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Picture yourself with a cocktail in hand as the sinking sun casts a warm glow over the turquoise waters of the legendary Caribbean Sea.
If that sounds like your sort of holiday, read on! With direct flights from Australia to Dallas and on to Houston in the USA, you can board a cruise in Galveston and the beauty of the Mexican or Western Caribbean is yours for the taking! Situated on Galveston Island, an hour’s drive south-east of Houston, the tri-terminal Port of Galveston is the perfect starting point for your expedition to paradise — and there are myriad destinations awaiting you just beyond the horizon.
Here are eight of the best Caribbean cruise destinations from Galveston.
1. Progreso, Mexico
Say hola (g’day!) to the wondrous Mexican Caribbean, starting in the port city of Progreso — the gateway to everything Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has to offer. Safe, secure, dazzling in its natural beauty, and notable for its incredible history, the Yucatan really does offer something to captivate everyone. One of the biggest attractions of a visit to Progreso is the opportunity to delve straight into the mysteries of the ancient Mayan civilisation. The ruins of Dzibilchaltun are located between Progreso and the city of Merida and make a great half day shore excursion. Alternatively, spend your time relaxing on the sands of Playa Progreso, or doing some people watching along the bustling Malecon (beach boardwalk).
2. Cozumel, Mexico
No visit to the Yucatan would be complete without experiencing the island of Cozumel’s famous beaches. We’re talking sweeping stretches of white sand, framed by warm azure water and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. And let’s not forget this holiday hot spot’s exquisite tropical reefs — and status as one of the world’s premier snorkelling and diving destinations. Situated on the vast Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef system in the world, behind our own Great Barrier Reef), there are endless underwater adventures to be had. Over to you.
3. Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico
Costa Maya is another of the Yucatan’s most popular cruise ports, and it’s not difficult to work out why! Appealing beaches, upscale private beach clubs, innovative restaurants, great shopping, and astounding Mayan ruins within easy reach all add up to an awesome day in port. If you want to escape the crowds, opt to visit the small fishing village of Mahahua — where the outside world quickly becomes but a distant memory. Bliss out on the powdery white sand beaches or snorkel with sea turtles just a short distance offshore. Magic!
4. Nassau, Bahamas
Fabulous diving and snorkeling also await you in Nassau — the cosmopolitan capital of the Bahamas and another of the wider region’s busiest cruise ports. Renowned for its past as a pirate’s haven (and once loosely known as ‘The Republic of Pirates’), here you can walk in the footsteps of infamous buccaneers like Edward ‘Blackbeard’ Teach and ‘Calico Jack’ Rackham. There are endless ways to spend a port day in Nassau, but our pick is the legendary Aquaventure Water Park on Paradise Island. It’s one of the largest aquatic theme parks in the world and the high-speed waterslides will blow your mind!
5. Belize City, Belize
The small Central American country of Belize has a distinctively Caribbean flavour, and the streets of its largest urban centre — Belize City — are alive with colour, characters, and the evidence of a not-too-distant colonial past. Wander as you will or visit the excellent Museum of Belize in Fort George to learn more of the city’s backstory. The more adventurous traveller may like to up their pulse rate on a cave tubing tour. It’s one of this port’s signature experiences.
6. Roatan, Honduras
Sitting pretty roughly 60 kilometres off the coast of Honduras, the petite island of Roatan will steal your heart with its looks and laid back vibe. It’s arguably one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean (even though it made Time magazine’s list of the 50 best places to visit in 2023!), and if you find a cruise itinerary that includes a stop here — jump on it! Those definitely in the know are seasoned divers and snorkellers, who flock here to access the aforementioned Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The reef system that surrounds the island is home to several different ecosystems and countless sea creatures. There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot onshore, including Capuchin monkeys, sloths, armadillos, iguanas, and hundreds of bird species. Join a wildlife watching shore excursion and prepare to be amazed!
7. George Town, Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, which lie roughly halfway between Honduras and Cuba in the Caribbean Sea. Best known as an offshore banking hub, Grand Cayman certainly attracts its fair share of high rolling holidaymakers — and those with cash to splash will enjoy capital George Town’s upscale dining and shopping offering. Whatever your bank balance, one of the absolute highlights of a visit here is the opportunity to swim with stingrays in what’s known locally as ‘Stingray City’. It’s quite an experience to watch these magnificent winged elasmobranchs duck, roll, and weave around you, and you’ll even have the opportunity to feed them by hand.
8. Falmouth, Jamaica
You’ve heard hundreds of references to it in popular culture; now experience the magic of Jamaica for yourself! Situated roughly 400 kilometres to the east of the Caymans, this island nation offers the quintessential Caribbean holiday experience. From the superb beaches and lively reggae bars, to the flavorsome cuisine and generously spiced rum, there’s plenty to see, do, and taste during your visit.
Jamaica has several different cruise ports, including in the heritage city of Falmouth. Nestled between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, it’s home to a wealth of beautifully preserved Georgian-era architecture and a guided walking tour will help you get the most from your visit. If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday, visit the popular ‘Bend Down Market’, which draws traders from right across the main island.
This post was published thanks to Royal Caribbean.
Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best Caribbean cruise destinations from Galveston? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
