(photo: Nancy Schretter)

By Nancy Schretter

Located on the shores of Mexico’s Gulf coast, Progreso is often found on shorter Western Caribbean itineraries. The port is also used as a substitute stop when hurricanes and mechanical issues necessitate itinerary changes. So, what’s there to do in Progreso? Don’t let the size or appearance of this town fool you – there’s plenty to do in this port. Here are ten of my favorites:

1. Tour Chichen Itza: This important archeological site is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. Once the home of the great Mayan Empire, this legendary city’s grounds and structures are both visually and historically impressive. Chichen Itza is more than a two-hour bus ride from Progreso, but it’s well worth the trip. Here you can view the gigantic pyramid of Kulkulcan, see the well-preserved Mayan ball court, as well as the temple of the warriors and the observatory, where Mayan priests accurately calculated celestial events. On the occasional itineraries that include an overnight stay in Progreso, an afternoon and evening tour of Chichen Itza – complete with a nighttime light and sound show – may be available.

2. Discover Lesser-Known Mayan Sites: Cruisers with a strong interest in the Mayan civilization will appreciate Progreso’s proximity to a wide variety of Mayan cities and ceremonial centers. Those who have already visited Chichen Itza should check out tours to Uxmal and Dzibilchaltun. Uxmal is considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Mayan world. The site is famous for its beautifully carved facades, terraces, plazas and pyramids originating between 200 and 900 AD. Dzibilchaltun is one of the more important ceremonial centers of the Mayan world and is closer to the port of Progreso, making it a perfect option for those who want to see a Mayan site, but don’t want to take a full day tour.

3. Take a Beach Break:  There are plenty of seaside beach clubs in Progreso offering chairs, food and drinks. Many cruise passengers also enjoy getting an inexpensive massage on the beach while they’re here. Massages range in price from $10 to $35 for an hour-long treatment. Those looking for something more exclusive may opt to take one of the many beach tours offered by the ship. These include trips to all-inclusive beach resorts, Corona Beach parties, and other options.

4. Explore Historic Merida: The lovely city of Merida was christened in 1542 and its Mayan and Spanish colonial roots are still in evidence. From colonial to cosmopolitan, Merida is a study in contrasts. Here, you’ll view the French-inspired Montejo’s Boulevard, the country’s National Monument, the 19^th century Government Palace, as well as the Cathedral, built in 1774 from stones that were once part of the pyramid of Xbacluum-Chan. Opportunities to shop in stores surrounding Merida’s main plaza and other areas are also included.

5. Hone Your Bargaining Skills: Downtown Progreso is home to a small colorful market where cruisers can buy casual jewelry, t-shirts, and inexpensive souvenirs. There are stores on the way to the beach in Progresso. More are located in the main pier area where the cruise ships dock. Based on our experience, prices in Progreso are lower than those in Merida and Cozumel for similar merchandise. Selection, however, is rather limited.

6. Kayak Through the Mangroves: Cruisers looking for a peaceful activity can take a kayak tour through the mangrove lagoons around Progreso. These natural settings are a nesting place for local birds and the natural tunnels in the mangroves are fun to explore. Tours to view the native flamingos in an area near Progreso are also typically offered through the cruise ship and by private vendors in town.

7. Hit Some Balls: Play the 18-hole championship El Jaguar course at the Yucatan Country Club. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Course features lakes and natural cenotes in a tropical jungle setting. This course works well for a range of golfers, as five sets of tees provide play of anywhere between 5,000 to 7,253 yards.

8. Learn Something New: Those seeking a Mexican cultural experience can take a cooking class in Merida and learn how to make authentic Mexican salsas and guacamole using local fresh ingredients. Complimentary margaritas and Mexican beers complete the tasting experience. Then, perfect your dancing skills by learning the Salsa, one of the most popular Latin dances. The many Mayan site tours also teach guests a great deal about the Mayan culture and the history of the Yucatan peninsula.

9. Hop in a Dune Buggy: Load three of your friends into your stick-shift dune buggy and drive about 45 minutes to the Xcambo ruins, built over 2,000 years ago. Then drive for an hour to a beach where you can relax and take a refreshing swim in the ocean.

10. Cool Off in a Cenote: Cenotes, large natural pools located in the open or inside limestone caves, are quite common on the Yucatan peninsula. During your visit to Progreso, you may have the opportunity to take a dip in one. Sometimes cenote swims are combined with other activities, such as biking. Purification ceremonies presided over by a Mayan Shaman may be held as part of selected tours.

Progreso has the longest cruise ship pier in the world at about 4 miles in length. Free shuttle buses run on a regular basis from the pier to downtown Progreso. From the drop-off area where the market is located, it’s a few-minute walk to the beach. Rest rooms are available in the marketplace building and a number of restaurants are located nearby.

Want to get to Progreso? Several Carnival ships include Progreso in their itineraries from Gulf Coast home ports such as Galveston and New Orleans. Check with your travel agent or visit the Carnival website at http://www.carnival.com for more details.

Nancy Schretter is Managing Editor of the award-winning Family Travel Network.

The location is right off the cruise pier and you can’t miss the towering hotel with the El Cid emblem on the side of it. If you want a day pass it’s $15 per person and all-inclusive pass is $45 per person.

Here’s the break down:

$15 pass includes use of all the facilities, unlimited wireless internet, pool, beach, and facilities. You pay $15 up front but you get $10 credited back to you for a food/bar credit.

$45 all-inclusive pass includes unlimited food, drink, use of facilities, and snorkel rental.

I did the $15 package but the drinks are so reasonable you can’t go wrong either way.

My favorite part of this resort is that it’s so close to the cruise terminal and you don’t have to worry about making the ship on-time, getting a taxi, or being asked to buy wares on the beach by the locals.

Video:

Source: Doug Parker/Cruise Radio

Appetizers:
Chill Shrimp Cocktail with spicy sweet Royal cocktail sauce
Green Peppercorn Pate
Seafood Pot Pie

Soups:
Roasted Butternut Squash Cream
Chicken Consomme
Chilled Cherry and Banana Soup

Salad:
Mixed Green

Main Courses:
Forest Mushroom Farfalle tossed in wild mushrooms-thymed-mascarpone cream sauce
Pan Fried Sea Bass roasted Mediterranean potatoes, wilted spinach, snow peas, and corn nage
Southern Honey Glazed Ham with caramelized pineapples, yams, broccoli, corn on the cob and bourbon sauce
Thanksgiving Turkey with apple sage stuffing, whipped potatoes, broccoli, corn on the cob, pan gravy and cranberry sauce
Sweet Potato, Onion, Spinach, and Feta Tart

Desserts:
Pumpkin Pie with a dollop of whipped cream
Autumn Apply Pie a la Mode cinnamon-spiced Golden delicious apples baked in a sweet cruise and served in a brand sauce
Chocolate and Pear Tart with marinated berries
Sugar-Free Fresh Raspberry Melba
Selection of Ice Creams and Sherbets
Alternative Selections:

Traditional Cesar Salad

Farfalle with Marinara Sauce

Broiled Filet of Atlantic Salmon

Grilled Chicken Breast with Rosemary

Grilled Black Angus Steak Top Sirloin with Herb Butter

Mashed Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Rice and Vegetables of the Day

Source: Doug Parker/Cruise Radio

Bishop's Palace is a popular historical site in Galveston, Texas.

With all the new cruise ships flocking to Galveston, why not spend a day there pre/post cruise and make the most out of what this quaint island has to offer.

1. Schlitterbahn Island Water Park – This award-winning indoor/outdoor water park offers something for every age from kiddie slides, a surf simulator, tidal pools, and an adults only pool with a swim up bar and private cabana rentals. The indoor waterpark was named “Worlds Best Indoor Waterpark” in 2010 by Amusement Today. Seasonal passes also offered.

2. Lone Star Flight Museum - Check out a part of aviation history with historic battle planes, airliners, and recreational planes. Many of the aircraft in the museum still fly today. Airplane rides are also available to get a full view of the island.

3. Moody Gardens – One of the most visited attractions in Texas offering an aquarium, rain forest with species, 3D/4D theaters, a paddle boat and a golf course. The rain forest recently underwent a $25-million dollar enhancement and is a must see.

4. Tour Bishop’s Palace – One of Galveston’s most historic mansions and opened daily for tours. The home was built in 1892 from steel and stone for railroad tycoon Walter Gresham. The original fixtures remain.

5. Galveston Harbor Tour – Board the Seagull II for an informative tour of Galveston’s harbor and watching dozens of dolphins. Get taken to the fishing village where the seafood is unloaded right off the rocks, learn about the rich maritime history in Galveston Bay, and about the great storm on 1900. The tour guide is a Galveston native who knows a ton of fun facts!

6. Historic Downtown Tour – Did you know the Galveston has a seawall that was built to raise the island 17′ above sea level? It saved most of the island from Hurricane Ike in 2008. See the tree sculptures that were carved from the salt water damaged trees, The Grand 1894 Opera House, art galleries, the oldest home on the island, and tons more. Segue tours are also available.

Galveston has a unique charm and if you’re going to sail from the port anyway, why not spend a little time there? For more information on Galveston Island be sure to check out their official tourism website at Galveston.com.

Source: Doug Parker/ Cruise Radio

Shoreline of Mazatlan, Mexico.

Known for its rich history, culture, and activities, Mazatlan, Mexico offers a lot to cruise passengers who may be calling at the port or doing a land stay.

Here are some cool things to experience when visiting Mazatlan, Mexico.

1. Take Surf Lessons: a world-class surfing spot who recently hosted Quicksilver’s Surf Clasico Mazatlan. The instructor will give you all the techniques on a long board and take you out and let you hang ten. Located in Playa Los Pinitos.

2. Mountain Bike Tour: Strap on your helmet, hop on a mountain bike and go through the winding trails around Mazatlan. It’ll really test your endurance along with giving you some cool sights of the city.

3. Huana Coa Canopy adventure: Zip line your way through the forest on nine different zip-lines all while giving you exhilarating views and great speeds. Huana Coa also offers ATV tours and horseback riding. Located in La Noria. 

4. Blue Agave Distillery: Take a tour around a tequalia plant and learn the ancient process of how tequila is made from a sweet tasting Agave plant. Afterwards, take a sample and you’ll have a different perspective of a Mexico’s favorite libation.

5. Hike to El Faro Lighthouse: Hike up to the second-tallest natural light house in the world 515′ above the city. You’;ll find breathtaking views but wear your walking shoes because the hike up is well worth the endurance. Located in Olas Atlas.

6. Kolonahe Trimaran Sailing to Deer Island: Spend a day sailing along Mazatlan’s bay, learn some interesting facts, and anchor off of Deer Island for a day to enjoy beach recreation, snorkeling, an open bar, kayaking and get pulled on the big banana. Lunch is included.

7. El Cid Resort: Get a day pass to one of three El Cid’s all-inclusive resorts. Prices vary by season and start at $35. Have access to pristine pools, all-you-can eat, drink, and water sports on the beach. You can start at one resort and take the free shuttle between all three properties. El Cid offers something for everyone.

8. Pulmonia Tour: Hop in an open-air vechicle and cruise along the malecon. You will take in all the city sights and ride along Mazatlan’s famous sea-wall and architecture around the city. There’s no set schedule, you tell the driver what you want to see and you’ve got it!

9. The Original Senor Frogs: Did you know that Senor Frogs originated in Mazatlan, Mexico? Dance, party, eat, and have delicious concoctions in the original city where Senor Frogs first started as a tadpole in 1970.

There is so much more to do in Mazatlan, Mexico like great restaurants, bars, and nightlife. 

Find out more information by going to the Mazatlan Hotel Association’s website.

Photo credit: Cruise Radio Facebook

Rain Forest Adventures Dominica launches Gorge Zip Challenge on September 30.

Cruisers arriving in Dominica can now experience the highest zip line in the Southern Caribbean with Rain Forest Adventures Dominica’s new Gorge Zip Challenge. The new zip line’s biggest thrill is an 840 foot-long line suspended over the 350 foot-drop of Breakfast River Gorge.

The six-platform Gorge Zip Challenge serves as Dominica’s largest sustainable tourism attraction launch in recent years and offers cruise passengers an unforgettable “Nature Island” experience. Three adrenaline-pumping lines navigate through the rainforest canopy, accessible by Rain Forest Adventures’ signature Aerial Tram or Chatannier Nature Trail. Admission begins at $50 USD for island visitors. Children must fit in a harness to ride, with some restrictions.

For more details on Rain Forest Adventures Dominica contact http://www.rainforestadventure.com/.

When I got into work this morning I almost couldnt believe my eyes.  My travel show (Cruise Radio) month end reports were released and the Cruise Radio listenership is over 31,000 people a week!  To think that a show under a year old is getting more views than a lot local TV/ Radio stations blows my mind.

I wish I could personally shake every listeners hand for believing in Cruise Radio and tuning in week after week.

If I could, I would like to thank a list of people for helping make this show what it is today.

A big Thank You to:

Mike Monahan, Marketing Director at CruiseOne, for believing in our product and sponsoring us.

TJ Macyfor the brain storming session at the very beginning stages

Matt Basford for the hours of behind the scenes work producing the show and making our show sound better than any network show!

Stewart Chiron (Cruise Guy) for joining us week after week, whether he is in Mexico, Europe or floating in the Atlantic Ocean on a cruise ship, he has always been here giving great advice and commentary.

Chris Elliott for giving his expert advice on topics across the board.

Geoff Edwards, Ralph Grizzle, Anne Campbell, Vance Gulliksen at Carnival Cruise Lines Corporate, Scott Lara and numerous PR agencies across the country for setting up great interviews.

Our Twitter/Facebook followers for re-tweeting and sharing our shows.

Brooke Morris our web guru. Craiger Williams our talented voice over artist.

God, bosses, friends, co-workers, parents, and believers — You all rock!

We have a great team assembled and look forward to many more episodes.

If you would like to hear the show we did aboard the Norwegian Sky, you can listen to it here.

Embarkation in Miami, Florida was a breeze, we were out of the car and on the gangway in less than fifteen minutes. I thought we were going to be waiting in lines because we didn’t get to the port til 1:30 pm. The port process is really streamlined and NCL did an excellent job get people processed.

The rooms weren’t ready til 2 PM so we killed time around the pool and tasting all the drinks which the bar tender was so nice to give us the extra pours to sell us on drinks.  The rooms were pretty small but I couldn’t complain, they did upgrade us to a suite which was nice. The TV’s are still standard TV’s, plenty of closet and drawer space as well. The did show the days activities on the TV channels on the ship and you had to option to buy. Have read that folks aren’t impressed with the room size but seriously…. your on a cruise, it’s not like your in there every waking minute anyway!

There are a few speciality restaurants on board, we ate at Cagney’s (steakhouse with a surcharge of $25). The other dining times we just went to the main dining rooms (The Palace and The Crossing). The buffets on board were your standard hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, and seafood. One place I did take advantage of was the sports bar on board, it was open til 5:30′ish every morning and it made for some great after hours food.

The private island , Great Stirrup Cay was nothing to write home about. It seriously looks like the cruise line hasn’t put a dime into the island in about 20 years. It wasn’t ran down but could have been improved. One thing that I was really impressed about was the cleanliness of the bathrooms on the island. They were kept cleaner then some of the public restrooms on the ship. We had a nice BBQ on the island and went for a little walk on the nature trail afterwards.

When the cruise comes to an end, they don’t rush you for disembarkation, they just ask you to be out of your cabin by 9 am so they stewards can flip the cabin over for the next cruise. We didn’t get off the ship til about 10 am.

For my first NCL experience, it was a fun time. No real complaints.

1. Everything is all inclusive
2. You only have to unpack once
3. It’s impossible to get a DUI on a cruise ship!
4. Where else can you walk out of your back door and basically spit in the ocean?
5. Does someone clean your room twice a day at home?
6. Where else can you wake up in a different city every day (without teleporting)?
7. If you want to work out, there is no gym membership required