Beach vibes, bottomless margaritas, and a change in course that turned out to be a blessing in disguise!

If you have cruised before, chances are you have been to Cozumel — and if not, it is one port that’s always worth a stop. We have done it all here before: shopping, exploring downtown, and even swimming with dolphins. But this time, we ditched the excursions and decided to spend the day the best way possible — toes in the sand and a drink in hand at Paradise Beach Club.

Ahh… Cozumel — the land of sunshine, margaritas, and more souvenir shops than you can shake a maraca at! We have cruised to Cozumel many times before, and it is always a favorite stop. We have done the downtown shopping, the port shopping, and even swam with dolphins at Chankanaab Park (which, by the way, is still one of the coolest things we have ever done).

But this time around, we decided to trade the adventure for something a little more relaxing — a Beach and Pool Day at the one and only Paradise Beach Club.

After a hearty breakfast in the Fins Dining Room (because a cruiser never adventures on an empty stomach), we made our way through the shops at the port. We stopped for a few pictures — because if you did not take a selfie in front of the giant “Cozumel” sign, were you even there? — and then headed to the taxi stand. Prices are clearly posted, and it was $18 each way for up to four people to get to Paradise Beach.

It’s about a 15-minute ride, and when we arrived, we checked in and paid the balance of our reservation — $68 per person for the day. That price includes unlimited food, drinks, beach loungers, use of the heated pool, and two awesome waiters who make sure your cup (and your plate) never runs dry.

We found the perfect spot under some palm trees between the beach and pool, complete with a little umbrella for shade. Our servers for the day were Omar and Alan and let me tell you — these guys were fantastic! They treated us like VIPs at a five-star resort. I did not have to lift a finger all day. (If only I could hire Omar to follow me around at home… “Omar, another margarita, please!” 😜)

We started off with fresh tortilla chips, homemade salsa, and guacamole — all delicious! And, naturally, I ordered a margarita. Sure, it was only 10 a.m., but as Jimmy Buffett says… it is five o’clock somewhere!

After exploring a bit, we found a pier that extends out over the water with swings — perfect for those Instagram moments — and an inflatable water park you can play on for an extra fee. We decided to pass on that; I figured I’d had enough of falling off things for one lifetime.

Before long, it was lunch time. I went for a spicy shrimp pizza (trust me, it is as good as it sounds), while my wife ordered a chicken quesadilla and a side salad. I paired mine with a Bloody Mary — you know, for the vegetables — and she had a fruity cocktail that looked like summer in a glass.

After lunch, I walked around the pool area snapping photos and getting some video footage for my upcoming YouTube vlog. Then it was time for more drinks, some coconut shrimp with seasoned fries, and a few hours of pure relaxation under the palms.

All too soon, it was time to pack up — all aboard at 4:00 p.m., and the skies were starting to look a bit iffy. We said our goodbyes to Omar and Alan, tipped them well (seriously, if you go, ask for Omar — he is the man!), and hopped a cab back to the port just as the rain started rolling in. We ducked into a couple of shops, grabbed a few souvenirs, and made it back to the ship just before the storm hit.

That night was comedy night in the theater. After showering and freshening up, we met my cousin Bob and his wife Kencis at the Flip Flop Bar for pre-dinner drinks, along with our new cruise buddies Vera and Rich, who we met at the Meet and Greet. One round of drinks later, and it was off to dinner.

I started with shrimp cocktail and a Caesar salad, followed by Margaritaville’s take on Chicken Parmesan with pasta, and finished with strawberry ice cream for dessert. Simple, classic, and delicious!

Later, at the Hemisphere Bar, the Captain made an announcement — Hurricane Melissa was changing our course. Instead of a sea day and heading to Jamaica and Grand Cayman, we would now be sailing to Belize and Roatán, Honduras. Honestly? I was not upset one bit. I have been to Cayman a few times, and Jamaica’s never really been my favorite stop. But Belize and Roatán? Now that is a switch-up I can get behind!

We ended the night laughing at a comedy magic show — still not sure how he pulled off that last trick, but it had the whole room cracking up. Then, of course, we grabbed some late-night pizza because… well, pizza at sea just hits different.

A perfect ending to another day in paradise.

 Brian’s Tip:

If you are cruising to Cozumel and want a day that’s equal parts fun and relaxing, 

Paradise Beach Club is the place to be. The food’s great, the drinks keep coming, and if you are lucky enough to get Omar, you will feel like you are the guest of honor. Oh, and do not forget — it is always five o’clock somewhere!

Stick around to see what happens next in our Adventure on the Margaritaville at Sea Islander continues with our Stop in Belize.

Until Next Time Always say Yes! to another Margarita!!