With more and more travelers looking for exotic destinations and Japan and Asia topping the list, Princess Cruises has announced an extended season in the region for 2025-2026. This will offer outstanding opportunities for cruisers to experience these unique destinations at the perfect time for the natural beauty of fall foliage.
The new offerings are aboard the Japan-built Diamond Princess, a ship specifically designed for the Asian market with all the classic Princess Cruises touches and elegance.
“We truly make it easy to travel to Japan and Southeast Asia on our Diamond Princess Love Boat to experience these amazing destinations,”said Terry Thornton, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer.“For our fall 2025 through winter 2026 season, we’re thrilled to expand our Japan cruises from Tokyo during the beautiful fall foliage season and continue to Singapore to highlight the best of Southeast Asia.”
A total of 11 new voyages are on offer from 9-22 days in length, giving guests diverse options to meet their travel plans. The ship will visit 25 different destinations in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, offering in-depth cultural exploration of the region.
Of special note are voyages such as a 13-day Circle Japan sailing during the peak of autumn foliage, or the 9-day Southern Islands itinerary that visits Okinawa and Ishigaki.
Travelers can also opt to create their own customized, longer journey by arranging back-to-back sailings for the ultimate immersive exploration of Japan.
To extend further into Southeast Asia, interested cruisers should consider one of the three roundtrip sailings from Singapore after the ship leaves Japan. These options will visit outstanding destinations in Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, providing unparalleled opportunities to visit key sites and attractions in the region.
Select voyages also include late-night More Ashore stays for longer visits, permitting even more exploration and the opportunity to enjoy the vibrant nightlife of top hotspots, such as Honk Kong and Shimizu.
Why Sail to Southeast Asia?
The allure of visiting Japan and Southeast Asia aboard Diamond Princess is the convenience and ease of the travels. To visit such far-flung destinations could take tremendous effort and the coordination of transportation, different hotels, dining options, tours, and more. But aboard Diamond Princess, that hassle is minimized and the experience is enriched.
“Our guests only need to unpack once to experience these storied countries while enjoying vibrant shore excursions and our regional culinary and entertainment offerings onboard,”said Thornton.
Because Diamond Princess was built in Japan with the Asian market in mind, the ship is uniquely suited to infuse guests’ vacation experiences with the region’s unique culture, history, and flair.
From authentic cuisine at Kai Sushi to Japanese-inspired cocktails to a traditional Izumi bath, travelers on the 115,875-gross-ton ship have many opportunities right onboard to make the most of their Asian getaway. Onboard entertainment is themed to the region, and décor offers a glimpse of what makes the area so unique and brilliant.
The onboard experience also extends beyond Asian borders, however. Diamond Princess now offers the all-new Churrascaria Brazilian Grill with distinctive South American flavors, or guests can sample classic Italian favorites at Prego Pizzeria or Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.
Classic cruise favorites are also found onboard, including the Vegas-style casino, luxury shopping, pools and hot tubs, art auctions, movies under the stars, and more to be sure every moment is enjoyable no matter what cruisers love to do.
Diamond Princess can welcome 2,670 guests at double occupancy, and is also home to 1,100 international crew members who do their best to ensure every guest has an amazing experience. The ship is currently sailing from Tokyo (Yokohama) through September 2024, and will spend the winter months down under with offerings from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.
Following in the footsteps of US ports like Juneau, Alaska, and Bar Harbor, Maine, a European destination is taking measures to limit cruise traffic. María José Catalá, the Mayor of Valencia, Spain, has announced that the Port of Valencia will begin banning mega cruise ships in 2026.
The news comes shortly after Barcelona, Spain, announced on May 24, 2024, that it would be limiting cruise traffic to address overcrowding issues in the city.
While the ban may seem a bit harsh, Mayor Catalá’s stance is that mega cruise ships pose a negative environmental impact to Spain’s third-largest city – even though new mega-ships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas were designed with sustainability in mind.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship In Valencia (Photo Credit: Jeff Whyte)
The other issue at hand is that mega cruise ships – which are defined as vessels that can carry 5,000 or more passengers at a time – simply come with too many crowds.
Tourist overcrowding has been an issue in Valencia for years – and the Spanish cruise port is experiencing an uptick in visits from cruise passengers, which is making matters worse for overwhelmed locals.
Looking ahead to 2025, Valencia is expecting to welcome approximately 820,000 cruisers, which is nearly double the 436,000 that visited in 2019.
That said, smaller cruise ships will still be allowed to visit the port, which is a positive since this is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Mediterranean.
The Port of Valencia is located on the Poniente Quay and brings guests within walking distance of central Valencia – although many cruise lines do provide shuttle transportation.
Two berthing faces will remain available to more moderately sized vessels, which allows the city to still reap the economic benefits of cruise tourism in a way that promotes sustainability and quality of life for the approximately 800,000 residents.
But with these giant vessels banned from Valencia, cruise lines may have to rearrange their deployments to make sure they only have smaller ships sailing in the region, or remove the Spanish port from their itineraries altogether.
Cruise Ships Docked in Valencia, Spain (Photo Credit: ODIN Daniel)
Even though details of the cruise ban have not yet been released, large mega-ships, such as Icon of the Seas, are definitely a no-go as the largest cruise ship in the world with a maximum capacity of 7,600 guests.
That said, Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas also can all accommodate more than 5,000 guests per sailing, which likely falls under what Valencia would classify as a mega cruise ship. In 2026, Royal Caribbean already has Harmony of the Seas scheduled to visit the city in January of that year.
MSC Cruises currently has two vessels set to visit Valencia, including the 2,500-passenger MSC Magnifica and the much larger 4,888-passenger MSC Virtuosa.
P&O Cruises, which areboth owned by Carnival Corporation, also have large ships calling to the port in 2026. Arvia, which is owned by P&O Cruises, entered service in 2022 and can accommodate up to 5,200 passengers.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador John Heald is urging guests to be mindful of a particular popular product that can cause very unpleasant problems onboard a cruise ship – wet wipes.
While sanitary wipes may be great for cleaning hacks or personal hygiene, they are a terrible nuisance to cruise ship plumbing systems and can cause significant blockages and damage.
Whether they are called wet wipes, disposable wipes, disinfecting wipes, baby wipes, moist towelettes, or any specific brand name, these small pieces of sanitizing cloth cause big problems in cruise ship toilets.
“All our plumbers hate Wet Wipes because despite the signs that plead with [guests] not to flush them down the suction toilet system they still do,”Heald said.“The world it seems has gone crazy for wet wipes and the wet wipes are breaking our toilet system.”
Despite manufacturer claims that the wipes are flushable and disposable, those claims apply only to standard plumbing systems on land. Cruise ship plumbing systems use suction-assisted flushes and have much narrower pipes than a typical land-based home, hotel, or business.
Those pipes can easily clog with too much material, especially since cruise ship toilets use far less water than traditional toilets. Therefore, there is more friction within a pipe, and a cloth or wipe can easily become stuck in the line or at a junction.
A clogged toilet can then cause backups with sewage overflowing into a stateroom or public restroom onboard, and because of how the plumbing is arranged onboard, more than one toilet may be affected by clogs. This could lead to flooding in bathrooms or even into staterooms if the water is not quickly controlled.
This does not mean that wipes are banned onboard. Cruise travelers can still bring them along to further sanitize their staterooms, maintain good hand hygiene, have a quick cleanup after a shore tour, assist with diaper changes for young cruisers, or personally feel refreshed after – well, you know.
Wipes must be properly disposed of, however. After use, they should be thrown in the trash – never disposed of in the toilet or flushed in any way.
Photo: Copyright Cruise Hive
“On behalf of ‘Luigi the Plumber’ can I ask you not to put these into the toilet and flush,”Heald said.“If you use them for any reason drop them in the sanitary bags and let your stateroom attendant know and they will dispose of them.”
Sanitary bags – small paper bags for disposal of wipes, feminine hygiene products, and similar items – are available in all cabin restrooms as well as the public restrooms onboard. These bags should also not be flushed, but should be firmly closed and placed in the nearby trash can. If guests run out of bags, the cabin attendant will replace them.
It should be noted that cruise ship toilet paper is also a thinner, more easily flushed and readily-dissolving material than some brands of tissue. If travelers have very sensitive skin and require a specific toilet paper other than what is supplied onboard, they can bring it along, but should also use sanitary bags to dispose of the paper rather than flushing it.
What Goes In Cruise Ship Toilets
All cruise lines have signage in the restrooms about not flushing anything except human waste down the toilet. No foreign objects – wipes, cotton swabs, makeup remover pads, paper towels or napkins, condoms, diapers, menstrual products, etc. – should ever be flushed.
Every ship has an onboard sewage treatment facility, and all water is thoroughly filtered and sterilized before being released in accordance with environmental regulations. This includes not only water from toilets, but also from kitchens, laundry facilities, handwashing stations, etc.
Solid waste material that cannot be released is stored until it can be offloaded in port and disposed of properly, either through further processing or in a landfill.
Less than three months before celebrating her twenty-second anniversary of entering service, Carnival Legend is completing a month-long dry dock renovation and upgrade. This update will bring fresh new spaces to the ship as well as ensure her technical systems are operating at peak efficiency for many more years of smooth sailings.
The 88,500-gross-ton, Spirit-class ship entered dry dock in Marseille, France on April 28 to begin the extensive overhaul. Both public areas and staterooms have been refreshed, including new decking around the pools and updates to flooring, lighting, upholstery, and painting throughout the vessel.
The ship’s hull has also been cleaned and repainted for a fresh look, ensuring she presents a truly legendary appearance even from a distance.
Carnival Legend Heroes Bar
New spaces have been added to the vessel, including venues popular on other Carnival cruise ships. For example, the ship now has a Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge, a patriotically-themed venue dedicated to all veterans and service members. The now-popular bar was first introduced on Carnival Panorama in 2019 and has been added to older ships as they are being updated.
Carnival Legend will now also have a dedicated Chef’s Table venue for the popular elite dining experience. The new spot for the very exclusive culinary adventure is on Deck 1 (Riviera Deck), portside aft, conveniently adjacent to the ship’s galley.
Previously, that space was the lower level of the Medusa’s Lair Dance Club, which has been converted into just a single level on Deck 2 (Promenade Deck). The remainder of the lower level of the dance club has been renovated into more accessible staterooms to offer greater opportunities for travelers with mobility and other accessibility needs.
Carnival Legend Steakhouse
Another culinary update to Carnival Legend is the rebranding of what used to be the Nouveau Restaurant on Deck 10 (Sun Deck), under the forward glass section of the ship’s funnel. This space is now the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse.
Other updates include a complete renovation of the ship’s casino, including new slot machines for more updated gameplay. Guests will also be excited to find a new Seaside Theater dive-in movie big screen onboard, where first-run movies and Hollywood favorites will be shown on every sailing. The big screen is also a fun focal point during energetic deck parties.
Carnival Legend Open Deck
Guests will be especially pleased to note that one favorite feature of the ship has been preserved – the Enchanted Forest promenade on Deck 3 (Atlantic Deck) that encircles the lower level of the Follies Main Lounge and is a quiet, secret space to enjoy. Many Carnival cruise guests love that feature of the Spirit-class ships and enjoy the quiet niches and seating as a great spot to get away.
Also updated are all balcony staterooms for a refreshed look, and many of the ship’s technical systems have gotten upgrades for better operation.
Sailing on Carnival Legend
Carnival Legend‘s first post-dry-dock sailing is an 8-night Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona on May 30 that will include visits to top ports in Malta, Italy, and France.
The ship will then homeport from Dover through mid-August, offering 9- and 12-night European itineraries to richly diverse destinations in Iceland, Ireland, the UK, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and other famous ports of call.
From late August through late October, Carnival Legend will be homeported from Rome, offering 10-night Italy and Greek Isles sailings, before she will embark on a transatlantic cruise on October 26 to head for Tampa and the tropical winter season in the Caribbean.
In April 2025, the ship will move to homeport from San Francisco, offering alternating Mexico and Alaska cruises, then in October 2025 she will be homeported from Galveston for more Caribbean and Panama Canal sailings.
With such diverse offerings, travelers will have many great opportunities to enjoy a cruise aboard the now-refreshed Carnival Legend no matter where they want to set sail.
Carnival Cruise Line now offers a total of 10 non-smoking casinos across its fleet of 27 ships, but guests do need to be aware of smoking considerations onboard even if the casino is a designated smoking area.
There are times when smoking is not permitted, but understanding why can help all guests be sure they are in compliance with onboard smoking policies.
The cruise line’s newest and largest vessels – Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee – all feature non-smoking casinos. Furthermore, the three Dream-class ships – Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze – as well as Carnival Vista and the two Italian-style ships, Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze – also have non-smoking casinos.
Photo Credit: Turn_Mug / Shutterstock.com
One additional ship – Carnival Splendor – also has a fully smoke-free casino. This is because Carnival Splendor sails year-round from Sydney, Australia, and must comply with local smoking laws. In Australia, it’s illegal to smoke in any enclosed public spaces.
The non-smoking portions of the casinos are nearby annexes to the main casino, though smoke smells can travel between the spaces and could still be bothersome for travelers who are very sensitive to the odor or particulates. Nevertheless, the non-smoking area does have cleaner air and filters are also used nearby in a concerted effort to cleanse smoke from the air.
Guests interested in smoking onboard do need to note that while any Carnival ship is docked on embarkation day, the entire casino is non-smoking. This is because the casinos are designated as muster stations, and therefore must remain smoke-free and accessible to all guests so the mandatory muster drill can be completed.
“The casinos are used on most ships as a Muster Station and that is one of the reasons why on embarkation day that smoking is not allowed there,”said John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand ambassador.
“We do have decent outdoor smoking areas on every ship. Yes, some are better than others but considering the mostly non-smoking world we live in I do think we do a decent job catering for those who choose to smoke.”
Furthermore, if a ship is bunkering – being refueled – on embarkation day or while in a port of call, there is no smoking permitted onboard until those refueling operations are complete.
Should There Be More Non-Smoking Casinos?
With smoking areas becoming less popular in land-based establishments, it is surprising that only 10 ships in the Carnival fleet offer non-smoking spaces for gambling. As ships go through upcoming dry docks, however, it is possible that some non-smoking casino areas may be added.
Space onboard, however, is already at a premium. Cruise lines must carefully balance public spaces for features that appeal to a wide range of travelers, and converting bars, lounges, or other public spaces into non-smoking casinos may not always be practical or feasible.
Some guests have suggested that the ships’ larger, main casinos be converted to non-smoking spaces, with the smaller annexes provided as smoking casinos. One of the main complaints of the current non-smoking casinos is how small they are, with a closet-like feel and less diverse selection of games and slots due to the lack of space.
It should be noted that when she debuted in 1998, Carnival Paradise was the first completely smoke-free cruise ship in the world. Poor revenue from the ship caused that policy to be discontinued in late 2003. Carnival Paradise now offers the typical smoking areas found on the rest of the fleet – in the casino and on designated outdoor decks.
While the prospect of a non-smoking ship did not prove profitable or practical enough decades ago, should this be an idea that Carnival Cruise Line reconsiders? Share your thoughts on the Cruise Hive boards!
Progreso, Mexico, is one of many hidden gems in the Western Caribbean. Nestled perfectly along the coast of the Yucatan state of Mexico, this vibrant port city is quickly growing to become one of the most popular ports of call.
Progreso Cruise Port offers visitors the perfect blend of cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and opportunities to enjoy exciting outdoor activities.
Whether you’re a history buff wanting to learn more about the area’s Mayan past, a simple beach lover, or an adrenaline junkie looking to experience excitement and adventure, Progreso Cruise Port is a must-visit destination.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the port and the surrounding area to help you get the most out of your visit.
Progreso Cruise Port is located just outside the city of Progreso. Given the city’s strategic location along the North Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the city and its port service cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you are looking to map your journey, the port’s primary cruise terminal can be found at the following address: Port Address: C. 82, 97337 Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico.
Terminals and Piers
The pier has to stretch so far into the Gulf of Mexico because it needs to extend over a continental shelf, which is too shallow for larger ships. Despite the effort involved in creating a pier with such record-breaking length, the single pier is only equipped with berths wide enough for a maximum of two cruise ships at a time.
Progreso Piers (Photo Credit: Iren Key)
Each cruise ship berth has its own terminal, extending perpendicular to the pier. The closest to the shore is the Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal, while the other is called the Terminal Remota Progreso.
Despite their immense distance from shore, the two terminal buildings at the end of the iconic pier are both fully equipped with the modern services and facilities you would expect from a high-traffic cruise ship port.
Cruise Lines and Berths
Given its popularity as a port of call, numerous cruise lines visit the Progreso Cruise Port. While Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are the primary visitors, the port and its two terminals are also used by the following cruise lines:
Celebrity Cruises
MSC
P&O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line uses Progreso Cruise Ship Terminal as a homeport, while the larger ships operated by Royal Caribbean tend to use the larger berth extending from Terminal Remota Progreso.
Terminal Facilities and Services
As mentioned, terminal facilities are refreshingly modern, which is not surprising considering the enormous pier’s cost.
You get all of the typical conveniences, like plentiful seating areas, several bars, and a restaurant. There are also tourist information centers inside each terminal. As you exit your ship, you’ll make your way through a small market where vendors sell souvenirs, cold drinks, and snacks. There are also plenty of bathrooms in the air-conditioned terminal buildings.
Aerial View of Progreso Port Arrival Area (Photo Credit: Lourdes Fernandez)
Unfortunately, the port does not offer free public Wi-Fi; however, two bars offer customers free Wi-Fi. The bus station in Progreso at the end of the pier also offers free Wi-Fi, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to sit down at any of the bars in the terminal buildings.
The terminals are also designed to be wheelchair-friendly, making it easy for all cruise passengers to navigate their way to the free bus shuttle and taxi lines.
Transportation to and from Progreso Cruise Port
The most accessible and affordable way to get from the terminals to Progreso is to take the free shuttle bus. Regardless of which cruise line you are traveling with, the bus is free and comes every 10 to 15 minutes.
The journey down the 4-mile pier takes roughly 15 minutes, but it will drop you off right in front of Auto Progreso, the city’s central bus station.
You can easily walk into the town center from the bus station or take local buses to and from other attractions. There are even Auto Progreso buses with direct service from the station to some of the region’s most notable attractions and sights, making it easy and affordable to reach your preferred destination.
Progreso Cruise Port Area (Photo Credit: David Valier)
Plenty of taxis are waiting outside the main terminal building for those wanting to save time and get the most out of their visit. These taxis can take you directly from the terminal to any destination, so there is no need to get dropped off at the bus station once you reach the end of the pier. The taxis are all air-conditioned and accept both US Dollars and Mexican Pesos.
While rideshare vehicles are not allowed to operate on the pier, there is an Uber pickup and drop-off zone near the bus station at the end of the pier. While these can be a bit cheaper than the cabs, it does make it easy to pay for your ride directly through your credit card.
Language, Currency, and Cultural Nuances
While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in the city’s tourist-heavy areas. Most cab drivers, excursion operators, and restaurant staff also have a basic understanding of English, so you can usually ask real locals for insider tips about must-see spots in the city.
Progreso Cruise Port (Photo Credit: kc.wanderlogue)
Like the rest of the country, the official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN); however, you can typically pay for most items in American currency. Just make sure you use smaller denominations, like $1, $5, and $10 bills, as some retailers will not accept anything larger. Most larger establishments accept credit cards, but you should have cash for street vendors and taxis.
Tipping is also hugely encouraged throughout Mexico’s tourist-filled Yucatan Peninsula, so having a few coins and $1 bills can go a long way towards improving the level of service you get. Many drivers, tour guides, and excursion operators rely on tips to feed their families, so tipping for good service is always appreciated.
Venturing Beyond the Port: Nearby Attractions
Playa Progreso Beach
Given its name, Playa Progreso Beach is unsurprisingly the closest beach to the port. At a 5.9-mile distance from the terminals, most people opt for a taxi or shuttle to the pier’s edge and then walk to the beach.
Progreso Beach, Next to the Port (Photo Credit: Shawn Goldberg)
If you are hoping to go directly to the beach, look for the shuttle bus marked “Playa de Progreso,” as it takes visitors directly from the terminals to the beach. While this shuttle is a budget-friendly option, the wait in line can be time-consuming during peak tourist season.
The beach offers white sand, turquoise waters, and plenty of tropical palm trees. Plus, vendors offer handmade trinkets, cold drinks, and tasty snacks. Do yourself a favor and grab an authentic margarita and a delicious beach lunch at Eladios, a beachside restaurant and bar.
Pig Beach
Located between Progreso and nearby Chelem, Pig Beach is a viral sensation. As the name suggests, this picture-perfect beach is home to eight swimming pigs. Introduced in 2021, they have since gained internet infamy for swimming in the turquoise waters and lounging on the sand.
Pig Beach (Photo Credit: Lupita Rojas Solis)
As if this wasn’t cute enough, visitors can swim with the pigs, as they usually venture into the water to escape the heat at least a few times per day. On top of that, the pigs have grown to become the basis of a local animal protection and anti-abuse foundation.
Although the beach is almost 10 miles away, most cabs can take you there from the terminals in less than 30 minutes.
Day Passes to Private Beaches
Between the cruise pier and Playa Progreso Beach are a number of privately owned beaches. For the most part, these belong to the city’s significant resorts, like Tecnohotel, Silcer Beach Club, and Costa Club.
Progreso Beach (Photo Credit: Anna Ewa Bieniek)
If you want to save time and enjoy the benefits of an all-inclusive resort, it’s worth paying for a day pass to lounge on these beaches. Most allow visitors to book ahead of time online. Most day passes include meals and open bar access, so you’ll get your money’s worth.
Explore the City of Progreso
From the city’s Malecon district and its vibrant craft markets and bustling restaurants to Progreso’s numerous cultural landmarks, no trip to Progreso Cruise Port is complete without spending at least a few hours wandering around the city.
If you make it to the Malecon area of the city, which is just a 17-minute walk west from the edge of the pier, you should take the time to stroll along the Malecon Internacional Boardwalk.
Downtown Progreso (Photo Credit: Angela Bragato)
Constructed in 2021 to help the city capitalize on its growing tourism industry, the boardwalk has public restrooms, playgrounds, numerous souvenir vendors, and various beachside bars and restaurants. You don’t need to have plans to enjoy a nice experience on the boardwalk.
If you are traveling with children, Sendero Jurásico is a dinosaur-themed park just 8 miles from the cruise terminals. With large mechanical dinosaurs dotted around beautiful marshlands, it’s a theme park worth visiting. There’s even a dedicated Sendero Jurásico Public Bus that will take you directly there from the edge of the pier.
Exploring the Yucatan: Day Trips from Progreso Cruise Port
The area surrounding Progreso is ideal for exploring the rich history of the Mayan people. With plenty of opportunities to explore the Mayan ruins, Progreso is a gateway to natural and man-made wonders. We recommend the following day trips and activities:
Explore the Mayan Ruins
While UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Chichen-Itza and Uxmal, are 104 and 77 miles away respectively, there are plenty of transportation options for cruise passengers hoping to visit. For those wishing to view Mayan ruins and pyramids firsthand, a visit can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With plenty of transportation options between the two cities, Merida is just a 45-minute drive from Progreso Cruise Port. As the larger of the two cities, Merida captivates visitors with Spanish colonial-era architecture and rich cultural events. The unique blend of history and modernity means the city has something to offer everyone.
The pristine waters surrounding the coastline on either side of Progreso are perfect for adrenaline-pumping water sports like jet skiing, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and more.
Water Sports on Progreso Beach (Photo Credit: Nazar Skladanyi)
For those looking for more inland water adventures, you can book cenote adventures and cave snorkeling tours. Check with your cruise line, as many will offer these experiences as excursions with transportation included.
Seasonal Weather Conditions in Progreso
While it’s never a bad time to visit Progreso, you may want to plan your visit in accordance with the seasonal weather conditions so you can make the most of your time there.
Spring
Spring brings mild temperatures that hover around 85°F. Expect moderate rainfall and reasonable humidity, so it is a good time for outdoor activities.
Summer
Temperatures soar to an average of 90°F. The hot weather is also accompanied by heavy rainfall and very high humidity, making the indoor museums and restaurants of Progreso and Merida more appealing than outdoor activities.
Fall
Fall offers fairly heavy rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures of roughly 85°F. Check forecasts before you head out for the day, but it is typically a good time of year for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Winter
Winter temperatures drop to a more pleasant 80°F with low rainfall and manageable humidity. There’s a reason why the winter months are the busiest for Progreso Cruise Port.
As a city that relies on its tourism industry, Progreso is teeming with restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and vendor stalls.
To access these attractions, we recommend visiting the Malecon Internacional Boardwalk, which is lined with ocean-side bars, restaurants, and shops.
For indoor shopping, Plaza Del Mar is a mall that’s just a 7-minute walk from the edge of the pier. A dedicated souvenir market is also just a few steps away on Boulevard Turistico Malecon.
Bar and Restaurant Area in Progreso (Photo Credit: Cenz07)
Like other parts of Mexico, the city has no shortage of souvenir options. You can pick up locally made tequila or mezcal, hand-woven blankets, jewelry, and crafts featuring iconic images from the Yucatan Peninsula.
If you want to sample the local cuisine, try Sol y Mar, El Hidalguense, or Coconito’s Asado & Shrimp. All three are within walking distance from the edge of the pier and are great spots to enjoy local delights, like fish tacos and cochinita pibil, a slow-cooked pork dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you walk to the beach from Progreso cruise port?
Given that the pier is so long, you will not want to walk directly to a beach from your terminal. Instead, you can take the free shuttle or a taxi to the pier’s edge and then walk a short distance to Playa de Progreso Beach. You can also purchase day passes to the resort-owned beaches that line the coast of Progreso.
What to do in Progreso, Mexico, on a cruise?
Progreso has a beautiful boardwalk lined with restaurants, shops, bars, and parks. Day trips from the city to the larger city of Merida or the surrounding Mayan ruins are also available.
How do you get around in Progreso, Mexico?
Most people choose to explore Progreso by taxi, but there is also a public bus station at the pier’s edge. These buses can travel throughout the city and beyond.
Barcelona’s city council announced plans to limit the number of cruise ship passengers and reduce port terminals to address the city’s overcrowding issues.
Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni made the announcement during a press conference on May 24, 2024. The move comes in response to Barcelona’s significant rise in cruise tourism, which reached 3.6 million passengers in 2023.
Just last October, Barcelona banned cruise ships from docking at the World Trade Center area and Muelle Barcelona Norte, particularly favored by cruise lines because of their proximity to La Rambla, one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Cruise Ships Docked in Barcelona, Spain (Photo Credit: Iglwch)
The regulation, which began on October 22 following a 2018 agreement between the port authorities and Barcelona city council, required ships to dock further from central tourist areas to improve air quality and reduce congestion. It closed earlier, the Maremagum port, which is closest to Barcelona’s Old Town.
Although less than a year in effect, the changes have little impact on slowing congestion. In fact, in June 2024 alone, the Port of Barcelona is scheduled to receive 82 ships, including the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Sea from Royal Caribbean International on June 2, 23, and 30, and MSC Cruises’ 6,334-passenger MSC Grandiosa on June 4, 11, 18, and 25.
During the event, Collboni emphasized the need to control the influx of one-day visitors from mega-ships like these who contribute to the city’s rising congestion, saying, “The increase in the number of cruise passengers is around 8% annually. I want to say, we are reaching a limit, and we need to put a cap on the figure.”
Of 2023 visitors, 1.6 million were one-day tourists who spent only a few hours in the city.
Although tourism represents 14.5% of Barcelona’s gross domestic product, the head of tourism for Barcelona city council, Jordi Valls, warned that exceeding the city’s capacity could diminish the value visitors bring.
Laia Bonet, the deputy mayor, also said during the press conference that while there is no specific date for signing the new agreement, the step is crucial to managing the tourist flow.
Attempting to Curb Overtourism
Last year, 803 cruise ships called in Barcelona, bringing 3.5 million passengers. It was a 13.7% increase over 2019’s pre-pandemic records.
Barcelona’s new plan to limit cruise ship passengers includes negotiating with the city’s port authorities to reduce the number of terminals. Currently, five terminals are in operation, with one under construction and a seventh planned.
The Tarragona Cruise port, which will cater to mega ships, began construction in June 2023, while the Terminal G at the Adossat wharf terminal, anticipated to be the final terminal, will be operational by spring 2027.
Didac Navarro of the Stop Cruises campaign group, told iNews,“The roads and pavements in the center of the city and near the Sagrada Familia are already saturated with cruise tourists.”
Navarro supports the city’s move, fearing that without action, the number of cruise tourists could soon reach 5 million annually.
Several European cities have taken steps similar to Barcelona’s partial ban and proposed passenger cap. Venice, for instance, implemented a ban on large cruise ships entering its historic center in 2021. In April of this year, it began imposing a tourist tax requiring all-day visitors to register and pay a €5.00 fee.
Amsterdam also introduced measures to limit cruise ship traffic. The city redirected large cruise ships to dock at a more remote terminal rather than at the city center’s Passenger Terminal Amsterdam.
Similarly, Palma de Mallorca restricted the number of cruise ships allowed to dock each day in 2022, capping it at three, with only one ship carrying over 5,000 passengers. Earlier this month, it was announced it plans to extend its ban.
Forth Ports tugs welcomed Cunard Line’s new cruise ship, the Queen Anne, into the River Forth on May 26, 2024, with a dramatic water cannon salute.
The event was further marked by a performance from local piper Louise Marshall, celebrating the ship’s maiden voyage into South Queensferry, Scotland, located 30 minutes from downtown Edinburgh and serving as the entrance to the River Forth.
“We are thrilled to have Cunard’s brand-new ship call into the River Forth,”said Rob Mason, head of cruise for Capital Cruising.“She is a magnificent vessel, and we extended a very warm Scottish welcome to her and her guests as they arrived into South Queensferry.”
Queen Anne Arrives in South Queensferry (Photo Courtesy: Cunard Line)
Queen Anne’s arrival highlights the significance of Scotland’s cruise industry, which has substantially impacted the local economy.
According to Mason, “Scotland’s cruise business contributes significantly to the economy, supports hundreds of jobs, and delivers to local businesses and communities.”
He noted that this year marks the busiest cruise season ever for the region, as passengers and ship lines increasingly choose Scottish ports and anchorages to explore the diverse attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital and the largest city in Capital Cruising’s ports.
Queen Anne joins more than 160 cruise calls scheduled for the 2024 season, bringing up to 3,000 passengers and 1,225 international cruise members to the port.
Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage
Queen Anne, the latest addition to Cunard’s fleet, is on a special theme cruise after debuting on May 3. Traveling from its homeport of Southampton, England, the South Queensferry call is the first of the British Isles Festival Voyage.
The 14-day cruise around the British Isles will arrive in Kirkwall, Scotland on May 28, Invergordon, Scotland, on May 29, and Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland on June 1. It will continue to Belfast, Northern Ireland; Liverpool, England; and Cork, Ireland, before returning to Southampton on June 7.
During the special voyage, Queen Anne will celebrate her official naming and christening in Liverpool, Cunard’s original headquarters in 1839. The June 3 event will feature a performance by world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Queen Anne Cruise Ship (Image Courtesy: Cunard Line)
The festivities, hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis, also include the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and DJ Lauren Lo Sun. The ship’s godparent is yet to be revealed.
Cunard President Katie McAlister commented on the special voyage, “Queen Annes’s maiden voyage around these shores will be a truly historic sailing, and I know many of our loyal Cunarders will be eagerly awaiting what will be an iconic journey.”
As Cunard’s 249th ship, delivered by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy on April 19, 2024, the 113,000-gross-ton Queen Anne boasts 14 decks and features art deco-inspired interiors.
Passengers can enjoy various activities, such as a world-class spa, fitness center, swimming pools, and a diverse lineup of performances in the ship’s theatre.
After her British Isles event cruise, Queen Anne will spend the summer sailing through the Western Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Her itineraries include the Norwegian Fjords and Scandinavia, with 5- to 18-day cruises.
MSC Cruises announced the expansion of its kids and family program, debuting for summer 2024 itineraries. The cruise line is introducing new entertainment options and services, including extended hours for kids’ clubs, new family game shows, and marine conservation initiatives.
For the first time, MSC Cruises will roll out extended services for babies aged 6 months and up. Previously, baby care services were only available for children aged 1 year and older.
The new service, developed in collaboration with Chicco, will allow parents to enjoy the ship while specially trained crew members care for the children. The services include protected play areas with Chicco toys and naptime in the comfort of your stateroom or the Baby Club.
Image Courtesy: MSC Cruises
Kids’ clubs aboard MSC Cruises include the Baby Club Chicco for ages 6 months to 2 years, Miniclub Lego for ages 3 to 6, Juniors Club Lego for ages 7 to 11, Young Club for ages 12 to 14, and a Teens Club for ages 15 to 17.
“We host more than 600,000 children and teenagers across our entire fleet every year, and we want to make sure every single one of them disembarks having had the best experience,”said Matteo Mancini, corporate senior manager Kids Entertainment.
New this summer, MSC Cruises will bring the “Doremiland Open House and Party” to allow parents to spend time with their children in the kids’ clubs. During designated time slots each day, all Doremiland areas will be open for families to explore together.
In addition, once per cruise, a big family party will be hosted where parents and kids can engage in fun activities and play together.
“At the heart of our business is family. We love creating unforgettable memories and holidays for everyone, especially for families,”said Steve Leatham, global head of entertainment at MSC Cruises. “That’s why we proudly offer a fleetwide family program of entertainment and activities that resonates with our valued guests.”
He continued, “As a father of three boys, I know first-hand the incredible job our youth team does on board, not only in entertaining children and families but also in creating moments that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”
MSC Cruises Family Offerings
MSC Cruises is also introducing two new original family game shows in summer 2024. “World Quest” will be a geography-based trivia game that will test families’ knowledge of different countries and cultures, while “Caravaggio” will be a spy-themed game show dedicated to art. In the latter, children take the lead and challenge their parents in solving mysteries.
The interactive and educational experiences are designed to make learning fun, and a new program that offers families the chance to participate in activities focused on marine conservation will also be included.
Each day, one hour will be dedicated to activities that allow children to learn about marine conservation efforts through a collaboration with the MSC Foundation, which promotes sustainable development and initiatives to protect the marine environment.
For teenagers aged 12 to 17, MSC Cruises is extending the club hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to midnight on sea days, and from 3 p.m. to midnight on port days.
MSC Seaview Teen Club (Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises)
Additionally, the popular teen MSC Dance Crew competition returns with a new experience. Developed in partnership with Fremantle, the production company that created The X Factor, Idols, and Got Talent series, the competition will see teams of teenagers battling it out to win the title of dance crew of the year.
The Guinness World Record activities, previously available as a trial on selected ships, will now be extended. Families can participate in record-breaking quizzes on MSC World Europa, MSC Euribia, MSC Seascape, MSC Seashore, MSC Magnifica, MSC Divina, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Grandiosa.
Returning family favorites include the LEGO Experience On Board, where children can enjoy a range of LEGO bricks and toys and become certified Junior LEGO Master Builders; the “Break the Wall” game show; and “Cabin 12006 The Secret Game,” which offers immersive experiences with music, videos, TikTok trials, memory games, and dancing centered around the mysteries of Ocean Cay.
The MasterChef at Sea Junior programs will also return, allowing kids aged 5 to 12 to participate in a stage cooking competition inspired by the popular MasterChef show.
