Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

[Beefer]

We'll be taking a cruise to Cozumel in August, and I was thinking it would be a great opportunity to take my son (14) fishing for some big game type stuff. The Admiral and daughter have no desire.

Has anyone done either a 'deep sea sport fishing' or bottom fishing excursion thru the cruiseline? Was it worth it? Looks like the deep sea is better, and would be my preference. Other option is a private charter for about $100 more, but concerned about meeting the cruise in time on the return.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

[tigerfish]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

Yes I went deep sea fishing several year ago with my mom through Royal Caribbean out of Cozumel. I forgot how much it cost, but no I don't think it was worth it. When we got on the boat we met three other couples from the cruise, our captin and first mate. Of course they spoke spanish and the only thing we could understand was if we had to pee use the head and if the had to puke do it overboard. A few minutes after we took off our boat broke down and they brought out another one for us to get on. We trolled for hours not being told where we were going, how the fishing was, ect. So statred looking for the " light snacks and beer". The light snacks was and open bag of pretzels ( I passed) and slightly cold Corona with rusty tops. I drank several of those on our boat ride. Finally towards the end of the trip we started to hook some fish. We took turns reeling them in. I think we caught a few small tuna and some mahi. There were eight fishermen on the boat and not everone had a chance to reel one in. I could tell though they were trying hard to put us on the fish they keep them for them selfs or sell them. I hope that helps you. That was my only experience with it and I would not do it again. If you do decide to go good luck!

 

[Beefer]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

That's what I was afraid of. I was thinking of taking my son, and the two of us on the cruiseline excursion would be $270. I could charter my own charter, just the 2 of us, for as little as $295 on a 26', or $350 on a 30+' Sportfisherman. Sounds like I'll be going on my own charter. Thanks tons for your reply!

 

[capt sam]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

I went on a large family cruise a few years ago and got talked into signing up for the charter on board. It was fairly pricey and a waste of money, maybe if I never fished it would've been ok but you're better off finding and setting up a charter before you leave. You can prolly google Cozumel for guides and then research from there, there's a lot of ex-pats down there that will take care of you right.

 

[Fishing56]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

We went for a week to Cancun and chose the small game fish bay excursion. Boy were we surprised when we found out our boat was only about 15ft and not very wide. Guide took us back in mangroves where he skillfully caught enought bait fish with one cast of a new (while I manuvered the boat). Didn't have much luck until he got us back into bay where he did a pretty good job of sight fishing and putting us on some redfish. We probably caught 15 in a half day fishing. There is no offer of cleaning and having them prepared at local restaurant. On way back I thought we were being stopped by LE, but all they wanted was some free fish. He later some the rest other than what he needed to feed his family that night. Fun, but not what I would call a memorable experience for $250 for a half day.

Fishing56

 

[bently]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

Ask questions, get an understanding of what they are offering. Just don't sign up and wait at the dock/pier to be picked up and then complain when you get back. Do some research one the area you will be at, fishing, etc, its all can be searched on the internet. You can get a list of who has the contracts with the cruise lines and check them out. Do you go buy a brand new car and then complain the color is wrong?????

 

[lyle]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

$ 300 sounds like a really short trip (maybe 4 hours ) ... if you are chasing "big game" fish you should do at least an 8-hr charter .... and never charter through a cruise line ... that's nothing more than an expensive boat ride ... I would go into the marina and see if anyone is available to take you out on short notice ... you will be surprised at the number of boats available and the prices are ALWAYS negotiable at the dock and probably cheaper than you think if you go with a local native ... north of there at cabo san lucas you can charter an 8 hr trip for as little as $300 that includes live bait and license ... as expensive as cabo can be, there can't be that much difference in cosumel

 

[waynehol]

Re: Cruiseline Fishing Excursions

We went for a week to Cancun and chose the small game fish bay excursion. Boy were we surprised when we found out our boat was only about 15ft and not very wide. Guide took us back in mangroves where he skillfully caught enought bait fish with one cast of a new (while I manuvered the boat). Didn't have much luck until he got us back into bay where he did a pretty good job of sight fishing and putting us on some redfish. We probably caught 15 in a half day fishing. There is no offer of cleaning and having them prepared at local restaurant. On way back I thought we were being stopped by LE, but all they wanted was some free fish. He later some the rest other than what he needed to feed his family that night. Fun, but not what I would call a memorable experience for $250 for a half day.

Fishing56

Seems like it was memorable based on your recollection of the day. A half day for $250 and catching 15 redfish would be a heck of a great success in my opinion!