Cozumel after Wilma

[Katrinamp]

Hello all,

Well, we are right in the middle of planning our first-ever cruise, with one stop being to Cozumel. We would like to know how Cozumel has been affected by Wilma and how close to reconstruction it will likely be at in April 06. We are trying to figure out the hassles of tenders, and whether or not to book excursions through the cruiseline (which we heard is more expensive) in order to get on the first tender.

So...
Should we wait on visiting Cozumel until it is reconstructed and piers are back up and running (maybe a year later)?

How do I find out how many ships are in port the same time as us and how many is too much before tenders get too slow?

Should we book a ship excursion or do our own thing? Does that help with the tenders?

Thanks all!!!

[Lil' Lori]

Hello. We were in Cozumel on the Enchantment of the Seas last week. We went to cozumel, but the waves were 6-8 feet (according to the captain), and it was declared unsafe to tender. Therefore, we were not allowed off the ship. We had booked our excursions via royal carribean and got a full refund. If we had booked with a cozumel company, we wouldn't of received a refund. I don't mind paying extra for the ships excursions, it is peace of mind for me. Hope this helps. Bye, Lil' Lori

[NancyN]

Katrinamp,
One of the members of cruise-chat is a resident of Cozumel and is documenting the recovery efforts. His website gives you details and updated reports (with pictures) about the conditions on the island, what activities are up and running and in what capacity, etc. Here is a link to Ian's site: http://www.wilmacozumel.com .
Since they are limiting the number of ships in port (4 max at this time) the tendering process has been running fairly smoothly. As for booking excursions, if you book your tours independently, many of the tour operators on the island refund your money (just like the cruise line does) if your ship is unable to make it to the port.

Progress is being made there on a daily basis, so it is difficult to say what it will be like in April.

Here is another link to a website where you can find out which ships will be in port with you on a given day: http://www.cruisecal.com/dnn/.

Nancy