We are going on the Carnival Conquest in Feb, stopping in Cozumel and Montego Bay. At one or the other, we are considering hitting a beach club.

Desired amenities are a nice, clean beach, not too crowded and access to food and drink. A couple of possibilities might be Playa Mia in Cozumel (offered as an excursion by Carnival) or Rose Hall beach club in Montego Bay area. Does anyone have anything, pro or con, to say about either? I've heard these can get crowded on days ships are in port, but there seems to be a scarcity of information on the web overall, particularly Rose Hall as a daypass destination.

Any information about admission cost without going through the cruiseline or best way and cost to get to either from the cruise ship dock or nearby town centers would be helpful. And, of course, any similar alternative ideas. Thanks.

We booked a "day room" at the Hotel Intercontinental in Cancun (or maybe Cozumel I get them confused) for a cruise we took a couple of years ago. The guys hung out on the beach all day and the girls went into town to shop and have lunch. I thought it was a great way to spend the day at a Mexico port. In Jamaica, I'd look into the Dunns River Falls unless you've already done that.

Yes, already done Dunn, no pun intended... Just trying to find a good place to get some beach time. Will look into the Intercontinental option.

topping

We went to Cozumel last summer and debated where to go but I decided to just take a cab (set price about $10 1 way which you can share) to Chankanaab National Marine Park. There are plentiful cabs waiting in line to whisk you away. It's not worth the extra charge the cruiseline charges & you have total control of your arrival & departure time - this is true for any of the places in this port. I knew we picked the right place when the couple we met in line was there as they snorkel all over the Carribean and they loved it! The park is pristine clean, beautiful gardens, the Dolphin Encounter is here (we didn't go), plentiful FREE lg bamboo/straw umbrella areas for shade, bars & restaurant on-site. The water was perfect and there is plentiful coral beds right by the beach which is great for those less inclined to go far into the water. The fish & coral were so beautiful and don't miss the brackish area, it's a fun jump off the small cliff into cold water that once you get 4' deep is really spectacular. This park ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Playa Mia is more of a party place but more of a "club" feel vs. enjoying the beach & nature.Play Mia is more crowded & not as good for snorkeling but it depends on what you want.