Gilded Shallows – Cozumel & Stirrup Cay

About this cruise

Book 5 days off from April 18, 2026 and this cruise from Galveston will do the rest, taking you to Costa Maya and Cozumel and back. The sea days at each end give the whole trip a natural arc: build-up, exploration, cool-down. Snorkelling, palm trees, rum. Each stop does it a bit differently. Cozumel stands out. It's Mexico's Caribbean island of Mayan mystery. Roughly 9 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. Mariner Of The Seas takes the food seriously, with 12 restaurants to choose from. 4 are included, and the rest are worth the splurge. Families and groups will find plenty to do: waterslides, shows, multiple pools, and something for every age. And April is a good time to go. Mild weather, things starting to bloom, and fewer people than summer. All in all, it's a solid trip.