Things to See and Do

Traditional ports in a Western Caribbean cruise often include: Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Key West, Florida; Montego Bay and/or Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Progresso, Mexico. Here are some shore adventures you should take in these ports.

Belize City

Belize?s 185-mile barrier reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, and the scuba diving is world class. Cruise ships offer supervised excursions for snorkelers at all levels. One of the most popular snorkeling spots along the reef is Shark/Ray Alley, where you share the water with southern stingrays and nurse sharks.

Cozumel

You should definitely see the great walled city of Tulum. The sixty-acre site features stone carvings, archways and architecture with ?sundials? that light up during the solstices. Tulum?s main castle sits on a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean.

George Town

Take a stroll among the casuarinas trees along the white sands of Seven Mile Beach. But then take a boat trip to the famous ?Stingray City Sandbar.? As you snorkel in the shallow waters, you will be able to feed the huge stingrays with chopped up squid provided by the tour operators. The rays will eat from your hand and are quite polite.

Save some time for a quick run to the Tortuga Rum Factory on South Church Street. The factory?s rum cakes are famous with flavors such as coffee and key lime. You can even purchase mini sized cakes for about $10 and they make great gifts.

Key West

The southernmost point of land in the United States, the ?Conch Republic? of Key West has a history as one of the favorite haunts of artists, celebrities, presidents and literary giants. Be sure to visit the Ernest Hemmingway Home and Museum and ?The Little White House? where Harry Truman relaxed. The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum houses millions of dollars worth of treasure salvaged from a Spanish Galleon.

You must also stroll down Duval Street, home to many shops and restaurants including Sloppy Joe?s Tavern where Ernest Hemmingway spent time writing and entertaining. Do not miss an opportunity to have some Key Lime Pie here.

Montego Bay

Take an excursion to the 6,000-acre Rose Hall plantation. The plantation?s Great House, built in 1760, is said to be haunted by the ghost of its former mistress, Annie Palmer.

Ocho Rios

Dunn?s Rivers Falls is the place to see here. Climb a 600 foot high staircase surrounded by lush foliage as you watch the falls crashing down on a white sandy beach.

Many cruises offer excursions that focus on the arts, including visits to museums, galleries such as Harmony Hall and tours of Noel Coward?s beautiful retreat, Firefly.

Progresso

The Mayan city of Chitzen Itza is a short two hours from Progresso. With its intricate temples, the famous pyramid of Kulkulcan, a sacred ball court and astronomical observatory, it is certainly worth the trip. Another important Mayan ceremonial center, Dzibilchaltun, is but fifteen minutes away.

If the ruins intrigue you, look for the face of the living Maya. The descendants of the Maya still thrive here, having preserved their language and many of their ancient ways.

These are but a few of the many adventures and sights you can visit and experience during your Western Caribbean cruise. There will be many more excursions offered by your cruise line, so investigate and take advantage of the beauty and culture of the Western Caribbean.

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About The Author

Jim Christy

For more information on Jim and his travel and luggage tips, go to http://www.luggagepros.com/.

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