Western Caribbean

Grab a Texas-style breakfast in the historic Strand District. Then explore Galveston’s illustrious history on a scenic stroll past well-preserved Victorian mansions. Cruise from Galveston and dig a little deeper at one of the many local museums, where you’ll discover oil industry exhibits, a restored 1877 tall ship, and historic Texas artifacts.

With its laid-back beach-town vibe and one of the world’s longest piers, Progreso is the gateway to adventure on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Malecón Beach is a hub for sun seekers looking to lounge (or party) on long stretches of sand. And the fishing villages of Chelem and Chuburna are both prime spots for kayaking through mangrove estuaries. Explore shipwrecks at Alacranes Reef and swim with sea turtles in the clear waters off Perez Island. Or travel inland to stroll around Merida’s bustling old world squares. Yucatan cruises offer access to a treasure trove of Mayan archaeological sites digging deep into Mexico’s fascinating ancient past.

With its lively tropical reefs, crystal-clear waters and ancient ruins, Cozumel is ripe for one-of-a-kind adventures. Cruise to Cozumel and head to Chankanaab National Park, where you can snorkel amongst the colourful reefs and schools of tropical fish that give this island its premier diving status. Or travel back in time on an adventure through the towering Maya ruins of Tulum. When you’ve finished exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture-savouring to soaking up sunshine, you’ll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.

Roatán’s diverse blend of cultures and traditions is enough to charm anyone. But its mangrove forests, dense jungles and swathes of white-sand beaches will make you want to stay forever. Divers and snorkellers from all over the globe flock to the largest of Honduras’ Bay Islands every year see to the world’s second-largest barrier reef first-hand. Roatán cruises provide access to laid-back beach towns and secluded shores. On the Big Island, you can mingle with monkeys and ‘Jesus’ lizards, snorkel with stingrays and zipline through rainforest canopies. If it’s culture you crave, the island’s unique and vibrant blend is more than satisfying – made up of US ex-pat sun-seekers, Hondurans from the mainland, descendants of European settlers and Garífuna, whose Afro-Carib-Arawak heritage still flavours centuries-old communities like Punta Gorda.

With all the heart of a Central American country and all the soul of a Caribbean isle, Belize and its bustling cruise port city open the door to a nation ripe for exploration. Here you can choose your adventures – from trekking ancient Maya ruins to snorkelling the Belize Barrier Reef that teems with colourful fish and unforgettable coral formations. During your cruise to Belize, hike rainforest trails and take a zipline through lush treetops. Or hop on an inner tube and float through spectacular limestone caves and past tumbling waterfalls along the network of rivers flowing to the Caribbean. Divers and snorkellers come here from all over to explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and the famous Great Blue Hole. And along the 320-kilometre-long coastline, you’ll find hundreds of tiny islets called cayes (pronounced ‘keys’).

Past meets present in Costa Maya. Cruise to Costa Maya and find ancient Maya ruins and mysterious jungles just begging to be explored, as well as private beach clubs and trendy restaurants – all in one place. It’s 250 square miles of paradise packed with entertainment and history, all just 30 miles south of Cancun. The Great Maya Reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world – it’s a must-snorkel spot. Or you can kick back at the port village of Mahahual with an ice-cold michelada – a spicy beer cocktail – in hand. For a culture fix, head to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks.

Grab a Texas-style breakfast in the historic Strand District. Then explore Galveston’s illustrious history on a scenic stroll past well-preserved Victorian mansions. Cruise from Galveston and dig a little deeper at one of the many local museums, where you’ll discover oil industry exhibits, a restored 1877 tall ship, and historic Texas artifacts.