Mexico Cruises 2018 - 2019

Named after the Mayaimi tribe that inhabited the area in the 1600s, Miami has skyrocketed to international recognition as the cruise capital of the world. Nestled between Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park, the incredibly diverse tropical metropolis is equally acclaimed for its stunning sandy beaches, extravagant party scene, street art, natural beauty and glittering skyline. Vibrant, classy, edgy, exciting – Miami is everything you want in a cruise destination and more.

• Stroll down Ocean Drive in awe of the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture
• Paddleboard around spectacular Virginia Key, keeping an eye out for the local manatees
• Take a cultural journey through Little Havana, where locals socialize, murals tell a story and restaurants serve authentic Cuban food

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and sits on the Atlantic coast of the tropical Caribbean island. The city is renowned as a historical wonderland and mosaic of culture and the arts, with its colonial-era architecture, quaint old town and vivacious street art. Stroll the timeworn 15ft-thick walls guarding the harbor, relax at Isla Verde’s picturesque beach or dine at one of the superb restaurants in Santurce.

• Wonder at the historic El Morro and La Fortaleza, two 16th century fortresses offering impressive ocean vistas
• Watch as the locals play dominos in the Plaza de Armas, in San Juan’s old town
• Visit the bars, nightclubs and casinos in Isla Verde, the epicenter of San Juan’s vibrant nightlife

Cozumel, a tropical island located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, is one of the world’s top cruise destinations. With its glittering turquoise waters, bright white beaches and exotic marine life, the idyllic island is popular for snorkeling, diving and swimming with dolphins.

• Visit Stingray Beach to experience a close encounter with stingrays and exotic sea creatures
• Spot tropical birds, crocodiles and sea turtles at the Faro Celerain Eco Park
• Discover the island’s fascinating Mayan history at the San Gervasio Ruins

Puntarenas is home to Costa Rica’s most important port, and the city has a rich history of shipping, fishing and international trade. Many visitors simply pass it over on their way to the nearby sandy beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula or the lush tropical rainforests further inland. However, the city has a lot to offer on its own: delicious fresh seafood, inexpensive waterfront cafes, and a beautiful beachside promenade are just some of the things visitors can look forward to.

Located at the southernmost point of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico’s most popular cruise destinations. Its beautiful beaches make it a hot spot for surfing, sunbathing and fishing, and at night it turns into a popular party town. The beautiful weather and luxury lifestyle are particularly attractive for the rich and famous, with many celebrities owning holiday homes here. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a movie star.
Cabo’s most famous landmark is El Arco, a natural rock foundation shaped like an arch in the middle of a vast, sandy beach. Be sure to time your visit right – El Arco is only accessible during low tide.

The capital of Dominica, Roseau is a bustling city known for its lively downtown and its industrial port. The city is a hodgepodge of influences: traditional and modern, French and British, colonial and indigenous. Roseau has an attractive, walkable city center and several cathedrals that are worth visiting.
Dominica’s biggest tourist attraction are its natural landscapes. Watch for sea life from the comfort of a boat on a dolphin or whale watching tour, or get within arm’s reach while snorkeling or scuba diving. Rainforest tours offer the possibility to discover hidden waterfalls or experience breathtaking views from the mountainous inland.

Puerto Quetzal is an industrial harbor city and home to Guatemala’s largest and most important shipping port. Directly on the harbor, you will find a small tourist area with restaurants, bars and shops. For those looking for a relaxing day, you don’t have to travel far to find a hammock on the beach. More adventurous travelers may want to travel to the nearby city of Antigua, a charming, Spanish city, and nature lovers won’t want to miss the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlan.

The Costa Maya is a beautiful, 100-mile-long coastline on the Yucutan Peninsula characterized by white sand beaches and beautiful blue water. Right on the port you can find shopping areas, restaurants and bars, and jet skis for rent, and the nearby city of Mahahual holds a popular, easy to access beach. For those looking for a more private piece of paradise, the more secluded beaches are just a short taxi ride away.
One must-see for any visitor of Costa Maya is the Chacchoben Ruins, the remainders of an ancient Mayan city more than a thousand years old. For the best experience, take a guided tour to learn about what life was like for the Mayans – back then and now.

The island of Roatan sits above the second-largest coral reef in the world, making it an attractive destination for snorkelers, scuba divers and other ocean enthusiasts eager to get a glimpse of one of nature’s most colorful wonders. Book an excursion to visit the beautiful reef by boat, or simply swim from shore – some of the coral is located just 300 feet from the beach. The white sand beaches and crystal clear water make Roatan perfect for swimming and tanning alike.

There has never been a more exciting time to visit Cuba. After a 50-year travel ban, many Americans are eager to get a glimpse behind the (former) Iron Curtain – and what better way to do it than from the comfort of a cruise ship? Traveling to Havana is a step back in time. The streets are filed with classic cars from the 1950s, imported before the embargo was enacted, and people still largely enjoy a slower, more traditional way of life. The locals are incredibly friendly, and culturally conscious visitors will appreciate the opportunity to learn about the Cuban way of life. Of course, those looking for a relaxing tropical vacation will also not be disappointed. With year-round temperatures in the 80s, Havana is a beach lover’s dream.

Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s hottest cruise destinations, and for good reason: located near some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta features resorts, dining and leisure to suit every budget and taste. It is one of the most diverse cities in Mexico, and each neighborhood has a distinctive personality that makes it worth exploring. Old Vallarta offers a rustic, romantic atmosphere, perfect for recovering and relaxing after a long day of travel. Marina Vallarta is a shopping paradise and caters to a more luxurious taste, while the downtown area is home to the hottest clubs and bars that first come to life after sundown.

Puerto Limon is a bustling, industrial port city that serves as a gateway for many cruise ship passengers to Costa Rica’s natural wonders. The Veragua Rainforest is an easy day trip outside of the city, and visitors can explore it by foot on its hiking trails, by boat on a jungle canoe tour, or from above on a zipline canopy tour. The is also home to many nature and wildlife reserves where visitors can try their luck at spotting exotic animals in the wild, or see them up close at a sanctuary such as the Jaguar Rescue Center. Passengers preferring to stay close to port may prefer the waterfront park Parque Vargas, or learn about local history in the Museo Etnohistoric de Limon.

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, located on the eastern coast of Central America. First occupied by the Mayans around 1500 BC, the city boasts a rich history with more than 900 ancient sites to explore. The city also has one of the richest ecosystems in the world and contains an incredible 10 per cent of the world’s known species, making it a popular cruise destination.

• Discover spectacular marine life while snorkeling at the pristine Ambergris Caye
• Explore the cave of Actun Tunichil Muknal, an ancient Mayan sacred site
• Visit Xunantunich, the second largest Mayan structure in Belize, which is home to six plazas and 26 temples

Puerto Limon is a bustling, industrial port city that serves as a gateway for many cruise ship passengers to Costa Rica’s natural wonders. The Veragua Rainforest is an easy day trip outside of the city, and visitors can explore it by foot on its hiking trails, by boat on a jungle canoe tour, or from above on a zipline canopy tour. The is also home to many nature and wildlife reserves where visitors can try their luck at spotting exotic animals in the wild, or see them up close at a sanctuary such as the Jaguar Rescue Center. Passengers preferring to stay close to port may prefer the waterfront park Parque Vargas, or learn about local history in the Museo Etnohistoric de Limon.