We have been going to Cozumel for 20+ years and it has certainly changed during that time.
The beach truly depends on what you want.
If you want an all inclusive and do not have children, then I would recommend Nachi Cocom. It is $49.95 per person. That includes all your drinks and one 3 course meal. They have a huge pool with a swim up bar.
If you do not want an all inclusive, then I would recommend Paradise Beach. They are one of the FREE beach resorts, which means they do not charge an entrance fee (Playa Mia does) and they do not charge for their lounge chairs (San Francisco Beach does sometimes ). Paradise Beach does not charge for chairs, tables, umbrellas, CLEAN restrooms, changing rooms, outdoor shower....even the Internet at the bar is free.
All they ask is that you eat/drink while you are there .... which is fair.
And Paradise Beach has the comfy lounge chairs....not the hard plastic that some of the other resorts use.
Paradise Beach offers a $10 wristband for the day IF (it is OPTIONAL) you want to use their non-motorized water toys. They have the most water toys of any beach resort.
ALL the beach resorts will be $12-15 ONE WAY for a taxi of up to 4 people.
ALL the beach resorts will have the same water. Most of the time it is fine...but once in a while (if a storm has just blown through) the water will be cloudy.
ALL the beach resorts will have the same "rocky" sand. Paradise Beach has the north end that you can enter the water without water shoes....but places like Mr. Sanchos you will definately need water shoes. Hurricane Wilma stripped the sand away from the rock just below the water line.
Don't worry about getting back to the ship.....there are more taxis than sand in Cozumel. But DO keep your watch on SHIP TIME....because that is when the ship will leave.
Hubby- 9 Carnival Cruises starting in 1982.
Plus Family of Four since 1998 -
32 Carnival cruises.
Ships sailed: (some multiple times)
Mardi Gras, Festivale, Tropicale, Jubilee, Holiday, Celebration, Fantasy, Inspiration, Sensation, Paradise, Imagination, Fascination, Spirit, Legend, Pride, Miracle, Victory, Conquest.,Ecstasy, Splendor, Freedom, Glory, Valor
Booked for 2009 :
Dream December 3, 2009 (Spa Cabin)
Triumph December 31, 2009
Fantasy May 8, 2010