Cruises · 2019 · Enhanced edition

Carnival Fantasy: A Four-Night Cozumel Getaway

An overnight drive to Mobile led to a relaxed Carnival Fantasy sailing, a first try at the drink package, and a catamaran day in Cozumel.

Trip at a glance

Date: August 2019
Ship: Carnival Fantasy from Mobile
Port: Cozumel
Highlight: Catamaran snorkeling and beach time

Driving to Mobile and boarding

We drove through the night with my sister and brother-in-law for a Thursday-to-Monday cruise. Once aboard, lunch on the Lido deck and a nap helped us recover before the 4 p.m. safety briefing, 6 p.m. dinner, and comedy.

Our first drink package

This was our first time buying Carnival's drink package. At the time it cost about $52 per person per day, everyone of age in the cabin had to participate, and there was a 15-drink daily limit. The sea day gave us time to learn whether the package fit our pace while we played Rook, attended the art events, and dressed for formal night.

Cozumel by catamaran

Our excursion combined snorkeling with a beach stop. The snorkeling area felt crowded and we saw fewer fish than expected, but the beach improved the day with inflatables, kayaks, music, and drinks. We had roughly an hour to an hour and a half there before sailing back.

Final thoughts

The quick cruise was an easy escape, and the catamaran was fun as a social excursion. If we repeated Cozumel, I would choose a smaller snorkel group or a different island experience with more time in the water.

Plan your own trip

Cozumel Cruise & Catamaran Guide

Choose a Cozumel day by priority: snorkeling quality, beach time, island sightseeing, or food—not simply by how many activities fit the title.

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.

Cruise plan

Before you go

Arrive in Mobile the day before when possible; compare drink-package cost with your normal pace; for snorkeling, check group size, water time, and reef location; leave a generous ship-time margin.

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.