Merry Christmas from Cozumel!

Christmas is always a busy time in Cozumel. The downtown plaza has festive decorations, Christmas trees are abundant and you might even spot Santa enjoying some sunshine before his busy night next week. The local Municipality has organized yuletide activities and shows downtown for locals and tourists alike. From children's parades to songs and plays, everybody is getting into the Christmas spirit.

The team at www.thisiscozumel.com wishes everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! ¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo!

New Economy Ferries.

A new economy ferry route with 4 daily departures is now available between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Called 'EkonoKlass', the service is operated by the same company that runs the existing Waterjets ferry service. The route uses their older ferries and costs less than half the normal price. Unlike the existing ferries, it does not have a baggage handling service or bar on board. The crossing takes a little longer than the new ferries, usually about 45 minutes.

The new service costs 45 pesos ($4) one-way for adults or 30 pesos ($3) for children.Departures from Cozumel are at 8.30am, 11.30am, 5pm and 8pm and from Playa del Carmen at 10am, 1pm, 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

Queens of England Visit Cozumel.

Famous English ocean liners the Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mary II visited Cozumel at the end of last month.The ships usually cruise the North Atlantic and the rest of the world. They visited Cozumel as part of a special winter cruise offered by their owners, Cunard.

Unlike many cruise ships that visit Cozumel, the two Queens are 'liners' capable of longer journeys and transatlantic crossings.Cozumel's Mayor, Gustavo Ortega Joaquín, was invited on board the Queen Mary II. He welcomed the crew and passengers and exchanged gifts with the ship's captain, Christopher Rynd.

In its lifetime of some 40 years, the Queen Elizabeth II has sailed 5.5 million nautical miles - more than any other ship ever, and the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back 13 times. Many consider the Queen Mary II to be the world's most luxurious cruise liner. It even has its own on board kennel, so you can bring your canine friend on your cruise too.