Your cruise ship will dock in the town of San Miguel de Cozumel on the west side of the island and from the moment you disembark, you'll know you've landed in paradise.

Cozumel is a shopper's mecca with more than a mile of rustic shops lining the waterfront. Most visitors grab a cab at the dock to travel to the far end of the shopping district. From there, you can walk back, leisurely taking in the gorgeous view of the ocean while picking up some local wares from the many shops. The shop keepers are friendly and many speak English so feel free to negotiate a fair price for whatever you buy. You'll find many stands, cafes, bars, and restaurants along the way to stop and rest in the shade while downing a cool beverage or having a snack.

If you're a cigar smoker, Cozumel offers an incredible selection of fresh Cubans at great prices. Taking them back on the ship is not a problem but getting them through U.S. Customs back in the United States is another issue since Cubans are still illegal in the U.S.

Among all the bars and restaurants in Cozumel, Carlos n' Charlies stands out as a landmark tourist attraction. Their margaritas are some of the largest and most powerful you'll ever encounter. Just make sure you get back to the ship before it sails! There are bars and shops right on the docks as well for any last minute rest stops or some souvenir shopping for those back home.

Snorkling and scuba diving are fantastic in Cozumel and if you have your own gear, you can start exploring the beautiful coral reefs and swimming with the schools of vibrantly colored marine life right at the end of the dock. There are access points to the water's edge all along the main street so even if you didn't bring your own snorkling gear, go into a shop, purchase some equipment, and walk across the street to the crystal blue water that awaits. There are snorkling and scuba excursions as well, some of which go to the Palancar Reefs to the south. You can get an onboard excursion or take one with locals. Either way, Cozumel is an underwater extravaganza so be sure to have an underwater camera available.