Take the Ultimate Cruise to Cozumel Mexico!
By Tom Seest
Can You Cruise to Cozumel Mexico on a Carnival Ship?
At TopCozumelNews, we help people traveling to Cozumel plan their trips and activities using information collected on our trips to the beautiful island.
Cozumel is one of the world’s busiest cruise ports, welcoming millions of passengers annually. During peak season, up to eight cruise ships dock at once in this port.
Cruise ships dock at one of three piers within walking distance of San Miguel: Punta Langosta, International, and Puerta Maya.
Can You Cruise to Cozumel Mexico on a Carnival Ship?
Table Of Contents
Discover the Magic of Punta Langosta Pier!
If you’re taking a Western Caribbean cruise, chances are that you’ll be docking in Cozumel, Mexico. This popular port offers plenty of activities for travelers – whether they take an official cruise line excursion or explore on their own.
Cruise ships dock at three piers in Cozumel. Punta Langosta, located in San Miguel de Cozumel (the largest city), is the most prominent. Here you’ll find cruise lines such as Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America, and Silversea frequently docking.
This pier is conveniently situated near some of the area’s top tourist attractions, including Chankanaab National Park, Cozumel Country Club, and Golf Course. Here, visitors can get a close-up view of the island’s stunning landscape while spending time at the beach or pool.
If you’re craving fresh produce or pre-made meals, El Mercado, an open-air market located next to Punta Langosta Pier, is another great stop. Here, you can pick up snacks or find something new to eat while on vacation.
While you’re here, be sure to sample some of the fresh and locally made juices and smoothies available in the shop. These are some of the tastiest beverages you can enjoy while in Cozumel!
At the pier, there’s also a small grocery store where you can pick up essentials like groceries. Plus, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs from the area!
Once you’ve taken care of all your necessities, don’t miss visiting El Museo – an art museum located in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. Here, you can learn about the area’s history as well as admire some stunning artwork created by locals.
You can also take a stroll down Benito Juarez Park, situated right in the city center. This wide walkway is lined with cafes and restaurants for added enjoyment.
Finally, don’t miss visiting Stingray Beach nearby to witness sea turtles and other marine life up close in the ocean. This beach is ideal for families with children as it’s protected from strong winds.
If you’re searching for a hotel close to Punta Langosta Cruise Port, the Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive is an ideal option. Just five minutes away by foot, this all-inclusive option boasts comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and minibars – making it an excellent value considering its convenient location.
Discover the Magic of Punta Langosta Pier!
Discover the Delights of Puerta Maya Pier!
Cozumel boasts three major cruise piers, but Carnival Cruise Line only docks at Puerta Maya Pier, which is the southernmost and largest. This pier can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously.
At the pier, visitors have access to amenities like an A-mart store, restrooms, ATMs, and tourist information. It also has a large area where vendors offer shore excursions. While they often convince people to sign up for last-minute excursions, it is best not to do this unless you know exactly what you want and are comfortable with the cost of said trip.
The pier boasts an array of jewelry stores, such as Diamonds International (5 shops), Effy, Colombian Emeralds, and Tanzanite International. Furthermore, there are several high-end watch shops like Dufry or Mark Henry, to name a few.
You can find some Mexican clothing and trinket shops as well. They sell t-shirts, blankets, and other affordable items that are creative and interesting. Some are even bilingual!
While on vacation, it’s beneficial to buy local products. Not only will this give you an insight into Cozumel’s culture and people, but it will also give you something tangible to take back with you.
Many residents on the island are welcoming and eager to assist tourists with getting around. This is especially true if they speak English or Spanish, which most do.
Arriving in downtown Cozumel is a breeze with a taxi. There are several cab stands located outside the pier, and prices for rides are very reasonable. Unlike some other ports, there are no restrictions on how many passengers a cab can transport.
Taxi rides can be more costly if there’s a lot of luggage or passengers are traveling with young children. They’re also more costly if you need to be dropped off at an exact location.
At the pier, you can rent a scooter or car. This is an ideal way to explore more of the island and reach lesser-known beaches that may not be easily accessible from there. There are various rental companies, such as ATV Rental, Budget, or Ernestos Rental, among others, that you can choose from.
Another fantastic feature of the pier is its shopping mall, featuring various restaurants and bars, such as a Mexican-themed restaurant with live music. There’s also a cafe that has Wi-Fi access, plus several pharmacies nearby.
The pier boasts an array of specialty stores that stock everything from t-shirts and hats to handmade crafts, jewelry, and silver items. Additionally, you’ll find a duty-free store featuring liquors as well as some Dufry fragrances.
Discover the Delights of Puerta Maya Pier!
Discover the Magic of Cozumel’s International Pier
Cozumel, Mexico, is one of the world’s premier cruise destinations, drawing millions of passengers annually. All major cruise lines – Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and Princess Cruises – visit Cozumel for their annual holiday events.
At peak cruise season on Cozumel, up to eight ships dock at three piers: Puerta Maya Pier, Punta Langosta Pier, and the International Pier.
The International Pier is the largest of the three piers, serving as both passenger boarding and disembarking areas. Here, you’ll find most of Cozumel’s larger cruise ships – Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships and Norwegian Cruise Line vessels of similar size.
Ships often use this pier as their port of call for the day, making it a popular tourist attraction. There’s plenty to explore here, but make sure you set aside enough time to fully explore everything there has to offer.
At the International Pier, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from. Some carry international brands, while others feature authentic Mexican goods. Los Cincos Soles stands out as a stand-out shop that specializes in these items, perfect for souvenirs or gifts at competitive prices!
If you’re staying in Cozumel for an extended period, this pier should not be missed. It boasts an array of stores and restaurants as well as plenty of space to relax. Best of all? It’s conveniently close to San Miguel – the main town.
From the International Pier, you can walk directly into downtown San Miguel in only a few minutes. Take advantage of this great location by joining one of several walking tours around town, or just take it easy and stroll around on your own for some leisurely exploration.
Another great advantage of this pier is its close proximity to the beach, so you don’t have to travel far for some peaceful relaxation. Plus, there are stairs leading directly into the water so you can easily dip your toes in for some ocean fun if desired.
The Pier is home to an array of attractions, including Museo de Cozumel. This museum chronicles the history of Cozumel and showcases artifacts found at archeological sites throughout the city.
San Miguel is also an excellent destination for foodies, boasting some of the island’s top restaurants. Enjoy El Cid or sample some local cuisine at San Miguel.
For a more tranquil atmosphere, there are numerous beaches near the International Pier that should not be missed. Some are manmade, while others feature palapas that rise up from the sand.
Discover the Magic of Cozumel’s International Pier
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