carnival cozumel cruise

[imsal]

my neice just got back from a carnival cruise to cozumel. she was very unimpressed. she said the food was less than desirable & she was very disappointed in cozumel. she wanted to go snorkeling but said it was a 2 hour drive by taxi to get there. the club she wanted to go to (juan & ollie's i believe it was called) but said it was very hot, crowded & dirty. i don't know if it was a bad experience because she expected too much, she has done that before, or if this is what's to be expected from this cruise-line or cozumel. any feedback would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance!

[Robin]

I've done Carnival in the past (over 10 years ago) and was only disappointed in one of their ships, the Jubilee which at the time was not only small, but in need of rehab. I loved the Sensation, which was only a year or so old when I was on it.

I don't remember the food being bad, but it wasn't as 'lavish' as some other cruise. Then again I was happy to pay less for Carnival and not be offered the lobster I don't eat anyway.

As for Cozumel, I believe it's a popular port with many cruise lines. Depending on the port sometimes it's ok to venture on your own, and other times 'safer' to stick to excursions organized by the cruise line. I notice Carnival offers a 4 hour snorkel excursion, so either she was looking to go to another beach or there was some confusion about how long it takes to get there.

http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?region=CW&portcode=CZM&portname=Cozumel%2C+Mexico

I don't know if she expected to much, or just didn't do enough research before trying to venture out on her own.

[WDWDen]

I was just there last Dec on the Disney cruise. I reallly loved Paradise Beach(about a 10-15 minute cab ride). I was actually comparable to Castaway Cay(my favorite place on earth). It was a very civalized bar/beach area. They had lots to do. It was super clean. They had tons of chairs and hammocks and the water was perfect. They also had a water tramopline and Ice berg climbing walls. The food was great and the prices fair. I can hardly wait to go back there!!

BTW-when we were docked, there must have been at least 15-20 other ships with us. I Have never seen so many in one place. Usually 4-5 at the most. That is the port where we had the fireworks show. Man, those other ships most have been so envious!! ;-)

I had a great experience at Grand Cayman a bunch of years ago, but this time around, I didnt care for it at all. I guess you could have a different experience every time you go.

[imsal]

i'm just wondering if my neice didn't do her homework. we're going on a disney cruise in june (4 day) & that's why i'm trying to ask as many questions as i can think of & read as much as i can about it. all she talked about was going to that club. i just don't understand going to a place like cozumel & worrying about clubbing when we're so close to philly & have lots of places like that here. i'll bet she'd love that beach/bar dennis.

[WDWDen]

Good luck with your June cruise Sue. I am cruising in June also, maybe we'll see you in one of the ports. :-)