Question regarding Playa Mia, Cozumel and Carnival Excursions

xj220 · #1 (**permalink**) December 31st, 2009, 02:35 AM

Going on a Caribbean cruise on Carnival Glory in January '10. One of the stops is Cozumel. Anyone know if you are required to purchase one of the excusions (such as "Beach Break") through Carnival in order to get into Playa Mia? The reason I ask is because I heard Carnival has recently been forcing vendors to make sure excursions go directly through Carnival ($$$). But I don't know if it means that I can't even get into Playa Mia without going through Carnival. Is it still possible to take a cab on my own and purchase a ticket/band at the gate? I've read in other posts that people have done it before, but those posts are at least a year or two old. Has anyone gone to Playa Mia recently (since September '09) that knows the answer for sure? Thanks.

nighthawk65 · #2 (**permalink**) December 31st, 2009, 01:43 PM

xj220,

Try puertamaya.com. I think they have the Playa Mia Beach Break.
You will ned to catch a cab there, usualy $15 each way for four people, you should not have a problem finding somebody to share cab fare with. If you are not completely set on Playa Mia, try Island Marketing Ltd. or CozumelWaterSports.com for other Beach Break deals that will be cheaper than what the cruise lines offer.

Happy Sailing
Mark

xj220 · #3 (**permalink**) January 1st, 2010, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the reply. I guess I should've provided more detail in my first post.

Yes, I'm set on going to Playa Mia. Reason being is the rest of my group are doing Carnival excursions at that beach. I just want to go Playa Mia to hang out with them and hopefully get some sun/dip in the water. I'm hoping to save money by not purchasing one of Carnival's excursions or buying an inclusive package.

My main concern is: will I be turned away at the gate because I didn't purchase any excursion from Carnival or any other vendor? In other words, can I purchase an "entrance fee" at the beach, or does everything have to go through a vendor via excursions? This is my first cruise, so I have no idea how this works. Thanks.

lhp · #4 (**permalink**) January 1st, 2010, 04:59 PM

Not positive.....but I do not believe you will be turned away.

I believe these vendors are just not allowed to "advertise" to cruise folks or recruit them at the pier.....

Lots of people go to Cozumel for LAND vacations and go to Play Mia.....

so no worries!!!!

xj220 · #5 (**permalink**) January 2nd, 2010, 01:17 AM

Thanks for your input. That's been my hunch all along. I figure, why would they have prices at the gate if you can't purchase them at the gate? Unfortunately their site is down, but that may be due to some type of "advertise" restriction like you mentioned.

colorcrazie · #6 (**permalink**) January 2nd, 2010, 03:37 PM

If you go by cab, I'm not sure how they would even know that you were on a ship. You could be staying at a hotel.
Marty

Ro · #7 (**permalink**) January 14th, 2010, 09:47 PM

We just came back from a cruise to Cozumel this past July and our group went to Playa Mia on the deluxe beach break with Carnival. The bus was cold meaning the air conditioner, the driver great and the bus was new! I loved this excursion, the drinks were awesome and they put as much liquor in them as you wanted and the service was the best. The buffet lunch was very tasty and they had a ton of water toys to ride around in. We just took two drinks at a time and floated in the water on a raft. When we arrived we were escorted right to the front of the water with chairs reserved for us. Everyone was telling us they were uncomfortable but I need knee replacements and had no trouble with them what so ever. We would do this excursion with Carnival in a heart beat again. It was way to much fun!