Port Information

Galveston, Texas

When you cruise from Galveston, you're in for big thrills before you even set foot onboard the ship. A favorite vacation stop among families, this fun-loving seaside city in Texas offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty and warm southern hospitality. Start your visit with a Texas-style breakfast in the historic Strand District, the pulsing heart of the city and a hub of antique shops, restaurants and bars. Make time for a walk along the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, home to lots of family-friendly rides, games and other attractions. Then explore Galveston's illustrious history on a scenic stroll past well-preserved Victorian mansions and centuries-old landmark buildings. If you visit Galveston, you must dedicate a bit of time to the city's museums, which host exhibits on all kinds of topics — from Galveston's history with oil and railroads to the pirates and corsairs that haunt the Gulf Coast's rich and colorful past.

THINGS TO DO...

SALTWATER STALWARTS

Unwind along Galveston's 32 miles of sun-drenched shoreline at one of the many county beach parks lining the Gulf of Mexico. Galveston Island State Park offers quiet seclusion and Stewart Beach is a great family-friendly option, while East Beach is a popular gathering space for livelier beach crowds.

HEAD TO THE PIER

Say hello to the thrills and excitement of the massive amusement park at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Galveston cruises give the opportunity to experience all that the pier has to offer. Enjoy the rides before playing all of the classic carnival games — there's even a roller coaster on Pleasure Pier!

BUILDING BLOCKS

Stroll past well-preserved Victorian-era buildings in the old Strand District during your Galveston cruise. Once called the "Wall Street of the South", this charming commercial hub, along with the neighboring East End Historic District, is home to mansions-turned-museums, the Grand 1894 Opera House, plus loads of unique shops and cozy cafés.

LOCAL CUISINE

Seafood is king on Galveston Island— Gulf shrimp, blue crabs, snapper and grouper come fresh off the boat. But the signature Tex-Mex cuisine equally impresses with sizzling fajitas and tequila-laced margaritas. Old Strand Emporium scoops out ice-cream parlor charm, while La King’s Confectionary is where local candy makers craft saltwater taffy in-house. Don’t miss a drive-through daiquiri stand for a frozen cocktail on-the-go.

SHOPPING

The Strand Historical District is the town's prime shopping spot, where 19th-century storefronts now house a quirky collection of locally owned gift shops and antique stores. Here you can pick up beachwear, whimsical gifts, model ships, used books, Southwestern turquoise jewelry, and Texas-inspired home décor.

NATIONAL LANGUAGE: English
CURRENCY ACCEPTED: U.S. Dollar (USD)
INSIDER TIP

Galveston Island Trolley buses run approximately every 30 minutes on two routes through the downtown and seawall districts. The fare for adults is $1, with exact change required.

Roatan, Honduras

Roatán's diverse blend of cultures and traditions is enough to charm anyone. But its mangrove forests, dense jungles, and swaths of white-sand beach will make you want to stay forever. Divers and snorkelers from all over the globe flock to the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands every year see to the world's second largest barrier reef firsthand. 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 ex-pat sun seekers, Hondurans from the mainland, descendants of European settlers, and Garífuna, whose Afro-Carib-Arawak heritage still flavors centuries-old communities like Punta Gorda.

THINGS TO DO...

MONKEY BUSINESS

At the Gumbalimba Park nature reserve you can hang with monkeys and parrots, snorkel alongside exotic fish and rays, chill in a beach hammock, and zipline through the rainforest canopy.

CULTURE TRIP

Wander the West End Village to get a real taste of Roatán life. At this bohemian island enclave, you'll find lots of restaurants, bars, craft shops, and piers lined with water taxis waiting to ferry you to popular spots along the coast.

DIVE IN

Head to the Sandy Bay-West End Marine Reserve for some of the best diving in the world during your Roatan cruise. Encompassing 8 miles of coastline, the reserve is home to 38 unique dive sites, all within a 15-minute boat ride from the coast.

LOCAL CUISINE

If you like seafood, get ready to feast like royalty in Roatán. Try the conch soup or the tapado— a hearty seafood stew made with plantains and tropical root vegetables. Rum is the go-to spirit, but Honduran beers like Port Royal and Salva Vida are local favorites.

SHOPPING

To get your fix of duty-free designer boutiques and souvenir shops, check out The Town Center at Port of Roatán. For local handmade arts and crafts, including Lenca pottery and Garífuna folk art, stop by Yaba Ding Ding. And try to squeeze in a trip to the Shawn Jackson Gallery, a showcase for the marvelous underwater photos by the renowned West End photographer.

NATIONAL LANGUAGE: Spanish, English
CURRENCY ACCEPTED: Honduran Lempira (HNL), U.S. Dollar (USD)
INSIDER TIP

The best way to travel between Roatán's West End and West Bay Beach is by water taxi.
If you run out of sunscreen, pick up some cactus juice lotion. Produced locally, it protects against the sun's rays and also repels bugs.

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

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.

THINGS TO DO...

CENOTE SCOUTING

Take a dip in the sparkling blue waters of Cenote Azul, an open freshwater cenote known for prime snorkeling and swimming.

ROCKIN' RUINS

Venture into the jungle for a taste of ancient Maya history at the Kohunlich and Chacchoben ruins— each well over a thousand years old.

CORAL CONQUEST

Grab some snorkeling gear and explore the colorful underwater world of Banco Chinchorro, the largest coral atoll in the northern hemisphere.

LOCAL CUISINE

For casual fare, stick to Mahahual. For upscale options, like fresh seafood and Maya-inspired dishes, opt for Costa Maya's resorts and boutique hotels. Definitely try cochinita pibil, a traditional dish of slow-roasted pork, and Agua de Jamaica— a sweetened hibiscus flower iced tea that's a Mexican favorite.

SHOPPING

Within the port village, you'll find shops and stalls selling everything from silver, leather and fragrances, to pottery, liquor and crafts.

NATIONAL LANGUAGE: Spanish
CURRENCY ACCEPTED: Mexican Peso (MXN), U.S. Dollar (USD)
INSIDER TIP

Don't be afraid to drink the water in Costa Maya— it's completely purified.
If you're planning on taking a snorkeling excursion, make sure to bring organic sunscreen— it's a federal regulation.

Cozumel, Mexico

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 among the colorful 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’re done exploring, unwind with a beachside massage at Playa Mia. From culture savoring to soaking up sunshine, you'll find a world of adventure waiting for you in Cozumel.

THINGS TO DO...

TEMPLE TREKKING

Get up close and personal with Maya history at San Gervasio, the largest ancient Maya site on Cozumel, which dates back to as early as A.D. 300.

DIVE INTO ADVENTURE

At Chankanaab National Park, you'll find everything from snorkeling and scuba to swimming with dolphins.

NATURAL THRILLS

Reconnect with nature while wandering the endless mangroves, beaches and reefs in Punta Sur National Park during your Cozumel cruise.

LOCAL CUISINE

Cozumel's cuisine is dominated by Mexican, American and international cuisine. Fresh seafood is always a good choice, and so is the cochinita pibil— a slow-roasted, highly seasoned pork dish. Cool off with a michelada, made with beer and freshly squeezed lime juice over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. Or keep it traditional with Mexico's signature spirit, tequila.

SHOPPING

For great deals and guaranteed stores, walk along the waterfront on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar, a mile-long strip in San Miguel. And be sure to check out the Chile Tequila Factory for a sampling of Mexico's favorite spirit.

NATIONAL LANGUAGE: Spanish
CURRENCY ACCEPTED: Mexican Peso (MXN), U.S. Dollar (USD)
INSIDER TIP

Remember to tip between 10% and 15%.
If you're planning on taking a snorkeling excursion, make sure to bring organic sunscreen— it's a federal regulation.
Most of the vendors only barter with cash, so be sure to bring some.