By Kara Fitzpatrick Seymour
If you're dying to experience the pristine
beaches of
Mexico while enjoying the culture of Belize City, then perhaps a cruise is the best option for you. Many major cruise operators offer trips to the Western
Caribbean, where the beaches are rustic, the sun is blazing and the natives welcoming. Western Caribbean
cruises allow passengers to explore Mexico, Belize City and a few other destinations to boot.
About Belize City
Belize City, the country's most populated city, has miles of gorgeous Caribbean coastline, Mayan history and lush rain forests. This port city is popular with cruise ships because of its diversity in entertainment, rustic charm and unique culture. Aside from beaches and water activities, other day trip options include a visit to Mayan relics such as the Altan Ha pyramid and El Castillo--at 153 feet, this structure is one of the tallest in the country. The Baboon Sanctuary and Belize Zoo are excellent destinations if you have children.
About Mexico
When arriving to Mexico aboard a cruise ship, your itinerary may include stops at one of many Mexican ports, including Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Cozumel, Costa Maya or others. Most often, if you are traveling on a major liner, Western Caribbean cruises that stop at Belize City will also feature stays in Cozumel or Costa Maya.
Costa Maya and Cozumel
Cozumel is a city rich with history. The Mayan ruins are mixed with private beaches to create a mystical wonderland. Off the shore, a reef provides an excellent backdrop for water activities. Costa Maya, a former trading post for the Mayan empire, is a perfect place to enjoy beaches and outdoor recreation. The port is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars and shopping venues.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines has a number of options for the Western Caribbean traveler. The line offers a seven-day trip that goes from Tampa, Florida, to the Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico. From there, you'll visit Belize and Roatan, Honduras. The cruise ends in Tampa. Carnival also offers a similar itinerary that departs from and returns to Miami.
Holland America
Holland America is a good line to choose if you're looking for an extended tip. Its 10-day western Caribbean cruise begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and travels to Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. From there, you'll see Belize City, Guatemala and Roatan, Honduras. You'll have a chance to see Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas before heading back to Fort Lauderdale. For a shorter trip, Holland America also offers a seven-day cruise that features visits to Belize City and Mexico. This cruise also features stops to Belize City, Guatemala, Roatan and Costa Maya, Mexico.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers passengers cruises to the Western Caribbean that are five, six or seven nights long. Royal Caribbean's five-night cruise departs from Miami or Fort Lauderdale and makes its way to Cozumel, Mexico. From there, you'll see Belize City and then head back to Miami. Also departing from Fort Lauderdale, Royal Caribbean offers a five-night cruise that goes to Key West, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; and Belize City. For those seeking a lengthier vacation, Royal Caribbean has a six-night cruise that departs from Miami and goes to Belize City, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Royal Caribbean's seven-night cruise goes to two ports in Mexico, Belize City, as well as the Cayman Islands.
Time Frame
Certain times of the year are ideal for cruising to Western Caribbean. Because of humidity, it's best to travel to Mexico and Belize from October to May. If you live in the northern United States, this will provide you respite from the cold winter conditions. You'll also avoid intense humidity and heat prevalent during Caribbean summers.
About the Author:
Kara Fitzpatrick Seymour is a Bucks County, PA based freelance writer with past clients that include an array of print publications, Web sites, and public relations companies. A versatile and creative writer, Fitzpatrick Seymour specializes in everything from lifestyle pieces, to travel features, news, business, the environment and more.
