BE CAREFUL!!!!! If you do non-ship sponsored shore excursions they will NOT wait for you if you're late!!! We actually had this happen to a family in St Maarten on one of our Disney cruises. They were forced to fly to the next port at THEIR expense because they took a catamaran cruise that was not sponsored by the ship and they were really late getting back. The ferry ride to and from Cozumel is 45 mins. make sure you build this time in to your day! Have fun whatever you decide to do!

What day are you arriving and how long will you be in port?

The only other concern is if you are unable to actually dock.

This happens during really rough weather and the ship will stay out at sea and never actually pull in and dock. Everyone on board must stay on the ship. Of course if you booked your tours thru the cruiseline you are covered and get reimbursed - not so if you book on your own.

I've been on several sailings where we were not able to actually dock, or we had to skip a stop due to an illness on board or bad weather. It happens.

Best bet might just be to find out all of your info beforehand - wait until the day of have the cruise director direct you from there. Even though they don't offer it beforehand they will be prepared to help you once you are on board.

Just because you can't dock, does not necessarily mean you have to stay on the ship. They do often ferry you in to shore.

You are right. Almost always they do. I was on a Celebrity Cruise where they didn't dock and mid-morning the winds were getting so bad they wanted to stop ferrying people over because it was dangerous.

Our ship had to leave the port and a couple did get stranded because they took a tour on their own and didn't make it back because the ferry stoped early. How would anyone know?

I am all for saving money and going off the beaten path. But I also weigh my options against - is it worth it? Depending on the time of year, how long they will be in port so on.

L, the chances that you will be able to join a group heading to Tulum is very good once you arrive. No need to pre-pay. And you can always grab another taxi if yours gets a flat - so no worries there.

It seems obvious but no one tells you. For me I thought huge ship. Rainy weather. Ship is in the ocean no problem. But now I know - bad weather head back to ship!

You shouldn't miss Tulum and I am sure that you will get some other suggestions shortly. The ship will try to steer you towards their Chichen Itza ruins tour. Long travel time but have you considered it?

Thank you. We are docking Nov 10th. We are in port from 8am - 10pm. We've never been to Cozumel, but the ruins seem to be the "can't miss" opportunity. It looks like the general concenses is NO on the outside tour groups. Thank you. I hadn't considered the ferry's closing down. Any other recommendations for things to do?

Thank you,

Lori

8 am to 10pm is plenty of time to see and do anything! Most ships give you less time so I wouldn't worry.

That is an important piece of info. Outside groups can be fine too - thousands of tourists use them every day and have no problems. You just have to be aware. If you take a look at just about any other cruise itin they leave often by 5pm.

With your total docking time I wouldn't worry. You could see either of the ruins excursions and heavy weather shouldn't be a problem then.

Sorry BruniFamily - Should be more positive. I was elaborating on one problem that can happen but knowing your total time in port makes all the difference!