Noob Resort Questions

Hello,

First time cruising and first international trip:). We will be in Cozumel at the end of March with an 8 & 11-year-old. We would like to visit an all inclusive with lots of available activities that isn't overcrowded. Suggestions?

Can we just taxi to these resorts and get in cheaper than booking through Carnival?

Do we bring our own towels?

How expensive are food and drinks in non-all inclusive resorts?

How many drinks makes the all-inclusive worth it?

Thanks for the help!

A couple of AI options in Cozumel are Nachi Cocum and Playa Uvas.

You can absolutely taxi to these locations and not book through the cruise line. Cozumel taxi service is very easy to use and fares to the resorts and back to the pier are a set rate and posted at the pier taxi stand.

Yes - you usually bring your own towels. You can take the towels from the ship, just make sure to bring them back.

Usally non AI lunches are in the $8-12 range per person. Mexican beer is $3-5. Mixed drinks are $5-12.

A couple of AI options in Cozumel are Nachi Cocum and Playa Uvas.

 

You can absolutely taxi to these locations and not book through the cruise line. Cozumel taxi service is very easy to use and fares to the resorts and back to the pier are a set rate and posted at the pier taxi stand.

What are the price differences?

There are many options for AI.

Go to a broker site like Island Marketing or Cozumel Watersports to read descriptions and see which offers price and amenities that appeal. You can book through broker or sometimes direct.

Some AI are simply “beach bars or clubs”, like examples above, others are AI hotel resorts. The big beach clubs have their own websites and usually list prices.

This is a very active forum and when you have narrowed down your choices, chances are you will find reviews or threads about the popular locations already on here, or feel free to ask specific questions.

Very easy to get your own transport on Cozumel, prices listed on a board at the pier.

You should check out either Paradise Beach or Chankanaab Adventure Beach ParK. Your kids will love either one.

Chank Park is a Mexican National Park and is very well managed. It has swimming, snorkeling, dolphins, etc. It does have an entry fee (~20 for adults).

Paradise Beach is also excellent. It has a $3.pp entry fee, which allows you to use their beach, very large swimming pool, beach chairs, restrooms, etc. For an additional $15, you get full use of their "water toys" (water slides, etc). I think your kids would like Paradise Beach over Chank Park, but either one is an option you should consider.

Both can be reached by taxi (about $17 each way for up to 4 passengers). Both are about a 15-20 ride away from the ships.

You can google their web sites. Neither requires reservations

We have visited the El Cid resort right near the pier in Cozumel when docked with Carnival before. It was a very short walk to the resort itself (no cab fare needed). And for $50/adult and $40/child, we had unlimited food and drink with a couple of nice pools and snorkeling equipment. There was no traditional beach per se, but there was easy access to snorkel from the shore and we were pleased with the overall value of the day, the ease of getting to the resort, and the snorkeling. Had eight total in our party. Four adults and four kids under 13. We booked it through shore excursioneer

Hello,

First time cruising and first international trip:). We will be in Cozumel at the end of March with an 8 & 11-year-old. We would like to visit an all inclusive with lots of available activities that isn't overcrowded. Suggestions?

 

Can we just taxi to these resorts and get in cheaper than booking through Carnival? Yes - cab fare to most of the popular beach clubs (Sanchos, Paradise, Playa Mia, etc.) will be about $16-17 for up to 4 passengers in the cab

 

Do we bring our own towels? Yes

 

How expensive are food and drinks in non-all inclusive resorts? Beer is usually $5-6, basic mixed drinks are about $7 each, and frozen drinks are more - some of the beach club web sites post their menu on their web site

 

How many drinks makes the all-inclusive worth it? Most of the AI Beach clubs will charge you about $50 per adult - how hungry and thirsty are you? :confused:

 

Thanks for the help!

With an 8 & 11 year old I would focus on Mr. Sanchos for AI (food drinks) or Paradise Beach (pay as you go); both offer good facilities (IMHO the facilities at PB are superior), pools, nice beach, water toys (extra fee) and good food, drinks and service. Let the kiddos wear themselves out on the water toys while you sip one more margarita.

Hav3e a great cruise! :cool:

The inflatables/water toys at Paradise are now $18pp.