Activiteiten in de omgeving van Criss and Sands Beach Club

Well, where do I start? First, in the confirmation email from Viator, the pick-up point was to be at the cruise terminal. But, the email from the tour operator said to take the cruise shuttle bus from the cruise terminal to downtown Progreso at the first, or second shuttle stop, that someone would be there at both locations to pick us up. I messaged them and chose the second stop, and asked to clarify the time. There was no response, but I learned that Progreso is 2 hours ahead of ship time. So, we stayed on the bus at the first stop. There was no second stop, but I convinced the driver to let us off before getting back on the pier to the cruise ship, and we walked 4 blocks to the “beach club”. The little communication we had via email was conflicting, and non-existent via the Viator app. During the walk, we were solicited by numerous people to go to their beach. I was using Apple Maps for directions and when it indicated we had arrived at Criss & Sand, this lady soliciting us there didn’t know what Criss & Sand Beach Club was. She summoned a young man over, and he said we were at Criss & Sand. He looked at our digital ticket, photographed it, and he turned out to be our waiter. He seated us and recited the drink and food menu orally. No written menu. We ordered drinks, and they were prepared from an ice chest on the beach. The drinks were OK, then we were constantly bombarded with venders trying to sell everything from hair braiding and conch shells to sunglasses and Apple Watches and AirPods. Each one came by four or five different times! After about 2 hours, we’d had enough. The waiter called for our ride back to the shuttle station and we returned to the ship. We have booked excursions with Viator many times in the past, and were always very well pleased, until today! Avoid this one!!

Overall it was ok. Getting there was sketchy. We had to take a shuttle from the port to downtown Progreso. Then from there we had to take a shuttle to the beach. Finding the right shuttle was a pain. The resort provides a shuttle but at first we couldn't find it. The locals of course didn't speak much English but they understood we were trying to get to the beach and was trying to offer rides there. We were instructed to find the drivers of the resort. I finally called Criss and Sands and was directed in how to find our driver. We made it to the beach. It was slow to get anything to eat and drink. Some of us only got the chips. There was no setup on the beach so I can only assume they were going across the street to the restaurant for the food. Idk. I probably wouldn't go back here.

***** location ***** beach and water ***** service (Attentive, courteous, quick) ****. Food (limited but adequate) * Drinks (small, weak and used crappy well brands, had to switch to beer All in all a very nice day, the only downside was the quality of the beverages, at the cost per person they need to drop the crappy well brands and pour quality drinks. I am not 21 on a booze cruise happy with everclear, popov’s vodka and an equally poor tequila but someone who likes a well made drink.

Everything went smooth. The representatives were expecting us and just as we got off the ship's bus to downtown and the representative immediately took our names and checked us in. We boarded a bus and drove a short distance to our destination. Once we arrived we were brought to lovely beach with many chairs and umbrellas. The view and the sound of the surf were totally relaxing. Unlike other beach clubs this one had a gorgeous beach minus the floating slides that seem to be an attraction at other beach clubs. We were offered choices of different drinks. Later we ordered food which was really tasty. drinks and food were included. They had people selling items as they walked the beach. Nice souvenirs . We bought a few handcrafted items at great prices. It was convenient as we only had a short time to shop once we returned to the ship. I had a relaxing day. The beach was a little rocky entering the water but once you got past that part the sand was warm and soft under your feet. They had lots of fish swimming around your feet. Snorkel masks were available but the water was clear and we saw lots of fish as we walked into the water. The food was wonderful. The representative took your order and brought it to you. Wonderful service , great food and drinks! I will be back!! CARNIVAL VALOR April 30th

Confused on how this has gotten such good reviews. Nobody met us at the bus station, they were out on a side street, the bus drivers had mercy on us and led us to where they were standing. It's a public beach, so you constantly have locals trying to sell you stuff. Doesn't matter if you've told them no the 4 other times they tried to sell you stuff, they keep on trying. The bathroom is a restaurant across the street, and the drinks and food are limited. The drinks were weak, but they provided tequila shots to make them stronger. The food was slightly warm, but it was really good. They were friendly, and did get us back to the ship quickly. We had done an all inclusive at Mr. Sancho's in Cozumel, loved it, and hoped this would be comparable. It was not, and I would not repeat this disappointing excursion.

I was really looking forward to this beach club, but I unfortunately was very let down by my experience. Firstly, the directions to the shuttle were not sufficient. I had to ask locals how to find the van. Secondly, the service was incredibly slow. I did get there early so originally I thought they were just getting started for the day and that was the reason. But the service continued to be super slow. There were two waiters who showed up every 30-60 minutes asking if we needed anything. I had to double up on ordering my drinks just so I didn’t have to wait too long. Thirdly, the drinks were WEAK. I was drinking strawberry margaritas and they tasted like there wasn’t a single drop of alcohol. I probably had about 10 and I was as sober as a stone. The food was decent but it was cold by the time it reached us. The servers didn’t necessarily make us feel like guests. They were lounging around when we had plates to be cleared and needed more drinks. I had to pay for an overpriced margarita across the street just to get a buzz before getting back on the boat. I’m extremely disappointed in my experience. I expected more after seeing the great reviews. Maybe I just caught them on a bad day? But I would’ve been better off going to a free beach and buying my own drinks/food throughout the day. I won’t be back.

The cruise port is an active shipyard. You have to get on the free shuttle out of the terminal. Then you need to ask for the person who works for Criss and Sands. That was tricky and stressful but he got the word we were looking for him and eventually found us. Then, we got handed over to a cab driver who took us to the beach. Once there, we got escorted to the beach chairs with umbrella. He introduced himself as Jesus who took care of us with snacks and beverage. I did not feel comfortable leaving my items. There is no locker available. Jesus (pronounced Hey suse) said he could put out our items in a building actively under construction and try to keep his eye on them. I did not like that option. Finally, I was so stressed by the constant stream of people soliciting or asking for money. It was so annoying to have someone walk up to you beating a drum and panhandling. It is no exaggeration to say that more than 50 people approached us. It should be a limit on people who can sell beads, mangos and watermelons and other wares. One vendor asked why come if Im not going to support their economy? He was indignant as if it is my responsibility to buy something. It was one of the worst excursions I’ve taken. I consider myself well-traveled and do not impose American standards to other cultures. But I was worn out by all the people approaching me that it was NOT A RELAXING DAY AT THE BEACH. We did get back on time to the shuttle pick/up drop-off location

This was our first time in Progreso. The beaches are stunning. Carlo took great care of us! This place will pick you up from the bus terminal and take you back to the terminal. Be prepared to wait going back to the ship drop off . The all-inclusive feature is for 3 hours on a portion of the beach that was public. There was a lot of locals walking up and down selling various items - ie local baked goods, cut up fruit like mango and watermelon, electronics, jewelry, conch shells, hand carved boxes , hammocks, hair braiding, a serenade, just to name a few. If that’s not your cup of tea, I would not recommend. But if you want some good guac, drinks and pretty beach and want to chill submerse yourself into the local scene, Criss and Sands will take care of you!

This was one of the most misleading excursions I’ve ever booked. The morning of our excursion the weather was rainy and cold. We debated canceling, but assumed it would warm up later in the day, so we decided to go anyway. Unfortunately, that was the least of our issues. We took the shuttle into downtown Progreso where we met a representative (Jose), who directed us to our transportation. Looking back, I truly wish he had been upfront about what we were actually going to experience, because we would have asked for a refund right then. Instead, we were sent along with no explanation. We were not taken to anything labeled “Criss & Sands Beach Club” as advertised. Instead, we were dropped off at a restaurant called “Manocos de Chichi.” We genuinely thought we had been taken to the wrong location. From there, the experience only got worse. It took 30 minutes just to get a beer. We had 5 children with us, and we absolutely would not have booked a day sitting at a restaurant with them had we known that’s what this was. The listing advertises an “all-inclusive” experience with an open bar, gourmet dining, and even a traditional Mexican snack buffet. That is absolutely not what was provided. Drink options were extremely limited to a short list, not an actual open bar. Food was unclear and disorganized—staff could not explain what was included, and we were required to pay out of pocket for items that were supposedly part of the package. There was no beach service, no waiter, and no structure to the experience at all. Staff seemed completely unaware of what this “all-inclusive” package even included. The entire day felt like we were dropped at a random restaurant and left to figure it out ourselves. We ended up paying our full bill just to leave and salvage what we could of the day, hoping the booking company would make this right. Instead, they have continued going back and forth with us, and we are still waiting for a refund. Describing this as a “worry-free all-inclusive beach club” is simply inaccurate. This is not a beach club experience—it’s a poorly organized stop at a restaurant being marketed as something much more. Save your money and book something else.

⭐️☆☆☆☆ (1/5) This was one of the most misleading excursions I’ve ever booked. The morning of our excursion the weather was rainy and cold. We debated canceling, but assumed it would warm up later in the day, so we decided to go anyway. Unfortunately, that was the least of our issues. We took the shuttle into downtown Progreso where we met a representative (Jose), who directed us to our transportation. Looking back, I truly wish he had been upfront about what we were actually going to experience, because we would have asked for a refund right then. Instead, we were sent along with no explanation. We were not taken to anything labeled “Criss & Sands Beach Club” as advertised. Instead, we were dropped off at a restaurant called “Manocos de Chichi.” We genuinely thought we had been taken to the wrong location. From there, the experience only got worse. It took 30 minutes just to get a beer. We had 5 children with us, and we absolutely would not have booked a day sitting at a restaurant with them had we known that’s what this was. The listing advertises an “all-inclusive” experience with an open bar, gourmet dining, and even a traditional Mexican snack buffet. That is absolutely not what was provided. Drink options were extremely limited to a short list, not an actual open bar. Food was unclear and disorganized—staff could not explain what was included, and we were required to pay out of pocket for items that were supposedly part of the package. There was no beach service, no waiter, and no structure to the experience at all. Staff seemed completely unaware of what this “all-inclusive” package even included. The entire day felt like we were dropped at a random restaurant and left to figure it out ourselves. We ended up paying our full bill just to leave and salvage what we could of the day, hoping the booking company would make this right. Instead, they have continued going back and forth with us, and we are still waiting for a refund. Describing this as a “worry-free all-inclusive beach club” is simply inaccurate. This is not a beach club experience—it’s a poorly organized stop at a restaurant being marketed as something much more. Save your money and book something else.