Cruise ships make for an entertaining way to visit Cozumel for travelers interested in a brief trip. A voyage aboard such a large vessel can make the trip itself pleasant, especially for those who enjoy the company of others. Though every ship is different, many companies offer amenities like on-board wine cellars, fitness centers with rock climbing walls, casinos, nightclubs, theaters and restaurants. Popular departure points include Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; Tampa Bay, Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida. These voyages often last five to seven days and include stops in other frequently visited destinations such as the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. Carnival Cruise Lines offers a wide variety of voyages, with an emphasis on families, to Cozumel throughout the entire year.
All-inclusive resorts are a wise choice for travelers who require the utmost pampering. For one price, guests are offered luxury rooms and surroundings, all meals, all drinks including alcohol and often sporting activities such as windsurfing and snorkeling. For travelers who live a generally stressful life these resorts can be a welcome option. Cozumel all-inclusive resorts are largely set along either the southwestern or northwestern portion of the island facing the mainland. Resorts along the northwest are convenient to the airport and San Miguel, Cozumel's main town. Resorts along the southwest are convenient to most of the island's scuba diving sites, including Palancar Reef, famous for its drift diving. The Cozumel Palace is located four miles south of San Miguel and offers exceptionally lush surroundings.
A trip to Cozumel need not be a bank account clearing endeavor. For those who want to taste their share of paradise on the cheap, the first step is to fly into nearby Cancun. Of the numerous airlines that fly into Cancun International Airport, few offer the impressively low fares that Spirit Airlines often does, including occasional $9 fares from Fort Lauderdale. Once in Cancun, catch a bus to Playa del Carmen where you can board a ferry, complete with a mariachi band, for Cozumel. As of 2010, one of the cheaper lodging options was the $12 a night Hostelito, a 26-bed, dormitory room in downtown San Miguel. San Miguel is a suitable base from which to explore the island as facilities renting mopeds, booking tours and departing scuba diving trips are easily found here.
