The Jean Lafitte Pirate Ship

A sunset dinner cruise in Cozumel supplies lots of  relaxing fun that increases even more when you add pirates into the mix.  Decked out with dramatic masts, a waving Jolly Roger flag and a crew of colorful pirates, the Jean Lafitte does not look like your ordinary cruise ship.  Climbing onto the boat from the Cozumel dock, I sensed adventure in the air. About 60 passengers lined the seats on the boat and the pirates Pork Chop, Sparky, El Capitain and Jack Sparrow, plied us with drinks.  No sooner had I taken a sip of  rum punch, then I spied Jack Sparrow climbing the mast and gazing down on us suspiciously.  He and the crew proceeded to shake passengers down for jewelry, watches and hugs from the women.

Deciding that none of our treasures were worth looting, the pirates started to sing and dance with all the conviction that befits men in tight pants and eyeliner.  They swiveled their hips to salsa and prodded us to do the limbo.  Then they performed a rousing rendition of YMCA that inspired all of us to perform the silly letter gestures.  Soon the quartet laid out tables smoothly and politely served lobster, steak and chicken dinners. Were these the same pirates that had just tried to get a passenger to walk the plank?  Just when I thought that all was well, they whisked away the tables and broke into a sword fight, complete with showy special effects.  Several suggestive games followed where selected passengers found themselves in compromising positions.  Historically, pirates headed to Cozumel to hide-out during the 17th century.  As we sailed back to the port under a dramatic sunset, I realized that maybe a few continued to hang around Cozumel.

Dancing Pirates

The  sunset dinner cruise lasts about 2 and half hours and costs $63-$71, depending on your meal. Hours are 6:15PM-9PM, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Open bar is included.

Photos by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Related: Mayan Ruins at Tulum, Mexico; CasaMagna Cancun Resort.