This was a Carnival cruise excursion for a beach day with 2 hour buffet and open bar. Our guide, Charly, seems to have lied to our group, although I may be the only one who noticed. We were taken to the Beach Club, and entered thru the shopping area. As we passed the "black coral" shop, he pointed at it and said, "That shop is Carnival approved, so feel good shopping there." He stated that the only place to get Black Coral was Cozumel. (Imagine my surprise getting back home and finding out that the state gemstone of Hawaii is .... Black Coral.) It was overcast on the day of my visit, and I was surprised pleasantly that they gave me the option to cancel if I wanted to since it was a chance of rain. I chose not to cancel and spent the day on the beach. The club itself was ok.....drinks were good, but really small (5-6 ounce cups) so lots of ordering of drinks. Antonio was great at keeping up with any drink orders. Lunch was all you can eat, and it was quite tasty. It never did rain, so the time at the beach was great.
Shopping was not so great. I went to the Black Coral shop and inquired about a necklace. The sales man told me it was over $200. I told him I did not bring that much cash with me. He asked how much I brought with me, and he said, since I was willing to pay cash, he could give me a great discount - only $120. I told him I did have that much and agreed to purchase. I asked about a black coral bracelet to match, and he said the bracelet is $175. I again told him that I didn't have that much cash and I did not have a credit card with me. He said, "You have $40? Give me $40 and I'll let you have it." I dug in my bag and got the $160 for both purchases. He packed up the bracelet for me while I looked for the cash. I left the shop with no receipt (since it was cash?)
I went to the shop near the road, first one on the right of the club, to buy a medication. I made that purchase, and there was a counter in that same shop that had rings and jewelry. Al, the sales person, approached me and showed me a "zultanite" ring that changed colors with different lighting. It was a beautiful ring and he quoted $350 for the ring. I told him I wouldn't spend that much on a ring that didn't even fit my ring finger - it did fit the pinky finger. i looked at another "zultanite" ring that had a smaller stone (along with "white sapphires") and he said if I paid cash for that, the would give it to me for only $120. I again told him it didn't fit my ring finger, although it did fit my pinky finger. It was a beautiful ring, and he said, "No worries on the size. Go to Tanzanite International, back at the port before you get on the ship. We partner with them, and they will size that ring for you in 10-15 minutes. I'll even take a little off for the sizing. You can have the ring for $100." I restated what he just said confirm that I understood right, and he said, yes I understood right. I paid for the ring and left the shop, again with no receipt unfortunately.
When we arrived back at the port, I went to Tanzanite International with the story I was given by Al about sizing the ring. They said they only size rings that are purchased in their store. So, I told the employee, "Great, now that makes me question to value of the ring as well."
When I got back to the ship, I looked at the ring and the bracelet/necklace that I had purchased. I ended up with a beautiful pinky ring and the bracelet that the black coral rep packed up was not the one I looked at in the store. He switched the bracelets and I have a bracelet that has damaged areas. I learned my lesson and will not be purchasing jewelry again in Cozumel, if in any ports.
Be cautious of the shopping, as they will tell you whatever they can to sell you.
The beach experience was satisfactory, but tainted by the shopping experience.
E762LSjessicaw
22 Nov 2022
Ask for Miguel! So helpful! Great hospitality! He had drinks waiting for and made sure we were never lost! watched our belonging, held our chairs! I can't say enough wonderful things about Miguel. You wont be sorry(: