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The second time, I got to hold a monkey at an animal sanctuary (which was fun even in the pouring rain) and relax at a beach club. The first trip, we did an ATV tour around the island, hitting up a chocolate factory and a beach, and it was a bit scary but super fun. This blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. Cozumel also has some incredible beaches, but just make sure you choose the right one.
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Galveston, TX 2024 (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Galveston, TX 2024 (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:33:34 GMT [source]
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Cruises to the Western Caribbean usually embark from ports around Florida such as Miami, Port Canaveral, Everglades, Jacksonville, Tampa Bay, and Fort Lauderdale. They sometimes embark from other cities such as New Orleans, Galveston, or Mobile. These cruises also have less island hopping compared to Eastern Caribbean cruises. When we finally got there, the place was super crowded – four ships were in port that day! Getting a taxi was a hassle, and by the time we got to the beach, all the chairs were already taken.
Snuba Cruise Excursions Offer Underwater Adventures
It’s a convenient stopover for cruises that go to Belize City or Roatan.
Best Ports In The Eastern Caribbean Islands
While the city has some attractions, the best experiences are the various trips you can take nearby. The duration of Western Caribbean cruises can vary, typically ranging from 4 to 7 days, but longer itineraries are also available. For example, Royal Caribbean’s Labadee is a part of Haiti, exclusive to cruise passengers. So, while Costa Maya has its charms and is definitely worth a visit, keep in mind that you might have to travel a bit to get to the really cool stuff. After a couple of visits, you might feel like you’ve seen all it has to offer.
Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway
The best time of year to visit is between December to April, which marks the end of the hurricane season and the start of the dry season. Whale watching tours are extremely popular in Dominica, as the island’s unique geography provides the perfect harbor for sperm whales. If you prefer to stay dry and enjoy the sun’s rays, there are lots of beaches near the port. While you can walk to some, the ones further away have more amenities, such as Mr. Sanchos.
It’s known for its pastel-colored colonial buildings, lively restaurant scene, and many shops. The island has two Mayan ruins, San Gervasio and El Cedral, while more popular Mayan ruins such as Chichén Itzá and Tulum are easily accessible on the mainland. Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, so there are great spots for snorkeling all over the island. The island is also home to plenty of white sandy beaches, though most are located at a bit of a distance from the rockier port.
A popular spot for nature lovers is the Blue Lagoon, which is perfect for swimming and is known for its beautiful cliffs and tropical surroundings. The Rio Grande river, with its lovely waterfalls, is perfect for rafting or tubing. Another must-see is Reach Falls, where you can enjoy a waterfall, swim in a natural pool, and hike or watch birds. Located just a short drive away from Punta Gorda are the ancient Mayan ruins of Lubaantun, an ideal day trip for history enthusiasts. Within the town itself, visitors can explore the bustling Town Market, where they can find an array of local produce, fresh seafood, and unique souvenirs.
A cruise to Western Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Western Caribbean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. Puerto Costa Maya in Mexico is home to Mayan art and architecture (as its name implies), but you can also find the Spanish fort Fuerte San Felipe Bacalar. Spend your day exploring this historic site, just over an hour from the port — there's also a cenote cavern nearby if you're uparagraphCopy for some diving. Dive under the sea, fly above the ocean, and treasure-hunt through the jungle with a cruise to Western Caribbean. Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights.
WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES
It also has a great shopping and entertainment excursion across the water at Playa del Carmen’s 5th Avenue. It’s a long and pedestrian-only street lined with shops, hotels and restaurants. Cruise visitors who spend a day or more in Cozumel can take a ferry to Playa del Carmen. Cozumel is the most popular island in the western Caribbean with more than 3 million cruise visitors every year.
Punta Gorda, a cruise port in southern Belize, currently serves just a few cruise lines and has a small population of 6,000. As a charming coastal town, its economy mainly revolves around tourism and fishing. It’s known for its array of waterfront hotels, bars, and lodges, attracting tourists from all over the world. Above, I talked about cruise line private islands in the Western Caribbean. A few cruise lines also have private destinations that are a portion of a larger island. Costa Maya, a little port town in Mexico a few hours south of Cancun, is a cool spot that’s mostly visited by cruise ships.
The Western Caribbean islands include the Cayman Islands and Jamaica, and the island of Roatan off the coast of Honduras. Other Caribbean destinations are on the mainland of Belize, Honduras and Mexico. In fact, many of the top cruise lines will only sail to mainland Mexico or Belize on itineraries that they name as ‘Western Caribbean’. This includes anything in the Gulf of Mexico, and the western parts of the Caribbean sea. So, if you want to visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, having a port day in Progreso provides the closest access, although it will be an all-day affair. A visit to Chacchoben Mayan ruins gives insights into an ancient civilization.
In Costa Maya, spend a day in Chacchoben to discover Mayan history and traditions dating back thousands of years. Altun Ha is home to the 60-foot “Temple of the Sun God” in Belize City, which is well worth a day trip. Visit Lamanai, one of Mesoamerica's largest Mayan ceremonial sites, on a riverboat safari excursion. Don’t miss a visit to the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Since the terminal has pier space for two large cruise ships, its population almost doubles when two ships are in port. It is Jamaica's second largest city and is famous for its lively atmosphere, great duty-free shopping, and luxurious golf and beach resorts. Jamaica is a large island in the Western Caribbean with three popular cruise ports on the north coast — Montego Bay, Falmouth, and Ocho Rios. All the ports in Jamaica seem to have aggressive vendors, but ignoring them and just saying "no thank you" usually works.
And if you love rum, don’t miss the Hampden Estate Rum Tour, where you can explore a distillery and learn about the art of rum production. Dead End Beach is unique because you can witness airplanes ascending and descending right by the beachfront. In the city, Sam Sharpe Square is a bustling spot full of local culture. For history enthusiasts, the Bellefield Great House is a must-see for its lovely gardens and traditional colonial architecture. If you’re looking to relax, head to Little French Key, a private island that is perfect for snorkeling and relaxing after a long cruise.
Anyone who is going on a western Caribbean cruise for the first time may find it helpful to divide the ports of call into three groups. Try an authentic slice of key lime pie in Key West, or experience the jovial atmosphere of Duval Street’s bars. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime in Belize, where you can go tubing in caves, snorkel alongside sharks, or zipline over a verdant jungle canopy.
Belize is home to the largest collection of Mayan ruins in central America, which means plenty of spectacular natural attractions to explore. Cruise to the Western Caribbean in complete luxury aboard one of our award-winning ships, outfitted with sleek, modern design and venues that push the boundaries between sea and ship. Our fleet promises world-class dining, intuitive service, and luxurious accommodations that become your sanctuary after sun-soaked days in the Caribbean.
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