we (fiancee' ) are booked for Jan 2025 and looking for advice on SL but are also open to other locations.. We will be staying at Sandals (or some other similar all inclusive) and I would MAYBE venture off the resort site, I am a big cigar guy so hoping to get a Cuban or two


I am going to get a burner phone and I think I may have to have a passport?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: golddot,

quote:

I think I may have to have a passport?

Technically for a cruise to Mexico that starts and returns to the USA you would not need a passport.


But get one anyway in case something happens and you have to get off the ship and fly home. Shit happens and it's best to have options.

Check with your cruise line or TA.

I mean, if it were me I'd scuba dive the f*(k out of those two spots but that's me. Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins for everyone even if snorkeling and try all that out in advance to make sure it all works for everyone. Renting for that stuff blows.

I spent a week in Cozumel, and dove and dove and dove. Just free dove, no scuba. Breathtaking location, and the food on Cozumel was excellent. Nice and friendly people.

I also brought my own mask, fins, and snorkel.

quote:

Originally posted by radioman:

quote:

I think I may have to have a passport?

Technically for a cruise to Mexico that starts and returns to the USA you would not need a passport.

But get one anyway in case something happens and you have to get off the ship and fly home. Shit happens and it's best to have options.

This is correct provided the cruise starts and leaves from the same port (Called a Closed Loop Cruise). But I agree, get the passport. It's piece of mind. That being said, you can cross the border from Mexico pretty easily without any documentation, if you were to get stranded this year.

Years ago I did a swim with the dolphins in Cozumel. It was disappointing because the dolphins were all beat up on the snout and we were told they are always trying to escape the fence. The shopping plaza in Cozumel was crap with people hounding you.

I recall Roatan being nice, and snorkeling is really good there apparently. I don't recall if we snorkeled there or not.

quote:

and the food on Cozumel was excellent

Just don't drink the water. And don't forget the ice in your margarita came from the water.

It is totally tourist. It is what it is. Staying on the ship is a good option, with everyone else ashore you will have more peaceful lounging at the pool, etc. And your food and drinks are already paid for.

We did a beach resort in Cozumel a year ago. Unlimited drinks and food, a table, palm trees, and the ocean. It was fine. Everyone there had come off a cruise ship.

Either option is good, just pick the one that feels like more fun to you.

I'm not trying to be funny. Thoroughly check your bags for any loose ammo, shell casings, and what nots.

quote:

I am going to get a burner phone

I didn't really understand the reason for the burner phone.

Why a burner phone?

I guess you will use it while in port, although there is (expensive) cell service on many (most?) cruises now.

Was married in Cozumel. Love that place. It's more touristy now than years ago, but most places are. Cruise ships don't spend a lot of time there. If I could do one thing, I'd rent a scooter or buggy and drive around the south end and go the windward side. Less developed over there. Go to Bob Marley's Place. We like to lay in the hammock and they'll bring you beer. You don't even have to get up.

And there are some really good restaurants in Cozumel.

Make sure there’s no ammo in you bags…

Look into Travel Insurance.
There are lots of story's on Youtube about what happened to people who did not have Travel Insurance and needed it while on a cruise/vacation to a foreign country.

Do you know what pier you are docking at?

Definitely get off the boat and enjoy the places. I've been to Mexico a few times but just briefly in Cozumel.

I've also been to Rotan a few times for SCUBA trips. Never been to the cruise ship area though. The tourist areas of both places are fairly safe.

Not sure why you need a burner phone. Just put your phone in airplane mode. Many restaurants will have wifi if you want to connect and check things.

While you may not need a passport for the cruise I suggest you get one.

Have some US cash in smaller bills but never open a wallet with a load of cash for others to see. When I've visited both places I've always had a few hundred in cash. American cash never hurts to have if something goes sideway but I think your be 100% safe.

quote:

Originally posted by XinTX:

And there are some really good restaurants in Cozumel.

Not Cozumel but I've had some great meals in the Yucatan Peninsula for less then half what you would pay here.

I took a cruise there in Nov., 2019 and loved it. And I hate everything. I wandered off into some dingy alleyways and found some great food and markets. I will do it again someday.

Been to both places, more often Cozumel. Great SCUBA. No need for a burner? I remember staying on Anthony’s Key in Roatan and having the cruise people come and observe us getting ready to go out on a dive.. a little weird, like we were part of the experience for them..

In Cozumel, good food is everywhere, and stay in the touristy areas, you shouldn’t have too much trouble. Street hawking is the worst of it, but I do stay away from main downtown when the cruceros are at dock, so I might not be seeing some things. Don’t look for trouble, and it won’t find you. Lots of nice people, and most speak some inglés. Be cautious if you rent a vehicle. Driving is still a bit nuts (we typically rent a car). I agree with heading over to the other side if you want to get away from it all, and a cab could take you there, too. Cab drivers are also typically pretty honest, but you can check a few for pricing, and if you “habla”, or at least try to, more respect is shown. I always enjoy taking cabs because I chat up the cab driver and find out more about the island every time.

It’s a bit more “Caribbean” feeling than “Mexican” feeling, if you ask me. That island knows its industry, and has people from all over the whole world visit regularly, mostly to SCUBA. Plenty of expats, too. No idea how it works for cruise ships, but I haven’t had trouble coming or going by plane.
You’ll have a great time.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: irreverent,

Anthony's Key Resort on Roatan. Thank me later.

https://youtu.be/HSEtqYb8bDM?si=o4eoZBfJIdbL2qFy

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
Anthony's Key Resort on Roatan. Thank me later.

https://youtu.be/HSEtqYb8bDM?si=o4eoZBfJIdbL2qFy

I have been here for almost a week, about to do my 13th and 14th dive this morning. Rode by Anthony's Key a few times on the dive boat and that operation is big. They have 14 big dive boats moored out front. They have a dolphin show as well.

quote:

Originally posted by straightshooter01:

quote:

Originally posted by PGT:
Anthony's Key Resort on Roatan. Thank me later.

https://youtu.be/HSEtqYb8bDM?si=o4eoZBfJIdbL2qFy

I have been here for almost a week, about to do my 13th and 14th dive this morning. Rode by Anthony's Key a few times on the dive boat and that operation is big. They have 14 big dive boats moored out front. They have a dolphin show as well.

Not a super big operation when I was firstthere, certainly no dolphin show, but I loved the huts on the separate island, and the welcome drinks and camaraderie the facility provided.

It was a group experience, and our old divemaster used to bring a group every year he could. At dinner, we all ate the same meal, and they had a big screen where we could watch the day’s dives. It was the first place I remember seeing leafcutter ants. Looks a lot fancier now!