carnival cozumel cruise port shopping

Guide To Shopping In Cozumel Cruise Port

By: Author Mona Marks

Posted on Last updated: October 17, 2023

Categories Caribbean , DESTINATIONS

Once a sleepy little Caribbean Island, Cozumel has become a bustling cruise port with over three million visitors per year. There are three piers on the island of Cozumel that often host up to eight cruise ships per day. As a result, this bustling Caribbean area hosts countless activities and shops that cater to tourists.

With so much to see, we’ve put together a guide to shopping in Cozumel cruise port.

Cozumel is considered one of the best shopping destinations in the Caribbean. All three ports feature extensive shopping areas that cater to almost any shopper’s whims. Besides the tourist-targeted shopping near the ports, you can find a more authentic Cozumel experience in the nearby town. Read on for helpful tips for shopping in Cozumel cruise port, including what to buy and where to find the perfect memento of your trip.

Shopping In Cozumel Cruise Port

Two large open-air shopping malls are located directly adjacent to the three cruise ship ports on the island of Cozumel. These will naturally be great choices for shopping in Cozumel cruise port , and you will surely find most items that tourists would seek. 

However, there are also various shopping destinations close to the ports that will also give you a more authentic experience, and the opportunity to explore the island and everything it offers.

Best Items To Buy In Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the best shopping destinations in the Caribbean, and there are numerous items for which the area is renowned when it comes to shopping. Whether you are shopping for yourself, friends, or family, there is no shortage of wonderful souvenirs and gifts.

You will find branded souvenirs, locally handcrafted items, and everything in between.

Some of the most popular items to purchase in Cozumel are hammocks, blankets, throws, ceramics, vanilla, tequila, leather goods, jewelry , and chocolate. It’s important to shop around when purchasing any of the above items. Only shopping in popular tourist areas may result in higher prices and a somewhat less authentic experience. 

On the other hand, there is naturally a higher degree of regulation in tourist-oriented areas that will ensure you are purchasing genuine products.

Where To Shop In Cozumel?

You may want to remain close to the cruise port for lack of time, or concerns over getting lost. In that case, you will not be short of shopping options at either of the two open-air malls located at the cruise ship ports. Here you will find an endless array of popular brands, local merchandise, and various restaurants and bars.

Punta Langosta is located directly across from the main cruise ship dock, as is the Royal Village Shopping center.

For the more adventurous traveler, head towards San Miguel to find an exciting assortment of authentic stores. There are various markets, such as the Plaza Confetti.

Avenida Rafael Melgar is a lengthy coastal avenue with countless shops and restaurants. The Plaza Del Sol is a vibrant town square offering an authentic experience. The Quinta Avenida is located just off the town square with its incredible collection of stores. 

While in downtown San Miguel, visit Pama, a large duty-free store where you can find many items at great prices.

Best Places For Souvenirs In Cozumel

If your shopping in Cozumel cruise port will focus on commercially branded souvenirs, you should find everything you are looking for in either of the open-air shopping malls adjacent to the cruise ship ports. Here you will find many well-known brands such as Señor Frog’s , Pirana Joe, Diamonds International, and Margaritaville .

If you are searching for a larger variety of authentic, locally made souvenirs at good prices, you will need to venture out of the cruise ship ports and into other areas. For example, the Mercado Municipal is a fantastic local shopping area situated about 10 minutes away from downtown San Miguel. (Catch a taxi at the end of the pier.) It’s a local market frequented by regular folks. You can find authentic Mexican food, as well as small stalls selling clothing items and housewares.

Los Cincos Soles is another store situated on Rafael Melgar Avenue, where you will find an array of local souvenirs and anything that is locally made. 

The Gallery Azul is another popular location where you will find an incredible collection of handmade, unique art pieces. Whether you’re looking for artwork, hand-blown glass, vases, sculptures, or home décor, you will surely find something unique and beautiful at the Gallery Azul in downtown San Miguel.

Tips For Bargaining/Haggling In Cozumel

When shopping around in a market in Cozumel, you may notice a trend amongst other shoppers to bargain with stall owners. This is part and parcel of the shopping experience in Cozumel, especially in the markets.

Stall owners expect a certain degree of bargaining from shoppers regarding their prices. Most stall owners will intentionally name a higher price while expecting that the shopper will try to bargain them down.

If bargaining is done politely and within reason, most stall owners will be happy to oblige to let you purchase their products for a fair price.

Cozumel Shopping Tips & Dos/Don’ts

It’s important to note that many goods available from local shops in Cozumel might be subject to certain restrictions once you attempt to enter your next destination. With this in mind, it will be best to avoid any restricted goods to ensure that you don’t get into trouble at any point during your holiday.

For example, many pharmaceuticals traditionally requiring a prescription in the US will be available in Cozumel over the counter. This is common at small pharmacies and larger outlets. While you may purchase a certain amount of these pharmaceuticals legally to take home, there are restrictions as to the amounts.

Items, such as sea life, are sold at many locations throughout Cozumel, especially coral. While some coral items are permitted, certain types of coral and other sea life, such as starfish, may not be brought back. Black coral, in particular, is an endangered species that will be confiscated, and you should avoid purchasing this altogether.

Closing Thoughts

Cozumel provides a unique and vibrant shopping experience for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a t-shirt, Christmas ornament, or handcrafted local wares, shopping in Cozumel cruise port and markets will make for a rewarding excursion.

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Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping Guide – Best Local Shopping Near Each Cruise Pier

Do me a favor: Don’t stay on board if your cruise stops in Cozumel! The Cozumel cruise port is a must-visit destination.

And when it comes to shopping in Cozumel, you really can’t go wrong. This place offers a variety of “shoptions” (just made that up) for whatever you might need – even if you just need to stock up on some supplies.

It’s always worth it to disembark at the Cozumel cruise port, especially if there’s anything you need to buy. Cozumel has endless shopping opportunities for gifts and souvenirs, but it’s also an excellent port stop to find any supplies you might’ve forgotten , or travel basics like beach gear, toiletries, medicines, and electronics like memory cards or a new charging cable – and at far better prices than you’ll find on board your cruise ship.

Whether you’re looking for some keto snacks for the room, new headphones to survive your family, or you want to shop for some pretty jewelry or stylish decor for the home, you can find it here.

Shopping In Cozumel Cruise Port

Lots of stores and open-air shopping areas are located near the three different cruise ship piers in town , too, so you won’t have to worry about traveling far if you just need something simple.

But if you want to find the absolute best Cozumel cruise port shopping, it’s probably worth a short trip to downtown San Miguel de Cozumel in search of artisan shops, cool boutiques, and some awesome food . 

And it wouldn’t be one of the world’s busiest cruise destinations without at least one Diamonds International, too, if you’re into that kind of shopping. 

Make sure to grab some commonly forgotten traveler items while you’re here, too, such as sunscreen or a hat, to keep you protected from the sun.

And don’t forget to pick up some typical Cozumel souvenirs to remember your trip. From local crafts to traditional clothing and jewelry, there’s something for everyone. 

Best Items To Buy In Cozumel

If you’re cruising to Cozumel anytime soon and you’re wondering what to buy on the island , I’ve got you covered.

Cozumel is one of the best shopping destinations in the Caribbean, and you can find almost anything here as long as you venture off the cruise terminals’ interior “mall” areas.

Those might feel like part of the island’s downtown, at first, but they’re very limited in scope, and from what I’ve heard, they have higher prices. 

First things first, you don’t want to forget the supplies you need, so head to the large department stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies to stock up on essentials.

Pharmacies Near the Cozumel Cruise Ports

Cozumel is a popular spot to hit the pharmacy, apparently!

Many prescription drugs in the U.S. and Canda DO still require prescriptions here, despite popular belief/common myths.

But then again, there are many that can be found as over-the-counter medications in Cozumel

Some examples of items that are sold OTC in Cozumel are:

• Viagra and Cialis
• some antibiotics
• Light muscle relaxers for back pain
• Topical estrogen
• And many other lower risk items that usually require a prescription in other places

If you are on your cruise and need to refill a prescription, on the other hand, you can likely do that here, too – and for FAR less cost than on the cruise ship’s pharmacy (or so I’ve heard).

Also, please note that if you need more serious medical attention, consult this post on Cozumel’s excellent hospitals .

Good information to have, just in case.

Souvenir Shopping in Cozumel Cruise Port 2024

Now, for the fun stuff. Souvenir shops, artisan workshops, boutiques, and gift stores are scattered throughout the island, so you’ll have plenty of options to pick up those popular items you’ve been eyeing.

Keep reading, below, to find out where and how to find the best unique items.

If you’re looking for something specific to Cozumel, handwoven hammocks, craft tequila, and beautiful leather goods are some of the things you don’t want to miss out on. ( Read this post if authentic Mexican goodies are up your alley .)

And, of course, you can’t leave without a few souvenirs to show off to your friends back home.

Be sure to browse through downtown Cozumel and/or the souvenir shops near your ship (but again, at least get outside the Cruise terminal “mall”) for the perfect memento of your Cozumel adventure. Happy shopping! 

Cruise Ports in Cozumel: How far are they from downtown?

 So, you’re on a cruise to Cozumel and wondering how far the cruise ports are from downtown ? This section is for you.

Cozumel has three main cruise ship piers: Punta Langosta, Puerta Maya, and International Pier.

These piers are also referred to as the cruise ports and are all located on the western side of the island.

• Punta Langosta is the original cruise pier in Cozumel, and right in the heart of the downtown area, only a short 4-minute walk from the central town square, or el zócalo , in Spanish.
• Puerta Maya and the International Pier are both about 2 miles south of downtown San Miguel. (I do my morning walk a lot from downtown to just shy of the southern cruise piers in Cozumel, and it’s a 3-mile roundtrip, and about 8K steps, FWIW ). 

So, depending on which cruise line you’re on and which pier they dock at, you could be closer or further away from downtown Cozumel.

But don’t worry, if you’re not looking for a longish walk, there are plenty of safe options for Cozumel taxis , or other transportation to go shopping downtown, or even explore more of what the island has to offer. 

Then again, you might not have to stray too far, depending on what you need! 

5-Hour tour time. Book online and securely pay via Viator!

Shopping Options Near Punta Langosta Cruise Port in Cozumel

Shopping in downtown cozumel.

Shopping in Downtown Cozumel is like being a kid in a candy store – if that candy store also had tons of varied restaurants and shops, Mexican handicrafts, and artists selling their wares.

You can find everything here, from art galleries to intricately crafted leather boots to typical fun souvenirs like T-shirts and beach coverups.

When in doubt, scour the San Miguel shops for decorative gifts, like Talavera pottery – the colorful plates, ornaments, and mugs will make your home look like a fiesta!

And if you’re feeling mystical, check out the alebrijes – those brightly painted wooden spirit animals are both cute and kinda creepy – in a really good way.

Did you see the Pixar movie, “Coco”? Shopping for alebrijes is one of many fun things to do if your’re in Cozumel with your kids .

So come on down to San Miguel de Cozumel and get your shop on, because the only thing better than eating the most delicious local tacos on the best beaches in Cozumel, is doing it while wearing a handmade sarong and sipping out of a hand-painted mug!

Punta Langosta Mall in Cozumel

If your ship ports at Punta Langosta, you’ll disembark right into the port’s own mall area, with shops full of souvenirs, as well as some great places to grab lunch or a good Mexican coffee (and homemade baked goods). 

OK, so there’s a Cozumel Hooter’s right there, too… but you know what they say about those wings?! 

Just south of the Punta Langosta mall is one of my top recommended jewelry stores in Cozumel , as well as La Mega – a huge grocery/department store.

Mega, as it’s known, is like a large Walmart. You can shop for groceries, but it’s also full of things you might need for your vacation, like health and beauty items, water shoes for snorkeling , pool floats, or maybe those replacement headphones we were talking about… 

Mega also has a few safe, bank-owned ATMs, so if you missed my full post about cash and currency in Cozumel , this is the type of safe ATM area I was talking about.  The bank machines in La Mega dispense Mexican pesos (MXN), for when you need to take taxis and have some extra cash on hand. 

Plaza del Sol in Cozumel’s Central Plaza

Walk a few blocks north from Punta Langosta cruise pier (if you’re facing the waterfront, North is to the right) and you’ll pass a bunch of nice jewelry and souvenir shops like Viva Mexico along Melgar Avenue, Cozumel’s main drag along the water.

Head up to the Cozumel ferry terminal , and across the street you’ll be in the zocalo – or the main town square in downtown San Miguel , also known as Parque Benito Juarez. 

Head beyond the iconic orange clock tower, and poke around all the stalls, artist kiosks, and shops in the Plaza del Sol. 

Here you’ll find an endless array of creative wares.

If you’re not sure what to purchase in Cozumel , consider some local specialties like:

• handmade leather sandals of all different styles
• handmade leather bags, wallets, and boots
• cotton and nylon hand-woven hammocks
• delicately painted ornaments and figurines
• woven garments and housewares
• embroidered pillow covers, table runners, blouses and children’s clothes
• fine and casual jewelry
• pretty straw hats and bags
• customized friendship bracelets (lots of the local vendors can create a new one with your unique nickname while you wait)

For an extra special jewelry keepsake, look into Sergio’s (near the 7-11 store), one of our most recommended places for quality silver jewelry in Cozumel . 

On busy days, the Plaza del Sol shopping area has a fun and festive feel, and you’ll even find artists who’ll create customized items for you while you watch, and various street performers.

There are also lots of cafes and carts where you can order up esquites (Mexican corn w/cream and cheese) ,   marquesitas (sweet or savory rolled-up crepes), and nice cold drinks. 

And don’t forget some delicious Mexican churros .

Cinco Soles’ Cozumel Store

There are lots of great local shops on the island of Cozumel, but Cinco Soles is a reliable place to shop for good quality artisan goods, vanilla and spices, and a range of jewelry and home goods made in different parts of Mexico. 

This store is also in the Cozumel International Airport , which you can read more about here for your next non-cruise visit, but the Cinco Soles store in downtown Cozumel is the original store, known for sourcing high quality goods from Mexican artists throughout the country.

This flagship location is larger, and full of really nice apparel, beautiful gifts, and some other fun stuff.

Plus, the walk to the Cozumel Cinco Soles store from the Punta Langosta cruise terminal (approximately 12 ocean-front blocks) brings you right through the center of downtown San Miguel on the waterfront , with great views along the coast of the island, loads of fun people-watching, and too many great local bars and delicious restaurants that Cozumel is so well known for.  

(And if you need help deciding where to refuel, take a minute to review our main restaurant guide, here .) 

Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping Options Near the International Pier and Puerta Maya Pier

Royal village shopping center.

 If you’re not looking for typical souvenirs, but have more traditional shopping in mind, the Royal Village Shopping Center is a good bet if your Cozumel cruise ports in one of the southern piers. The Royal Village mall is an outdoor shopping mall that is just across the street from the International Pier and a few short blocks north of the Puerta Maya pier terminals.

You can find some souvenirs and accessories for you and the fam, but you can also snag some new sporty threads at Martí sporting goods (kind of like a nice Foot Locker), or even pick up some nice high-quality sunglasses at the Solaris kiosk in the mall’s outdoor area.

But wait, there’s more! There’s an OxxO convenience store for all your snacking needs, various stores and services, and even a Hard Rock Cafe for when you need a boost of energy…and that 80s throwback T-shirt moment!

Plus, you might want to get an all-inclusive day pass to the nearby Del Mar Latino Beach Club after your shopping sesh. Swim-up bars, coconut shrimp, and a lounge chair with Caribbean ocean views, await.

If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise, and looking for some shopping adventures close to Puerta Maya or the International port area, definitely hit up the Royal Village Shopping Center, and the other local shops right around there. 

Best Souvenir Shopping In Cozumel

When it comes to finding the perfect souvenirs to take back home, this island paradise has got you covered. In fact, if that’s your primary goal, please also read this related post on the island’s best authentic local shopping . 

The shopping in downtown Cozumel is a fun hub of activity where you can find a great variety of local shopping options offering authentic Mexican products that cater to all tastes and budgets.

If you’re looking for something truly unique and one-of-a-kind, head a few blocks off of Rafael Melgar Avenue, including a good stroll through the central town plaza and Plaza del Sol – a shopper’s paradise boasting countless stalls and small shops selling everything from hammocks and embroidery to tree ornaments and home decor.

No matter what your style is, you’ll find something here that speaks to your heart. From bags and accessories to jewelry and leatherwork, Cozumel is a shopper’s delight that will leave you spoilt for choice.

So go ahead and indulge in some retail therapy – you’ll likely uncover some unforgettable souvenirs that will remind you of your time in Cozumel or your Cozumel cruise every time you look at them. 

Why Does my Cruise Ship Advise Only Shopping at Their “Recommended” Stores?

Are you tired of feeling like you’re being coerced into shopping at cruise companies’ recommended stores?

Well, the local crowd here is tired of hearing anecdotes about how the cruise ships make it sound scary and foolish to step off the busy main street along the waterfront – and in effect, keeping you in some of the most overpriced shops in town that they themselves own .

Don’t fall for their scare tactics – the truth is, they own those stores and want to make a profit off of you. But don’t be fooled – there are plenty of independent shops worth exploring during your trip.

And yes, like almost everything else in Cozumel, they are safe ! 

Take the time to judge for yourself and explore local businesses, whether it’s for souvenirs, clothing, or anything in between.

Oh, and of course hit up some mom-and-pop places for awesome tac os, and other yummy Mexican bites .

By doing so, you’ll not only be supporting local economies but also getting a more authentic experience.

So next time you’re on a cruise ship and see those signs advertising their recommended shopping program, remember to shop with autonomy and explore Cozumel and all of your many cool and stylish options. Let your inner adventurer lead the way! 

If you’re concerned about safety in Cozumel, read a little more reassurance, right here .

Should I Avoid Certain Souvenirs when Cozumel Shopping? 

The main souvenirs you should not buy Cozumel are any of those that exploit the local environment and those that encourage illegal behavior. 

What NOT to Buy in Cozumel

More specifically, in Cozumel please try to avoid buying : 

• Anything made from (endangered) black coral
• Crafts made from empty conch shells (these are often poached just for the shell! Please read more about the local conchs and conservation efforts right here )
• Anything made from other shells, including turtle shells and sea stars
• Novelty license plate crafts made from cut-up license plates (that have been stolen off of our local residents’ cars overnight!) 
• Street drugs

Where do Cruise Ships Dock in Cozumel?

Depending on which cruise line you’re sailing on, your Cozumel cruise could port at one of three cruise piers on the island. 

Punta Langosta is the original Cozumel cruise pier and is located right downtown, just at the southern end of San Miguel de Cozumel 

The International Pier and Puerta Maya are 2 miles south of downtown, making a long but nice stroll along the waterfront to downtown, or an easy 2-minute cab ride.  

To learn more about safely taking taxis in Cozumel, read this related post here . 

What is at the Cozumel cruise port?

Besides great shopping, Cozumel is known for many things . 

The island is a stunning mix of coral reefs, sandy beaches, brackish mangroves, and jungle, with a huge array of wildlife for such a small island. 

Cozumel is a world-class scuba diving destination , welcoming divers from around the world all year-round. 

Cozumel is also now the busiest cruising port in the Caribbean, and since the travel disruptions during the pandemic, is seeing travel numbers even higher than back in 2019. 

The island is less of a party destination than Cancun, but does have a fun nightlife scene , along with a ton of great bars and breweries. Cozumel’s restaurant scene is also really impressive, from street foods to really nice places for finer dining .

Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping TL;DR

Whether you’re on the hunt for special jewelry stores with twinkling tanzanite or fire opal earrings, or more of a funky shopping scene with traditional Mexican wares like hand-blown glass, intricately painted pottery, or one-of-a-kind clothing, you should probably head for downtown Cozumel and the “centro” area of San Miguel . 

If you just need to shop near the cruise port in Cozumel for everyday stuff like Advil or a deck of cards, you’ll find plenty of great shopping and stores in Cozumel right outside your cruise terminal gates, no matter which pier your ship is docked. 

Cozumel port is great place to disembark and stock up on a few things, even if you don’t want the full Cozumel experience. 

Then again, if you DO want more of the Cozumel experience, stick around and check out some of our other posts, like: 

• Is Cozumel Safe?! (hint: yes)
• Good Places to go Snorkeling in Cozumel for Beginners
• The Practical Guide to Cozumel’s Own Mayan Ruins Sites
• How to Safely Take on of the Island’s Many Great Taxi Cabs

Enjoy your Cruise to Cozumel!

Rachel plugs away at cozinfo.com when she's not taking underwater photos, trying a new local restaurant, or teaching ESL. After a career working on some mighty fine design projects in NYC, she took a gap year to pursue her divemaster training in Cozumel...and hasn't quite made it back, yet.

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Best Things to Do in Cozumel on a Cruise Day in Port

There are so many things to do that it’s tough to decide the best things to do in Cozumel, especially when you only have one day in port.

Here are our best suggestions on what to do in Cozumel in only one day.

Almost all short cruises from South Florida or the Gulf states plus Western Caribbean itineraries include a visit to Cozumel. This year, Cozumel expects nearly 4 million cruise passengers. I t’s no wonder why.

It’s hard to believe that this diverse, laid-back island in the Yucatan Peninsula is just 12 miles off the east coast of mainland Mexico. It’s also a jumping off point for a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland and excursions to the Mayan Ruins.

Best Things to Do in Cozumel

In This Post...

I love a day in Cozumel.  From gorgeous uncrowded secluded beaches or famous beach clubs to world-class snorkeling or discovering authentic Mexican cuisine, there’s so much to do in Cozumel on a cruise day. I’ve narrowed down the list to places I’ve seen, dined, shopped, and shore tours I’ve taken.

READ NEXT:  Cozumel Snorkeling Tour with Lunch Review

Since your cruise ship is stopping in Cozumel for only one day, you better make the most your time! So let’s get started. Here are my picks for some of the  best things to do in Cozumel and what makes this tiny island so unique. 

A Little History of Cozumel May Help You Decide

Though nearly a 3,000 year-old civilization, Cozumel was a commercial and ceremonial center during the classic Mayan period about 250 to 900 A.D. During this time the Mayans created many of its sacred archeological sites dotted across the island. 

Mayans would travel to and from the mainland by canoe and considered this land to have religious significance.

Cozumel was also once a refuge for pirates and trading ships, giving them a place to replenish and feel protected by the dangerous coral reef. Eventually, in 1518, with the first Spanish expedition, the Spaniards occupy the land, finally making it the most prominent island inhabited by Mexico. 

Now, Cozumel is a  thriving tourist location for its beautiful sandy beaches, excellent snorkeling and diving, cuisine and much more. 

Where Your Ship Might Dock in Cozumel

Your cruise ship will dock at one of three Cozumel cruise ports, all located on the island’s western side. These include Punta Langosta, International pier, and Puerta Maya. Where you dock could depend on what cruise line you are sailing. 

Think of Punta Langosta as the downtown pier. The International Pier is three miles south, and then Puerta Maya is the furthest outside of town, nearly five miles away. From Puerta Maya, it’s too far to walk into town, but you’re closer to the beach clubs.

Punta Langosta

Punta Langosta is Cozumel’s local downtown pier. If your ship docks at this port, you will be in the center of it all and only a few minutes walk to downtown San Miguel, the largest city on the island. 

Leaving the ship, kiosks and vendors will filter you through the Punta Langosta Mall full of shops and restaurants. And souvenir stands. Almost all Norwegian Cruise Line ships will dock here, assuming there’s space. Plus, Disney and MSC also use this port. 

Punta Langosta Mall has all the usual Caribbean shops; Cariloha, Del Sol, Diamonds International, Colombian Emeralds. Take time to venture into the smaller shops. Be prepared to haggle for the price; it’s what they do. But don’t try to bargain too low – everyone has to earn a living. 

If you need any drugstore items, there is at least one pharmacy in the mall. There’s no haggling over prices at any of the pharmacies. 

International Pier

The International Pier is the middle-island cruise ship port. You’ll probably dock here if you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity.

You can still walk to Punta Langosta and San Miguel from this port, but it’s usually too hot to walk into town and back to your ship. For a few dollars, it’s easier to hop into a taxi for the ride downtown or back to your ship.

The shopping mall across the street, Royal Village Shopping Mall, gets mixed reviews from customers. All the usual Caribbean shops are here, too.

If you decide to walk into town, the pedestrian sidewalk is reasonably wide on the sea side. Along the way, you’ll see waterfront restaurants and bars on the other side of the street but be extra careful when you cross the busy road.

The International Pier is also home to colorful architectural sites and a giant shopping center and places to eat and drink. This is the only drawback to cruising with Royal Caribbean and brands.

Punta Langosta and Puerta Maya have a nicer infrastructure complex. Maybe that will change.

Puerta Maya

The farthest port from downtown San Miguel is Puerta Maya , about five miles south. This is where Carnival ships dock and most of their brands dock here, too.

After you leave your ship, you’ll find a lush garden full of flowers and plants and the most extensive shopping mall out of all three ports. There are at least 50 shops plus pop-up kiosk-type vendor stands. And of course, a pharmacy. 

Puerta Maya is home to popular restaurants like The Three Amigos bar and a newer Pancho’s Backyard plus lots of colorful photo ops. 

If you want to head out on your own, there’s a car rental agency located near the taxi stand. 

Best Places for Lunch in San Miguel, Cozumel

If you love food, you’ll be happy to learn that Cozumel has some fabulous places to eat. If you’re like me, when I travel, I want to make sure to sample the best authentic food I can find. Cozumel has several restaurants that won’t disappoint. 

When you only have one day to spare, it’s helpful to know exactly where to eat in Cozumel. Here are some fantastic suggestions! And yes, I’ve been to all of them. 

Pancho’s Backyard

Pancho’s Backyard, in the heart of downtown San Miguel, is adjacent to Los Cinco Solas shopping arcade. The decor is traditional Mexican style with woven leather seats and bright colors. Just keeping walking north along the waterfront and you’ll find Pancho’s Backyard.

Local musicians play the sounds of Mexico for a fantastic ambiance. Not to worry, it’s not a noisy mariachi band. Instead, there are usually three people quietly playing guitar and accompanying instruments.

There’s also the newer Pancho’s Backyard down by Carnival’s pier, Puerto Maya. But I prefer the Pancho’s to the north at Los Cinco Solas small shopping mall. 

If you’re looking for dessert, it’s a short taxi ride to the nearby Kakao Chocolate Factory.

Pescaderia is considered a hidden gem a bit outside of Centro San Miguel. This restaurant features fresh seafood dishes, including their famous ceviche, which is a must-try! Or try the local catch, prepared whole and served family-style.

Pescaderia also plays live music and is known for its accommodating and amiable owners and staff. This family-run restaurant has gluten-free options and reasonable prices for its high-quality food.

Panaderia la Cozumelena

Since 1962, Panaderia la Cozumelena has been serving delicious coffee and breakfast to its patrons. The menu has something for everyone, including light fruit and smoothies to substantial breakfasts.

Order a cafe de olla, coffee with cinnamon, and you’ll also receive pan dulce, a sweet and traditional Mexican bread. This place is the perfect place to break your fast when docking early for a day in Cozumel.

Cozumel Beach Clubs 

What’s the number one thing you should do when visiting Cozumel? Go to the beach! If you’re looking to enjoy a full beach/pool day, there are a ton of beach clubs from which to choose.

Here are a few suggestions! Keep in mind that the most popular and sandy beaches are all on the island’s west side. 

That’s where you’ll find the lively beach clubs, major hotels, and some of the best dive and snorkeling sites in the world. 

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club

Mr. Sanchos  Beach Club, located about 20 minutes from downtown San Miguel, offers an all-inclusive day pass to travelers looking to get the most out of the relaxing beach life in Cozumel.

All the cruise ships sell Mr. Sanchos beach shore excursions, so don’t be surprised at the number of cruise passengers homesteading their beach chairs.

A day pass includes all of your food and drink as well as access to their two pools, beach palapas, and activities such as kayaking, water sports, and more. You can even add on horseback riding, parasailing, and the use of a wave runner.

Paradise Beach Club

Paradise Beach Club is another option when looking for an all-inclusive excursion with unlimited drinks and food. Enjoy their enormous heated pool and cute boutique shopping stores to pick up your souvenirs. 

This particular club also features a Fun Day pass which includes access to their ocean water park with inflatable trampolines, slides, and more.

This pass also gives you access to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. 

Cabana Beach Club

If you’re looking for a more private experience, Cabana Beach might be the best place for you. At this beach club, you’ll enjoy your private VIP cabana that can hold up to six guests.

You’ll also have access to concierge service for food, drinks, and activities. There are also many events held at this particular club, including live music and dance parties. If you’re looking for a private and premiere experience, the Cabana Beach Club is it!

Also included with your entrance fee is access for snorkeling in the nearby Chankanaab Eco Park. 

Isla Pasión (Passion Island)

The private island of Isla Pasión is located at the north end of Cozumel, reachable by boat. Tours to this secluded beach are offered by all the cruise lines. 

Included with the tour package are lounge chairs, hammocks, a water park, plus lunch and beverages. If you really want to get away from the crowds and stay on the west (calmer seas) side of Cozumel, this is a great choice.

Best Snorkeling Locations

While snorkeling isn’t my go-to sport, snorkeling is one of the best activities you can do in these warm Caribbean waters. Cozumel is known for its incredible and plentiful coral reefs, and following are a few of the best snorkeling locations in Cozumel and possibly the world.

Dzul Ha at The Money Bar

This location, near the Puerta Maya and International piers, could be the best location for snorkeling in all of Cozumel.

There’s plenty of sea life with large schools of tropical fish and an excellent chance to view turtles and manta rays! It’s also a very uncrowded beach club with great food and lounge chairs. 

Playa Corona

Playa Corona is an excellent spot for snorkeling in shallow waters. Without the need for a boat ride to get to some great snorkeling, it’s a fan favorite!

Spot schools of fish and enjoy the local restaurant when you’ve become waterlogged and need a break!

Chankanaab Eco Park

At this popular spot, you’ll be sure to see lobster, colorful coral, manta rays, and much more. The mild currents in this area make for an abundance of tropical fish.

You won’t have to dive too deep to see all that you’d want to see on a snorkeling excursion. 

Best Uncrowded Beaches on the “Other” Side

Most people gravitate towards the west side of Cozumel because of San Miguel, the many beach clubs, and all the three cruise ports along the coast.

However, the  other side of Cozumel  is beautiful, more rugged looking, and much more private if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.

On the east side of the island, tourists come for the bars and restaurants, narrow beaches, and gorgeous views of the rugged eastern coastline. 

If you’re looking for a quieter place to relax and enjoy a good book without interruption, try visiting one of these options on the “other” side of the island. 

Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park

At the southern tip of Cozumel Island, this eco-reserve is a protected lagoon teeming with wild birds and crocodiles. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for beautiful views of the island.

Here on the east side of Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea, you’ll feel like you’re on your private beach. You can rent 4x4s and head out on your own.

Some rentals also include a stop for lunch and a beverage and time to relax on the beach. 

This could be one of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise. Especially if you want to get away from the hub-bub of downtown and usually thousands of cruise passengers. 

Playa Punta Morena

Talk about private! This beach is tucked away on the less popular east side of the island. Here, you can rent a hammock or lounger or use your belongings for sitting privately and spending time alone in paradise.

Playa Chen Rio and Chen Rio Restaurant

Playa Chen Rio beach is a great escape and one of the only really nice soft, sandy beaches on this side of the island.

Have lunch at Chen Rio’s as you overlook the waves crashing against the magnificent rocks along the shore. The palapa-inspired decor gives you an authentic tropical island experience. There’s an extensive menu to peruse and a sandy path down to the sea for exploring after lunch. 

For a break from the action, located between Chen Rio and Punta Morena, ascend the stone stairs up to one of my favorite bars in Cozumel.

With stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and excellent drinks and snacks, this is a great way to end your day in Cozumel.

There’s also a sandy walking path down to the rocky, limestone beach. Not for swimming. 

Best Shopping in Cozumel

Something about traveling makes you want to shop! Of course, you’ll want to pick up some great souvenirs for your loved ones at home and also something for yourself to remember the trip.

Head to one of these shopping locations to find your favorite souvenirs.

Los Cinco Solas

Known in English as the Five Sons, this shopping center is a souvenir hunter’s dream.

Considered one of the best shopping destinations in all of Cozumel, this area is where you’ll find the best selection of beautifully hand-crafted gifts and pottery on the entire island.

While some of the items may be a bit expensive, it’s worth it for the quality and uniqueness.

Remember, if you have lunch at Pancho’s Backyard at the north end of town, you’ll be right there at Los Cinco Solas.

In need of sunscreen or other last-minute items that you forgot to pack? Are you looking for some unique spices? Look no further than MegaMart.

With tons of fresh fruit, vegetables, and to-go snacks, you’ll find it hard not to walk away with something delicious. It’s like a Walmart but more fun!

But remember, only unopened packs of food, coffee, spices, etc., are allowed back on the ship.

El Mercado is a colorful, open-air area full of little eateries and small shops. This local market is the perfect place to try all different types of local flavors, especially on a budget.

Spend a couple of hours walking around for some fresh ready-to-eat meals! But you can’t bring the fruit back to your ship.

Punta Langosta Mall 

Located right next to the Punta Langosta cruise port, you’ll find all of the souvenirs you need.

Visit as soon as you dock or while you’re waiting to board after your day ashore. This area is full of big-name shops but also local Mexican vendors as well as a pharmacy.

Similar to Puerto Maya, it’s a tourist’s shopping haven. 

Getting Around Cozumel Island

If you want to enjoy the most of Cozumel on your cruise, you’ll need a proper way to get around. Consider renting a taxi when you get off your cruise ship to take you downtown for a fair price.

If you want to go to the east side of the island, it might be better to rent a car instead of paying for the higher cab fare.

Or, walk up to a cab driver and ask how much he’d charge for a 1/2 day of touring. 

A couple of years ago, for $50 USD, our driver took three of us all around the island, with stops at Chen Rio, Coconuts, and a couple of other places. 

If you’re feeling more adventurous, consider renting an ATV to explore the island!

Cozumel Conclusion 

To try and do many of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise, you really need to maximize your time. Cozumel is an incredible island with tons of unique and interesting activities and places to explore.

Be sure to leave some time to taste the local flavors from some of the best restaurants in the area, sip a cold margarita while you relax on some of the Caribbean’s best beaches. 

You’ll see colorful tiny tropical fish swimming right up to the shoreline. But go snorkeling at the reefs, and you’ll be astounded at the variety of underwater activities and beauty.

Now that you know the best things to do in Cozumel in one day, it’s time to plan your cruise with our favorite cruise tips !

More Mexico Travel Inspiration and Ideas!

• Cozumel Food Tours
• Josefina’s Kitchen Cooking Class
• Cozumel Chef Food Tour
• What to Do in Costa Maya, Mexico

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Hi Suzi, Thank you for your kind words about my Cozumel article. The island is really a wonderful place to visit with so many options for recreation and dining. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Thank you for this great run down of options and brief explanation of them. I think I have a clearer idea of the lay out of the town and perhaps what we might venture in to on our day off the ship.

Hi Becky, Thank you SO much for reading the article and your kind words. It’s really appreciated. As you probably already learned, I only have the one article on Roatan. But I hope my Costa Maya article was helpful. Cozumel is one of my favorite places…there’s really so much to do and see without spending a fortune. Have a wonderful cruise and thank you again!

We are headed to Cozumel for one day as part of a cruise. All the books I could find were far too in depth. Your article was perfect. Just enough specifics to help us make a plan. We don’t want to fill our days entirely with shore excursions, but don’t want to wander aimlessly and have people tell us later what we missed. I’m going to search now in hopes that you have similar articles for Roatan and Costa Maya. What a difference your work will make on our vacation. Thank you!

Hi Liz, Thank you so much for your kind words! Happy to share my info. Yes, I’ve spent a day at Nachi Cocum more than once. In fact, I think it was the first beach club I ever went to in Cozumel years ago and returned to several times. The pool is very nice, the food is plentiful and more typically touristic than a restaurant in town but still good. It always seems to get good reviews too and limiting the amount of guests is a great idea. Mr. Sanchos, on the other hand, is (in my opinion) somewhat chaotic. Nice but very crowded. I think you will enjoy your day at Nachi Cocum. I would suggest eating lunch earlier rather than later, when everything is fresh from the kitchen. Just my suggestion based on experience. Basically, get there earlier in the day, relax, eat and do your shopping later.

Have a wonderful day in Cozumel! Thank you again for reading my articles…it’s much appreciated.

Hi Sheri. Thank you for another great article! We are headed to Nachi Cocum this month. Do you have any experience with this Cozumel beach destination?

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The Complete Guide to Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise

If you’re taking a cruise, there’s a good chance that it will have a stop in Cozumel. The island is among the most popular tourist destinations on the planet. Roughly 4 million cruise passengers visit the island in a year, coming from Miami, Galveston, New Orleans and more. That makes it among the most popular cruise ports anywhere.

The appeal of Cozumel is obvious. As an island sitting just about 11 miles off of mainland Mexico, it has some of the most beautiful water in the world, numerous resorts, history, shopping, restaurants, and an atmosphere that can only be found in the Caribbean.

Of course, many cruise passengers and other visitors coming to the island aren’t exactly sure what to expect, how to get around, or even the basics like dealing with the language barrier or spending money in Cozumel.

For that reason, we’ve put together this exhaustive guide of everything you need to know about visiting Cozumel on your cruise…

In This Article...

Island Overview

First things first, let’s begin with a quick overview of the Cozumel. As we said, the island sits just 11 miles across the water from the Mexican mainland and the town of Playa del Carmen.

While most people just call everything on the island Cozumel, the main city that you will no doubt visit is called San Miguel. Home to about 80,000 people, San Miguel is a bustling medium-sized town, and gets especially busy when cruise ships are docked (which swells the population of the island).

In town you’ll find everything you’d expect from a city of its size, including supermarkets, restaurants ranging from fast food to fine dining, baseball stadiums, and even a planetarium.

While San Miguel and Cozumel might have been a sleepy tourist spot decades ago, that’s no longer the case. It offers an amazing assortment of things to do for tourists, including everything from visits to Mayan ruins to snorkeling to diving, to shopping and much more.

Of course, so much of visiting Cozumel revolves around the beach and water. Unfortunately, the beaches right near San Miguel (and the cruise ports) aren’t the best. While some small beaches exist in this area , the larger and nicer ones are on the southwest side of the island and on the eastern shore.

With millions of American tourists each year, there is a definite American influence on the island. You’ll notice a number of restaurants that are common in the U.S. English is widely spoken by just about anyone on the tourism industry. Meanwhile, U.S. dollars are also widely accepted, as are credit cards (but it’s helpful to carry cash).

Cruise Piers

When it comes to hosting cruise ships, it’s hard to beat Cozumel. With three different cruise piers, the port can host lots ships at once. That can mean tens of thousands of cruise passengers in town on the same day.

Puerta Maya Pier The most southern pier, Puerta Maya, has the capacity for four cruise ships at once. It’s often visited by Carnival cruise ships. Walking from the ship to the port area can be a lengthy walk — especially in the heat and humidity. As you reach the shore, you’ll enter the port area. Essentially a small city is built here to cater to cruise passengers before they head out to the city and before they return back to the ship.

In the port area you’ll find a number of restaurants such as Fat Tuesday, Three Amigos, and Pancho’s Backyard . There are also a number of souvenir shops, duty-free shopping, and even small stores where you can pick up just about anything you might have forgotten at home. There is also a small beach area (without water access) where you can lounge with a perfect view of the cruise ships.

The Puerta Maya Pier is about 2.5 miles to San Miguel.

International Pier Right next to the Puerta Maya Pier, but just to the north, is the International Pier. It often serves Royal Caribbean ships, including their large Oasis-class ships. Just like its sister pier, the International Pier also has a small “city” that caters to cruise passengers (but you can’t go between the two ports).

There are souvenir shops, restaurants, shows, and more, including a pharmacy in case you forgot something at home. There’s even a Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville right at the port. Be sure to check out the large Cozumel sign (pictured at the top of this article) for a great photo opportunity with the ships in the background. It’s free and makes a memorable souvenir for your trip.

Just behind that sign is a spot to access the water if you want to swim with the cruise ships in the background.

Punta Langosta The third cruise port in Cozumel is a few miles north of the other two. Punta Langosta sits right in downtown San Miguel and is often used by Disney, MSC, and Norwegian Cruise Line. This dock is highly convenient if you plan to spend some time in the city. Instead of having to get a taxi back and forth from the port, restaurants, bars, and shops are all within walking distance.

Getting Around

If you want to get around Cozumel, then you’re likely going to take a taxi. Cabs are at each port as you exit and cruise up and down all the tourist hotspots. If you’re anywhere that tourists go, you’ll be able to hail a cab whenever the ships are in port.

One nice thing about catching a taxi in Cozumel is that prices are set and displayed prominently at the cruise port . The prices are listed in U.S. dollars, and you can pay without having to exchange money. Be sure to bring correct change, plus a few bucks extra for a tip. Prices are based on the number of people taking a ride.

We suggest that you take a photo of the price chart yourself so that you have it with you should there be any discrepancy. Rates are in U.S. dollars.

If it’s nice that there’s a set rate for the taxi so you don’t have to worry about price, the bad part is that the rates are high. Most popular spots can be 10-15 minutes from the cruise piers yet the rides can be pricey in our opinion.

Want to save money? We’ve seen some cruises that partner with shopping centers downtown to offer free rides to their shops from the cruise pier . If you plan to head to town, it’s an easy way to save some cash. Look for a flyer in your stateroom on the day before you port in Cozumel to see if this deal is offered on your cruise.

Things To Do on Cozumel

Cozumel is a playground for those looking to get outdoors at the beach or in the water. But it also has a number of things to do for those who want to experience history, culture, or just relax and be pampered.

For a full list of things to do in Cozumel for your cruise, we’ve covered more than 60 ideas here, ranging from adventure sports to cool indoor activities . Below we have a few of the more popular things for cruise passengers to do, but it’s really just the tip of the iceberg for things to do.

Mr. Sanchos Want to spend a day at the beach without having to worry about a thing? Then you might be interested in Mr. Sanchos . It’s an all-inclusive day resort for cruise passengers. Hang out on a beautiful beach under a palapa, or near one of the two pools. Eat and drink to your heart’s content, or just swing in a hammock.

When it’s time to head back, there are showers available to wash off the salt and sand. There is also an aquatic park for the kids (costs extra), as well as paragliding, horseback riding, ATV or jet ski rentals. Prices start at around $68 for adults.

Chankanaab Pronounced Shon-ka-nob, this park is just a short ride from the cruise ships . In fact, you can see them up the coast. At the park there are tons of things to do, including a wide beach with palapas, snorkeling, sea lion shows, botanical gardens with a walking tour, kayaking, tequila tastings, restaurants, ziplining, and even a chance to swim with dolphins. It costs around $25 per person, and that includes a number of free things to do.(Adventures like ziplining and swimming with dolphins are extra.)

Hotels With Day Passes Want to just enjoy the amenities of resorts on Cozumel — such as a private pool, a beach only to hotel guests, showers, meals, and drinks? A number of hotels and resorts on the island (including some right near the cruise ship) offer day passes. Pay a daily fee and you can relax all day. It’s a great deal if you simply want to have a leisurely day at the pool or beach without having to fight large crowds. See our article on Cozumel hotels with day passes here .

See our full list of things to do in Cozumel on a cruise here .

Where to Eat

While you may not realize it, Cozumel has a wide variety of great places to eat. You have hundreds of choices around the island. Here are some of the places that seem to be most popular with cruise passengers.

All-Inclusive/Excursions If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort with a day pass or you are on an extended excursion, then you are likely going to eat lunch there.

We’ve found that many of these all-inclusive spots offer up some great food that’s also a nice break from the fare on the cruise ship. Tex-Mex specialties are common, so come ready to eat your fill of tacos, nachos, burritos, and more.

If you’re not an adventurous eater, don’t worry; much of it is similar to what you’d find in the United States as many flavors have been adapted to please American tastes. One plus is that the food always seems fresher than what’s on the ship or back home. As well, alcohol and beer seem to be free-flowing. For lunch you aren’t likely to see fine dining, but a fun “beachy” lunch is always tasty.

Port Restaurants We mentioned above that the International and Puerta Maya piers have enclosed areas that cater to cruise passengers. Even Punta Langosta in downtown San Miguel funnels you to a similar area. These spots all have restaurants catering to cruise passengers that want to have a good time.

Across the three you have a number of options, most of which fit into the party atmosphere. They usually serve bar food and Tex-Mex staples, have lots of tropical, fruity drinks, and the music is often pumping. For instance, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Fat Tuesday, and Senor Frog’s all have locations within the port areas.

For a quieter time, try Pancho’s Backyard if you are at Puerta Maya. It offers great Mexican food, along with gorgeous views of the cruise ships in port. They also have free wi-fi if you need to connect to check on things back home.

Local Spots If you head out of the port or you aren’t fed on an excursion, there are a number of local spots where you can pop in an grab a bite to eat. Many of these restaurants near the port are waterfront, so you can sit, relax, and have a drink and meal with a fantastic view.

For finding the right spot, we recommend just checking out the menus as you pass. Most restaurants have menus posted outside where you can see if it fits what you want to eat and your budget. But if you’re anywhere near the ports or water, you’ll find all sorts of options.

Top Tips for Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise

Having a call to port in Cozumel is a great time. Here are a few tips on what to expect during your stay…

Bring Cash (With Small Bills) Whether its taking a taxi, or simply providing a few bucks propina (that’s tip in Spanish), it’s a must to pack some cash and small bills when you head to port . Small souvenir stands or other merchants may not be equipped to take credit cards, or you might not feel comfortable swiping your card in an unfamiliar place. Bring plenty of cash to ensure you can cover any expenses that might come up.

Take a Photo of the Taxi Rates At the taxi stand outside the ports, there are large signs with posted rates. Cozumel uses flat rates from the piers to points of interest around the island. Grab a quick picture of the sign before you head to get a cab. This way there is no dispute in the price of the cab ride.

Bottled Water Is Everywhere If you’re worried about drinking the water in Mexico, don’t be. Restaurants and other spots all serve bottled water, and its widely available in stores. You don’t have to ask specifically for bottled water, it’s assumed that’s what you want. As well, ice is made from purified water.

Beach Access Is Limited Near the Cruise Piers Want to just head to the beach on your day in port? Unfortunately, the shore around the cruise piers is rocky and jagged. The “postcard” beaches are further down the island and on the eastern shore. As well, beach access isn’t that great here either. Hotels and development block off each access to get to the water. There are a couple of beaches nearby , but you’re usually best off just going to an all-inclusive where there are open beaches and facilities.

The Two Ports Are  Separate If you arrive at the International Pier or Puerta Maya Pier, you’ll see that they are right next to each other. Even so, they are separated and only available to passengers on ships in that port. To be honest, they offer similar amenities so if you visit one, you’ll get much of the same experience as visiting the other.

Wi-Fi is Available in Some Spots The Internet on the ship can be pricey. One good thing about being in port is that some spots have free wi-fi that you can use to connect. For example, Pancho’s Backyard at Puerta Maya features free service so you can catch up back home while enjoying a margarita. So you can skip the ship’s Internet and check in from the island. As well, many U.S. phone plans now offer service in Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cozumel Safe to Visit? Safety in Mexico is always a big concern. News headlines spark a lot of fear in people not familiar with the area. To be honest, Mexico is seeing higher violent crime rates even in places that used to be untouched by the violence like Cancun.

That said, we’ve seen little to suggest these sort of problems exist in Cozumel — especially during busy time like when ships are in port. Most violence seems to stay on the mainland and away from the popular tourist areas.

One concern is that a ferry boat that travels between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen had an explosion thought to be a bomb and another ferry with a device attached to it. That was some time ago (2018), and nothing further has occurred regarding the ferry boats.

Yes, Mexico definitely has problems, but for the most part those violent stories you hear don’t occur in Cozumel. Any harm to cruise ship passengers on the island is very rare.

What About Bringing Alcohol Back from Port? Mexico is known for its tequila and there are all sorts of stores that sell bottles to tourists. Want to bring it back on the ship? Know that you won’t be able to enjoy it in your cabin. When you get back on the ship, the alcohol will be checked and held in the ship’s storage. It will be returned to you the last night of your cruise before debarking. So feel free to pick up a bottle or two to enjoy back home, but any margaritas you drink will be from the ship’s bar.

Do I Need Pesos? What About Knowing Spanish? As we said at the start, 4 million cruise passengers visit Cozumel each year. The majority of those folks are Americans. To cater to these tourists, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. You should be aware of the exchange rate to know if you’re getting a good deal (currently about 17 pesos to one dollar), but your dollars will be taken just about everywhere.

As for Spanish, it’s always nice to know a little bit, but again there’s no need to worry. English is widely spoken anywhere there are tourists, including restaurants, shops, and taxis.

Have more questions about visiting Cozumel? Let us know in the comments below…

More on Visiting Cozumel:

• The Closest Beaches to the Cozumel Cruise Port

63 Can’t-Miss Things For Cruise Passengers to Do in Cozumel

• 14 Savvy Tips For Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise

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This is a great site! Where does Celebrity usually dock in Cozumel?

Celebrity docks at the International Pier, south of the main city San Miguel.

Do you know which cruise lines offer at least 2 full days in Cozumel?

None that I am familiar wit.

If we catch taxi from one of the ports to certain destinations, I wonder how it works for the returning trip. Is it easy to catch one and how does the rate work?

You’ll want to confirm the rate before you head back (I suggest taking a photo of the fares before leaving). It’s VERY easy to catch a cab. They are everywhere.

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23 Best Things to Do in Cozumel Cruise Port: Everything to Know

Over 3 million people cruise to Mexico’s most populated island every year and all of the mainstream cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises.  There’s a reason it’s one of the most visited cruise ports in the world.

As many as eight cruise ships could be in port at one time.

Personally, I love visiting Cozumel.  I love the weather, people, environment, beaches, and overall vibe.  Every time I visit I find something new, so this post will detail some unique and fun experiences you can have at this fantastic stop along your cruise.

From the pristine coral reefs and endless beaches to the plentiful shopping in town, Cozumel has something for everyone.  Oh, and there is even something for the Indiana Jones in you if you want to explore some archeological sites.

The weather in Cozumel is about as good as it gets throughout the year.  Average temperatures are in the 70’s and 80’s (Fahrenheit).

In this post we will give you some of the best things to do in Cozumel along with some helpful information on how to get around the island, what to expect, where to go, etc.

Cruise ports in Cozumel: How far are they from downtown?

This is a little confusing to cruise ship passengers who have never been to Cozumel before.   Even if you have been to Cozumel before you might get off the ship and not recognize your surroundings because you could be at a completely different pier than before.

There are 3 different cruise ship piers in Cozumel.  One is close to downtown and the other two are a few miles out.    So, let’s look at each terminal and its location.

• Punta Langosta . This pier is the closest to the downtown area, only about a 5-minute walk.  You can join a walking tour of San Miguel or just explore on your own without having to walk very far at all.
• International Pier .  This is where some of the larger cruise ships will dock: ships like Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships and larger Norwegian Cruise Line ships.  This is the oldest cruise pier in Cozumel and is about 3 miles from downtown.
• Puerta Maya . This pier was built by Carnival Corporation and is only used for Carnival owned ships.  It’s right next to International Pier.  It’s been nicknamed “Little Cozumel” as many shops, restaurants, and modern amenities are offered right within the terminal area.

Both International Pier and Puerta Maya are about 3 miles from San Miguel, but it is a safe and scenic walk to the downtown area which I have done a few times.   Taxis are cheap, but if you have extra time the walk is doable.

Sometimes, ships will have to anchor just offshore if it’s a very busy day with 7 or 8 cruise ships coming in.  In these cases the ships will tender passengers to some of the smaller piers near Puerta Maya.

23 Best Things to Do in Cozumel

So now let’s take a look at some things to do in Cozumel.   We’ll cover some of the best things to do on this island to give you some ideas for your upcoming excursions and adventures.

1.  Check out the amazing reefs

Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world, and it is a paradise for those who like to dive and snorkel.

Because most of the island is surrounded by some of the most amazing coral reefs in the Western Caribbean, Cozumel has become a main attraction for thousands of expert divers every year.

Even if you just want to rent or bring along some snorkeling gear you will want to check out these pristine waters at one of the many coral reef locations.

Best places for snorkeling or diving:

• Villa Blanca Reef . Located between 2 cruise ship piers.  Wall after wall of beautiful reefs.
• Chankanaab Reef . Part of Chankanaab Park.  Reef is 300 yards from shore.  More on Chankanaab later.
• Paradise Reef . Near the marine park.  Lots of coral and sea life to see like nurse sharks and stingrays.  3 reefs 600 feet from the shore.
• Palancar Reef . Better for diving.   Stunning caves and drop-offs.
• El Cielo Reef . Great for beginner snorkelers.  Shallow water. Lots of starfish.
• Coral at Dzul Ha . 10 to 15 foot depth with plenty of lobster, crab, and all kinds of fish.   Near beach club and restaurant.
• Colombia Reef . Great for diving with 80 foot drop-off.  Find huge towers of coral, caves, caverns and marine creatures.

There are many more places you can dive and snorkel in Cozumel, so don’t look at this list as exhaustive. In fact, if you have a great reef to check out please let us know in the comment section below this post.  We will add it to the list if it looks good so everyone else can benefit.

The first time I went to Cozumel I brought my own snorkel gear and just pulled over at random places to check out the water.  It’s really hard NOT to see some amazing things in the water around Cozumel.

RELATED: Best Places in the Caribbean for Snorkeling

2.  Go on a Boat Tour

Since the water around Cozumel is so remarkable why not take a boat ride around it so you can see the whole thing on a shore excursion?

You can do this on a catamaran, glass-bottom boat, or even a private charter.   The nice thing about booking a snorkeling or diving excursion is that some of them will involve a boat ride to the reef and you will get to have a scenic boat ride at the same time.

3.  Take a Submarine Tour

Want to see the reefs without getting wet?  Then a submarine tour is just for you.   The submarine will descend 100 feet below the surface and will look through portholes to see amazing marine life, a sunken shipwreck, and even a 400 foot drop-off known as The Wall.

4.  Enjoy a Beautiful Beach Day (best beaches in Cozumel)

Cozumel has some of the most amazing beaches in all of Mexico and there are a variety to choose from.   You can choose a beach for it’s snorkeling opportunities, it’s relaxing atmosphere, or for its culinary delights that are nearby.

If you rent a vehicle you can just drive around to see the different beaches to see which is best for what you want your beach day to be like.  The eastern side of the island is rocky and exposed to the open ocean, but there are still some hidden away spots that are perfect for a beach day.

Here is a short list of some of our favorite beaches in Cozumel:

• Playa Chen Rio . On the eastern side but large rocks break up the surf. This is where some locals go and it’s not usually very crowded.  Some thick vegetation with sand and rocks.
• Playa Bonita . Romantic beach with white sands and gentle waves.  On the east.  Mayan ruins nearby.
• Playa Corona . Known for its great diving and underwater scenery.   Beach huts for shade.  On the west coast.
• Playa Uvas . If you want a Miami Beach kind of vibe with upscale loungers and shade spots this is your beach.
• Playa San Francisco . A lot of activities available at this popular 3 mile stretch of sand.
• Palancar Beach . 13 miles south of San Miguel.  Away from the hustle and bustle.  Lovely white sandy beach.

Are any beaches near the cruise ports in Cozumel ?  While there are some beaches close to Puerta Maya and International pier they will require a fee.  Park Royal Beach is just a 5-minute walk from these two terminals and will require $40 per person to access since it’s part of a hotel.  But the amenities and views from there are fantastic.

Have your own beach to add to this list?  Let us know in the comments below.

5.  Swim with stingrays

It’s an incredible experience to swim with the rays at Stingray Beach.  Don’t worry, the dangerous barbs have been removed.  You can both swim and snorkel with these amazing creatures.  It’s just a couple minutes from downtown.

6.  Visit Chankanaab National Park

It amazes me how many people have been to Cozumel and have never been to Chankanaab .  It’s one of my go-to places on the island.   It does cost $21 for adults and $14 for children to have access to the park, but once inside you will find enough things for everyone to do for the entire day.

There are great beaches, plenty of shaded loungers and hammocks, a pristine lagoon, alligators, a seal and sea lion show, dolphins, manatees, and so much more.  Want to just relax in a hammock tied to a couple palm trees while the kids go have fun?  This is your place in Cozumel.

If you want to swim with dolphins this is a great place to do it as well.

See a video of what Chankanaab is like below:

7.  Explore Mayan Ruins

Cozumel is not known for some of the most elaborate Mayan ruins in Mexico, but there are still some worth checking out if you are interested.

The largest Mayan ruins in Cozumel are at San Gervasio, located in the central part of the island.  This was a holy site dedicated to the goddess of fertility.

If you want truly spectacular Mayan ruins you can still see them during your cruise to Cozumel, but since they are on the main land of Mexico it will be an all-day event which will require a ferry ride.  Chichen Itza (recently named one of the 7 wonders of the world) and Tulum are the main Mayan sites you can see.  If you can only see one, check out Chichen Itza.  It’s truly spectacular.

8.  Tour the Chocolate Factory

I did the chocolate factory tour a few years ago and found it to be a really interesting experience.  It’s not a huge factory, but you get to see how the chocolate is locally made and then you get to make some yourself.  And of course the best part is sampling the chocolate after you are done.

It’s called Kaokao Chocolate Factory and is just a $15 or so cab ride away.  I recommend getting reservations ahead of time because time slots can fill up quickly.

9.  Zipline over Cozumel

There are a few different places for zipline thrill seekers.  Chankanaab does have a zipline course or you can take a zipline course that soars over some of the mangrove forest in Cozumel.  You will be 60 feet above the jungle floor and start off from 6 different canopy towers.    Most of the course can be done in about an hour so you will still have time for other activities.

10.  Go on a Cave Tour

Some of the most incredible caves are found on the mainland at Rio Secreto, where adventurers can explore a picturesque underwater river.  This place could easily be a wonder of the world.  Other cave tours start out with an ATV ride through the wild back roads of Cozumel.

11.  Go Horseback Riding

You’ve seen the pictures: a scenic beach background with someone riding a horse along the shoreline.  This is on my to-do list actually, and Cozumel is a great place to check it off.  You can ride horseback through the jungle and then along the beach, and then you can stop to get something to eat at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club.

12.  Play a Round of Golf in Paradise

Cozumel Country Club is right near the shore and offers 18 holes of scenic beauty.  The fairways and greens may not be as lush as what you’re used to, but the wildlife and surroundings make up for it.  It’s about a 30 minute cab ride from the cruise port.

13.  Go Parasailing

The joy of parasailing is in the aerial views you get to soak in.  So, it’s even more enjoyable when those views are of some of the most pristine water along Mexico.    There’s just something about being hundreds of feet in the air, being pulled by a speed boat.   The only thing to keep in mind here is that you may be with a group.  This means you will have to wait your turn and may spend more time in the boat waiting than actually up in the air enjoying your parasailing experience.

14.  Join the Manatees for a Swim Encounter

This is also part of Chankanaab Park which is open from 9am to 5pm.  These slow-moving creatures are rarely seen in the wild so this excursion offers you the ability to get up close and personal with these “Mermaids of the Sea”.

15.  Join a Pirate Dinner Cruise

If you want to feel like a pirate for the day and get some great food along with some unique entertainment this is the activity for you.  I’ve read some rave reviews about the Jean Laffite Pirate Dinner Cruise but have not checked it out myself.   But for most cruises this option will take place too late in the day, so it’s really only doable if you are staying in Cozumel for a few nights.  It goes from 6pm to 9pm, but I still wanted to put it in this list.

16.  Hit the Shops

You don’t’ even have to leave the cruise terminal to find places to shop, but do yourself and the Cozumel locals a favor by venturing out and shopping from local vendors.  T-shirts and trinkets are incredible affordable and I haven’t found shop owners to be too pushy compared to other ports.

The Royal Village Shopping Center has some really interesting places to shop, including one place that sells all kinds of medieval type armor and décor.

Everyone needs at least 1 or 2 Mexican blankets at home and you will find them everywhere in Cozumel.

You can pay in pesos or US dollars.  In fact, you will see a lot of signs with prices in US dollars.

Important note: Just be careful on using local ATM machines.  Last time I used an ATM machine in Cozumel I had my card information hacked.  Stick to indoor bank ATM’s if you can and always cover your hand as you type in your pin.

17.  Discover Mexico

You can’t see all of Mexico during your cruise, but this little stop will allow you to at least feel like you did.  The tour at Discover Mexico Park will allow you to experience the taste, culture, history, heritage, art, and music of Mexico.  There are miniature scale models of famous sites from around Mexico and a tour guide will talk you through some of this country’s most important landmarks.

18.  See the Cozumel Pearl Farm

Not many cruisers venture up to the northern part of the islands to see this family-run pearl farm, but you should.  After seeing how the pearls are grown and harvested you can snorkel out to see the pearl hatchery.  While snorkeling you can see an underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.  Tours can last about 6 hours.

19.  Take a Mini-Sub Dive Tour

If you love the idea of scuba diving but you want something a bit simpler, this might be the Cozumel activity for you.  No previous diving experience is required.  You simply “wear” a sort of “sub suit” that allows you to go 20 feet below the water and have unobstructed views of the marine life.  And with Cozumel’s reputation for great reefs and pristine coral, this is a great thing to do while cruising to this beautiful island.

20.  Join the Amazing Cozumel Race

Just like you’ve seen on TV, you can explore Cozumel while cracking clues, solving mysteries, and playing adventurous games with fellow travelers.   This competitive journey will take about 4.5 hours and there is a post-race award ceremony that follows.   People seem to really enjoy this excursion.  Even if the it ends up raining you won’t be able to dampen the fun vibe on this activity.

21.  Swim with Whale Sharks

Sure you can swim with dophins and stingrays on Cozumel, but if you really want to kick things up a notch and take some impressive photos for your friends back home, swimming with whale sharks is the ticket.  Every summer the whale sharks come in to the Yucatan Peninsula, so you can snorkel along with them during their annual migration (June – September).  The feeling of being so close to these immense creatures is unforgettable.

22.  Visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Nature lovers can indulge in the island’s largest ecological reserve at Punta Sur.   Whether you want to enjoy the white sandy beaches, climb the stairs to the historic Celarain Lighthouse, or catch up with the local crocodiles, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a gem on Cozumel.   You can find a variety of flora, fauna, flowers, birds, and even sea turtles.  Visitors can also enjoy the Navigation Museum which is the old lighthouse keeper’s home.  There they will learn about the island’s rich history of Mayans and pirates that sailed the Caribbean waters.

23.  Tantalize Your Taste Buds with Cozumel Chef Food Tours

Are you a foodie?  Taste the full flavors of Mexico with a food tour that lets you sample the best the islands has to offer.  Cozumel Chef Food Tours is all-inclusive and takes you to a Yucatecan restaurant, a traditional Mexican market, a bakery, and a few other stops along the way on this 3 hour tour.  Want to taste a truly authentic quesadilla?  This is a food tour you will brag about when you get home.  The cost is $80 per person, and the tours typically start at 11am, perfect for cruise passengers.

You can also eat at some local restaurants yourself.  Here are some places to eat in Cozumel that some of our readers have recommended:

• Los Tacotales –  A great affordable option for street tacos and pozole in an open-air restaurant.
• Casa Cuzamil – For seafood lovers on a budget, get your fix of shrimp tacos, grilled fish, and ceviche.  There’s also a sports bar here.
• La Cocay – This Mediterranean and Italian steakhouse has a lovely garden setting and serves everything from small plates and tapas to steaks and pizza.
• La Candela – A popular place among the locals of Cozumel, this restaurant serves Mexican and Caribbean entrees for mid-range prices.  I really enjoyed my experience here.  Great portions for hot meals in the heart of town.
• Ix Kool Mayan – If you want true, authentic Mayan dishes, this is the place for you.  A higher-end restaurant, this establishment serves pork panucho, cochinita and other delicacies you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
• Guido’s – A combination of seafood and Italian dishes, Guido’s offers a fine dining experience with open-air seating.  Both the service and food are typically very good.
• Buccanos At Night – Situated right on the coast, this restaurant is known for elegant dining and exquisite dishes.  You can order seafood or local dishes at Buccanos at Night, which is considered by many to be one of the best places to eat on the island.

Other Helpful Info When Visiting Cozumel

Renting a vehicle.

There is a plethora of options for renting a vehicle and driving around Cozumel as well.  The island is easy to navigate in a matter of a couple hours if you don’t make too many stops.

The best way to tour Cozumel in your rental is to start by heading south and drive along the shoreline.  If you’re driving a scooter or bike you will have your own road to travel on, making the journey stress-free.  The further you get away from the city the more open and serene the landscape becomes.

How big is Cozumel? The whole island is 28 miles long and about 10 miles wide.  I have rented both cars and scooters to drive around Cozumel. 

One thing that should be noted about renting a car, though.  If you do happen to damage the vehicle in any way you may be required to pay for the repairs before you leave the island.   I’ve never had any mishaps, but I have heard that this can be an issue.

As soon as you get off the ship you will find vendors who are able to find you just about any type of vehicle to rent if you want to explore on your own.

Renting Bikes and Scooters

Some of the downtown area can get crowded with cars and people, but if you want to venture out on your own renting a bike might be a good option.  There are many shops that will rent scooters and bikes.  If you don’t want to have to work too much electric scooters area available too.  And if you want to go beach hopping on your bike you can get one with fatter tires.

Taxis in Cozumel

If you want to take a taxis in Cozumel it is easy and affordable.  The prices are set, and you don’t need to negotiate.  There is a slightly higher price if you have more than 4 people and a bit more if you have 6-8 people in your group.

I recommend grabbing a local taxi right at the cruise port to make sure you’re getting the real deal.

You can pay with US dollars, but it will be cheaper if you exchange for pesos first and use them.  Credit cards are not accepted by taxi drivers so you will need to pay in cash.  Also, a 10-15% tip is appreciated.

Here are some prices you can use as a sample for taxi ride rates. (These prices will more than likely be different when you travel and are just for reference.)  Prices are in US Dollars and are from the starting point of Puerta Maya:

• Downtown: $8.00
• Discover Mexico: $8.00
• Chankanaab: $12.00
• Chocolate Factory: $11.00
• Playa Corona: $13.00
• Punta Sur: $35.00
• Airport: $16.00
• Full Island Tour: $100.00

Take a ferry

Cozumel is just 12 miles from the mainland of Mexico. Many cruisers love to take the 45-minute ferry from Cozumel to Play Del Carmen to check out some great resorts and beaches.

If you’re going to see some Mayan ruins on the mainland you will end up on a ferry to the mainland.  But if you want to pay for it yourself to check out Playa Del Carmen it will cost around $10.

The ferry port is not far from downtown, so hopping on the ferry to see some more sights in Mexico might make sense if you have time during your cruise.  Some excursions also require a ferry ride to the mainland to see Mayan Ruins or explore scenic caves.

Where to eat in Cozumel?

The non-adventurous will be glad to know there are a few American staples in Cozumel.   There is a Subway, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks right near the Punta Langosta terminal and even a Burger King further inland.

But for those who want a truly authentic experience Cozumel does not disappoint.  There is a myriad of restaurants.  You can get a casual, relaxing dining experience at one of the many eateries along the beach or try something more upscale.

I’ve had some incredibly delicious tacos just by stopping at one of the local vendors along the shoreline.  And don’t forget to get some local churros.

Cozumel is an island that is known for exquisite seafood combined with common Mexican foods as tortillas, beans, and salsa.   You can find affordable lobster dishes and plenty of options especially in the main city of San Miguel.

Of course Cozumel has the iconic Senor Frogs and Bubba Gump Shrimp if you want an old standby.

Here are a few places we recommend for eating in Cozumel:

• Costa Brava .  Love eating here. Authentic Mexican food at a reasonable price. Friendly staff.
• Casa Mission .  For truly local Mexican food and seafood.  Located near the center of San Miguel
• La Mission Restaurant . Traditional Mexican food right near the shore.  Really great décor and great food.
• Guido’s Restaurant . Swiss-Italian restaurant with a beautiful patio and daily specials.  Right on the main street of San Miguel with great views of the ocean.
• Pepe’s Grill . Upscale dining with amazing seafood.  Owned by one of the oldest family’s on Cozumel.

Have you eaten in Cozumel and want to let us know a great place to check out?  Let us know in the comment section so the rest of our readers can benefit as well.

We Want to Hear from You

What are some things to do in Cozumel that you would add to the list?  Let us know in the comments below so everyone can benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Cozumel Cruise Port

Q: how can i get to playa del carmen from cozumel cruise port.

A: Playa del Carmen is a popular destination located on the mainland, just a short 45-minute ferry ride away from Cozumel. You can easily take a ferry from the ferry terminal in Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and explore the town’s shops, restaurants, and beaches.

Q: Where can I find a taxi at Cozumel Cruise Port?

A: Taxis are readily available at the Cozumel Cruise Port. You can find taxi stands near the cruise terminal where you can easily hail a taxi to take you to your desired destination on the island.

Q: What is Puerta Maya?

A: Puerta Maya is a popular cruise ship port in Cozumel. It is one of the main cruise ship terminals in Cozumel and is known for its convenient location near many tourist attractions and activities.

Q: What is the best way to explore Cozumel during a cruise?

A: Personally, I prefer to explore Cozumel on my own.  If you’re new to the island you can just hire a tax to take you to all the best spots and get an overview of the island.  But for those worried about getting back to the ship on time, it’s best to just take book a shore excursion.  I’ve booked excursions, hired taxis, rented scooters, and rented cars in Cozumel, and it’s a very easy place to navigate.

Q: Can I visit Cozumel independently without a shore excursion?

A: Yes, you can certainly explore Cozumel independently without a shore excursion. The port area is well-connected to the rest of the island, and you can easily hire a taxi or rent a car to explore the island at your own pace.

Q: What are some popular cruise itineraries that include Cozumel?

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We rented a jeep and toured the island. Our favourite restaurant was Carlos & Charlies. https://www.carlosncharliesbeachclub.com/eng/location.html . It is a fun place to eat. The staff all have a good time and will take your picture with all the staff in it.

We like to go to Ernesto’s to eat. It is right on the ocean and the food it great!

Any suggestions on a parasailing company to use? My cruise ship does not offer through excursion, so we will have to find something on our own in Cozumel.

My chef husband and I took an excellent cooking class (with a lunch of our dishes) at Josefina’s Cooking School – Josefina’s Cocina Con Alma, http://www.cozumelchef.com – which also included a shopping trip to a local market and the opportunity to get tortillas hot from the oven! The food we made was unique and delicious, as were the margaritas we made 🙂 , we got to see a lovely residential neighborhood off the beaten tourist path, a great recipe book of dishes you do Not see on most USA Mexican menus, and my husband added several of the dishes we made to the menu at our Inn in West Virginia!

Thanks so much for passing that along, Elisse! Sounds like you had a wonderful time treating your palates in Cozumel.

thank you, excellent informations

You need to try Ernesto’s Fajitas, just about 2/3 blocks to the left of the International Pier. We have eaten three for years. Jose is the best waiter. A view of your ship from the terrace is a plus if you are docked at this pier. Best shrimp fajitas, quacamole, and key lime pie.

Awesome tip, Barb! Thanks so much for stopping by and helping our readers find another great place to eat in Cozumel. I will have to try Ernesto’s next time I’m in Cozumel.

Jonathan, great information, but what about handicapped access? I must use a walker and The Bride uses a cane. Are any parts handicapped friendly? What about the streets? Do some cruise ships have to use a tender? Your suggestions would be appreciated.

I’m not sure how much help I can offer but you don’t have to walk very far off the ship before you can find a taxi or car service to pick you up and take you where you want to go. Once you get into town the sidewalks are not very handicap friendly as there is a lot of uneven pavement. I do remember seeing some beach wheelchairs at the beach at Chankanaab Park and that’s a great place to spend the day relaxing. Almost all the ships will be at a pier and will not need to use a tender. Only if all the piers are full does a ship need to use a tender at Cozumel. Hope this helps.

Found this post on Pinterest right before I left on a trip with a bunch of people who didn’t want to pay the money for the excursions. We decided to eat at La Mission upon your advice and we loved it! The atmosphere was great especially since it seemed 10 degrees cooler inside. The food was great and the staff was too. Probably the cleanest bathroom in Mexico as well. Thank you for a great post.

That’s so great to hear, Tiffany! Glad you enjoyed your dining experience at La Mission and thanks so much for coming back to let us know. That means a lot!

The trip to the San Gervasio Ruins is very worth it. I was there probably 20 years ago & excavation was ongoing. Would love to return to see what’s new. Lots of iguanas there – we were there during mating season so saw some beautiful colors.

Don’t miss Pancho’s Backyard downtown! Best Margaritas in Cozumel! Me. San his all day all inclusive beach club. #1 place to spend the day!??! Trust me!

Thanks for the informative and detailed information on Cozumel! We visited there on a cruise many years ago and missed nearly everything listed in the article, but still loved this beautiful island.

Another noteworthy thing for those travelers who like to see the biggest/smallest/longest/oldest etc things on their travels, as our kids do, Cozumel is home to the smallest Hard Rock Cafe in the world. Not very Mexican, but a great place to stop for a chocolate shake on a hot day!

Thank you Jonathan for those great tips! Next time you come to Cozumel, try out the free walking tour 🙂

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Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping: A Guide To The Best Deals And Souvenirs

by Judith Eve | Sep 4, 2023 | Destination Guides & Ports

I always enjoy a little shopping when docked at the Cozumel cruise port.

When it comes to shopping in Cozumel, the cruise port offers a variety of options for tourists to explore. With two large open-air shopping malls adjacent to the three cruise ship ports, visitors can easily find most items that they would seek. Additionally, San Miguel, which is located nearby, has plenty of shopping opportunities for those who want to venture further.

Whether you're looking for souvenirs or luxury goods, Cozumel's shopping scene has something for everyone. The Punta Langosta Mall, located right after the security check-up, features plenty of shops to browse, including big-name brands. The International Pier and Puerta Maya Pier also offer a variety of shopping options for visitors to peruse.

If you're not sure what to buy, there are plenty of guides available to help you navigate the Cozumel shopping scene. From popular souvenirs to the best items to buy at the cruise ports, these guides can help you make the most of your shopping experience. So, whether you're a seasoned shopper or just looking for a few mementos to take home, Cozumel's cruise port shopping scene is definitely worth checking out.

Understanding Cozumel Cruise Port

Cozumel is a beautiful island located on the western side of Mexico, in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, receiving over 3 million cruisers annually. The Cozumel cruise port has three piers: International Pier, Puerta Maya, and Punta Langosta. Each pier has its own shopping area, restaurants, and other amenities.

The International Pier is the largest and most modern of the three piers. It is located on the southern end of the island and can accommodate up to six cruise ships at once. The pier has a large shopping area, restaurants, and bars. The pier is also home to the Punta Langosta Mall, which is a popular shopping destination for cruisers.

Puerta Maya is located on the western side of the island and can accommodate up to four cruise ships at once. The pier has a large shopping area, restaurants, and bars. It also has a beach club and water park, which are popular attractions for families with children.

Punta Langosta is located in the heart of downtown Cozumel and can accommodate up to three cruise ships at once. The pier is within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and other attractions in downtown Cozumel.

When arriving at the Cozumel cruise port, passengers will go through immigration and customs. Passengers will need to present their passport, cruise ship ID, and any necessary visas. Once cleared, passengers can disembark and explore the island.

It is important to note that the Cozumel cruise port is a popular destination, and it can get crowded during peak season. It is recommended to book shore excursions and activities in advance to avoid long lines and wait times.

Overall, the Cozumel cruise port offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options for cruisers. With its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich culture, Cozumel is a must-visit destination for any cruise itinerary.

Shopping in Cozumel

When it comes to shopping in Cozumel, there are plenty of options for tourists to choose from. From local shops selling unique and authentic souvenirs to high-end jewelry stores, there is something for everyone.

One of the most popular places to shop in Cozumel is the Royal Village Shopping Center, which is located near the cruise port. This open-air shopping center features a variety of stores selling everything from clothing and pottery to leather goods and chocolate. Visitors can also find traditional clothing and local crafts at boutiques and art galleries throughout the shopping center.

Another popular shopping destination in Cozumel is Plaza Confetti, which is located in the heart of downtown. This plaza features a variety of vendors selling everything from blankets and throws to jewelry and decor. Visitors can also find local coffee and traditional Mayan souvenirs at the plaza.

For those looking for high-end jewelry, Diamonds International is a popular choice. This store features a wide selection of coral, silver, and diamond jewelry, as well as watches and other accessories. Visitors can also find unique pieces of jewelry at local stores throughout Cozumel.

If you're looking for a branded souvenir, Pirana Joe is a popular choice. This store sells a variety of branded merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, and other apparel. Visitors can also find Mexican coffee and other local goods at Viva Mexico and the Mexican Coffee Shop.

No matter what you're looking for, there are plenty of shopping options in Cozumel. Just be sure to bring plenty of pesos and a sense of adventure!

Exploring Downtown San Miguel

When it comes to shopping in Cozumel, downtown San Miguel is a must-visit destination. As the center of town, it is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The town square, also known as the zocalo, is a great place to start your exploration. Here, you'll find locals and tourists alike enjoying the atmosphere and taking in the sights.

Rafael Melgar Avenue is the main street that runs along the waterfront and is lined with shops and restaurants. It's a great place to find souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry. Be sure to check out Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian-only street that is home to many shops and restaurants.

If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, head to Mercado Municipal. This indoor market is filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It's a great place to find authentic souvenirs and gifts.

For art lovers, Gallery Azul is a must-visit. This contemporary art gallery features the work of local and international artists and is located just a few blocks from the town square.

After a day of shopping, be sure to take a stroll along the Malecon. This waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is a great place to relax and unwind. There are also many restaurants and bars along the Malecon, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink.

Overall, exploring downtown San Miguel is a great way to experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs. With so many shops, restaurants, and galleries to choose from, there's something for everyone in this vibrant and bustling town.

Currency and Bargaining Tips

When shopping in Cozumel, it's important to have a good understanding of the currency used in the area. The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, but the US dollar is widely accepted in Cozumel. However, it's important to note that stores may have varying exchange rates, so it's a good idea to have some Mexican pesos on hand just in case.

If you plan on bargaining while shopping in Cozumel, keep in mind that it's a common practice in the area. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices, especially if you're purchasing multiple items or buying from a street vendor. A good rule of thumb is to start by offering a price that's around 30-50% lower than the original asking price, and then work your way up from there.

When bargaining, it's important to be respectful and friendly. Don't make exaggerated claims or try to deceive the vendor, as this can sour the bargaining process and ruin your chances of getting a good deal. Remember, bargaining should be a fun and enjoyable experience for both parties involved.

In summary, when shopping in Cozumel, it's important to have a good understanding of the currency used in the area and to be prepared to bargain for the best prices. With a little bit of knowledge and a friendly attitude, you can score some great deals and have an enjoyable shopping experience in Cozumel.

Unique Finds and Local Artistry

When it comes to shopping in Cozumel, there are plenty of unique finds and local artistry to discover. As a seasoned traveler and shopper, I highly recommend exploring the local shops and markets to find authentic souvenirs and one-of-a-kind pieces.

One local art form that you will find in Cozumel is the intricate and colorful Mexican embroidery. This handmade embroidery can be found on clothing, home decor, and accessories. Look for shops that specialize in this art form, or visit the local markets to find unique pieces.

Another local art form to look out for is the handcrafted jewelry. Cozumel is known for its silver jewelry, and you can find a variety of styles and designs to suit any taste. Look for shops that work directly with local artisans to ensure the authenticity and quality of the pieces.

If you're looking for unique finds, head to the local markets and street vendors. Here you will find a variety of handmade crafts, from pottery to woven baskets. Take your time to browse and haggle for the best prices.

When shopping for souvenirs, it's important to support the local economy and artisans. Look for shops that promote fair trade and ethical practices. This not only ensures the authenticity of the products but also supports the local community.

Overall, shopping in Cozumel offers a unique and authentic experience. With local artistry and unique finds, you're sure to find the perfect souvenir to remember your trip.

Pharmaceutical Shopping

When it comes to pharmaceutical shopping in Cozumel, there are a few options available. One of the most popular pharmacies on the island is the Discount Drugstore & Souvenir Shop, which is located about 2 miles away from the Puerto Maya pier and the International Pier. This pharmacy offers a wide range of medications and pharmaceuticals, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and even items like sunscreen and insect repellent.

If you're looking for specific medications like Viagra or Cialis, it's worth noting that some pharmacies in Cozumel may not carry these items. However, many pharmacies on the island do offer a range of sexual health products, including condoms and lubricants.

When shopping for pharmaceuticals in Cozumel, it's important to keep in mind that some medications may require a prescription from a local doctor. If you have a specific medication that you need, it's a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription with you to ensure that you can get the medication you need.

Overall, pharmaceutical shopping in Cozumel is generally straightforward and convenient. With a variety of pharmacies located throughout the island, you should be able to find the medications and products you need with ease.

Planning Your Shopping Trip

As someone who loves to shop, I always make sure to plan my shopping trip before I arrive at Cozumel Cruise Port. Planning ahead helps me make the most of my time and budget, and ensures that I have a stress-free shopping experience. Here are some tips for planning your shopping trip at Cozumel Cruise Port:

Before you start shopping, it's important to set a budget. Cozumel Cruise Port offers a variety of shops and products, so it's easy to get carried away and overspend. I recommend creating a budget and sticking to it. This will help you prioritize your purchases and avoid any unnecessary expenses.

Affordable Options

If you're on a tight budget, don't worry. Cozumel Cruise Port has plenty of affordable shopping options. You can find a range of souvenirs, clothing, and accessories at reasonable prices. Some of my favorite affordable stores include Del Sol, Cariloha, and Ron Jon Surf Shop.

When shopping at Cozumel Cruise Port, you can expect excellent customer service. The staff at the shops are knowledgeable and friendly, and are always happy to help you find what you're looking for. If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask.

While the staff at Cozumel Cruise Port shops are helpful, they are not pushy. You can browse the shops at your own pace and take your time making a purchase. I appreciate the lack of pressure and find it makes for a more enjoyable shopping experience.

Overall, planning your shopping trip at Cozumel Cruise Port is easy and stress-free. By setting a budget, taking advantage of affordable options, and enjoying the excellent service and lack of pressure, you're sure to have a successful shopping trip.

I hope you enjoy your Cozumel cruise port shopping.

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.

Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.

Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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10 Best Shopping Spots in Cozumel Cruise Port

Shop in Cozumel Cruise Port and begin your shopping adventure. Dive into a world of vibrant marketplaces and unique boutiques , where every corner tells a story.

Find out valuables that capture the essence of Cozumel, combining the thrill of exploration with the fulfillment of finding the perfect memento.

The Cozumel Cruise Port provides more than just sun-kissed beaches; it additionally acts as an entry point to a shopping experience rich in local charm.

In This Article

1. Avenida Rafael E. Melgar: The Shopper’s Haven

2. market hopping: a cultural delight, 3. plaza del sol: retail therapy with a view, 4. tequila tasting: a mexican tradition, 5. luxury shopping at los cinco soles, 6. custom jewelry at diamonds international, 7. cozumel flea market: hidden gems await, 8. quintana roo handicraft center: craftsmanship unveiled, 9. chocolate shopping at the mayan cacao company, 10. duty-free delights at puerta maya shopping village, practical tips for a rewarding shopping excursion:, conclusion: a shopper’s paradise in cozumel, what are the must-visit shopping spots near cozumel cruise port, are credit cards widely accepted, or should i carry local currency for shopping in cozumel, can i bargain while shopping in cozumel, and is it considered acceptable, are duty-free shops available near the cruise port, and what kind of deals can i expect, where can i experience tequila tasting while shopping in cozumel, what unique products can i find at the quintana roo handicraft center in downtown cozumel, are there any luxury shopping options in cozumel for high-end goods, is the cozumel flea market a good place to find unique and eclectic items, can i purchase chocolate-infused products at the mayan cacao company, how far are the recommended shopping spots from the cozumel cruise port, and is transportation readily available, list of 10 best shopping spots in cozumel cruise port.

As you step on land, get ready for a journey through vibrant markets, beautiful boutiques, and lively plazas, each telling a unique story about this Mexican treasure.

Location: Right by the Cruise Port

Start your shopping adventure along the bustling Avenida Rafael E. Melgar , a waterfront street running alongside the mesmerizing Caribbean waters.

Dotted with shops, boutiques, and eateries, this lively avenue is a treasure trove for shoppers.

Explore local artisan markets for handcrafted souvenirs, colorful textiles, and unique keepsakes embodying the spirit of Cozumel .

Location: Downtown Cozumel

Dive into the heart of Cozumel’s downtown , where traditional markets beckon with a symphony of colors and scents.

Mercado Municipal and Mercado Cozumel , iconic marketplaces, offer an authentic Mexican shopping experience.

Bargain for Mayan textiles , wooden masks, and locally sourced spices, adding a dash of Cozumel to your culinary adventures.

Also Read: 15 Best Restaurants in Cozumel Near Cruise Port

Location: Overlooking the Sea

For a perfect blend of shopping and scenic views, head to Plaza del Sol . With a backdrop of the Caribbean Sea , this open-air shopping center features duty-free shops, jewelry boutiques, and an inviting atmosphere.

Indulge in high-end brands, pick up exquisite jewelry, or simply stroll through the plaza, savoring the laid-back vibe and sea breeze.

Location: Various Shops and Tequilerías

No Cozumel shopping spree is complete without a taste of Mexico’s beloved elixir – tequila . Many shops offer complimentary tastings, allowing you to savor the distinct flavors of this iconic spirit.

Knowledgeable staff guide you through the nuances, helping you select the perfect bottle to commemorate your visit.

For a touch of luxury, Los Cinco Soles stands out as a premier shopping destination. This upscale boutique showcases Mexican silver , top-shelf tequila , and designer apparel.

Immerse yourself in a sophisticated shopping experience, browsing through a curated selection of fine goods.

Location: Waterfront Plaza

For those in search of the perfect jewelry piece, Diamonds International awaits.

Renowned for its extensive collection of diamonds, gemstones, and luxury watches, this jeweler offers a haven for those seeking elegance.

Expert staff and a duty-free shopping environment enhance the allure.

Location: Adjacent to the Cruise Port

For a more eclectic and spontaneous shopping experience, explore the Cozumel Flea Market .

Colorful stalls offer an array of items, from handcrafted trinkets to local artwork.

Bargain freely, and you might stumble upon unique treasures capturing the essence of Cozumel’s artistic spirit.

Dive into the world of Mexican craftsmanship at the Quintana Roo Handicraft Center .

This cultural hub showcases the talents of local artisans, featuring handmade crafts, textiles, and intricate pottery.

Each piece tells a story, making it a meaningful memento of your Cozumel adventure.

Indulge your sweet tooth at The Mayan Cacao Company , where chocolate enthusiasts explore the world of cacao.

This unique shop offers artisanal chocolates, cacao-infused beauty products, and even chocolate-infused tequila.

A delectable experience awaits for the senses.

Location: Near the Cruise Port

Wrap up your shopping spree at Puerta Maya Shopping Village , conveniently located near the Cruise Port . Featuring duty-free shops, this retail hub lets you snag fantastic deals on luxury items, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Take advantage of the tax-free shopping atmosphere for last-minute purchases before boarding your ship.

• While U.S. dollars are widely accepted, carrying some Mexican pesos for smaller purchases is advisable.
• Most establishments also accept credit cards.
• Bargaining is common in local markets.
• Approach it with a friendly attitude, and you might score fantastic deals.
• Make the most of duty-free shops for significant savings on luxury items and high-end goods.
• If buying tequila , ensure it complies with your home country’s alcohol import regulations.
• Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts directly from markets.
• It’s a wonderful way to contribute to the community.

Cozumel’s Cruise Port isn’t just a portal to sun-soaked adventures; it’s a treasure trove for avid shoppers.

Whether you’re in search of handcrafted souvenirs, luxury finds, or a taste of Mexico’s finest, Cozumel’s shopping scene is as diverse as the island itself.

So, indulge your shopping desires, soak in the vibrant local culture, and carry a piece of Cozumel’s charm back home. Your shopping escapade awaits at the heart of the Caribbean.

Your FAQs Answered

Explore iconic locations like Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, Plaza del Sol, and the Cozumel Flea Market, each offering a unique shopping experience.

While U.S. dollars are commonly accepted, it’s advisable to carry some Mexican pesos, especially for smaller purchases. Most establishments also accept credit cards.

Bargaining is a common practice in local markets. Approach it with a friendly attitude, and you might score some fantastic deals.

Yes, duty-free shops like Puerta Maya Shopping Village offer significant savings on luxury items, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Many shops and tequilerías in Cozumel offer complimentary tequila tastings, providing an opportunity to savor different varieties.

The Quintana Roo Handicraft Center showcases handmade crafts, textiles, and intricate pottery, offering meaningful mementos of your Cozumel adventure.

Yes, Los Cinco Soles and Diamonds International in Downtown Cozumel cater to those seeking luxury items, including Mexican silver, designer apparel, and jewelry.

Absolutely! The Cozumel Flea Market is known for its vibrant stalls offering a variety of handcrafted trinkets and local artwork.

Yes, The Mayan Cacao Company offers a unique shopping experience with artisanal chocolates, cacao-infused beauty products, and even chocolate-infused tequila.

Most recommended spots like Avenida Rafael E. Melgar and Plaza del Sol are conveniently located near the Cruise Port, with taxis readily available for transportation.

About The cozumelvisit.com

" Greetings, fellow traveler! We are the Cozumel Visit Team, your helpful local expert on everything Cozumel. Consider us your travel companion, ready to share insider information on the best places to visit, things to do and the most juicy advice for your island adventure. "

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Cozumel (Mexico) Cruise Port Guide: Review (2023)

Essential guide for cruises to Cozumel: where ships dock and cruise terminals. Things to do on shore excursions and on your own. Beaches, all-inclusive, day-passes, shopping, restaurants and Playa del Carmen.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: May 28, 2023

Stunning crystal clear waters, sugar powder sanded beaches and a couple of interesting archaeological sites are the top attractions of Cozumel cruise port. Tasting genuine Mexican cuisine is a must when calling on a cruise. And for shopaholics the port in Cozumel is heaven on earth.

Review contents

Where is Cozumel

• Where cruise ships dock
• What to do in Cozumel
• Shore excursions (Shorex)

Explore on your own

Discover san miguel.

• Shops and shopping
• Lunch, quick bites and drinks

Playa del Carmen on your own

Around 11 miles off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula and right across Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico and the most popular cruise ship port in the Caribbean. In fact, with over 3 million cruise ship passengers docking in Cozumel every year, it is one of the most visited ports in the World . On the height of the season (between November and April) as many as 8 cruise ships dock almost every day in 3 very well developed and equipped terminals.

Puerta Maya - Cozumel

Photo © IQCruising.com

Where cruise ships dock in Cozumel

Cruise ships dock in Cozumel in one of 3 piers-terminals. The Punta Langosta Pier is located at the southern end of San Miguel, the major town on the Island, at walking distance to the best shops, restaurants, and a few landmarks like the Benito Juarez Park or the Cozumel Island Museum.

Around 3 miles south of San Miguel, are the other two cruise terminals - the International Cruise Terminal aka as TMM and Puerta Maya cruise terminal - just a few hundred years apart.

Main Street - Cozumel

Regardless of the Terminal where your cruise ship will dock, the cruise traveler should know that all of them have excellent amenities , offer all services you may need (from Car Rental and Taxis to ATM's and Information Desks) including endless duty-free shopping and well-known bars-grill-restaurants such as Señor Frogs , Starbucks or Pancho's Backyard .

Map of Cozumel with the 3 cruise terminals

► Explore: The Three Cruise Terminals In Cozumel Discover the terminals of Puerta Maya, International Pier aka TMM and Punta Langosta, what's at each terminal and close by ... Learn More ►

Top things to do in Cozumel port

There are good reasons why Cozumel is such a popular cruise port. To start with, the tropical weather is just fabulous and very reliable with 80°F (27° C) average annual temperature. But its main attraction is the unmatched clarity of the ocean waters that surround the island.

Diving Site - Cozumel

Since Jean-Jacques Cousteau 'discovered' Cozumel's spectacular scuba sites, when he first landed here in 1961, all sorts of water-sports and scuba , in particular, are offered by a plethora of local small business. For those that are not attracted by the wonders of ocean depths, snorkeling, fishing or just sea splashing in stunning beaches are minutes away from the cruise port. Naturally, most of these beaches have bars, restaurants, and activities that range from the most simple paddle boards to para-sailing or jet skiing.

Tulum Mayan Site - Cozumel

Photo Photo: Sverzel CC-BY-SA

Tulum , a major Mayan historical site, is inland but close enough to explore when cruising (1.5-hour on a ship excursion or 2 hours on your own) and a must see for those interested in archeology. Tulum is around 30-minute drive from Playa del Carmen and you will need to get on a ferry to this beautiful town inland (another 45 minutes) - count with at least 6 hours if you wish to do it on your own.

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins - Cozumel

Photo Puchku cc-by-sa

In the island itself, a half-hour from the pier, San Gervasio is a much smaller Mayan ruin site where Ix Chel , the goddess of the moon, childbirth, and fertility was worshiped in pre-Columbian times.

Very few cruise lines offer tours to Chichén Itzá - one of the most spectacular Mayan archaeological sites - for the simple reason that a tour from Cozumel and back will take at least 10 hours. If Chichén Itzá is on your bucket list, make sure you look for a cruise line that offers this tour.

Cruise and shore excursions

All cruise lines (and private operators) offer shore excursions and tours in Cozumel. Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer as many 85 shore excursions . Carnival lists 58 shore excursions . Oceania Cruises organizes 25 shore excursions , Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) offers 42 excursions and Princess has 48 excursions available.

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Excursions Group
• Venture Ashore
• Shore Trips
• Tours by Locals

Besides the archaeological tours and shore excursions, many activities, which can also be enjoyed on your own . However, be aware that some activities like the Dolphin Discovery , which do not allow walk-in cruise passengers and if you try to book online the website will redirect to your cruise line. But many other activities can easily be enjoyed on your own .

Atlantis submarine

The Atlantis Submarine is a great experience for those that are not scuba divers and do not enjoy or can snorkel but want to discover the wonderful underwater world of Cozumel with its rich marine life. It also offers a combo with a drive around the island on a Buggy, Buffet Lunch and Drinks. Good to know: Book in Advance | Tour Time - 2 hours | Prices : $105 (adult) | $65 (Child). Getting There - North of Puerta Maya Pier and TMM (walking distance; 5 miles south of Punta Langosta. Check the Atlantis Website.

Atlantis Submarine, Cozumel

Beaches and days-passes

There are a number of day-passes to beaches and resorts offering all inclusive packages but also different combos such as day-pass + buffet + transfers + open bar. Prices vary between $30 and $70 per person. Playa Mia ($30), Mr. Sancho's ($55), Iberostar Cozumel ($67), El Cid La Ceiba Beach ($65.00) El Cozumeleno ($69.00), Melia Vacation Club Cozumel ($70.00), Occidental Grand Resort Cozumel ($70.00) and Grand Park Royal ($40) are some of the most popular.

Nachi Cocom Beach Club

Photo Courtesy of Nachi Cocom

Obviously, there are also many more beaches that are free such as Palancar Beach, San Martin, Playa Bonita, Punta Morena or San Francisco, where the cruise traveler will find beach grills and bars to enjoy a quick bite or drinks. However, the quality and huge choice of Day-Passes is a delight for those looking for a serviced beach, resort or park.

► Explore: All The Beach Day-Passes in Cozumel Discover the different packages and prices of all the Beach Clubs, Parks and Resorts offering day-passes in Cozumel ... Learn More ►

Travel around on your own

Renting a scooter, an ATV or a Jeep is easy, a great way to travel around and discover the island on your own, in particular, if the cruise travel wishes to combine sites that are not offered by tour operators or the cruise ship shorex. Just be aware that roads on the east side of the island may be a bit rough and riding a scooter requires extra attention.

Snorkel and scuba diving

All cruise lines offer scuba diving and snorkel as part of their shore excursions. But a dive can be also organized with many of the small PADI certified diving clubs close to any of the cruise piers. It is advisable to book online in advance.

Blue Angel Diving - Cozumel

If your cruise ship docks in Punta Langosta, the town of San Miguel is right across the street from the pier. When docking at the International Pier aka TMM or Puerta Maya, the cruise traveler will have to get a taxi to San Miguel ($8 per person each way up to 4 passengers). In town, there are a few interesting landmarks. The main promenade along the ocean is known as Av. Rafael E. Melgar and is lined with shops all the way to the Forum shopping mall (over 1 mile from Punta Langosta).

San Miguel Main Square - Cozumel

Half away along this promenade, the Benito Juarez Park is a large square with a few nice restaurants, a mall with souvenirs and crafts (Plaza del Sol), the Synagogue and close by the small church of San Miguel. The Cozumel Island Museum ($4 per person and children under 8 enter free) is just a couple of blocks north of the square. Besides the exhibits, the museum's restaurant is nice and has a great view.

Shops and best shopping

San Miguel Shopping - Cozumel

As Cozumel became a popular cruise destination, many other attractions (besides its natural beauty) have developed. The number and quality of shops expanded like in many other islands in the Caribbean and San Miguel is now a shopping paradise . Every single duty-free shop you will find in the Caribbean has at least one store in San Miguel (Diamonds International, Del Sol, Cariloha and so on) but the cruise traveler will also find many others like Pana or Cinco Soles that only exist in Cozumel. If you are a cigar aficionado, Cozumel has some of the best and most affordable cigars in the Caribbean .

Local cuisine, quick bites and restaurants

San Miguel Al Fresco Restaurant - Cozumel

Flavors: Whatever your plans for a day in Cozumel, do not miss the opportunity to taste real Mexican cuisine or even from other culinary traditions. A good number of restaurants offer different international cuisines for all types of budgets, including Italian and even kosher. Guacamole, tacos, fajitas can be found pretty much all over town and some of the settings are just as delicious as the food.

La Mission Restaurant - Cozumel

La Mission is one the Editor's favorites when in the mood for a Mexican treat with a popular flair. The rooms are vast, the service is slow, the music can be a bit too loud but the cuisine is genuine and the ambiance unbeatable.

Panchos Backyard is a more upscale type of restaurant - it also has another venue at Puerta Maya's Pier/Terminal. The cuisine is fabulous and the service tends to be good if the restaurant is not to full. More expensive than many other restaurants in Cozumel, it is worth every cent. Panchos Backyard Website

Photo by TampAGS CC by SA

For the savvy cruiser that has visited Cozumel before and explored the main attractions, Playa del Carmen is a great alternative and easy to get to on a ferry (departures every hour, costing around US $10 each way). The ferry terminal is at walking distance from the Punta Langosta Terminal and a short taxi ride from the other 2 terminals (around $8 each way). Ferries run every hour and the crossing takes around 45 minutes. The Ferry Terminal is right by the Main Square in San Miguel. The terminal in Playa del Carmen is very centrally located and within walking to all main attractions. Check here for Ferry Schedules.

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Cozumel (Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-05-31 04:00

Port Cozumel cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Cozumel, Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

San Miguel de Cozumel is a major cruise port and city on Cozumel Island. Cozumel is part of Mexico's Quintana Roo state, located on Yucatan Peninsula's northeastern part. This is the most visited port of call on roundtrip voyages from the USA to the Western Caribbean.

By berthing capacity and annual cruise shipping volumes, Cozumel is currently ranked the world's 4th-largest cruise port - following only Florida's PortMiami , Port Canaveral/Orlando , and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale .

This Mexican port city destination attracts international tourists (mostly from the USA) with its tropical weather, snorkeling, diving and sea fishing opportunities, shopping and sightseeing. The island has population around 100,000, most of whom (around 80,000) live in San Miguel de Cozumel. In Quintana Roo is also Costa Maya (Mexico's second-largest cruise port).

Port Calica is located approx 5 mi / 8 km south of Playa del Carmen . Currently, there is a small pier serving mainly ferries to / from Cozumel (approx 12 mi / 20 km away). There are two ferry companies running the Calica (Playa del Carmen)-Cozumel ferries. Tickets cost ~USD 15 pp (roundtrip). Depending on weather, the crossing Cozumel-Calica is 30-45 min.

Puerto Cozumel (locode MXCZM) is opposite Playa del Carmen and is the principal/main cruise port to Cancun - one of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations. Cancun is best known for the Mayan archaeological sites El Rey, El Meco, Coba, Muyil, Xcaret, Kohunlich, Kinichna, Dzibanche, Oxtankah, Tulum, Chacchoben, Chichen Itza. Cancun is approx 60 mi (100 km) from Cozumel (~2,5 hours drive distance) and is served by an International Airport linking via regularly scheduled flights to Canada, USA, Central and South America, Europe.

Cozumel Island offers some of the world's best underwater tour activities, with its main tourist attractions being offshore coral reefs and numerous diving shops and tour operators. The main diving areas are located on the island's western side. Its east side is relatively undeveloped but has amazing beaches with beach restaurants every few miles. The most popular among tourists beaches are Playa Palancar and Playa Azul.

Chankanaab National Park is approx 5,5 mi (9 km) south of San Miguel. The park is open daily (between 7 am - 5 pm) and as amenities offers a lagoon, beach, restaurant, full-service bar, changing rooms, several walking trails. There you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, SeaTREK helmet diving, swimming with dolphins. Another major attraction is the Cozumel Pearl Farm. This is an active farm surrounded by a mangrove lagoon and accessible only by boat.

The local economy depends heavily on tourism. The island's tropical climate determines the rainy season (from June through November) and the dry season (from December through May). The wet season is also characterized by hurricanes.

Cozumel cruise port

A single cruise vessel in Cozumel (with max passenger capacity 3000 plus max crew 500) generates on average spending USD 313740 (passengers) and USD 31740 (crew), plus nearly USD 29000 in port fees. This results in total contribution to the local economy of USD 374480 - and this is per ship.

The following statistical data was provided by the Cozumel port authority.

In 2006 the cruise port received 2,028 million passengers, out of all the 5,551 million that visited Mexico that year. In 2007, this number jumped to 2,45 million (23% increase), while Mexico saw a 10% growth (to 6+ million).

In 2009, the average per-passenger spending in Cozumel was USD 105 (17% increase over 2008) directly benefiting various local industries through purchases (goods and services), including tours (shore excursions), drinks and food, retail shopping, ground transportation services.

In 2014, the cruising industry generated in Cozumel USD 565,4 million in cruise spending (crews, passengers and shipping companies combined), 15990 local jobs, USD 93,5 million in wages (produced through cruise ship tourism).

In 2014, the cruise port handled over 3,3 million passengers. In 2017, this number reached 3,6 million, ranking Cozumel the world's leading cruise ship tourism destination. In October 2015, the port hosted the second "FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show" (Oct 5-9).

In December 2020, Quintana Roo media reported that a new (USD 10 pp) tourist tax on foreigners goes into effect since April 1, 2021. Details on how it will be collected or will it be applied also to cruise ship tourists were not revealed.

In early-February 2021 was proposed that following the impact of the Coronavirus crisis, Cozumel could be also used as homeport (departure port) for roundtrips to Caribbean island destinations - including Cuba. The idea is well backed up by the cheap flights from the USA and Port Cozumel's lower dockage fees, in comparison to the American ports' fees.

During the post-COVID season 2022, Port Cozumel recorded a total of 1117 ship calls and handled 2,943760 million cruisers. For season 2023, the Port had booked 1154 ship berthings (scheduled ship visits) with estimated 3,726115 million tourists.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel (Royal Caribbean Resort)

In late-March 2024, RCG/Royal Caribbean Group announced its plans for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

Scheduled for inauguration in 2026, this exclusive destination (to be developed at Cozumel Island's western coast) will feature several beaches (including adults-only and suite guests-only), kids playgrounds, resort-style large freshwater swimming pools, swim-up bars, various drinking and dining venues (lounges, bars, snack shacks, restaurants), Street Market (shops) as well as live music and entertainment, private cabanas (for rent), watersports activities (snorkeling/scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing).

Cozumel cruise terminal

San Miguel de Cozumel cruise port has three different piers for docking. They all are located on the west side of the island. If in your cruise itinerary to Cozumel is added "Fundeo", that means the cruise ship will anchor in the harbor and passengers will be transported to and from the shore (Punta Langosta pier) via the ship's tender boats.

Punta Langosta Pier Cruise Terminal

Punta Langosta Pier is located right downtown San Miguel. You can walk on your own or join guided walking tour in the city. There is also a taxi rank in front the pier. Taxis are relatively inexpensive. If you want to rent a car, the closest offices are 5 blocks from the cruise ship pier.

International Pier

The largest vessels (including Royal Caribbean and NCL ships) dock at International Pier. This is Cozumel's oldest pier, located at ~5 min taxi ride from San Miguel. After disembarkation, passengers walk through a shopping plaza with various shops, restaurants, bars. This is a shopping area exclusively for cruise tourists. All the venues here open only during cruise ship calls. Prices here tend to be higher than in the city.

The pier is approx 1,5 mi / 2,5 km from downtown San Miguel (to the south). The distance is easily walkable (~30 min), and most pleasant as it is along the waterfront promenade. There is also a taxi rank in front of the cruise ship pier. Taxi ride is ~10 min. If the lines of disembarking passengers waiting for taxis are long, you can exit the pier, walk toward El Cid La Ceiba Hotel and catch a taxi on the street there.

Carnival's Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal

The third Cozumel cruise ship pier was built by Carnival Corporation and serves exclusively its brand companies' vessels. Puerta Maya is located 0,5 mi (0,8 km) south of The International Pier. The terminal (aka Little Cozumel) has the most modern and diverse facilities.

• In October 2015, Carnival Corporation inaugurated the opening of a parallel berth (3rd) to the Puerta Maya cruise pier. Carnival Freedom was the first ever ship to dock there. Since then, Puerta Maya pier has capacity of 4 vessels that can be berthed there simultaneously.
• Cozumel's 3rd (new) cruise berth cost USD 20 million. Its opening followed by just 2 days the inauguration of Carnival's new and exclusive Dominican Republic cruise port Amber Cove (USD 85 million construction project).
• In 2015, Carnival Corporation cruise ships brought to Cozumel over 1,7 million tourists.

The list of facilities at the Puerta Maya cruise ship terminal (retail shops, restaurants, bars, services) includes:

• Food and drinks are offered at Tres Amigos, Fat Tuesday, Cafe Punta del Cielo, and Pancho's Backyard.
• Retail priced shopping is offered at Dufry, Ron Jon, Miro, Eriks, Hammock Island, The T-Shirt Place, Rogers Boots, Pirana Joe, Boutique Sr Frogs, Mare Blue, Tan Tan, Veari, La Vikina, Dufry Tequileria, Lupita, and Viva Mexico.
• Jewelry and designer watches are offered at Diamond International, Who Knew, Touch O Gold, Regal Silver, Indigo, Plateria D'Alberto, Joyeria Ruby's, Milano, Joyeria Montero, Silver Emporium, Red, Fiesta Maya, Caribbean Pirates, Miro, Le Best, Reef, Del Sol, Rogers Boots, Mayan Flea Market, and Los Cinco Soles.
• Cruise passenger services are offered at Costa Dental, and Drugs & Deli.
• All car rental offices in Puerta Maya are in building 19 - Avis, Alamo, specialty cars and executive cars.
• The terminal also has a Shorex Booth (shore excursions / tours booking and information), phones, restrooms, First Aid Assistance, and Coral Reef Exhibit gallery.

Car rentals are offered by all major companies, with their offices located near the cruise piers. The San Miguel town itself is easily walkable. Its main attractions are the numerous shops and eateries. Most tourist shops are around the town's main plaza.

Port Cozumel also has a Ferry Pier located to the north of Punta Langosta. It serves the regularly scheduled ferry service between San Miguel de Cozumel and Playa del Carmen .

New cruise terminal on Cozumel Island?

In October 2018 was conducted a study for building a new (4th) cruise terminal on Cozumel Island to cope with the constantly increasing passenger shipping traffic. According to Quintana Roo state's statistics, in 2018 the island was visited by over 3,1 million cruise ship tourists (passengers and crew).

The study analyzed the possible environmental impact for the island ( transportation, waste and provision services) and its marine area . The new facility could be constructed and operated by Disney Cruise Line .

Previously, the plan for a 4th berth was rejected in June 2016 by local residents following public consultation. The site for the new terminal was in front of Marina Banco Playa (Puerto de Abrigo, island's northern coast).

• Castillo Real: this a Mayan site located near the northern tip of the island. You can see a temple, lookout tower and a pyramid base. There are also possibilities for snorkeling.
• Cozumel Park: Discover Mexico with interactive exhibits. Interesting place for lunch is Mercadito Corona. You will taste authentic cuisine surrounded by local music.
• El Cedral: the village is located near the center of the island. It was the first discovered Mayan site in 1518 by the Spanish explorers.
• Chankanaab Lagoon: amazing place for swimming and snorkeling among rainbow colored fishes.
• Museo de Cozumel: discover the history of the island. The museum also houses library, gift shop, book store and a restaurant.
• Plaza Del Sol: the main square of San Miguel.
• Punta Celarin: the lighthouse is located at the island’s southern end and has breathtaking views.
• San Gervasio Ruins: the most visited ruins.

Beaches: Cozumel offers amazing beaches. Among the most popular are Playa San Francisco and Playa Corona.

Nachi Cocom Beach is an all-inclusive beach resort (unlimited beverages) with day pass entrance. Deals are inclusive of unlimited beverages and food, free Wi-Fi internet, outdoor Jacuzzi and swimming pool. This private beach property is sized approx 185 m2 (1980 ft2). The list of amenities also includes a swim-up bar, beach bar, public restrooms, outdoor showers (freshwater), beach hammocks, palapas umbrellas, English-speaking staff, lounge chairs.

Mr Sanchos Beach Resort (Cozumel Island's southwest coast, ~15-min taxi drive from the cruise port) is all-inclusive, with day passes offering unlimited food (self-serve buffet station) and beverages (Mexican brands), beach access and amenities (chairs, umbrellas), swimming pools access (all have swim-up bars). The resort also has an aqua park (costs extra) fitted with trampolines, inflatable climbing Iceberg and climbing rock, pyramid slider, rock slider, among other attractions.

Other popular beaches are Paradise Beach, Playa Palancar, Playa Mia. Cozumel features several great resorts / eco-parks, often included in cruise lines' shore excursion offerings. The most popular among cruise tourists parks are Chankanaab, Xcaret, Punta Sur.

Carnival Cruise Lines Cozumel tours and excursions

Next are listed all Carnival cruise shore excursions in Cozumel with prices in USD. Know that the following information is only indicative and prices are subject to change by the company.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Cozumel

• Cozumel Dinner Cruise $65
• Atlantis mini-submarine (up to 100 ft) $120 (80)
• 1-Person Mini-Sub (underwater scooter, 2 hr) $75
• Luxury Boat Charter (55' Yachts, 4hr) $900 (1-15 pass, $50 for additional)
• Dolphin Encounter $100 (60)
• Dolphin Swim $130 (80)
• Royal Dolphin Swim (Chankanaab Park), with beach and snorkeling $190 (100)
• "Discover Mexico" and "Chankanaab" Parks $40 (30)
• Island Guided Tour (4hr) - $220 (1-4 passengers), $290 (5-8), $360 (9-14)
• Cozumel Highlights (4hr) - $30 (25)
• Cozumel Bird-watching $50 (30, 20)

DIVING Excursions (Scuba Diving Packages)

• Beginners) $57
• (Certified) $65
• (Discover, 3hr, Paradise Reef) $57
• Open Water (Certification) $280
• Open Water (Advanced) $175
• Refresher Course $50

SNORKELING Tours and Packages

• 3 Reef Snorkeling by Boat $70 (35)
• 2 Reef Snorkeling by Boat $60 (35)
• Jeep-Snorkel $100 (60)
• Glass-Bottom-Snorkel $35 (20)
• Palancar Snorkel $50 (35)
• Chankanaab shallow reef $30 (15)
• Snorkel with Sea Turtles $150
• with 36' Catamaran Sailing $500 (1-10 pass, 3hr)
• Segway-Snorkel $60
• Jungle-Snorkel $80
• Mini-Jeep-Snorkel $90
• Tulum - Yal-Ku $220 (1-4 pass)
• Dive with Dolphins $150

ADVENTURE Tours

• Deep Sea Fishing Charters (4hr) $350 (1-4 pass, all skill levels)
• ATV-Beach$110 (80)
• ATV-Jungle (2hr) $65 pp ($58 2-pers, $32 6-12yo)
• ATV-Speedboat $125
• Off-Road Buggy Jade Cavern $160 (1-2 persons)
• Dune Buggy (Punta Sur) $190
• Jungle Buggy $90
• Mayan Ruins (MR) at Chichen Itza $125 (60)
• Jeep $75 ($65)
• Island Buggy Tour (WV) $75 (50)
• Local Cuisine Cook-Tasting $90 (45)
• Para-sailing (up to 600ft) $50 (PP 10min), $100 (2 pass, 15min)
• Jungle Horseback Riding with MR $100 (40)
• Whale-Shark $175
• Coba MR $105
• Tulum MR (ferry to Playa Del Carmen) $240 (1-4 pass)
• Punta Sur Beach Ride $80 (70)
• Rio Lagartos Reserve and Ek Balam MR $100

BEACH Packages, Luxury GOLFING Trips

• "Carretera Costera Sur" Resort All Inclusive $95 (60)
• "Cozumel Golf & Country Club" (18 holes) $165 (135)
• Horsebac-Beach$100 (50)
• Cozumel Beach Club $50 (35, 17, limited to 100 guests per day)
• Beach Club (2hr) $30 (15)
• Family Resort All Inclusive $50 (35, 25)
• Adults Only All Inclusive Resort $50
• Aura Grand Bay Luxury Resort $80

Cozumel tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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25 Stunning Cruise Ports To Inspire Your Next Voyage

Posted: March 18, 2024 | Last updated: March 18, 2024

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Nothing beats the thrill of seeing a destination come into view from the water as you travel on board a cruise ship. The first glimpse you'll get of a destination as you come in to dock is its port, and while some can be unattractive, others are simply beautiful and will inspire you to explore the destination further. These ports often offer something special for the visitor, whether it’s their top-notch facilities, stunning and iconic scenery or proximity to the area's hustle and bustle. Here is a look at some of the best cruise ports and ports of call worldwide.

Piraeus port, Athens, Greece

This ancient city port has three harbours, making it the largest port in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. Piraeus has religious and historic landmarks of its own, but Athens is only eight miles (13km) to the northeast and is easily accessible via a 30-minute metro ride or a 20- to 30-minute taxi ride. The port connects the peninsula with most Greek islands, and it’s the main stop for cruise ships touring the Aegean Sea. The port is reached by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Azamara, Silversea and Virgin Voyages.

Port of Singapore

The port of Singapore is one of the biggest in the world. There are two berthing facilities at the Singapore Cruise Centre and Marina Bay Cruise Centre, located next to the Marina South Pier. The port is close to attractions such as Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown and Marina Bay Sands. Singapore’s strategic location means the destination is often described as the gateway to southeast Asia. Some of the major cruise lines operating from there are Princess, Celebrity, Cunard, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Holland American Line (HAL) and Silversea.

Ports of Dubai, UAE

The glamorous emirate of Dubai remains a major port of embarkation and a call for cruise travellers on itineraries to destinations in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf. The city has two cruise ports, with two terminals in Port Rashid and two at the new Dubai Harbour, which opened in 2020. The latter have entertainment venues, leisure spaces and premium retail shopping areas. Dubai Harbour is directly linked with the city's transport network and monorail system and is visited by Carnival Corporation cruise line brands, while Port Rashid welcomes other major cruise lines.

Manhattan Cruise Terminal, New York City, New York, USA

Seeing the port of Manhattan from the water is arguably one of the most iconic sights to be had from a cruise ship. Passengers can take in the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty and Governors Island. Manhattan Cruise Terminal is situated on the Hudson River on the city's west side in the Hell's Kitchen area. New York City has been serving cruise passengers longer than any other US city. From the port, it’s a taxi or subway ride into the city. Cruise lines berthing there include NCL, Cunard, Princess, P&O, Carnival, Oceania, Disney Cruise Line, Fred. Olsen and Viking.

Port of San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico

San Miguel de Cozumel port is at the heart of this Mexican island and is surrounded by beautiful clear water, a coral reef and miles of beaches offering snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities soon after you disembark. The buzzing city of San Miguel is also a short walk away and has many seafront shops and restaurants. Visitors can walk along the sea wall, El Malecon, and head to the main square. If there is time, ancient Mayan ruins can be explored too. Many ships docking at this port head on to the Caribbean and some of the cruise lines stopping here include Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Marella, MSC and Princess.

Port of Cape Town, South Africa

The cruise terminal at the port of Cape Town is operated by the V&A Waterfront, a 304-acre neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options. On the approach to the port, passengers can view the scenic bay and harbour and the mountains beyond. Take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain to get a beautiful vista of the city that's within walking distance of the port. The major cruise lines heading to and from the port include Oceania, Seabourn, NCL, MSC and Regent Seven Seas.

Geirangerfjord Port, Norway

Cruise guests will enjoy magnificent views of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord area as they head to the small cruise port. Lined by mountains and waterfalls, the fjord has a magical looking landscape and a very small village. Cruise lines offer excursions from the port, such as kayaking along the waterways, helicopter rides and hiking tours to amazing viewpoints like Eagle Bend and Dalsnibba mountain. Lines including Viking, Hurtigruten, Windstar, Silversea, HAL, Ponant, Celebrity and Cunard all have itineraries to the destination.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Half Moon Cay is a 2,400-acre island retreat in the Bahamas, located 10 miles (16km) southeast of Nassau. The island is owned by Carnival Corporation and is therefore only a port of call for Carnival and Holland America Line, which use the island as part of their Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries. The paradise island has facilities for families, couples and groups. There are beach cabanas, bars with thatched roofs and hammocks for relaxing days spent swimming and sunbathing. For more active pursuits scuba diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, parasailing, glass-bottom boating, cycling and hiking are all part of the offering.

Port of Valletta, Malta

Cruise ships enter the Port of Valletta via the impressive and historic Grand Harbour, which extends for about two miles (3.6km) inland on the island of Malta. Passengers disembarking the ships at Valletta Cruise Port can head to the neighbouring historic Valletta harbour. The waterfront venue offers food, shopping and entertainment and some of the island's most impressive views and iconic ancient buildings. Malta is strategically positioned in the centre of the Mediterranean offering eastern and western itineraries and is visited by cruise lines such as Celebrity, Marella, P&O, Oceania, Fred. Olsen, Princess and HAL.

Port of Skala, Santorini, Greece

The journey to the Greek island of Santorini offers some of the most beautiful views from the Mediterranean Sea. On the approach to the old port, passengers are met with scenes of whitewashed villages with cobalt-blue cupolas set high on the cliffs. Santorini's capital, Fira, can be reached from the port by tender dock and then by cable car, or by walking up 580 or so steps. Santorini is often the most popular cruising destination of all the Greek isles and is visited by lines including Marella, Celestyal, HAL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity, Princess Cruises and Seabourn.

Port of Jeju, South Korea

Cruise passengers arriving at the port on the UNESCO-listed Jeju Island in South Korea have the opportunity to explore secluded beaches, underground lava tunnels, caves and waterfalls. Jeju city is one mile (2km) from the port. The island was once a honeymoon destination for South Korean couples and is also home to an adults-only theme park called Love Land, which features more than a hundred erotic sculptures. Quirky cruise itinerary excursions also take in the Teddy Bear Museum. Among the cruise lines stopping at the island are Celebrity, Princess, HAL, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania and Seabourn.

Port of Haifa, Israel

The Port of Haifa is directly linked with downtown Haifa and it only takes a few minutes to walk to the railway station, or around 15 minutes to walk to the city centre. Haifa is the third largest city in Israel and its main attraction is the Bahá’í World Centre and surrounding Bahá’í gardens. The National Museum, Mount Carmel national park, Israel National Museum of Science, Technology, and Space and the Haifa Museum of Art are also worth a visit. The port welcomes HAL, Royal Caribbean, MSC, Azamara, Princess Cruises and NCL, among other cruise lines.

Dubrovnik Cruise Port, Croatia

Dubrovnik's main cruise port is located around two miles (3km) away from the Old Town. Most of the cruise ships dock here although some moor in front of the old port, where visitors can then take a tender boat to shore. The old port has UNESCO World Heritage status and is one of the busiest and most beautiful cruise ports in Europe. Dubrovnik’s medieval walled town can be discovered on foot and offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The port of call is reached by cruise lines including NCL, HAL, Costa, P&O, Marella, Cunard, Celebrity, Emerald, Marella and Viking.

Port of Lisbon, Portugal

The Port of Lisbon is the third-largest port in Portugal. While cruising into it along the Tagus River, the impressive structures of the Belem Tower, Discoveries Monument and Cristo Rei statue of Christ – as well as the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge – are all within sight. Lisbon centre and all its attractions can be reached on a short walk from the cruise port. From Lisbon, it's easy to take day trips to resort towns such as Estoril, Sintra and Fatima. Princess, Virgin Voyages, Cunard, P&O, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Carnival, Windstar and Oceania all include ports of call at the destination.

PortMiami, Florida, USA

The port of Miami is often referred to as the cruise capital of the world, welcoming more cruise passengers to its terminals than any other port. Miami's geographic position makes it easily accessible to the Caribbean and Latin America on cruise itineraries. MSC Cruises recently began work on its new £265 million ($350m) terminal at the port, which is expected to be finished by the end of 2023. It will have three berths for mega cruise ships, making it North America’s largest cruise terminal. Virgin Voyages opened a dedicated cruise terminal there earlier this year. The three-storey Terminal V hosts the line’s first ship, Scarlet Lady, and will be joined by Valiant Lady later this year. 

Port St. Maarten, Caribbean

Passengers are immediately welcomed to Harbour Point Village when they arrive ashore on the small island of St. Maarten, affectionately known as "the Friendly Island". The island’s colourful capital, Philipsburg, can be reached in 15 minutes on foot. This town has plenty of Dutch charm, great shopping in the form of duty-free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls, as well as bars and restaurants. There are plenty of watersports available too. This beautiful island is visited by Carnival, Costa, Disney Cruise Line, Princess,  P&O, NCL and HAL, to name a few.

Port of Barcelona, Spain

The Port of Barcelona is a launching-off point for many Mediterranean cruises and has one of the highest concentrations of cruise passengers in Europe. Within it is the old harbour, Port Vell, and at the foot of the port is the city’s famous boulevard, La Rambla, which stretches through the heart of the city centre. The thoroughfare can be reached on foot or by a cruise shuttle bus from the cruise terminals. The port is a draw for major cruise lines including Viking, Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Marella and Virgin Voyages.

Havana Port, Cuba

Havana Harbour and the cruise terminal at Havana port are located on the eastern edge of this Cuban city, while Old Havana is almost on the doorstep of the cruise terminal. From there, passengers can walk to Plaza San Francisco, one of Old Havana's four main squares, while further south is seaside boulevard the Malecón. The city's central park is also accessible on foot, although a journey in a vintage taxi is a must. If your cruise is coming from Tampa, Key West, Miami or Cozumel, Havana is likely to be on your route, with cruise lines including Viking, Marella, Variety and Royal Caribbean all paying a visit. 

Port of Livorno, Italy

The Port of Livorno is considered a major Italian port and is located on the western coast of the beautiful region of Tuscany. The destination is a popular cruise centre, thanks to its close proximity to Pisa and Florence. Both cities are easy to reach by train after a shuttle bus transfer from the cruise terminal. It's then a 15-minute train journey from Livorno to Pisa, or just over an hour to Florence. The port destination is used by cruise lines including P&O, Marella, Royal Caribbean, HAL, Fred. Olsen, Carnival, MSC, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas.

Port of Stockholm, Sweden

The port of Stockholm is one of the busiest in Europe and shortly after arriving ashore, passengers can visit the stunning city from one of two major cruise terminals: Stadsgarden and Frihamnen. The Millesgården is an art museum and sculpture garden located on the island of Lidingö in front of Frihamnen port. More of the city’s famous museums – such as ABBA The Museum, the Viking Museum and the maritime-focused Vasa Museum – are conveniently located on the city's island oasis of Djurgården. NCL, Royal Caribbean, Viking, Regent and Ponant all include itineraries to Stockholm.

Port of Key West, Florida, USA

At the port of Key West in Florida, the main attractions are all in close proximity as the island city is only four miles long by two miles wide. The old town has historic buildings, art galleries, tropical gardens, shops, vintage saloons, restaurants and bars. Also situated there are The Hemingway Home and Museum and the famous Sloppy Joe's bar, which has been in Key West since 1933. Thanks to its year-round tropical climate, cruise passengers can snorkel or dive in the coral reefs and wrecks surrounding the port. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Princess, Celebrity, P&O and Virgin Voyages regularly call here.

Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico

With its central Caribbean location, San Juan cruise port in Puerto Rico is a modern world cruise capital. San Juan offers old world charm and natural wonders. Old San Juan is a historic landmark, with 16th- and 17th-century Spanish-style buildings and the fortresses of San Cristobal and El Morro. There are also many shops, lively cafés and restaurants to visit. Natural beauty lies in San Juan's beaches and verdant El Yunque National Forest. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, P&O, Celebrity, Silversea and Disney Cruise Line all head here.

Port of Sydney, Australia

With iconic sights such as the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Sydney is one of the world’s great port cities. Cruise ships glide past these iconic structures and through the dramatic sandstone passage cliffs of The Heads that lead to and from the Pacific Ocean. Sydney is the only Australian city to have two dedicated cruise terminals and thanks to its size, visitors will be able to see plenty there in a day or two. Cruise lines docking here include NCL, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, HAL, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Oceania and Virgin Voyages.

Port of Venice, Italy

Venice is one of the most stunning cities to cruise into, passing sites such as St Mark’s Square as the ship leaves the Adriatic Sea to enter a narrow entrance called the Porto di Lido, on the way to the piers at the Venetian Lagoon and the Venice Cruise Terminal. However, since 2021 ,  medium and large cruise ships have been banned from Venice's historic centre until further notice, due to environmental concerns. Instead, they currently moor at Marghera, a district of Venice on the Italian mainland. P&O, NCL, Royal Caribbean, Marella, Princess, Azamara, MSC, HAL, Oceania and many others call at the destination.

Port of Kotor, Montenegro

Cruise passengers are in for something special as they enter the port at the Bay of Kotor. The ship wends its way through a 17-mile (27km) waterway offering fjord-like views of mountains and leading to the old walled city of Kotor. The old city dates back to the Middle Ages and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with attractive buildings, churches, squares and stone streets. It is a short walk from the cruise port and has small shops and restaurants to stop off at. The destination is reached by cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). 

Now read these fascinating facts about the world's most luxurious cruises

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Carnival Firenze cruise ship review: A guide to Carnival's second 'Italian Style' vessel

Editor's note: TPG's Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip to sail on Carnival Firenze for the ship's naming ceremony and inaugural cruise. The views expressed below are entirely hers and were not subject to review by the cruise line.

When Carnival Cruise Line first announced it was adopting ships from sister cruise line Costa Cruises for a product it now calls " Fun Italian Style ," I wondered, given Carnival's usual vibe, if it was possible for the ships to feel even a little bit authentic. Would they be fun or refined? Luxurious or tacky? Carnival Firenze is all of those things — and that's exactly how Carnival passengers like it.

When you step on board, you're welcomed into what feels like an Italian theme park. It's an alternate universe's version of Italy, where you're likely to hear "That's Amore" in some form daily, take part in a street festival that features a gelato-eating contest and watch as waiters in ruffle-sleeved costumes perform in the dining room to Justin Bieber songs while a giant fig leaf-clad version of Michelangelo's David holds court over the whole scene, awash in colored strobe lights.

It's chaotic and a lot to take in, but somehow it works. Passengers can have their photos taken with a Vespa-style scooter and grab Italian-themed burgers and meatball sandwiches at new iterations of some of Carnival's most popular eateries. A giant replica of Donatello's Marzocco towers above the Piazza del Duomo atrium that serves as the location of Carnival Firenze's massive welcome party. During the event, officers and crew scatter around the atrium's three-deck balcony and wave signs that say "Ciao" and "Benvenuti." The high-energy party starts a sailing off on the right foot.

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Juxtapose the over-the-top Italian elements with elegant design choices — such as a pool deck that features charming bar facades designed to evoke Italian architecture, well-designed cabins and service that's off-the-charts friendly — and you've got Carnival Firenze.

Want to learn more about what to expect during a sailing on this new-to-Carnival ship? Here's my review of Carnival Firenze with everything you need to know.

Carnival Firenze overview

Carnival Firenze debuted as Costa Firenze, the second ship in Costa Cruises' Venezia Class (similar to Carnival's Vista Class) , in 2021. The 4,126-passenger, 135,156-ton ship was originally designed for the Chinese cruise market, meaning it houses more casino and retail space than the average North American cruise ship. Plus, its pools are smaller than most, with tons of shaded areas around them — a nice touch for anyone who doesn't want to bake in the sun.

In early 2024, the ship transferred to the Carnival fleet and underwent a two-month refurbishment to tweak some of the public spaces and add Carnival's trademark blue wave paint scheme on the hull. Notably, the ship is keeping its yellow Costa smokestack, which is emblazoned with a giant letter "C," and won't be outfitted with Carnival's signature red, white and blue whale tail funnel.

On board, a large number of your fellow passengers will be West Coasters who often drive to the departure port in Long Beach, California. You'll also find Carnival stalwarts who don't mind making the trip from farther afield to sail on the new ship.

Unfortunately, the vessel often seemed crowded, with 4,200 passengers on my sailing — about 1,000 people fewer than maximum capacity. I can't imagine how it would have felt if my sailing were full.

As is the case on other Carnival vessels, the food provides excellent value for money, with the number of included options far exceeding the number of specialty restaurants that charge extra. Cuisines run the gamut from Italian and Asian to seafood and steak, and despite some longer-than-average wait times in the dining room, the service is friendly and generally efficient.

Cabins are furnished in neutral colors and laid out in ways that make sense, with comfortable convertible beds; closets that feature several layouts with drawers, hanging bars and collapsible shelving; bathrooms with plenty of storage space; and a plethora of electrical outlets for charging.

Carnival Firenze is full of activities, including trivia, movies and games. The spa, salon and fitness center offer ways to care for your mind and body, and top-deck waterslides and a ropes course provide opportunities for adventuresome travelers to find their adrenaline fix.

The Italian vibe carries through everything you do on board. It will either make you smile or roll your eyes. Regardless, it's a lot of fun.

What I love about Carnival Firenze

The design elements.

I wasn't sure what to expect on Carnival Firenze, but what I found immediately upon boarding was a grand three-deck atrium, Piazza del Duomo, that's both over the top and beautiful. In the center is a bar, from the middle of which rises a faux marble pillar with a replica of Donatello's Marzocco golden lion statue on the top. Your eyes can't help but follow it up toward the ceiling, which is painted to look like a blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

As you move between decks, you'll spy Italian-style art in the stairwells and elevator banks. Walls in the cabin hallways are printed with snippets from photos of famous Italian statues; photos of Florentine landmarks like the Duomo serve as headboards in non-suite cabins.

But the most impressive element of the ship's design is the Lido Pool area, which is set up to resemble a courtyard with the pool in the center and several Italian building facades overlooking it. Those facades, which are equipped with wrought-iron balconies, house everything from bars and board game areas to a deli, Guy's Burger Joint (with an Italian twist) and a combination Mexican-Italian burrito and taco bar, as well as the ship's JavaBlue Cafe . It's the first time I've ever visited a cruise pool area and not felt like I was on a ship.

The artwork

During my first night on Carnival Firenze, as I was walking from my cabin down to dinner, I stopped in my tracks and burst out laughing. The aft stairwells on the ship are bedecked with floor-to-ceiling prints that seem innocuous at first, but as you look more closely, you can pick out some exceptionally odd characters. In this particular case, it was two young women who clearly tested the limits of their drink package.

Throughout the rest of my sailing, I made sure to study each print carefully, turning up a creepy crone who needs dental work and some pasties, a woman pulling a centaur's hair, another woman choking on plants and a sad dog standing on top of the table in a chaotic version of "The Last Supper" as Jesus nonchalantly looks on.

Similarly amusing art was positioned on several walls in the ship's two main dining rooms. At Rococo, the bar that serves the Lido Pool, you'll find the walls plastered with late Baroque-style art featuring subjects that have been embellished with modern twists like sunglasses and pithy text. Women in frilly dresses are overlaid with exclamations like "Don't rush me," "Dogs before dudes" and "Swag."

I wasn't a fan of some of the cheesiness on board (see below), but it's clear that both passengers and crew were excited to be there. From the second we were welcomed aboard with a raucous atrium party, the crew was smiling and friendly, and my fellow cruisers were always ready to strike up a conversation.

Every waiter asked how my day was, and my room steward greeted me by name whenever he saw me in the hall. The crew at JavaBlue went out of their way to make sure my coffee order was right each morning, and the genuine cheerfulness didn't go unnoticed.

What I don't love about Carnival Firenze

Flow can be a problem on Carnival Firenze, with galley placement cutting off access from one end of Deck 3 to the other. Passengers traversing the lower decks often have to walk up a deck, over and back down to get where they're going.

The Lido Marketplace buffet is also a problem at peak dining times. The main walkways through the venue feel narrow, making it difficult for two-way traffic to flow through the space, especially for people using wheelchairs, scooters or walkers.

In some spots, the layout was simply confusing. For example, the Tuscan Lounge has two entrances — a primary one that allows traffic to naturally flow from one venue to the next and a hidden secondary one that most people only find by accident, usually after taking a wrong turn.

The fig leaf

Although I'm a fan of much of the art on Carnival Firenze, one piece in particular disappoints me. In the Michelangelo Restaurant, one of the two main dining rooms on board, a giant copy of Michelangelo's David stands on the landing of the grand staircase that connects the restaurant's two decks.

Previously housed on Carnival Pride, the statue was relocated to Carnival Firenze. It still dons a carefully fashioned fig leaf that was made and attached to cover its groin area after a bunch of pearl-clutching Karens complained about having to see — gasp! — a piece of art that's been around for more than five centuries.

Festa Italiana

Festa Italiana is a big, loud, cheesy Italian-themed street festival-type celebration that's held one night during each Carnival Firenze voyage. The Lido Pool area is strung with red, white and green flags, and the event, which lasts more than two hours, kicks off with a talented violin trio.

Following that, the cruise director moves into what the line calls a "traditional" opening ceremony, involving members of the Playlist Productions cast in cartoonish-looking versions of Italian dress parading around the deck. They perform several times throughout the night, alternating with activities like gelato-eating contests, Italian lessons (where the audience learns a couple of phrases that they scream back and forth at one another) and competitions where participants have to maneuver, blindfolded, around terra cotta pots.

The night ends with a DJ, who plays music (think: interesting mashups like "Funiculi Funicula" and Lady Gaga's "Rain on Me") while servers walk around with trays of Italian sausage sandwiches and bites of salami and cheese pastry.

Parts of it are fun, but overall, it feels like an amalgamation of stereotypes instead of an ode to one of the world's most beautiful countries.

Carnival Firenze cabins and suites

Carnival Firenze cabins range from insides with no natural light and outsides with a window to balcony accommodations and suites, including those in La Terrazza, a special zone that offers private cabana, bar and sun deck access.

One odd cabin type to note is the ship's inside cabins with windows and portholes. Normally, they'd be considered outside cabins, but because the views are partially obstructed, the line sells them as insides. Book one of these cabins, and you can snag a room with natural light for less money.

The ship offers no solo cabins, but it does have 44 accessible accommodations sprinkled throughout all basic categories. The rooms are a mix of fully accessible (access to both sides of the bed), fully accessible single-side approach (access to one side of the bed) and ambulatory accessible (for people who can walk with assistive devices like walkers or canes).

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

Even the most basic of cabins offers a queen bed that converts to two twins and two nightstands with cabinet storage and reading lamps. Some also sleep up to four people with either a sofa bed or a mix of a sofa bed and a pull-down bunk.

Each room offers a vanity with a mirror, a desk, a stool or chair, a phone, a minifridge, a hair dryer and plenty of outlets. Rooms also come with ample closet space that includes shelving, drawers and bars for hanging clothes of various lengths. Inside each closet is a code-operated safe for which you can program a four-digit pin. (On the first couple of days of my voyage, I had trouble with my in-room safe. After a quick phone call to my room steward, someone arrived at my cabin within minutes to fix it.)

Bathrooms at the basic level are shower only, and they're made of cheap-looking white plastic. Each shower has a fiberglass door instead of a curtain and a single dispenser for all-in-one shower gel and shampoo. They're also equipped with a toilet, a sink, fluffy white towels and plenty of shelving for storing personal grooming items.

As cabins increase in category, they also increase in size and amenities.

Suites come with additional perks, such as priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; upgraded bathroom toiletries; and extra square footage, some of which is dedicated to larger balconies and even walk-in closets.

Some bathrooms at the suite level include bathtubs in addition to shower facilities. Additionally, passengers booked in Ocean suites and La Terrazza cabins (Carnival Firenze's version of Havana Cabana cabins) have access to the exclusive Terrazza Moda sun deck with loungers, hot tubs and a bar, as well as private waiter-served breakfast each morning in the adjoining, indoor Moda Bar and Lounge.

When I sailed on Carnival Firenze, I sailed alone and stayed in a balcony cabin outfitted with a double sleeper sofa and a balcony with two metal and mesh chairs and a small drinks table. Its size was more than enough for me and another person, but it would have been tight quarters sailing with the room's maximum occupancy of four passengers.

I was particularly impressed by how comfortable the bed was and the number of outlets available for charging devices. (The only minor issue is that only one side of the bed has USB ports for phone charging at night.) One thoughtful touch was the motion-activated nightlight that turns on when it senses movement in a dark room. It's a lifesaver if you find yourself needing to walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night.

I also enjoyed the decor, which is less over the top than on some of the older, more colorful ships in Carnival's fleet but less bland than some of its newest ships. It's a happy medium of neutral whites, light browns and beiges with soothing blue hues and floor-to-ceiling prints of some of Italy's famed landmarks.

Dislikes for me included a shower door that leaked, soaking the floor each time I turned on the water, plus "Snoozin'" door hangers that often got caught in my door when I closed it. For the latter, I would've preferred a "Do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

Carnival Firenze's cabins require you to put something in the slot near the door in order to turn on the lights. (I used my room steward's business card.)

Speaking of room stewards, mine was fantastic, and he came once a day to clean my room between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. He always did a wonderful job, and he was quick to help when I had clothing to send out for pressing.

Carnival Firenze restaurants and bars

Carnival firenze food.

The food on Carnival Firenze is largely tasty, with lots of options, including no-fee dishes and fancy choices that cost extra.

In keeping with the ship's Italian theming, Carnival has added a twist to other vessels' favorite eateries, such as Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, which appears as Mexican-Italian hybrid Tomodoro. The standard Carnival deli outpost has also been given an Italian spin.

Additionally, Cucina del Capitano, the added-fee Italian restaurant on several other Carnival ships, has been replaced on Carnival Firenze with Il Viaggio, an absolutely phenomenal take on modern, upscale Italian food.

Overall, the food offerings on the ship are a great blend of old favorites — like the Lido Marketplace buffet, Pizzeria del Capitano, the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki — and these new takes on existing restaurants.

Plus, the ship has so many places to sit outside for an alfresco bite. Check out Deck 5, near Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, for example. You can enjoy a meal with sea views to boot.

Note: Hours for most restaurants vary based on whether it's a sea day or a port day. Check the daily schedule or Carnival's Hub app for details.

Carnival Firenze has two main dining rooms: Medici Restaurant (Deck 3, mid) and Michelangelo Restaurant (decks 3 and 4, aft).

Michelangelo Restaurant is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.) Medici Restaurant is used for set seating, with two dining times: one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 7:45 p.m.

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Michelangelo Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days. It also serves afternoon tea on sea days. Meanwhile, the Medici Restaurant serves a pasta bar for lunch on select sea days.

I had YTD, and I dined three times in the Michelangelo Restaurant. The first time was for brunch, where I had a vegetable omelet with a side of chef Emeril Lagasse's signature beignets. The second time was for a dinner of a simple but lovely Caprese salad and an Indian vegetarian sampler, which included spiced paneer dumplings, chana madra, peas pulao and rice. (Indian dishes are a little-known Carnival specialty.) The final time was disembarkation morning, when I enjoyed delectable vanilla French toast with maple butter and caramelized bananas.

The service was friendly but slow; I had to wait longer than expected between courses at dinner. Both breakfast and brunch were served at a perfect pace, though, with items appearing quickly and looking and tasting fresh.

Lido Marketplace is the ship's complimentary Deck 10 midship buffet that is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks like cookies and other finger foods. For breakfast, you can expect cereal, an omelet station, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, cold cuts and cheeses. Lunch offers a salad bar, various hot entrees and sides, plus a selection of desserts. Dinner is similar, with salads, a carving station and hot items that might include things like Cornish game hen, rice, roasted potatoes, green beans, egg rolls, fried shrimp and Asian noodles.

Although the buffet is fine for a meal on the go, I largely avoided it due to crowds. It's a shame, too, because it's one of the prettiest buffets I've ever seen, adorned with faux vegetation lining the walkways and tables set up indoors with umbrellas and lanterns hanging over them, mimicking the feel of an outdoor bistro.

I did pop in once in a while to enjoy a cone of soft serve ice cream from the two Swirls locations, which are small alcoves with machines that also serve frozen yogurt. At one point, both sets of Swirls machines were broken, and it was a comical scene as several officers and engineers stood around them looking confused.

Elsewhere on Deck 10, near the Lido Pool, you'll find two complimentary venues, Tomodoro and Guy's Burger Joint, both with an Italian spin. Tomodoro serves as the Mexican-Italian stand-in for Carnival's popular BlueIguana Cantina. Both walk-up counters are open for lunch and dinner.

I tried both of the Italian burger options from Guy's — one with mozzarella, balsamic, tomatoes, basil and Donkey Sauce and another with pepperoni, marinara sauce, Donkey Sauce, mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan cheeses. Both were just OK, and I was sad to see that my favorite burger, the Pig Patty, was absent from the menu on this ship.

At Tomodoro, the menu lists tacos and burritos, as well as Italian meatball heroes, Sicilian chicken wraps and tortas de Milanese. The burritos were fantastic, as always, but my hot take on the changes made to both BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint is if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Venture aft and you'll run into Pizzeria del Capitano , which is open 19 hours a day and makes some of the best pies at sea . (Seriously.) I often waited 20 minutes on sea days, but it was well worth it. (If you don't want to stand in line, you can order pizza to be delivered to your cabin via room service for a $6 fee.) You can choose from Margherita, pepperoni, four cheese, mushroom and prosciutto. You can also order a couple of extra-fee specialty pies, such as teriyaki chicken and Korean steak barbecue.

I was pleasantly surprised by Il Mercato, Carnival's take on an Italian deli that is open from lunchtime until late. Usually, the deli is located inside Lido Marketplace, but it was moved to a quieter and less crowded area on Deck 11, just above the Lido Pool, to make room in the buffet for an added-fee chicken wing stand.

Il Mercato looks like a bit of an afterthought, given its portable-looking booth area, but the alfresco atmosphere and the food are great. The menu consists of meatball sandwiches, hot dogs and Italian sausage sandwiches. Eight options for both hot and cold sandwiches include grilled ham and cheese, a Reuben, cheese steak, tomato and mozzarella with arugula on focaccia, chicken salad, and turkey and Swiss. I tried the cheese steak with peppers and onions; despite its rather sad appearance, it was delicious and could rival just about anything found in Philadelphia.

Carnival has also done something interesting with Seafood Shack on this ship. Instead of only serving seafood, this Deck 10 venue starts as the Breakfast Shack in the morning and then turns into the Chicken Shack for lunch. Both are complimentary and serve up a variety of chicken sandwiches with fries, pasta salads and other sides. (Carnival Firenze doesn't have Shaq's Big Chicken like some of the other vessels in the fleet, so this was a nice way to utilize the space and offer a similar dining experience to passengers.)

Although I wasn't staying in a suite, I was able to try the private breakfast for La Terrazza and Ocean Suite passengers offered daily in Deck 5's Moda Bar and Lounge. If you're staying in one of those cabins and have access, trust me when I say you won't want to miss the quiche or avocado toast.

Other free food options include La Strada Grill (Deck 5 midship), Fresh Creations salad bar (Deck 15 forward on the adults-only Serenity sun deck) and room service (free continental breakfast). I didn't try any of these because La Strada is only open from noon to 2:30 p.m. on sea days, Fresh Creations was way too crowded when I stopped by and I didn't eat in my room for breakfast.

Of these three options, the most compelling menu is La Strada's. It lists a Sicilian chicken hero, roast beef on a roll, Italian sausage, smoked pulled pork and macaroni and cheese, with a choice of salads and sides.

Extra-cost food

On many of its ships, Carnival already has an Italian restaurant, Cucina del Capitano , which offers a homey ambience and family-favorite recipes from the Italian captains across the line's fleet. Oddly, the restaurant appears on neither Carnival Firenze nor sister ship Carnival Venezia (another vessel that offers the "Fun Italian Style" experience).

Instead, it has been replaced by one of my new favorites: Il Viaggio, an upscale Italian eatery with a $42 per-person cover charge, nearly double what most ships with Cucina del Capitano charge passengers to dine. Il Viaggio's decor is elegant but understated, and it opens for dinner only. It doesn't drip with red, white and green or stereotypical Italian adornments, offering a refreshing escape from other areas of the vessel where the theming is intense.

The menu, which is billed as "a culinary voyage through Italy's diverse regions — one plate at a time," includes some of the best food I've ever had on a ship. I thoroughly enjoyed the house-made burrata; the pollo parmigiana pizza, which has a crust made of chicken; the gnocchi with goat cheese and truffle oil; and the mile-high gelato pie.

For anyone looking for a decent steak dinner that won't break the bank, Fahrenheit 555 on Deck 5 is it. Not only is it one of the most consistently superb oceangoing steakhouses from ship to ship, but its cover charge of $49 per person is nominal compared to what you'd pay at a steakhouse ashore.

I ate an incredible filet mignon with onion rings, broccoli and chimichurri sauce, and it was absolutely worth the price.

Interestingly, the steakhouse was added after the ship left China. It's in what used to be a hot pot restaurant, so the vibe is decidedly Asian, featuring black counters and tables with deep red carpeting and chairs. Black latticework in part of the space adds to the ambience.

Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, positioned near one another midship on Deck 5, are both open for lunch (on sea days only) and dinner.

I had a light dinner of sushi during one night of my voyage, and it set me back just $11 ($3 for an order of edamame and $8 for a California roll).

On a different night, I opted for the teppanyaki experience, which involved a chef cracking jokes, singing songs and making flaming onion volcanoes and snakes out of rice as he cooked. Thankfully, we didn't have to try to catch flying food in our mouths. For the $42 flat-fee cover charge, each passenger receives white shrimp, pork belly yakitori, spicy tuna and a choice of either miso soup or kabuki salad to start.

From there, you choose from entrees like lobster tail, shrimp, spiced grilled chicken, grilled tofu, black cod and filet mignon or a combination of them. I chose the filet and was pleased with my decision. The meat and accompanying rice and vegetables were exceptionally flavorful.

Bonsai Teppanyaki is also open for lunch with a similar menu for $38 per person.

JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 10, just off of the Lido Pool courtyard, is one of my favorite places on any Carnival ship. In the warm Mexican weather, I wasn't always a fan of its alfresco location on Carnival Firenze — most JavaBlue locations are indoors — but I was able to grab my daily pick-me-up just the way I like it.

Although coffees at JavaBlue come with an extra charge, the price is nominal compared to Starbucks. Plus, if you ask for a punch card, you'll earn yourself a free coffee after you buy six, which isn't hard to do on a weeklong sailing.

JavaBlue also sells cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts and other pastries for a fee.

Room service is offered for a per-item fee (except for continental breakfast, which is free each morning). Door hangers are no longer offered, so you'll have to order via your cabin phone or the Hub app. The menu on the app for Carnival Firenze seemed smaller than it does on other ships, listing items like pizza and sandwiches. On a particularly busy sea day when I didn't want to wait in line at Pizzeria del Capitano, I ordered a pie to my cabin. For $6, it arrived hot, fresh and fast, and it tasted wonderful.

The places I didn't try were All Things Wings and Seafood Shack. Carnival Firenze has a new walk-up counter in the Lido Marketplace buffet that sells wings, with prices ranging from six pieces for $5 to 24 pieces for $18. You can choose from several flavors like barbecue, Parmesan garlic, chipotle honey, hot barbecue and buffalo, which increase in heat respectively. All orders come with bleu cheese dressing and celery sticks.

Seafood Shack, found on Deck 10 aft, opens at 3:30 p.m. and stays open late at the same walk-up counter where Breakfast Shack and Chicken Shack are located earlier in the day. It sells for-fee seafood bites, such as lobster rolls and crabcakes, for a la carte prices.

A small empanada counter is hidden away in the back of the Tuscan Lounge. I never saw it open, but several passengers told me it only operated at night, selling added-fee options that include shrimp sofrito, chipotle chicken with cheese, beef picadillo, and spinach and mushroom with cheese. Sweet empanadas are also available, including chocolate, banana and coconut; dulce de leche cheesecake; guava and cream cheese; and Nutella and hazelnut varieties.

Carnival Firenze bars

Unlike the version of the Heroes Tribute Bar that's tucked away in a corner on Carnival's Excel Class ships, the version on Carnival Firenze is much brighter and more centrally located on the main promenade area along Deck 5 mid. Designed to honor service men and women who sail, it has a relaxed vibe and a sports bar ambience. The seating at the bar counter is the perfect spot to watch the big games on multiple TVs.

I was a regular at the Tuscan Lounge, also centrally located on Deck 5 aft, mainly because it's where the ship's daily trivia games take place. The space features a lounge area with tables, a dance floor and a projection screen. Across the walkway that runs through the space is a bar set up with stools and nearby tables with black and white striped umbrellas.

Frizzante is one of my absolute favorite bars. There, you'll find various spritz-style drinks. I enjoyed a Frizzante Spritz (made with dry vermouth, moscato wine, triple sec and club soda) on my second night on board and kept heading back to the bar to try more cocktails. It's a terrific place to grab a pre-dinner drink if you have a reservation at neighboring Il Viaggio.

I admit that I misjudged the Amari Bar at first. Found smack in the middle of Deck 5's main thoroughfare, it serves cocktails made with, as the name suggests, amari — herbal Italian liqueurs.

For days, I didn't see it crowded, but perhaps I was merely passing by at the wrong times. By day four or five of my seven-night sailing, it was packed. I was also initially upset to learn that Amari replaced the Alchemy Bar on Carnival Firenze, but I found out later that you can still order some of the most popular Alchemy drinks, such as The Remedy and the Cucumber Sunrise, there.

I was fortunate to sit in on a mixology class at the Amari Bar and was fascinated to learn some of the finer points of mixing drinks with an eye — or a tastebud — toward balancing the flavors of each ingredient. For $30 per person, the head bartender, Drazen, will impart some of that knowledge as you belly up to the bar to try samples of what he concocts.

Rococo is a fun, partially enclosed pool bar area by the courtyard around the Lido Pool on Deck 10. In addition to the fun art mentioned previously, it also has palate-pleasing beverage selections, including fruity libations with an Italian bent like bellinis, as well as pistachio and limoncello cocktails.

Other onboard bars include the centrally located one on Deck 3 in the Piazza del Duomo. The Moda Bar and Lounge on Deck 5 evokes a high-fashion mood with an entryway that feels like a model's catwalk as stylish seating areas flank the sides; it's often the home base for karaoke. Meanwhile, the shockingly red, white and black Piano Bar 88, also on Deck 5, plays host to live piano music daily.

Heading up a few decks, the Versilia Pool Bar serves fruity, beachy drinks near the aft Versilia Pool on Deck 10. Finally, the Pergola Bar, found adjacent to Il Mercato and overlooking the opposite side of the Lido Pool, feels like a complete afterthought. It's so sterile and nondescript it's almost not worth mentioning, but I'm putting it in here because the seating area around it is lovely, featuring fake topiary-style pillars and lots of seating that makes for a great place to read.

Carnival Firenze entertainment

Carnival firenze activities.

Carnival Firenze offers a large number of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino (or the smoke-free casino, both on Deck 5), enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, mingle at a deck party, play miniature golf, take a dance class or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

The Cloud 9 Spa on Deck 12 forward is equipped to perform a menu of services, including massages and facials. The connected fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use. Carnival Firenze does not have a thermal suite.

The Cloud 9 Salon, found in a different area of the ship on Deck 5 mid, offers manicures, pedicures and hairstyling, haircuts and color. Be warned that you'll pay huge markups for services on board versus on land.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, people in recovery, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan, you can do so at one of two onboard pools: the Lido Pool on Deck 10 midship and the Versilia Pool on Deck 10 aft. Both are ridiculously small for the number of people on board but have more shade than most cruise ship pools.

If you're looking for loungers in the sun and don't mind being a bit farther from the pools themselves, head up two decks to 12, where loungers are so plentiful they block part of the jogging track. (Four laps equal 1 mile.)

Oddly, the Lido Pool has no hot tubs. If you want to soak, you'll have to go to the Versilia Pool, which has two of them. The adults-only (21 and older) Solarium area on Deck 15 forward also has two hot tubs, and the La Terrazza exclusive outdoor area also has two. Neither Serenity nor La Terrazza has a pool.

Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility. Lifeguards are on duty, and children's life vests are available near the Lido Pool.

If you're looking for some wholesome fun, head to Deck 11 mid, where a portable cabinet serves as both the book and board game library. The open-air space offers plenty of tables where you can set up that chess or Scrabble board. In nearby alcoves, you'll also find pingpong and foosball tables. Or, simply grab a snack or drink from the Pergola Bar or Il Mercato and take in a movie on the poolside screen.

If you're a water baby who loves thrills, head to WaterWorks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids on Deck 12 (the slide entrance is on Deck 15). Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will also enjoy the top-deck ropes course on Deck 15 mid. Just beneath it is the ship's miniature golf course.

Additional activities for youngsters take place on Deck 11 in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club . The kids club splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2 to 5), Stingrays (6 to 8) and Sharks (9 to 11). The camp facility connects to an enclosed outdoor playground area that's used on days when the weather is nice.

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group. Group babysitting is available as part of Camp Ocean's Night Owls program, which runs until 1 a.m. at a cost of $9 per child, per hour. (Daytime Camp Ocean activities are free.)

The ship also has Carnival's Dr. Seuss tie-in, featuring Bookville — a reading room inside Camp Ocean that hosts story time — and the Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Brunch, which is offered at least once per voyage for an extra fee.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces, too: Circle C and Club O2, both found on Deck 3 forward. Activities there are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. An onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Firenze shows

The entertainment on Carnival Firenze is squarely OK. I was hoping for something new, but instead, I found shows like "Color My World" and "Dear Future Husband," both of which are already on other vessels in the fleet. Cruise ship standards, such as the "Love and Marriage Show" and adult scavenger hunt "The Quest," are fun the first time you experience them, but I was hoping for something new for Carnival's loyal and repeat guests. The titles on Firenze's proverbial marquee felt tired to me, despite the abilities of the immensely talented entertainment staff.

"Dear Future Husband" is at least relatively new. It debuted on Carnival Jubilee in late 2023 and is rolling out to more vessels. It's based on a couple who decides to have their wedding on a cruise ship, and they bring along several of their friends. They sing and dance to pop songs as they board, dress for the festivities and go through the ceremony. Afterward, a "reception" with the cast is held in an onboard lounge. (On my sailing, it was in the Tuscan Lounge.)

An out-of-this-world violin trio performed one night in the theater, but otherwise, shows were limited to a lot of comedy, usually held in the perpetually freezing Limelight Lounge. Everything, including the walls, is decked out in crushed blue velvet, and you're greeted by a creepy clown statue that still gives me nightmares.

On a positive note, I found plenty of terrific live music throughout the ship each night. Carnival has also stepped up its game lately in the magic department. On my last two Carnival sailings, a roving magician wandered from table to table during dinner to impress us with tricks that had me questioning reality.

Carnival Firenze itineraries and pricing

Carnival Firenze is offering three- to seven-night voyages from Long Beach, near Los Angeles, along the Mexican Riviera. Itineraries include such ports as Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

At the time of publication, the least expensive price for a sailing was $214 per person ($54 per person, per night) for a four-night cruise departing in November 2025.

Note: Prices are subject to change without notice and do not include crew gratuities, taxes or port fees.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Firenze

Required documents.

If you're a citizen of the U.S. on a cruise that starts and ends in the same U.S. port, you'll need a current passport, a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification along with a birth certificate to sail. Some other forms of identification, such as a passport card, are also acceptable. However, other cruises, including ones that begin in the U.S. and end in a different U.S. port, require a passport or passport card.

Passports must be valid for at least six months from the day your sailing ends. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note: It's crucial that the name on your booking is exactly as printed on your passport or other proof of nationality. We suggest visiting Carnival's website before sailing to view the latest requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise? From passports to printouts, here's what to take

Carnival Firenze passengers will automatically have $16 per person, per day added to their onboard accounts as service charges. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person, per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe purchases, spa services and the Chef's Table.

Related: Tipping on a cruise: What to know about cruise ship gratuities

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one at the same time unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available:

• Social : Access to most social media, airline websites and apps for $18 per day ($126 for a weeklong cruise)
• Value : Same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day ($161 for a week)
• Premium : Everything from the Social and Value packages, plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day ($175 for a week)

Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Related: Wi-Fi on cruise ships: 5 things to know about internet use on board

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older), which will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Smoking policy

Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vapes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 11 on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed in the main casino, but it's for cigarettes only. (For passengers who don't light up, a separate nonsmoking casino is available but is much smaller.) All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies. A $500 fine will be assessed for cruisers who break the rules of the smoking policy.

Related: Is smoking allowed on cruise ships? A line-by-line guide

Carnival Firenze does not have self-service laundry rooms or pressing rooms. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry services

Electrical outlets

Carnival Firenze has a mix of 110-volt North American outlets, 220-volt European outlets and 220-volt Chinese/Australian outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had two North American outlets, one European outlet, one Chinese/Australian outlet and two USB ports at the vanity, plus two additional USB ports under one of the bedside reading lamps. If you bring a couple of universal adapters, you'll have more than enough spots to charge all your electronics.

The currency on Carnival Firenze is the dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. However, you might want to have some bills handy to tip your bartender, room steward, shore excursion guide, luggage porters or room service delivery folks.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Firenze.

Carnival Firenze does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. Mexico is largely a warm-weather destination, so looking like you're going to the beach is perfectly acceptable. Pack T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside on sea days or back on board on port days).

During the evenings, the official dress code is only loosely enforced. Most nights are "cruise casual," which generally involves khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Ultra casual items like cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Firenze.

A weeklong cruise will generally schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms or specialty restaurants, men should turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt; Carnival recommends a sports coat, and a suit would not be out of place. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. If you want to avoid dressing up, seek out the casual eateries, including the Lido Marketplace, or order room service to your cabin.

Related: What to wear on a cruise: Cruise attire and cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Despite some overly stereotypical moments that made the ship feel like a floating caricature of Italy, I had an amazing time on board this new-to-Carnival ship.

The food was excellent, the decor was gorgeous and the crew worked hard to make sure passengers had the best vacations possible.

Is Carnival Firenze gaudy and, at times, maybe even a little cringey? Yes, but I found myself taking limoncello shots and stuffing my face with pizza alongside everyone else. Embrace "Fun Italian Style" for what it is, and you're sure to have a great time on board.

Planning a Carnival cruise? Start with these stories:

• The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line ships and itineraries
• 43 Carnival Cruise Line tips, tricks and hacks to enhance your vacation at sea
• Best Carnival cruise ships: Here's which ship you should sail, based on your travel style
• Carnival cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise, Fun Ship style
• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

• Food & Drink
• How to Plan
• Shore Excursions
• Onboard Activities
• What to Expect

Top 12 Things to Do in Cozumel

By Carnival Cruise Line

What to Do in Cozumel

• Snorkel and Scuba
• Day at the Beach
• Sea Creatures
• Nature Reserves
• Island Tour
• Discover Mexico
• Amazing Race
• Cooking Lessons
• Explore Mayan Ruins
• Adventure Parks

In the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula lies the island of Cozumel . As a popular port of call for cruise ships , this island offers vacation guests so much to see and do that it may be hard to choose. To help you out, here are 12 suggestions for planning your visit to Cozumel.

In and On the Water

The second-largest reef system in the world exists in the clear blue waters southwest of Cozumel, making the island a top dive destination. In-water activities are available for all levels of swimmers. Not a swimmer? Don’t worry. You can still get in on the action!

1. Snorkel and Scuba

Certified scuba divers can explore the underwater world at Arrecifes de Cozumel National Marine Park with an experienced dive master, while beginning divers can try the sport with a PADI-certified dive instructor.

You don’t have to scuba to enjoy the underwater view. Other options include SNUBA (snorkeling with a surface-floating air tank), helmet diving — ideal for non-swimmers because you can walk on the ocean floor — and, of course, lots and lots of snorkeling.

2. Day at the Beach

Relax the day away on one of Cozumel’s famous sandy beaches. Choose an excursion that combines beach time with water activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding, or just sit back and soak up the sun with your family.

Up Close With Nature

Nothing’s quite as spectacular as spending time up close and personal with Cozumel’s natural environment.

3. Sea Creatures

Cozumel has two dolphinariums where you can experience the thrill of being in the water with these beautiful creatures . Or maybe you’d like the chance to snorkel among the biggest fish in the world, the whale shark , or around graceful sea turtles in their natural habitat. You even have an opportunity to give back to nature by participating in a “Save the Sea Turtle” program.

You don’t have to get wet to view the beautiful sea creatures. Instead, you can take a trip through the Chankanaab reef on the Atlantis submarine and watch the underwater world swim by through the portals.

4. Nature Reserves

Explore the unusual natural features of Cozumel and the Yucatan peninsula. These include jungles, underground rivers and cenotes — deep, water-filled sinkholes formed by water percolating through the soft limestone soil over thousands of years. Choose from excursions that include the natural aquarium of Yal-Ku, an ancient Mayan cenote sanctuary, the Rio Secreto natural reserve, the Xel-Ha lagoon and Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park .

Get to Know Cozumel

A cruise to Cozumel lets you choose between activities local to the island or a short ferry trip away on the Yucatan peninsula. Consider these fun things to do right on Cozumel.

5. Island Tour

See the island’s highlights on a comprehensive guided tour that combines a visit to the Mayan ruins with island sightseeing. If you’ve never been to Cozumel, this is a great way to get acquainted.

6. Discover Mexico

Visit Discover Mexico , an interactive learning park near the island’s main population center of San Miguel. Learn about Mexico’s history through dioramas and reproductions, view contemporary folk art by Mexico’s best artisans, and wander the gardens filled with local flora.

7. Amazing Race

For something completely different, take part in the Amazing Cozumel Race . Just like the TV show, you follow clues and discover secrets to solve a mystery, all while trying to beat everyone else to the finish line — or not. It’s perfectly fine to take your time and enjoy your surroundings while solving the mystery. This race takes place on foot through the streets of San Miguel and along the shore, and the locals are totally in on the fun and happy to point you in the right direction.

Experience Local Culture

Carnival offers a wide variety of activities that explore Mexican culture, both ancient and modern.

Sit back and enjoy a Mexican folkloric show in San Miguel, or travel to Kun Che, a Mayan sanctuary, to learn about this ancient culture through food, dance and even Pok Ta Pok, a Mayan ball game.

9. Cooking Lessons

Learn how fabulous Mexican food is made by taking part in an excursion that combines salsa making and salsa dancing . This one’s fun for everyone, even the kids.

10. Explore Mayan Ruins

Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula was home to the great Mayan empire, and it has many well-preserved archaeological sites to explore. Cozumel has a number of ruins, but the major Mayan archaeological sites exist on the mainland. The two most famous are Tulum and Chichen-Itza , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Off the Beaten Path

This part of Mexico offers some pretty spectacular terrain to explore. Try one of these ideas for something a little different.

11. You Drive

If you’d like the freedom to drive yourself and your friends on an adventure, saddle up for a variety of alternative transportation options. Ride through the Mexican countryside or on jungle trails on an ATV or four-passenger off-road vehicle . Or actually saddle up and take a horseback ride on a Mexican ranch .

12. Adventure Parks

For the young and the young at heart, the Cozumel area offers a choice of adventure parks with activities to entertain everyone. Xenses has more than 15 activities that take you across air, land and water, while Adventure Park and Xplor Park offer zip lines and suspension bridges, along with swimming and snorkeling.

When you cruise to Cozumel, you can explore the ocean, the jungle, ancient Mayan ruins and contemporary Mexican culture. You can concentrate on one activity or pick a trip that combines two or three. Maybe even do a little shopping . All of these activities can be coordinated through Carnival shore excursions, which takes care of the planning and transportation. With so many choices, there’s surely one that’s exactly right for you.

Related articles

Explore mexico.

https://www.carnival.com/cruise-to/mexico-cruises.aspx

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Carnival ‘blown away’ by GB cruise port interest

As of Tuesday, May 28, 2024

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Senior Carnival Cruise Line executives yesterday said they have been “blown away” by the interest Bahamian bidders have shown in the retail and dining concessions at its new Grand Bahama port.

The cruise line, in a statement, said the latest round of Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking retail and restaurant tenants for Celebration Key attracted hundreds of responses from local businesses. Applications were submitted for opportunities including food trucks, an ice cream parlour, coffee shop, staff cafeteria and various retail stores.

“We have been blown away by the enthusiastic response we’ve received from Bahamian businesses, especially business owners and entrepreneurs in Grand Bahama,” said Bertrand Piller, Carnival’s senior manager for destination operations, concessions and business development.

“We said from the beginning that we planned to curate a distinctly Bahamian dining and shopping scene, so we are thrilled with the interest we’ve received from Grand Bahamians eager to be part of creating the magical Celebration Key experience.”

Mr Piller said applications were reviewed for Bahamian flair, creativity, viability and, for food and beverage outlets, strong food safety procedures. Finalists were selected based on their qualifications and alignment with the Celebration Key concept. The diversity of offerings throughout the project was also considered.

Finalists were then interviewed by a team from Carnival that is now contacting applicants to explore potential terms and conditions for ongoing business agreements. “We are currently in contract negotiations with several Bahamian businesses and hope to announce these partnerships very soon,” said Mr Piller.

After concluding contract discussions with selected retail and dining applicants, Carnival will assess the need for further RFPs to fill any remaining gaps in its shop and food and beverage line-up. The cruise line said it also plans to launch other RFPs in the future for the artisan and straw market vendors, food cart operators, car rentals and lockers.

“There are so many ways for Grand Bahamian businesses, entrepreneurs and residents to be part of the Celebration Key experience, and to help us welcome millions of guests to this island paradise every year,” said Juan Fernandez, Carnival’s vice-president of destination operations.

“Even if applicants aren’t selected in one proposal cycle, we encourage them to keep applying for the many other opportunities across a range of categories and business types. An applicant that isn’t chosen for a retail shop or food and beverage outlet in this initial process may be a perfect fit for a retail kiosk, a spot in the artisan market or a food cart. Stay tuned for more opportunities we plan to announce later this summer.”

With its recently-announced $100m pier extension, the now-$600mCelebration Key destination will have 75 percent of outlets owned and operated by Bahamians when it opens in July 2025. Up to 70 restaurants and retail outlets of various sizes will be established.

Besides the on-site retail or food and beverage opportunities, Carnival said there are multiple employment opportunities for Bahamians to work in tours and shore excursions, transportation and sub-contracting services.

More than 180 Bahamians are presently employed in construction at Celebration Key. The project is expected to generate more than 700 permanent jobs, including around 400 Bahamians hired directly by Carnival, to help welcome 2.2m guests each year to Grand Bahama starting in 2025.

ExposedU2C 2 days, 8 hours ago

The successful "bidders" were long ago identified and selected as part of Carnival's big bribe package to get what it wanted from government.

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