Cruises · 2023 · Enhanced edition

Carnival Fantasy: Costa Maya & Cozumel

A 2017 sailing from Mobile paired a busy Costa Maya beach day with a fast Twister boat ride to Cozumel's Passion Island.

Trip at a glance

Date: September 2017
Ship: Carnival Fantasy from Mobile
Ports: Costa Maya and Cozumel

A day early in Mobile

We arrived a day before sailing, explored the Mobile Flea Market, and stayed at the vintage, affordable Malaga Inn. Dinner came from a small pizzeria, where an Italian sub and Caprese salad started the trip well.

Settling into the Fantasy

Even without Faster to the Fun, check-in moved quickly. We followed our usual rhythm of Lido lunch, the stateroom, safety briefing, dinner, and comedy. An art auction with champagne, Elegant Night, and comedian Rob Little—including an autograph—filled the sea time.

Costa Maya and Cozumel

Our Costa Maya all-inclusive beach was busy, but attentive drink service helped. In Cozumel, the Twister speedboat made the journey to Passion Island part of the adventure. Lunch and drinks were included, and although the water was not postcard blue that day, it was calm and the beach felt roomy.

Final thoughts

Cozumel remained our favorite because it offered so many different kinds of days. Costa Maya delivered an easy beach stop, while the Twister and Passion Island gave the cruise its strongest memory.

Plan your own trip

Costa Maya & Cozumel Cruise Guide

Choose Costa Maya for an easy beach or culture day, then let Cozumel provide the more active boat, reef, or island experience.

Start with the right base

Review the current itinerary, port times, documentation, and excursion requirements before booking. A pre-cruise hotel night protects the trip from a long drive or travel delay.

Port plan

Before you go

Compare Costa Maya beach transport and inclusions; in Cozumel, check boat intensity and water conditions; carry reef-safe sun protection where required; track ship time.

Keep it balanced

Choose one priority experience, one flexible stop, and enough unscheduled time for meals, weather changes, and discoveries along the way.

Official planning information

Use our trip as a starting point

The original story shows what worked for us and what we would change. Prices, hours, menus, ships, excursion operators, and attraction features may be different now, so verify the details that matter to your group.