Cozumel without excursion

Just looking for some input. Some years ago we traveled to Cozumel on a carnival ship. There was a great, upscale kind of shopping area with a large chain restaurant there. In November, we went to Cozumel again, but the port area was much different. Lots of little souvenir shops and jewelry stores with gates to get to cabs. We are traveling to Cozumel again on carnival paradise, and we would like to get to the place where the large chain restaurant and upscale stores were located. Can anyone provide guidance? We don’t really want to do an excursion, but would rather have a leisurely lunch and do a little shopping. Thanks!

For the most part Carnival ship all dock at Puerta Maya, where you were docked the last time you were on a Carnival ship. There are 3 restaurants there, 2 are cruise port chains--Senor Frogs and 3 Amigos-and one is a local outlet of the downtown main restaurant-Pancho's Backyard. So unless there are other Carnival and Princes ships in port earlier than the Paradise, you will most likely be at Puerta Maya. If not, you'll probably be at Punta Langosta, downtown.

Not sure when you were in Coz last, but if when on the Navigator of the Seas listed in your signature, you were docked at the International Pier. It's an easy 5 minute walk to Puerta Maya and you can go to all the shops there without being on a Carnival ship. Just can't access the pier itself. But the International Pier has undergone extensive remodeling and has added Margaritaville access without having to trek downtown.

Doesn't Cozumel have 2 different port areas ?

Doesn't Cozumel have 2 different port areas ?

Cozumel has three, as Crew said - Puerta Maya (Carnival family), International (RCCL) and Punta Langosta (downtown, mixed cruise lines).

Cozumel is easy to do on your own and I would not limit your day to pier shops and restaurants.

Lots of beach clubs just a short 10+ minute cab ride away, ranging from no beach but good snorkeling from the shore (Money Bar) to large, pay as you go beach clubs (Paradise Beach) to all inclusive beach clubs (Mr. Sanchos and Nachi Cocom). If you are travelling with youngsters the kiddie water park at Playa Mia Beach club is popular, or head to Chankanaab for swimming with the dolphin opportunities and lots more.

Or escape from most of the cruise ship crowd (4-6 ships per day is about average fro Cozumel) and travel to the wilder east side of the island - either hire a cab by the hour, book a private driver, rent a car, or sign up for the Cozumel Bar Hop tour.

Lots of options - enjoy! :cool: