why are prices so high?

[scubaphish]

Why are prices so high for travel early next year to Cozumel? Seems like a major increase over this year. Any suggestions on where to look for decent packages?

 

[joewr]

Scubaphish,

I am not certain about the price issue, but here is a site we use to get packages from time to time.

http://www.islandream.com/divehous.htm

For air travel, we have tended toward Continental since they fly directly from Houston to Cozumel. We have found an intermediate stop at Cancun to be a nuisance, in general...

And, I noticed that this is your first post...why not hop over to the Introductions and Greets section and introduce yourself and get greeted...


Joewr...

 

[Rick Murchison]

Originally posted by joewr
We have found an intermediate stop at Cancun to be a nuisance, in general...

A *huge* nuisance, a *tremendous* nuisance, a *major* pain..
joewr speaks the truth.
Avoid it!
There are direct flights out of ATL also.
Rick

 

[Iguana Don]

Spring break is not the time to go to Coz, prices of airfare and hotel are inflated.

Why they go to Coz for spring break is beside me.

ID

 

[scubaphish]

Thanks for the replies! Much appreicated.

So I went and checked out Continental vacations and the rates are decent. Do they come recommended? Any problems with booking airfare and lodging through Continental?

 

[joewr]

Scubafish,

Continental offers packages to Cozumel, but when you call them you are redirected to Trip-n-Tour:

http://www.trip-n-tour.com/

They have air/hotel/dive packages.

However, we usually book the Continental flight directly and use Island Dreams for our hotel. The place we like is Fiesta Americana. There are many others and I will let other members direct you in that regard. Again, here is the Island Dreams url:

http://www.islandream.com/divehous.htm

They can also provide a hotel/dive package with the Fiesta Americana/Dive House. And I can recommend both. Note, however, that the Fiesta Americana is not in the middle of town and that a $5.00 taxi ride is required to get to town. We consider that distance from the hustle-bustle a plus!


Finally, I always suggest to folks that while in Cozumel, they try a meal at the French Quarter; it is a little off the beaten path, but worth the few extra steps. And I suggest stopping in at Roberts, a black coral shop whose owner is a true artist. His shop is like an art museum. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, it is worth the effort: the wonderful "carvings" of Cozumel sea life are very memorable.

Joewr...travel consultant to the rich and famous...if you consider the middle class rich and famous...

 

[scubaphish]

I booked 6 nights at La Ceiba through Continental this afternoon. I am so excited! Now should I arrange for diving before I arrive or can I wait till I get to Cozumel?

 

[joewr]

Phish,

Congrats! I would, under normal conditions, advise prearranging dive accommodations. The Dive House is probably not convenient for someone staying at La Cieba. Let's see if some others come up with a name or two. If not, I will send up a flare for you. If you want to "pre-empt" me, fire off an e-mail to Iguana Don. He has some favorites whose names escape me for the moment. Also, Rick Murchison has been to Coz and I would trust his judgement, too. And there are others...

Let me know...

Joewr

 

[Natasha]

I'm escorting a group to Cozumel March 2nd to March 9th 2002.
There are still rooms available. It looks like you're already going...so maybe this will help.
Try Aqua World, or www.DiveParadisecom. Both are close enough for you to dive with. Aqua Safari is another one.
Have fun!
:sunny: