of the beach to relax at.  (2 adults)

Not sure where you have read negative reviews of Chankanaab? I haven’t seen that many. I would consider the Cabana Beach area if you like Chankanaab and want a quieter area, or another beach.
 

Paradise Beach has good facilities (at a price now they have gone predominantly AI) which is fine if you will avail of them but not my idea of quiet. The website has a good view of the beach to show you what is available or YouTube reviews to give you an idea of what to expect.

1 hour ago, daydreamer16 said:

Haven't been to Cozumel in a long time. Planning a Disney cruise for next summer with a stop there. Is there anything to do at the port area with kids 7-15 years old? When I was there we took a ship tour to Tulum I think. It involved a boat ride, it was at least 15 years ago 😆

With Disney you will probably dock in town. 
 

With kids that age you should probably check out websites for Chankanaab or Paradise Beach or a driver for the day to customize a day if you want a mix of more cultural things like small ruins ( nothing like Tulum),  chocolate factory, stingless bees, one of the Mayan cultural sites - (there are several now), snorkeling and/or beach time, local lunch.

Just now, Tree_skier said:

I have 2 more B2B's booked. One March 2025 and one Dec 2025.  The first we have to move... We have a GS for the first leg and our DD and son in law are joining us for the second leg and we have a 2BR suite booked for that.  I could have booked the 2 br suite for the first leg but it was an extra $600 and I thought for 600 bucks I'll take the hassle and risk.

 

The second one is on Oasis and we have the same cabin booked for both legs.  

My suggestion If you leave stuff hanging is to encase several hangers in lightweight clothes hanger case with new cabin number ticket, to prevent individual items being exposed, or able to slip off.

How they could get lost moving a few cabins during the time we were at turnaround on an enclosed ship is beyond me. IF, they fell off in the corridor you would expect loose items would be collected in a central area that could be searched when items are reported missing. All I can say is I wasted far more time than I wanted to that week describing the articles (3 dress

items) over and over to numerous levels of authority that seemed unable to communicate between themselves.

in the end I was compensated but would still to this day would have preferred to have had the items.

1 hour ago, Tree_skier said:

I'd take the OV guarantee for $30 without hesitation.  I've only done one B2B but moving wasn't that big a deal when we did it.  Unlike @firefly333 they moved my hanging stuff so I didn't have to pack that stuff.  

I have only done one B2B where we had to move. They moved my hanging stuff and “lost”  3 items of clothing so I am in the camp of “stay in the same cabin” or “move the stuff myself”.

I know lots of people say it goes smoothly and no problems but not my experience and not one I want to repeat.

36 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

Thank you, we will likely wind up at KL.  About 4 years ago, give or take, we tried Malecon21 and were disappointed.  Granted, they had just opened up so maybe they have improved but we didn't enjoy it as much as we hoped to.  At the time they had one or two AI packages to choose from, we chose the highest priced package even though we knew we wouldn't spend that much PAYG (just didn't want to have to be concerned with any extra fees aside from tips).  When we arrived we were given four chairs that were split far enough away from each other (in different rows too) that we could not hang out with the other couple in our group even though they were not busy yet, and yes, we reserved together.  Then they brought drink menus and each drink we picked they said we could not have.  They said AI packages could only have frozen drinks (Pina coladas mainly) and a rum punch type of drink, can't remember what it was called, and a couple of other single liquor/mixer type drinks.  The food was vey limited too, we could not choose what we wanted off the menu.  When we complained they just said "sorry."  Drink service was very poor too, even though we were tipping well.  Probably got three drinks all day?  So maybe they have gotten it together and are much better now, but I really dislike the idea of AI unless it is a resort with lots to do/benefits that will keep us there all day.  Guess it cannot hurt to try KL and see how it goes this time, thanks again!

I am sorry to hear that and sounds very different to our numerous experiences there. I presume from your timeline this was pre-Covid which seems very out of character. 
 

We have never done AI at Malecon21. We went several times from their early days shortly after opening until cruising halted. Initially it was PAYG and then we took the minimum package to use a lounger which required a minimum purchase but credited towards food and drink. We never had a problem ordering food or drinks. We always had excellent service and enjoyed the menu which was limited but different from the typical beach club offerings. We enjoyed the quieter location and quieter live music. We only went ever as a couple but one time did join some local ex-pats and members of crew that we knew from the ship and didn’t have a problem sitting together.

When cruising resumed we were glad they had survived shut down with business from local expats and land vacationers but they obviously were understaffed and unprepared for coping with the influx of cruisers. We only stopped by on our first return to Costa Maya while doing a scouting trip to see how the town was doing. Again we did PAYG, which is still possible if you sit in the lounge area and don’t require a sun lounger. We were disappointed in the service on that occasion and haven’t had chance to return again. Hence my original statement that Malecon21 was our favorite. To be fair our return was very early on after cruising resumed when many places had closed down or were struggling.
 

Other times we revisited Maya Chan and tried Krazy Lobster a couple of times for short visits mainly by default as they have taken over so much of the frontage now and are one of the few truly PAYG locations. Prices are reasonable and honest (which isn’t the case everywhere on the malecon). It was fine for a short stay, drink and a snack,  it just lacks the ambiance that we personally prefer for a longer more relaxing visit with a lounger.  Lots of people enjoy KL so as you say it can’t hurt to try it. 
 

Overall we are very disappointed in general with Mahahual since cruising resumed and would be quite happy just to spend a couple of hours at the port and return to the ship now - something we would never have done pre-Covid.

14 minutes ago, MandyMooToo said:

We have not been to CM in about 4 years and did a resort for a day with forced AI fees.  It was okay but we do not want to go that route again this cruise.  Would it be possible to just get a taxi to a beach and walk/chill/swim then PAYG for drinks and lunch?  Any beach anyone would suggest?

Unless you go to one of the out of town locations like Maya Chan, Almaplena, or Hayhu the other beach clubs are all along the same long bay in the town of Mahahual, so no choice of beach just various locations along one beach. All will have vendors to some degree but the ends tend to be quieter. 
 

There are many beach clubs there but unfortunately (for us too) many require AI or at least a limited package price with various options. Our favorite was Malecon21 which has several options on their website but for truly PAYG most people go to Krazy Lobster. It is a large club which doesn’t require pre-booking.

2 hours ago, Krazcruiser said:

Wife received a Royal Caribbean e-card for our upcoming cruise on May 5th on Harmony. Do we visit guest services to apply the e-card or can we just call RC, thanks

What is an e-card? From a TA?

30 minutes ago, wido78 said:

We will be in port this coming July on the Wonder of the Seas and recently booked this excursion.

 

I was also contemplating booking a cabana at Cabana Beach.  Curious if the bar that is close to Cabana beach is included in the "drink pass" that is provided with RCCL excursion.

 

Also curious as to any other feedback on Chankanaab or Cabana Beach.

 

Thanks in advance.

Cabana beach is at the far end of Chankanaab.

Look at a park map and you will see the locations. The lunch is at the restaurant by the pool. Unless you got a good sale price (we booked it once for that reason and it includes taxi fare) on the excursion i wouldn’t buy both.

You need to do the math - you are paying twice for entrance.
 

It is quite simple to go to Chankanaab independently. Cabana Beach prices have increased significantly since cruising resumed. You can always go into the park to pick which location you eat at if you don’t want to buy from the Cabana location. I am not sure if Cabana pass entitles you to use the pool if that is important - you have to be careful what is included in its limited park access - it is a discounted pass but has reduced amenities.

The cruise ship excursion is limited to one plate from the buffet. It is adequate but nothing special. Some people complain. Unless ye excursion price is good I would just go independently and pick my own food and drink or book through Cabana and arrange your own taxi. If I remember correctly the pass is 2 - 3 drinks?(ETA I see it is unlimited from a limited menu.)

Several recent reviews on this forum through the search engine.

30 minutes ago, Laurely95 said:

If parents booked a junior suite and minors were in an interior cabin across the hall, do the minors also get double cruise points for the junior suite if they were listed in the interior room? I understand they get their parents status until 18 then they’re on their own for earning but kids were on same cruises as parents. Just wondering about double points. 

No, they will get the status but earn the points for the sailing and cabin they sailed in.

5 hours ago, Bobug said:

We will be there the end of May

I think Maya Chan closes from June so you probably have the choice of either. 
 

my decision would be largely based on port time. 
 

Maya Chan requires you to walk through the whole port area and a short distance outside the port to reach their transport. Then there is a 25 minute ride each way to the location. It is a quieter out of town location with no vendors and more relaxing but sargassum can be an issue so best to ask for photos on day of visit if this is a concern. Mexican buffet lunch and excellent service and individually assigned private palapa area per group.

I haven’t been to Yaya but it is along the main malecon where there are multiple beach bars of various standards and different ambience from loud to quieter depending on preference. Most have gone to an AI model or at least package charge which usually includes lounger and a credit towards food and drink.some are PAYG. Malecon is a 5- 10 minute ride from port but be prepared to be approached by many (non-aggressive) vendors which while harmless can become annoying if you are trying to read or listen to earpods. 
 

We had decided to try Yaya a couple of years ago but they increased the price on us when we were trying to book and wouldn’t honor original quote so we never went. Let us know how it goes if you choose there as there aren’t many reviews.
 

32 minutes ago, loring7 said:

Has anyone been to Jaime's new beach club Luna's?It says on the site more private no vendors.I can not find anything about it or any photos.

Jaimie has taken over one of the beach bars south of town. It is at the southern end of malecon, around where the paved highway ends between Machos bar and hotel Luna de plata.If you look at Google maps you can do a street view.

There was a recent review on this board if you do a search but I haven’t seen any more. It hasn’t been operating long under Jaimie. It is more private in that it is away from the main malecon and there will be less vendors because they don’t generally walk that far.

I did notice a TA report that said taxis were charging $5 pp. I don’t know if that is official. We did pay extra to Luna de Plata once several years ago. We could easily have just got out at the end of the malecon and walked but it was raining. 

1 hour ago, Loucat said:

C-legs-have-you-been-to-Nachi-in-2024?-If-so-any-current-experiences-to-share?

We haven’t sailed in 2024 so no very recent personal experiences. We only visit Nachi from time to time as one of many places we go to. We have been a couple of times since 2022 when the promotional rates were active.
 

IMO-the-post-you-focused-on-with-mention-of-a-snake-etc.-is-not-reflective-of-the-overall-CC-posts-on-this-resort.

I didn’t focus on the original post particularly. The OP wanted recent reviews and that was one of the most recent threads at the time. Several people on this thread have given mixed reviews recently. I have followed reviews of Nachi for almost 20 years and it has always had a die-hard fan club interspersed with periods of ups and downs but it always seems to weather the storm. 
 

When-you-say-"it-will-be-very-different"-are-you-referring-to-7-ships-in-Cozumel?

I-am-not-clear-on-what-would-be-very-different.

That-number-of-ships-is-typical-and-they-handle-the-pax-volume-very-well!
7 ships in Cozumel is indeed quite common. I was replying to the poster that I quoted confirming that Paradise Beach with 7 ships in port would indeed be a very different experIence to their experience at Nachi Cocom. Whilst they were looking for “something different” it would depend on what aspect of different they were looking for. I like the facilities at Paradise Beach but I would probably only go with a group of young adults or teens in my party. I would not expect the same type of day as Nachi Cocom. 

 

24 minutes ago, shortyjoesmith said:

I was there last week. I have been around 7 times since 2010, including three after the covid shut-down. 

 

The food was as good as it always is, same with the amazing ice cream. The first several times I went I didn't bother with dessert and then a friend had me try their vanilla scoop. It was the best ice cream of my life. I am not a big ice cream person but this has become a Nachi staple. I didn't drink this trip but the others in my group didn't complain about theirs.

 

When I was there the first time, the water was so clear I could see my toes when I was in water up to my neck. It hadn't been clear since. I think my friends thought I was full of it. It was clear last week, so beautifully clear.

 

The photograph lady and the check-in lady were both friendly. The friendliness went down-hill until it was time to leave. We had a group of 18. They didn't allot chairs for the 7 year old that they charged us for or the two year-old (he was free so I do get that one). My daughter was told kids didn't need chairs. Then, one of the people had a reservation for 3 on her confirmation but wasn't sure the other two would be able to join us. She was required to pay for all 3 of them when we got there, even if they weren't coming. Now, that wasn't great but again, I get it (kind of). The lousy thing is they wouldn't give us the chairs for the two people that weren't there that she paid for. (They ended up coming and two of us jumped out of our chairs discretely so they didn't feel awkward). If we have to pay for them, we should have gotten the chairs for them so our group could be together. They were very short with us, we didn't argue with them. We also weren't able to sit together in the empty dining area because not everyone had walked over yet. Four of us sat at a 6-top table knowing others were on their way and were forced to move to a 4-top. Within a few minutes, two more came. Then another four. They had up split up over 4 tables, without utilizing all of the seats at the other two tables. The poor service did mess with a treasured tradition. It really felt like they viewed us as herding cattle. I cannot imagine having to deal with the many entitled Americans I am sure they have to deal with (I saw some on the ship). I don't think I would love that job at all. But we were polite, asked nicely to be able to sit together (and stayed polite even when the answer was no), tipped each time a drink was brought. Two guys did jump up to help us when it was time to leave, calling a cab for us and even helping us carry the stroller (unasked). 

 

So, the food was good, the water was glorious, the service was good to great coming and going but the attitude of the people during our stay was the worst I have ever experienced. We may try them again, we may look elsewhere. 

 

I understand charging for the two missing people but don’t understand why they wouldn’t bring extra loungers when they arrived. They presumably checked in, got wrist bands and knew they were already paid for within a group?
 

I find the attitude in the restaurant very unusual - were they very full? I see no reason for it or what they would gain by it? I have never seen the restaurant super crowded although I admit we have never eaten there just passed by.

I am still trying to find out if they are still affiliated to DelMar or if there was a change of management and affiliation to Allegro as was suggested last year. Not that it excuses or explains their attitude just something I am curious about. I suspect not since there has been no further reports.

12 minutes ago, Houstonkid said:

Anyone have a good place to get this in the port shopping are for RC? I don't want to go all of the way to Rasta's to get it.

Ohana, part of the same group in town.

I don’t drink tequila so not aware if the tequila places around International have it.

53 minutes ago, loring7 said:

We are sailing directly  from Galveston to Costa Maya next April. Sunset is around 730.

Yes that was our sailing but pre-time change got daylight savings. Costa Maya is on EST year round so by April you will be on local time. 
 

We don’t find the transport as efficient as it used to be so even rushing off the ship and through the port by the time we got there it was early afternoon. We tried to catch last recommended taxi back to try and make the most of the time but it was late arriving so we cut it very fine getting back on ship and really had to hustle through the port and length of pier.
 

We enjoyed our afternoon but too much rushing and transport worries for such a short time for us. I would go again if we had a full day.

1 hour ago, loring7 said:

Our port time is 1pm-8pm.We wanted to go to Maya Chan but not sure if worth it.We hope to get off right at 1 if we line up early.

It depends to some extent on where you are sailing from, actual local hours in port with regards sunset/darkness, whether you are OK with eating lunch half-way through the afternoon. 
 

Some people will go regardless even for just a few hours just to relax, enjoy time away from the ship, and avoid vendors on the malecon.

We have been to Maya Chan several times. We have enjoyed it but we agreed after our last visit with similar hours we wouldn’t do it again unless we had “normal” port hours. YMMV.

24 minutes ago, Bobug said:

Hello!  Can someone that has recently been to a beach in Costa Maya help me make a decision please? 

When are you sailing? Yaya is in town along with many other beach clubs. maya Chan is out of town and closed in the summer.

2 hours ago, Krazcruiser said:

Yes checked the webcams, was hoping to hear from some boots on the ground, but yes looking good so far, Roatan as well

Boots on the ground are useful but historic. Webcams are live and will give an indication of that coast in general. If you were going to east coast, all bets are off.

if it is really important check forecast for wind direction.

16 minutes ago, Krazcruiser said:

Time to update this topic. Any saurgassum, I'll be there next Sunday, thanks

Did you check the live webcams? Both currently working. Looks clear enough at the moment but that depends on weather between now and when you visit.

it was reportedly bad a couple of weeks ago on the west coast.

40 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Pretty unusual isn't it to start in Vancouver and end in Seattle isn't it?

It is coming from Honolulu. 

16 minutes ago, Host Kat said:

 

However, info in this thread may be helpful to other members researching the company. Thread OPs are not the only people looking for information on a subject.

That’s true but the OP might have been prompted to return and say who they chose and why they did, or didn’t, go with Galveston Express which I thought might also be useful to others. 
 

On 2/7/2024 at 6:16 PM, LuckyStar said:

I have used them once before. Very nice, on

time and friendly. 

7 minutes ago, bolt said:

I have used them several times and had great experiences.  They last time was 14 month ago.  I am looking at booking them for my November cruise.

I forget who they used but I think OP @beshears has sailed.