(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

After a two night media cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Norwegian Epic”, we decided to do a post night stay in a hotel along Biscayne Bay in Miami.

Our hotel, The DoubleTree Grand Hotel – Biscayne Bay was right on the harbor and what an awesome view to wake up to in the morning, the view of the cruise ships is a bonus. This property is about a mile from the Port of Miami. You can hear our review on Cruise Radio.

We arrived late in the afternoon to a high rise hotel with plenty of staff on the outside willing to assist you. Valet service is available and the parking garage is literally a stones throw away from the hotel entrance. Check in was effortless and the warm cookies we received were a nice surprise (a DoubleTree standard).

On our way to our room, we noticed something that you don’t see in a lot of hotels, at every floor there is a little waiting area outside each elevator. Not just a couple of chairs but a rather large sitting space. Little things like that make me appreciate properties like this one.

Our room had two double beds with all the amenities you would expect at a Hilton Brand hotel. The bathrooms had plenty of room, there was a nice work station in the room and comfortable beds.

It’s hard to be bored at this property with plenty to do. Basketball and tennis courts, pool and fitness center are all sure to keep you in shape.

A full business center with fax, mail service, computer, and secretarial services makes this property excellent for business travelers and vacationers alike.

You can check out the full line of amenities that this property offers here.

Final thoughts: This hotel offers convenient access to the port of Miami, round the clock concierge service and offers discounts to cruisers (just ask). I would stay here again, next time probably to experience the property pre-cruise

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.

Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front

We stayed at this property while taping Cruise Radio and they exceeded our expectations. 

The property in centrally located, beach front, walking distance to restaurants and shops, along with nice interior corridors… not to mention Beach Front!

Check in was flawless. The whole team was in-sync and got us into our room efficiently and quickly.  Parking was free. There was a covered parking deck that housed approx 50 cars and plenty of open air parking that wrapped around the building.

The rooms were quiet and really clean (we stayed in a typical two bed).  Downstairs two sparkling pools were out side and a hot tub, along with an indoor pool.  By the pool was a pool sidebar with excellent prompt bar service.  Towel service was also available by the pool which was really convenient. 

Just beyond the pool was the white sandy beaches of Pensacola.  Along the beach was little sun bathing stations complete with a chair, umbrella and little table to separate. Very relaxing!

Inside the lobby was a three station business center, free wifi (surcharge for in-room internet), a Asian themed restaurant (moderately priced), bar, coffee shop, and plenty of areas to lounge.

Overall I would recommend the place to any vacationer, meetings, someone looking for a marriage venue  or just for a quick weekend getaway.. it has it all!

While taking a cruise out of your home port is always a great idea…. it’s not always that easy. 

• Get there a day early
• Eat breakfast at the hotel
• Not rushed
• Avoid port parkings fees
• Shuttle service to the ship
• Get to sleep in

•  Leaving your car in an unsecured lot 
• Having to take a cab back to your hotel (varies per location)
• Usually an open lot, while most ports offer parking garages