c-leg5

Which page of the board probably depends on your settings, obviously I mean the reviews in the last few months! Unless you are doing an excursion to the ruins or Bacalar Lagoon, in which case I would probably use Native Choice (which has been around for years) or the cruise ship (due to distance) I would book everywhere else independently. The beach bars in Mahahual are all shoulder-to-shoulder along the malecon (10 minutes away by taxi) and choice will depend on individual preference, but try to stick with one of the regularly recommended because there are some that over charge, run scams etc. out of town, Maya Chan and, more recently, Hayhu have rave reviews. However be careful of your port hours if you choose either of those because transport, and time of day, can affect their value. Maya Chan has been closing in recent years through the summer for hurricane season. Sargassum can be a big problem at any location along this coastline during the season although the government has installed off shore baffles which seems to have helped to some degree the beaches in town. General information: Depending on how many ships are in port with you the man-made port area can be very busy. There is a very long pier to walk from the ship to the port and a confusing route through the port to get out to taxi transport. This can be a concern for elderly or if traveling with young kids. Many ships have been unable to dock in recent years due to strong winds resulting in an extra sea day or sometimes an overnight in Cozumel if that is your next port.

I suggest you scroll down and read some of the reviews on the last page of this board where several of the more popular beach clubs arc regularly reviewed and then come back with any specific questions about individual locations. You will not find large tourist beach clubs like Sanchos or Chankanaab or large hotel day passes like Cozumel with multiple activities. The malecon in nearby town of Mahahual is lined with many beach clubs along one big bay with clubs to suit all budgets, some PAYG but mostly offering AI or minimum cover charge these days. No, or very tiny, swimming pools. Many vendors. A few isolated individual beach clubs exist out of town depending on the time of year you are visiting. The port itself offers various activities, shops, several pools and a flow rider but no real beach.

Four ships in Cozumel is a light day! Are they all mammoths?

Thanks for update. Amazing how reports change within a week. The review last week said sargassum was thick but I don’t think they actually left the port so wouldn’t have the offshore protection. Was there any sand at your section of Krazy Lobster? Recent reviews have suggested increased rocks and sand bags but I think that is probably just one area of the frontage.

That was what I thought too. There used to be good site for Cozumel that broke down the piers but haven’t been able to find it recently.

Not sure if cruisetimetables differentiates between different piers in ports?

Carnival owns Mahogany Bay and you can go to their website and see the schedule.

Norwegian generally docks at Coxen Hole in Roatan with RCI. There is very little to do in Coxen Hole and you really need an excursion or driver for the day if you haven’t been before. However there is a recently opened pool. The port is under renovation. 4/5 ships in Cozumel is nothing - they regularly have 7/8. Royal and Carnival have their own piers unless they have multiple ships then smaller older ones may dock in town. Norwegian, Disney and MSC normally dock in town (Punta Langosta) but any one of them “could” float to International or Puerta Maya but with that combination I would say odds are you will be alone at International. 2 ships in Costa Maya is light.

It will be very different. Just depends what you are looking for.

Yes although it will be easier at some bars than others depending on what you want. Probably easiest to get at a restaurant or MDR or if the ship has a wine bar. If you have C&A drink coupons you can get a discount.

There are always separate arrangements for those who want to get off independently or for a tour and you will be given in-transit cards. You just won’t be able to re-board as soon as other B2B cruisers but if you are exploring it doesn’t really matter. I am surprised this option wasn’t outlined on your instructions.

From Galveston crown and anchor drinks comply with same limited menu.

Since even the article states “the reason is unknown” unless someone here has previously sailed out of Norfolk on a Royal ship any answers will be pure speculation. Certainly sailings out if Galveston are handled differently by Royal and Carnival. Royal has a limited menu until in International waters of Texas purchased liquor. Whether this is the case from Virginia hasn’t been stated and if this is the case would Royal to have had time to set up provisions? incidentally, in case it is important to you from Galveston, Crown and Anchor wines are not delivered either until the second day for the same reason. Only Royal can give you a definitive answer but if it is local restrictions they would presumably refund one days package like Carnival. Whatever the answer is, is it going to affect your decision to sail? If there are local restrictions they will need to adhere to them.

One of the recent threads

They are to the south of the piers in popular tourist area. They cater to similar crowd with similar activities.

Which beach club did you go to?

Take a look through the last page or two of this board for recent reviews, some later ones on this discussion or TripAdvisor

You are absolutely correct! I had totally forgotten about that club. It opened much the same time as Islands I think, 5(?) years ago, a little closer to town. It didn’t get good reviews early on which is why I had probably forgotten it. I haven’t been to either and they don’t get many reviews on CC.

That’s a confusing website. It implies waverunners are no longer available in Costa Mays but link to Cozumel is vague. The hotel appears to be the Westin which would suggest they are the company operating out of Islands Beach Club but I am not sure they have inflatables. Let us know if you pursue it further.

A lot depends on what type of day you envisage and age group you are trying to please. I am not sure where you are looking and dismissed? Beaches to the south are generally less rocky . East coast has best beaches but can have sargassum depending on season and currents and no ocean swimming due to undertow. Punta Sur or Passion island are possibilities but have transport complications. Do you want just a Beach Club or a hotel pass?

I realize you were trying to warn others and I never implied you were complaining. I just felt it would be more useful as a warning if people were aware of the location. Other cruise lines probably use the same location under a different description. I assume from the photos in your excursion description you were at the old Snr Frogs location at the north end of the bay, near the lighthouse and with a small swimming pool.

Totally agree with @crewsweeper. I am sorry you had a bad experience but your description is very confusing. I am not sure which beach club you went to? The whole of the malecon is lined with beach bars so if you were in town it would be helpful to be more specific if you are intending this to be a warning. I thought the baffles were helping with the sargassum- was this not the case at your location? Or were you taken to a location out of town? Mahahual is one long beach so I am not understanding how it was small and rocky - do you mean your club was a small section? Was it at the north of the bay near the lighthouse? Costa Maya is renowned for vendors unless you go to a private club out of town. I am sorry for your experience but seriously, who buys diamonds from a beach vendor anywhere? I am glad you at least had a successful outcome and certainly hope you can consider it a learning experience.

OK. I guess it isn’t particularly active because the topics are general not time sensitive or cruise line specific. I found it useful when we took an 18 month old on a transatlantic and land travel in Europe. In general you know your child best and what items will be necessary and important. There is a limit as to what you can carry when traveling long distance.

That’s because most general information and advice here is shared on the family forum. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/28-family-cruises/

The webcam at Presidente Intercontinental should be indicative of current conditions. The one at the port doesn’t seem to be available currently.