Category: Caribbean

BEST OF COZUMEL

Soak up highlights of Cozumel during this approximately four-hour excursion. You’ll be able to sample Mexican specialities and treats, including tequila and locally made chocolate, and make photo stops at San Martín Beach and other key sights.

On this excursion of around four hours, explore the culture of Cozumel, the largest island off the Yucatán Peninsula, through sightseeing and tastings of local foods and Mexican flavors.

Begin with a transfer from the port of around 25 minutes. Your first stop is Zacil de la Cocay, a restaurant where you’ll spend approximately one hour exploring the origins of cocoa, which derives from cacao beans that the Maya once also used as currency. In addition to learning about the manufacturing process that turns cacao into chocolate, you’ll also view a demonstration with a tasting at the end. This is followed by a tequila tasting, where you’ll discover how the Mexican spirit is produced using the blue Weber agave plant (agave tequilana), a large succulent with long, spiked leaves similar to aloe vera.

Afterwards you’ll spend around 45 minutes visiting Bee Friendly, a conservation project and sanctuary that aims to protect bees. Here, you’ll learn about the historical importance of the stingless Melipona bee, a native of the Yucatán Peninsula and closely associated with the Maya civilization, to which it was sacred. You’ll also get to taste some different varieties of honey.

Next you’ll take an approximately 40-minute scenic drive along the east coast of the island, heading south to San Martín Beach, where there’s a short photo stop to capture pictures of the long, sandy shores and the Caribbean Sea.

Then continue heading south to the final stop, El Mirador. This popular lookout point offers views of a distinctive, naturally formed rock arch that stretches over the sea. You’ll spend around 40 minutes here, grabbing photos of the rugged rock formations, or a quick bite, before the return transfer back to the port, lasting approximately 30 minutes.

Important Information: Please note: The tour is not available for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair. Guests are recommended to bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and some cash to cover the cost of any additional purchases as well as to wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing. Tour sequence may vary in order to avoid congestion at the venues. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the last stop.

CLEAR-BOTTOMED KAYAK & BEACH SNORKEL COMBO

View the Caribbean’s underwater beauty in a unique way – by paddling over a coral reef in a clear-bottomed kayak on this approximately three-and-a-half-hour excursion. There’s also an optional snorkelling session for those who want to continue the adventure, plus free time at the beach.

The Caribbean Sea is full of marine life and aquatic plants, so take advantage of the chance to see some of it up-close without even getting wet. This excursion of approximately three and a half hours allows guests to hop in a clear-bottomed kayak and glide over the Caribbean waters, observing the colourful underwater worlds beneath.

Begin with an approximately 15-minute taxi transfer from the port to Playa Uvas Beach Club, where you’ll spend around 15 minutes getting ready and picking up your kayak. Then set off into the water on an adventure of approximately 45 minutes. Cozumel is known for its array of marine life and extensive coral reefs, so you’ll be in for a visual journey as you gaze through the clear base of your kayak, although sightings can never be guaranteed.

After the kayaking, there’s around 15 minutes to disembark your boat, before an optional snorkelling session of approximately 45 minutes begins for those who want to get even closer to the underwater action. Notably clear waters have made Cozumel a snorkelling hotspot, so you don’t have to be an experienced snorkeller to enjoy the region’s marine biodiversity.

Following the snorkelling session, you’ll have approximately one hour of free time back at the beach. Top up your tan, cool down in the shade or get back in the sea for a swim if you want to make the most of those Caribbean waters. Complimentary fresh fruit and two free drinks will be served to keep you refreshed, and further food and drink is available to purchase from the beach club’s restaurant (at an additional cost). Afterwards, an approximately 15-minute transfer returns to the port.

Important Information: Please note: the tour is not available for pregnant women, guests who have had recent surgeries, guests using a wheelchair or with pre-existing heart, respiratory, back/neck problems.

For reasons of safety, guests suffering from asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy or taking prescription medications such as anti-depressants, beta blockers, lithium and vasoconstrictors are requested to refrain from snorkeling. Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef. Guests must be at least 8 years of age to snorkel and at least 18 years of age to drink alcohol.

The kayak is limited to a max. total weight for both passengers of 425 lbs. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Presence of seaweed in the Mexican Caribbean Coast is seasonal and could cause limited visibility and be present in the water or beach.  Seaweed is not harmful but may cause light itching on sensitive skin. The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed

XCARET ECO PARK

Enjoy a day of swimming, animal encounters and learning about local culture during this approximately eight-hour excursion to Xcaret. You’ll have plenty of time to make full use of the venue, which is a combination of theme park, water park, zoo, archaeological site and cultural centre.

This approximately eight-hour excursion provides a day pass to soak up the multilayered fun available at Xcaret, a vast and all-encompassing adventure park complex that really does offer something for everything.

The day begins with a ferry ride from the port to Playa del Carmen, lasting around 45 minutes. After a walk of about 15 minutes, board a bus for the approximately 30-minute journey to Xcaret.

Once arrived, a guide will help you get situated, let you know what there is to do at Xcaret and answer any questions. Guests then have at least four hours, approximately, to explore the entire park, surrounded by jungle on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. There are more than 50 attractions to visit around Xcaret, including a coral reef aquarium, a butterfly pavilion and restored Maya ruins. Spend your time swimming in underground rivers, making feathered friends at a bird sanctuary and learning about local culture.

A bus transfer of around 30 minutes, followed by an approximately 15-minute walk, transports you to the pier at Playa del Carmen. From here, there’s a return ferry ride of around 45 minutes back to the port.

Important Information: Please note: Xcaret Park is located on mainland while the ship is in Cozumel. Transfer by ferry to Playa del Carmen lasts approximately 45 minutes and could possibly be rough depending on the sea conditions.

Once in mainland it is an approximately 45 mins bus drive each way to/from Xcaret, for a total travel time from the ship to and from Xcaret Park of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way. Xcaret is an iconic however very large over 200 acres property with many activities and exhibits for guests to enjoy during their self-exploration. Please note, in consideration of transfer time from / to Cozumel and ship time in port, the time spent at Xcaret Park will be limited and may not allow to enjoy all of the available activities.

Estimated stay at the park: 4 hrs. Tour price stays unchanged as Xcaret currently only offers one set of rates. There is no differentiation between half and full day rates.  The price of the tour includes use of a life vest for swimming in the river; if required, snorkel equipment can be hired at additional expense. Optional activities, as well as any food or beverages, are available at additional costs. Swimwear, a hat and change of clothes are recommended. Guests will meet the guide on arrival in Playa del Carmen.

Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef. For calls when the ship is in port 10 or more hours, this tour will last an hour longer and guests will have free time in Playa del Carmen