Tag: CRUISE TRAVEL

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Cruise Travel Florida Jacksonville United States

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, Florida

Are you cruising out of Jacksonville, Florida? There are plenty of things for cruisers to do in Jacksonville, near the cruise port. Our city is the largest city in the United States, square milage-wise which means that everything is spread out. You’ll either want to have a car or have to rely on Uber to get around because our public transportation system isn’t the greatest.

The cruise port is located in the northern part of Jacksonville, north of downtown, and relatively close to the airport. The closest hotel to the port is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites, but there are plenty of options near the airport.

Things for Cruisers to do in Jacksonville

Shopping

The closest shopping to the cruise port is the River City Marketplace, which is just under 9 miles away. Here you’ll find a wide range of stores where you can pick up anything you may need before your trip. There is a Walmart here along with clothing stores, makeup stores, etc.

Beaches

The cruise port is located in an industrial area, so you’ll have to drive a few miles east to hit the beaches. Nearby beaches include:

Huguenot Park

Honestly, this is the beach that we frequent the most. During the spring and summer months, you can find us here at least 2 days a week. You’re able to drive on the beach, which makes it super convenient if you’re traveling with kids or if you are bringing along a bunch of stuff.

Huguenot Memorial Park is a 450-acre horseshoe-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by 3 bodies of water: the Fort George Inlet, St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The park is famous for birding, the ability to drive on the beach, and for the one mile of jetty rocks that are used to guide ships into the mouth of the St. Johns River. The jetties, as well as other areas of the beach, are well-known for fishing.

Blackrock/Boneyard Beach

Shhh, this is one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets! This secluded beach is located just off of Heckscher Drive. A 1/2 mile trail through the woods dumps out onto a photographer’s paradise. The beach is covered with sun-bleached fallen trees. The beach is named after rock-like soil formations. This Mars-like beach is out of this world!

Our Guide to Blackrock Beach will help you find this hidden gem and give you all the info you’ll need to plan your trip.

Little Talbot Island State Park

This park has 5 miles of premier beaches and 3 miles of biking trails. It’s a little more of a drive to get there (compared to Huguenot) but it’s worth it! A long boardwalk empties out onto a spectacular beach that is a bit less crowded than Huguenot. Plus, you won’t have to worry about looking for cars when you’re walking out to the water.

History

Jacksonville is full of historical sites for visitors to explore. A quick Google search would tell you that Yellow Bluff Fort and the El Faro Memorial are both located very close to the cruise port. I promise you, you’ll regret taking the time to visit Yellow Bluff Fort. Honestly, it’s just a grouping of earthworks (man-made mounds) that are remnants of an encampment from the Civil War. I’m a history nerd and I found it boring.

We suggest visiting Kingsley Plantation, instead. The plantation is located several miles down the road from the cruise port, but it is worth the visit. The property belonged to Zephaniah Kingsley who spent 25 years there. The plantation was originally 1,000 acres, most of which has been overtaken by mother nature. The owner’s house was built between 1797 and 1798 and is the oldest surviving plantation home in the state. There are 25 slave cabins that are still remarkably pretty well intact.

Across the river, you’ll find Fort Caroline, a site that memorializes the short-lived French presence. Although the fort is a replica, it’s still a pretty neat place to visit. There are a handful of trails nearby that are great if you love spending time outdoors. Just down the road is the Ribault Monument which commemorates the 1562 landing of Jean Ribault near the mouth of the St. Johns River.

Zoo

The zoo is located just a couple of miles away from the cruise port, making it easily accessible to cruisers. If we had a few hours to kill before our ship pulled out, this is where we will spend our time.

The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens is one of our favorite hangout spots. The zoo is one of our city’s main attractions, with more than a million visitors checking it out each year. The zoo has over 2,000 animals and just as many plants in its gardens.

Food

If you’re looking to grab a bite nearby, the closest place to eat to the cruise port is Wendy’s. There are plenty of other options at the River City Marketplace, less than 10 miles away.

Some of our local favorites include:

Palm’s Fish Camp– Great seafood, pizza, and incredible drinks.
Green Papaya– Delicious Thai Food.
New Berlin Fish House & Oyster Bar– A great seafood menu and a wonderful brunch menu, as well.
Happy Taco Feliz- This food truck has an incredible selection of authentic Mexican food.
FujiYama– The best Japanese and sushi in the area.

But wait, there’s more!

There’s plenty of stuff to do in the River City! From wildlife sanctuaries to art museums, we have it all. We have plenty of more suggestions in our 10 Fun Things to Do in Jacksonville article if you have a bit more time and are able to venture further away from the cruise terminal

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Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion- Insider Tips on Cruise Ports

One of my favorite things about planning out my cruises is picking out my shore excursion(s).  There is an abundance of things to do and sometimes it can be hard to narrow it down to just one activity each port!  Selecting which cruise excursion is right for you, but we’ve outlined some of the best activities in the hottest ports of the Caribbean.

Swimming with Nurse Sharks at Shark and Ray Alley, Belize

Each port lends itself to different activities. For instance, Belize, Costa Maya, San Juan, and Cozumel are excellent for experiencing ancient cultures however, they are also great for outdoor adventure activities. 

Ports like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Antigua are great for shopping and hitting the beach. 

Of course, there are some ports, like Grand Turk,  Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay where you really don’t even have to book an excursion because they been developed by Carnival.

What is a Cruise Excursion?

A cruise excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

How to Select the Perfect Cruise Excursion for YOU

Really, it all depends on your idea of fun. The great thing about cruise excursions is the fact there is literally something for everyone! I like to pick something adventurous and something cultural each cruise.

For the History Lovers

I’ve always been quite a bit of a history nerd so I really enjoy historic island tours and visits to Mayan ruins. In the past six cruises, I have visited 3 different sets of ruins and been on many island tours. I like doing island tours because you get to see a lot of the island/port, learn a bit of history and you still get time to shop and/or hit the beach.

Not all island tours are created equally though. I booked an island tour on Grand Turk and was really disappointed. The island doesn’t really have much to offer. I would have been much better off just staying at the port and enjoying the beach and pool area. However, islands like Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, and St. Thomas all offer incredible island tours that are full of rich history.

 

Xunantunich Ruins, Belize

Recommended Island Tours: Antigua, Tortola, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Bahamas and San Juan

Recommended Maya Ruins: Xunantunich, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Cahal Pech, Chacchoben

Ports where I don’t recommend island/city tours: Belize, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, Cozumel

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

For the Adventurers

Each cruise, I like to do something that scares me…. just a little. It’s a great opportunity to open myself up to new experiences, to conquer fears, and to try new things. I must admit, I have done some really, really cool things while traveling. I’ve zip lined, snorkeled with sharks and rays, explored caves in Mexico and Belize, gone off-roading, and been on high-speed boat rides.

Recommended Activities: Ziplining (anywhere!), Cave Tubing in Belize, 4×4 safari in Aruba (it was so amazing!), catamaran rides (anywhere!), Rio Secreto (Cozumel), snorkeling (Bonaire, St. Thomas, Belize, Grand Turk), and Sting Ray City (Grand Cayman), Swimming with Sharks and Rays (Belize).

Snorkeling in Bonaire

You may have noticed that I don’t always book tours. There are some ports that have been really well developed by Carnival. Rather than just having the usual Carnival stores, they have added special features such as wide sandy beaches (with amenities), pools, bars, and restaurants. In places like Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, and Amber Cove it isn’t necessary to spend your money on an excursion. Whereas I strongly recommend booking something for Belize as Belize City itself has absolutely nothing to offer.

There are other ports where I don’t book tours but I either hit the local beaches or shop at the local shops. Ports, where this is totally doable, include Nassau, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Grand Turk. I hope this helps you get an idea of how I choose my shore excursions. I mix a little history, with a bit of adventure and outdoor activities to create the trip of a lifetime!

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Updated: 4/8/22

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Alaska Cruise Travel Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier Juneau Ketchikan Skagway United States

Reliving Our Alaskan Cruise Highlights

 I’ve had several friends ask me what the best part of my Alaskan cruise was. Choosing our Alaskan cruise highlights is just as impossible as coming up with my favorite Hanson song! The whole cruise was absolutely remarkable! We spent time checking out all of the sights in Seattle, explored Skagway, British Columbia & The Yukon, saw the Mendenhall and Dawes Glaciers, hiked countless trails, and took in all of the sights of the Last Frontier. How can I select just one of those as a highlight? To put it simply, I can’t. Here are some of my favorite things about my trip:

Alaskan Cruise Highlights

  • Seals
  • Humpback Whale
  • Bald Eagle

The Wild Life

How can you not appreciate the wildlife of Alaska? It’s so funny because everyone on the ship was hoping that they would see a whale on the cruise. I didn’t book a whale-watching excursion and I can’t even begin to tell you how many whales we saw on this trip! We saw humpbacks galore and even got to see some orcas frolicking in the water. Seaworld ain’t got nothin’ on Alaska y’all!

On the ship, there was a naturalist that stood on the bridge of the ship and made an announcement anytime she spotted a whale, seal, bald eagle, porpoise, etc. It became kind of a game to rush to the side of the ship that she referenced in her announcement.

While we were in Juneau, we hopped on a bus to the Mendenhall Glacier. As we were driving through downtown Juneau a mama bear and two cubs ran across the road. It was the coolest thing ever! I definitely didn’t expect to have a bear sighting- especially in downtown Juneau!

The Lakes & Snow-Capped Mountains

As a Florida girl, it was nice to see something other than palm trees, sand, brackish water, and flat terrain. I loved all of the gorgeous green lakes, evergreens, and snow-capped mountains. There were mountains galore! We even got to play in the snow… in the summer! And yes, I fought back the urge to sing songs from Disney’s “Frozen”.

The Glaciers

Seeing the glaciers was pretty rad too! We visited both the Mendenhall Glacier and the Dawes Glacier on this trip. We were amazed by how blue the glaciers were and how gorgeous the surrounding water was. It was pretty neat sailing by little icebergs on our way through the Endicott Arm.

The lush green hillsides stood out in comparison to the vibrant blue water. It was absolutely stunning! Another cool thing about the Endicott Arm was all of the waterfalls that lined the waterway. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere quite as beautiful as the Endicott Arm! It was truly that beautiful.

Yes, Even Canada, eh

Believe it or not, we actually spent about as much time in Canada as we did in Alaska! We spent several hours driving through British Columbia and Yukon Territory. We also made a pit-stop in Victoria, British Columbia. This part of Canada was just as gorgeous as Alaska! I’m so glad we made the drive from Skagway to Carcross!

I have a feeling we’ll definitely be back to The Last Frontier. Now that we’ve been formally introduced, we’d love to drive around and check out more of what Alaska has to offer. Going to Alaska was a dream come true, I can definitely see why people consider this a trip of a lifetime.

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Caribbean Costa Maya Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mexico

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Costa Maya is an absolutely stunning corner of Mexico. The turquoise blue waters crash into the vibrant green jungle and the white sand beach to form some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever encounter. Believe it or not, you can experience this port to the fullest without shelling out a ton of cash! Although it isn’t nearly as developed as Cozumel (130 miles north), it still offers visitors plenty to do.

Senor Frogs, Costa Maya

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Costa Maya?

Carnival has developed some ports as “destinations” and created a safe environment for cruisers to relax by the pool, spend some money in the shops or dine at restaurants. Costa Maya even gives you the option to swim with dolphins- if that is your thing. The port also features an aviary, a fish spa, and a place for you to experience Maya healing rituals. Oh, and of course there’s a tequila bar.

When you get off the ship you’ll need to walk down a long pier to the port. If you are not comfortable walking, or unable to, there are free shuttle buses that cart folks back and forth.

Although there is plenty to do at the port, if you want to truly experience Mexico, we suggest leaving the port area.

What are the highlights of Costa Maya?

  • Beautiful, large pools (with free floats)
  • Souvenir shops
  • Restaurants and bars (Senor Frogs, & Carlos and Charlies, etc).
  • Tequila Bar
  • Aviary
  • Fish Spa
  • Kakaw Chocolate
  • Dolphin Encounter
  • SCUBA diving

Free Entertainment in Costa Maya

Nearby Beaches

Walk towards your right from the port entrance, past the shops to the grand staircase. To the right of the staircase, there is a small pathway leading to a ticket selling booth/table. Here you can purchase tickets for a taxi or trolley ride. They can take you to any of the popular beach clubs.

Costa Maya, Mexico

The beaches here are unique in the sense that many of the bars, restaurants, and hotels actually own the beach that their establishment is on. Often times this means that you can receive bar and restaurant services while soaking up the rays. Pretty cool, huh?

Recommended Excursions in Costa Maya

Chacchoben Maya Ruins & Blue Lagoon

This 6 1/2 hour tour combines Maya history, local culture, and a beach break at a blue lagoon with an open bar. The trip starts with an hour-long bus ride out to the ruins. Along the way, your tour guide will tell you all there is to know about the ruins. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the ruins and the three main temples before heading back to the coast for lunch and time at the blue lagoon. This tour won’t leave you much time to explore the port area.

Maya Adventure Park & Beach Break

Spend the day at the Maya Adventure Park (the faux temple you see on the horizon from the cruise ship). The park has 9 waterslides, 2 zipline courses, a ropes course, and a roller coaster. There is also a pool and a Cenote to cool off in. Afterwards, hit the Beach Escape Beach Club for a bit of fun in the sun.

Bacalar Lagoon, Mexico

Seven Colors Lagoon River Tubing

This tour will take you to the stunning Bacalar Lagoon known as the “Lake of Seven Colors”. You’ll spend an hour and a half floating down the picturesque river. The tour includes lunch at the pier pictured above.

Bacalar Fort & Seven Colors Lagoon

Want to experience the real Mexico? This is truly a hidden gem! You’ll head to the town of Bacalar home to Bacalar Fort and the Seven Colors Lagoon. The fortress was built in 1733 to protect the Spanish colonists from pirate attacks and rebellions by the local indigenous people. You’ll also get a chance to spend time floating on the lagoon.

Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach

Of course, you can never go wrong with a catamaran and snorkeling excursion. In fact, I have done this on several trips to Mexico and it never gets old.

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Caribbean Grand Cayman Honduras Nassau The Bahamas

My Three Least Favorite Cruise Ports (and the Reasons Aren’t What You Think!)

I have to tell you, I have experienced some pretty cool things and seen some incredible places. Some of my favorite places have been Alaska, France, and England and, of course, the locations I shared a couple of weeks ago in my 5 Favorite Cruise Ports post.

Today I thought it might be fun to share with you my least favorite cruise ports. Now, let me preface this by saying that I realize that I am extremely fortunate to be able to travel and this is, in no way, me whining. I should also say that none of these places are absolutely terrible, and it was impossible for me to come up with 3 places that weren’t spectacular. In fact, all of these places are actually nice, as I’m sure anyone who has visited them would agree, they just don’t rank high up on my list.

Alright, enough with the disclaimers. Let’s get the ball rolling, shall we?

My Least Favorite Cruise Ports

Atlantis, Nassau, The Bahamas

Nassau

I’ve been to Nassau six times and it grows on me more and more each time. This gorgeous island in The Bahamas is dotted with stunning beaches and a plethora of things to do. Nassau is a haven for tourists…which is actually why I don’t love it. For me, Nassau is far too crowded. Visiting the Straw Market is a nightmare due to the number of tourists that are jam-packed in such a small space. Will I return to Nassau? Absolutely. In fact, I’ll be there in 6 months time. The key to enjoying Nassau is getting away from the crowds. [7 Things for Cruisers to do Within Walking Distance in Nassau]

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman

Again, I actually like quite a bit about Grand Cayman. The island features a lovely Sea Turtle Farm and phenomenal beaches. This is also a fantastic location for snorkeling and scuba diving. On one visit, I took a boat out to Stingray City where I got to swim with stingrays which was totally cool! The key to enjoying Grand Cayman is to get out and do things. If you stay around the tourist district you’ll just wander in and out of shops all day. Grand Cayman has a lot to offer. I do strongly recommend skipping paying for a trip to the tourist trap that is known as Hell. It’s not even worth a second thought.

Mahogany Bay, Roatan

Mahogany Bay/Roatan

If you’re a regular to 5 Suitcases you may be surprised to see Mahogany Bay on the list especially since I also included it in my Top 5. You see, although Mahogany Bay and Roatan are essentially the same places, they couldn’t be more different. Carnival develops many of its ports as destinations by putting in a ton of stores, restaurants, and bars and putting in an idyllic beach. Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay are all prime examples of this. I have to admit, Carnival has done an amazing job with these projects. However, it’s not authentic.

When I first started visiting Roatan there was nothing. Literally nothing. We were greeted at the port by guerrillas brandishing machine guns. Many people turned back, but we forged on and got to see how gorgeous the authentic Roatan really is. The only reason I dislike Mahogany Bay is that most visitors will not go beyond Carnival’s secure walls and discover how fantastic the island truly is.

The people of Roatan are some of the most pleasant, welcoming people you will ever meet. It’s a shame that many people will never get a chance to experience this simply because they remain at Mahogany Bay.

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Categories
Aruba Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

Exploring the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins of Aruba

Bushiribana Ruins

Did you know that gold has played an important part in Aruba’s history? Aruba’s name roughly translates to “there was gold”. On the north coast of the island resides the Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, a remnant of the island’s Gold Rush.

The Gold Rush of 1824

During the 1700s the Dutch explored the Caribbean in search of gold and treasures hidden by the Spanish. They explored Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao but left disappointed.

Fast Forward to 1824 when a twelve-year-old herder discovered gold ore in the hills of Rooi Fluit. Almost immediately, gold became an important part of Aruba’s history from 1824 until about 1916. Nearly everyone on the island sought out the precious metal. However, what they found had to be sold to the government at a fixed price.

The fever died out in 1830 however, new gold veins were discovered in 1854. Afterward, locals were prohibited from digging for gold. A Dutch Company had exclusive rights for digging on the island before changing hands to American and English companies.

The island produced more than 3 million pounds, in total.

The Bushiribana Gold Mill

The Aruba Island Gold Mining Company built Bushiribana in 1874 to extract gold from the ore that was being mined in the hills nearby. The limestone mill was designed to look like a fort in order to intimidate potential pirates.

Eventually, in 1916 during World War 1, the Aruba Gold Mining Company decided to cease all operations on the island. The digging never resumed.

Visiting the Mill

Although it costs nothing to visit and explore the Bushiribana Ruins, you may want to visit with a tour guide. There are no guides, information pamphlets, or even signs that explain the history of the site. Everything is just kind of left open for you to interpret.

The views from the mill are absolutely remarkable. This is definitely one of Aruba’s most photogenic locations! 

Visiting the Mill is a must, especially if you’re already in the area visiting the Aruba Ostrich Farm, the Small Natural Pool, or the Ayo Rock Formations.

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Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

The beach next to the ship is perfect for snorkeling and swimming!

One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when planning your cruise is deciding when you’ll go. Cruises (traditionally) run 365 days a year- but some times of the year are better than others. There are things you need to take into consideration such as school breaks, hurricane season, and other factors. Join us as we explore the best and worst times to cruise.

Tulum Beach, Mexico

The Best and Worst Times to Cruise

January Through February

January and February are some of my favorite months to cruise. Since most of the ports have tropical or sub-tropical climates, the weather is absolutely gorgeous this time of the year. This is the perfect time of year to cruise if you live up north and want to escape the frigid winter temperatures.

The water temperatures are a tiny bit chilly, but you’ll adjust quickly and should be fun. Be advised that you can still get sunburned during this time of the year, so be sure to bring your sunscreen along.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

March Through Easter

This is one of the most popular times for people to book a cruise thanks to Spring Break. I’ve been on many Spring Break cruises, and they really aren’t that bad. The crowds during this time tend to be younger- we’re talking lots of families and a ton of intoxicated college kids.

I will say I don’t sleep well on cruises during this time of the year because there are kids and drunkards running up and down the halls at all hours of the night.

This is also the beginning of peak season so expect the prices to be a bit higher and the lines to be a bit longer at the buffets. These cruises were fun when I was in my twenties however, now that I’m a bit older I tend to avoid cruising during this time.

Atlantis- Paradise Island, Bahamas

May Through August

Look, I get the appeal of booking a cruise during the summer. The kids are out of school, it’s the perfect weather for a day at the beach, and you’re guaranteed to get some color on your skin. Seemingly, this is the perfect time to cruise. However, believe it or not, this is my least favorite time to cruise.

“Why?” you might ask. There are fewer drunk college kids during the summer months, but more families. The pools, hot tubs, and food lines are swarming with young kids. There are children everywhere. And quite frankly, it’s rather annoying.

The weather in the Caribbean at this time of the year is dreadfully hot and humid, and this is coming from a Floridian. If you do choose to cruise during this time of year pack plenty of sunscreen and aloe and stay hydrated.

The prices this time of year are much higher, and quite frankly not worth it (in my opinion). At this time of the year, I’d much rather cruise to Alaska than to the Caribbean.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

September Through October

Many people shy away from cruising during this time of the year because it is the peak of hurricane season. Sure, there there is a chance of having to deal with a storm (more on that below) but to me, it’s a chance worth taking.

This is my favorite time to cruise! The weather is fantastic, the water is absolutely glorious, and the prices are lower.

Natural Bridge, Aruba

November Through December

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season officially lasts from June 1 to November 30th. The season tends to peak in September. Traditionally, this is when you’ll see the lowest cruise fares. Some people tend to steer away from traveling during hurricane season however, I’m not one of those people. Oftentimes, when there is a storm your itinerary will change a bit. I’ve had two cruise itineraries that were impacted by a tropical storm or hurricane. On the first one, we simply skipped a port and had an extra sea day. On the second one, we visited Grand Turk instead of St. Thomas.

Planning a cruise during the shoulder season, or off-season can help you save money on your cruise. Of course, you’ll see the highest cruise fares during holidays and cruising seasons. You’ll pay more money to sail during the December holidays as well as from late February throughout Easter, due to Spring Break.

Personally, my favorite months to cruise are September, October, January, and March.

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Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel

Where Should I Cruise To- Eastern vs. Western Caribbean

Are you asking yourself, “Where should I cruise to?” One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when booking a cruise is deciding where you should cruise to. There are tons of options scattered all throughout the Caribbean. From the Bahamas in the northeast all the way down to Aruba in the very southern Caribbean.

The Caribbean is generally split into three regions: Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean. Each region differs primatrily by the departure port, number of ports on your itinerary, and the length of your trip. For instance, if you’re interested in going to the Southern Caribbean, you’ll probably want to/need to leave from Miami or Puerto Rico.

Caribbean cruises can range from 2-10 days (and sometimes even longer!) depending on the cruise line, departure port, and itinerary. It can be overwhelming to pick the itinerary for your family especially if you’re a first-time cruiser.

Where Should I Cruise To?

God of the Winds Temple, Tulum

Western Caribbean

The Western Caribbean is a popular selection for first-time cruisers. The ports have a more exotic feel than those in the Eastern Caribbean and are a bit less glitsy. Western Caribbean cruises typically feature destinations such as Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, or Costa Maya. The week-long cruises will often times visit Belize and Roatan, as well.

The Western Caribbean is perfect for adventurers, history buffs, and beach bums. This is where you’ll find the Maya ruins of Tulum, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Chichen Itza, as well as many others. Snorkeling and diving are also top-notch here, especially near Belize and Mexico where you’ll find the Blue Hole.

Other popular excursions include off-road ATV adventures, catamaran rides, ziplining, and other cultural experiences.

Western Caribbean cruises tend to be a bit more budget-friendly. Due to the distance between ach port, you’ll typically have at least 2 full sea days where you can relax, enjoy onboard activities, or recover from your active days in port.

These cruises typically depart from ports in Florida, Texas, and New Orleans. The itineraries typically have 3 or 4 stops and last 7 or 8 days.

Half Moon Cay, Bahamas

Eastern Caribbean

Eastern Caribbean cruises often feature ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Grand Turk, and The Bahamas. Itineraries typically range from the 5 to 7-night range, however, they can be shorter if you’re looking to just zip over to The Bahamas from Florida.

These cruises generally depart from ports in Florida or from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ports of call on Eastern Caribbean cruises are some of the most popular ports so it’s not unusual to see 3 or more ships on the same day.

The Eastern Caribbean is full of colonial history, pirate history, shopping, beautiful beaches, and volcanic islands with lush green hillsides. These are easily some of the most stunning places in the Caribbean! What’s even cooler is many of these ports offer excursions that will take you to nearby islands such as St. John and St. Barths which are a bit more off the beaten path.

These itineraries are generally best suited for active travelers. Since the ports of call are fairly close to each other, you’ll often wake up in a new port each day. In fact, you may even need a vacation day to recover from your cruise!

The View from Shirley Heights Lookout, Antigua

Southern Caribbean

Last but not least, is the Southern Caribbean. These itineraries require a bit more time but trust me, they are totally worth it! Since the ports are further from the United States, the cruises tend to be in the 7+ day range and cost a bit more.

Cruises that venture to the southern Caribbean often feature Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Martinique, Grenada, Guadalupe, St. Kitts, and the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) on their itineraries. These ports of call have a distinct European charm to them.

Many cruises that hit these ports are out of Miami or Puerto Rico, so it is important to consider that when booking the trip, as well.

These ports are steeped in rich colonial history that is evident as you wander around the island. This is a prime location for scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, and zip-lining.

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Caribbean Central America Cozumel Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mexico

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Cozumel?

Beach in Cozumel Mexico

“Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Cozumel?” This is a question that I get asked a lot. Quite frankly, there are some cruise ports where you absolutely must book an excursion, and then there are others where you really don’t have to.

Cozumel is an island off the coast of mainland Mexico. It is close to Playa del Carmen and the super-popular Cancun. The island is a cruise-goers paradise. Many people don’t realize that much of Cozumel is actually undeveloped. Cruisers tend to hit the downtown area or take a ferry to the mainland and very few actually venture out to check out the island, as a whole. The island is so undeveloped that much of the Atlantic-side doesn’t even have electricity.

What is an Excursion?

An excursion is an activity that you book in a cruise port. The excursions range from historic tours, snorkeling and beach tours, visits to popular attractions, activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, and cultural activities. They are booked through local tour companies and cost additional money. Excursions can go from anywhere from $39 to hundreds of dollars for scuba diving, golfing, and helicopter tours.

Do I Need to Book an Excursion in Cozumel?

The fact that there is a Hooters and a Starbucks at the end of the dock is a pretty damn good hint that you don’t need to book an excursion in Cozumel.

While in Cozumel we recommend snorkeling or taking a tour of the island via Beach Buggy or Jeep. One of our favorite things to do on the island is to spend the day sailing on a catamaran. Cozumel is also one of the top diving sites in the world!

Most of the time, we actually hop a ferry to head to the mainland. There are a ton of incredible things to do on the mainland- from Maya ruins, eco-parks, and even exploring underwater caves.

Beach in Cozumel Mexico

Nearby Beaches

Playa Mia Grand Beach

This is the perfect beach to visit with children! For just a small entrance fee, you have access to 20+ activities including a 200-foot long water slide, a 500 foot long Floating Park, and a play area with water cannons. This is also a fantastic place to snorkel and hit the white sand beach. There is plenty to do and eat at Playa Mia Grand Beach.

Chen Rio

This popular beach is on the southeastern shore of Cozumel. This area is not protected by a reef so the water can be a bit choppy- so it’s not the best place for snorkeling. However, there is a natural pool area that is separated from the open sea by jetties making it a safe place to swim. There are plenty of restaurants close by.

Punta Sur

Punta Sur is the highest point on the Yucatan. It is surrounded by impeccable ocean views, a sculpture garden and even an ancient Maya temple!

The Best Excursions in Cozumel

Ancient City of Tulum

Tulum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Mexico. Each year, more than 2 million visitors flock to the Yucatan to visit these ruins overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Even if you aren’t a history nerd, chances are you’ll love the Tulum ruins simply because of the picturesque location.

The Complete Guide to the Tulum Ruins

God of the Winds Temple, Tulum

You may also want to consider checking out the world-famous ruins of Chichen-Itza. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world! There is quite a bit of traveling involved to get to Chichen-Itza. It is a 2.5-hour ride to the ruins, once you’re on the mainland. Although this is offered as an excursion, this site is better visited when you have more time (IE: Not as a cruise excursion).

Deluxe Beach, Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

This is one of our favorite excursions in Cozumel. I mean, is there anything better than sailing aboard a 65-foot catamaran to a private beach that has an AMAZINGLY fun Aqua Park? The Aqua Park has sea kayaks, beach floats, a water trampoline, and other water toys.

Xcaret Parks

This tour takes place on the mainland, so you’ll have to hop a 30-45 minute ferry and head to Playa del Carmen. Once you’re at the Eco-Archaeological Park, you can swim in the natural pools, lagoons, and cenotes. You can even take a slow-paced float down an underground river.

If you’re looking for something a little less commercial, we suggest checking out Rio Secreto. One of the Mexican Riviera’s best-kept secrets!

Adventure Jeep, Snorkel & Tequila at Punta Sur

Drop the top on the Jeep and drive off-road to Punta Sur. Once you’re at the beach club, you can explore the marine park, relax on the beach, or join a guided snorkel trip. Automatic vehicles are available upon request. Another option is the Beach Buggy & Snorkel Tour.

Thrill & Chill: Zip Line, Snorkeling & Beach

Soaring through canopies on zip lines is one of my favorite thrills! A short taxi ride will take you to a private beach club. After your safety briefing, you’ll walk a series of 6 suspension bridges (yikes!), and traverse 3 zip lines. You’ll conclude your adrenaline-pumping adventure with a 75-foot free rappel back to the ground. Next, you’ll grab your snorkel gear and cool off in the stunning turquoise water. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, there are also paddleboards, kayaks, wave runners, and other toys available at an additional cost.

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Belize Central America Cruise Travel

A Guide to Belize- The Land of Ancient History and Outrageous Adventure

Let me start by saying that Belize is one of my favorite countries on the entire planet. That being said, I’m totally biased towards all of the amazing things that it has to offer. I have visited the country six times and still can’t get enough of it. Belize is perfect for all kinds of travelers, adventure seekers, history buffs, beachgoers, fishermen, you name it, there’s something for everybody there! Here’s a quick guide to Belize.

Caye Caulker

A Guide to Belize’s History

Belize was first discovered by the British when a shipwrecked off the coast in 1638. Over the next 150 years, the British continued to colonize the region. The country did not get its independence until 1981. Because of this, Belize is a super easy country for people who are new to foreign travel to visit. The locals all speak English, which makes finding your way around a lot easier!

The country of Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the south and east. Its landscape is made up of lush hillsides, vast jungles, and more than 450 islands that dot the 185 miles of vibrant blue coastline.

Tourist Village, Belize City

A Guide to Belize- For Cruisers

Belize City is a tender port. This means that the surrounding water is too shallow for the ship to dock at a pier. Instead, the ship drops anchor a few miles off the coast and you have to catch a tender, or water taxi, to go ashore. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes. If you are cruising with Carnival, Diamond, and Platinum cruisers, along with those with Faster to the Fun Passes will have priority tenders. Trust me, it’s totally worth it!

There are several cruise ports that you can get away with not booking an excursion, this is not one of them! There is very little to do in the port area. Do not make the mistake of not booking an excursion. Not sure how to select the right excursion? Check out these tips!

The first few times I visited Belize, I headed westward to the town of San Ignacio, near the Guatemalan border. San Ignacio is about a two hour bus ride from Belize City. It is a lovely drive and gives you a genuine look at what life is really like in Belize.

Xunantunich Ruins

What is there to do in Belize?

I did some pretty incredible things on my first few trips. We went cave tubing, explored the jungle, went zip lining and repelling, and visited the Maya Ruins of Xuanantunich and Cahal Pech. I fell more and more in love with Belize with each visit. But I have to admit, I was truly missing out by simply heading west with each visit. The coast is absolutely stunning. On my last trip, I headed north from Belize City to Caye Caulker where I got to swim with sharks and rays. It was an un-Belize-able experience, one that I truly recommend. The people of Belize are so wonderful! It’s the people of Belize that make it such a fantastic place to visit.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit this glorious country, do not hesitate. Go, go, go! You won’t regret it! I hope you enjoyed our quick guide to Belize, to dig a little deeper into Belize, check out our posts on this incredible country.

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