I was in Cozumel about 15 years ago, and then again in June 2002. What a huge difference. Now it is overrun with tourist traps and they say that in the high season there are 40 ships per week there. 40!!!<BR><BR>Anyway, I am avoiding any itinerary that has Cozumel on it because it has become such a crappy destination. The ONLY good thing to do there is water sports (snorkeling and diving) and I suppose shopping. <BR><BR>As for shopping, I found that the ship suggested stores were by far the most expensive shops around. We were looking for 3 things - blankets, stone mask, and a sombrerro gold charm.<BR><BR>I found the stone masks ranged from $25-75 for the exact same type of mask. <BR><BR>Also the exact same gold charm ranged from $25-$120.<BR><BR>Always the ship suggested stores were the highest prices. The sole exception was that Cinco del Sol had good prices.

How sad..now I have to add Cozumel to my "been there and it';s not the same" list. Yes, we were there on a cruise many years ago and loved it so much we went back for a week. There is a flea market a few streets over and were some great restaurants and I do remember Cinco del So..

Cozumel has always been about watersports, they don't pretend anything differently. If all the tourists want to do is Shop, they have that,too. We have been to Cozumel at least 10 times, land based vacations and cruise ships. We always go to Chankanab Park, San Francisco Beach and on the other side of the island to the little beach restaurants that have swimming. Also, on the tourist side, off the main pier, is a sunken airplane that is fun to snorkel to. No matter how touristy Cozumel becomes, there is always a little spot you can find, if you take the time and effort.

Sure Cozumel is a tourist trap. So is most of the other Caribbean ports, but they are fun, right?

What cruise ships stop at anything other than tourist traps??????

"Who" does have a point, but here is the answer: Any ship that has Belize City as a port of call.<BR><BR>There is no way anyone can call Belize city a tourist trap. They don't do anything to cater to tourists.

Yes, Cozumel may be more touristy now than before, but it is still nice.<BR>If you want to get away from the main toutrist spots, you can visit the Cozumel Museum (actually quite interesting, and doesn't take long to visit), it also has a nice cafe at the top, whihc is usually not crowded and has a nice vioew of the ocean.<BR>You can rent a scooter, and go around the island, stop and visit the San Gervasio Ruins and see the rest of the town where the local people live. On sundays is very nice to see the local people at the main plaza, during the concert/dance, you can see the local women "mestizas" dressed in their nice white dresses with embroidered flowers.<BR>The Cinco Soles shop is a bit pricey but it is one of the few ones that has quality souvenirs and not only tourist junk.<BR>I bought a very nice hand blown glass bowl in the shape of a turtle and a very nice tray. Never seen another tray or bowl like it in another store in Mexico, and they are very high quality.<BR>-Alexandra