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.

The ‘Mayan Coast’ of Mexico takes its name from the ancient civilisation that flourished here from 250-900 AD. The Mayans were very advanced, making great discoveries about astronomy and mathematics, and inventing an extremely accurate calendar, but they vanished almost overnight. All that remains is their ruined cities, pyramids and sculptures – fascinating clues to an enduring mystery.

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.

Grand Cayman is where the high life meets island life. This international banking haven is as much known for award-winning beaches as for the flocks of celebrities and high rollers that frequent them. You can sip Cayman Mama’s while rubbing shoulders with the global glitterati. During your Grand Cayman cruise, you can snorkel with stingrays in Stingray City. Treat your inner foodie at eateries established by acclaimed top chefs like Michael Schwartz, or chow down on conch fritters by the seashore. You can even soak up some rays at one of the beaches voted best in the world, Seven Mile Beach. And do it all in the same day.

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.