Is it worth getting off the ship in Progresso??

[jubilee]

I have heard good and bad new about progresso..I need help!Please help me!

 

Thanks ~me

[hdawson]

There are many postings about Progreso/Merida for you to read. Some of us think it is a far superior port call than those with 7 or 8 other cruise ships in port where there is no similance to a foreign port. I liked it so much that after two portcalls I went back for eight days. Probably going back in Jan for 2 wks. Now if your only interest is partying and/or getting juiced, it probably isn't the port for you.

[cruisekimmy]

So in progreso should i stay on the ship or get off?

 

~Kim

[hdawson]

Kim. That very much depends on what you like to do on vacation. If you need another beach day then there is a nice beach, but not good snorkeling. Beach side restaurants are very good and soooo many more brands of very good Mexican beers than you've had at home. If you want to explore a foreign culture then in my opinion grab a bus to beautiful Merida. VEry safe, clean and a very romantic city. Whether you stay on the ship or see Mexico is entirely up to you. You might stop in a good book store and look through some travel books for information on Merida and Progreso. Just don't expect it to be like Cozumel or Cancun. Those are not Mexican.

[cruisekimmy]

Thanks for yalls help!

~me

[Zeno]

Another vote for an excursion to Merida (if you are interested in the REAL Mexico). Personally I don't like Progreso itself but I loved Merida. Also if you are at all interested in Mayan ruins, there are 2 huge ruins in the vicinity (Chichen Itza and Uxmal) (probably best to take a ship excursion - they are not closer) or a smaller ruin with a nice cenote - Dzbilchaltun (quite near Progreso).

[dexter]

While I did not like Progresso, I was totally awed by that manmade dock. It is 7 miles long with a small village of stores on the end. You can get some very good bargains at those stores on the dock if you know how to bargain with the merchants. My wife purchased a hand made straw hat which was labeled $100usd. She bargained it down to $40. If you don't want to go very far from the ship, I'd suggest the short walk to the stores on the dock.

[hdawson]

Dexter. Good choice of the hat. There is nowhere better for buying Panama hats. I just had a friend pick one up for me (my second). Made from the Sisal fiber. They are very good for those of us that visit the tropics with thinning hair. I believe they are made in small very humid caves. Hats, hammocks and the guayaberas (traditional Mexican shirts for men) are all excellent bargains in the Yucatan.

[Layditx]

Progresso was my 2nd favorite port. We had an absolute blast. Took the $2 tram ride through the town and shopped. Great bargains! Also, this is the place you can get 2 coronas and a beer lanyard for a buck! The party at the end of the pier was a hoot! The beach was much prettier than we expected, although we didn't get in the water. This is a place for younger crowds, though.

[DEL67]

We enjoyed Progresso. Not wanting to travel for hours, we went to Dzbilchaltun which is about 30 minutes from the port. The ruins are interesting and there is also a small museum. You can also swim in the cenote (sink hole) which I thought was fun for a while.

 

In addition, if you are looking for Mexican souveniers, I thought that even the shops on the pier were less expensive than Cozumel.

[MEGADAN]

We vistied Progresso on the Glory in August and enjoyed it. The beach, although not as clear as Belize was warm and calm. We stopped at the very first bar on the beach and had a great day. Service was good and the ceviche was excellent!

[Tarheelbelle]

If you are interested in history, go to Chichen Itza. It is incredible, but it is a long ride from the ship. I was there in 2002 while sailing on the Horizon. I think it is so much more impressive than Tulum or other ruins in that part of Mexico.

[love2cruise*]

Does anyone have any idea approx. how far all of the Mayan ruins (ie Uxmal, Chichen Itza) is from the pier?

[zydecocruiser]

Should you get off the boat? Yes!

 

This advice applies to any port unless you have previously visited and decide not to.

 

I think it is about 70 +/- miles to Uxmal from Progreso. Chichen Itza is farther. Both are doable in a day from Progreso, but don't think both in the same day would be reasonable.

 

As usual too many pictures and sadly I guess I need to state (based on caveats of others), all rights reserved..

 

 

 

 

zydecocruiser's Album:Elation - Progreso/Uxmal

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[davidaperryman]

3 beers, 3 lanyards, two straw cowboy hats and two tempory tatoos all for $3. Plus a picture with the Corona girls for free.

 

Get off the ship.

[reldudegop]

does the bus that takes you from the boat to the beach over the pier have A/C and restrooms?

[hdawson]

The courtesy bus from the ship area to the plaza in town is a five minute ride. Then the beach is a 3 block walk.

[cruise50]

GreatPORT!! Lots of time to relax. got the beer necklaces, 4 SOLS and a T shirt for 4bucks!!! Would do it again take the 2$ bus tour through town!!!!

[mcbarbee]

Thanks to all for the info on Progreso. A special thanks to Zedicocruiser for the great pics. We'll be cruising the Elation on the 23rdand in Progreso mid-week. Planning to have a GREAT time!

[mnsawyer]

What about the Reef Yucatan? Some posters have mentioned that there is someone selling tours to this resort? Also, someone on the Carnival board said it's mentioned on the bus from the ship to Progresso.

 

Anyone?

 

thanks!

[familyvacation]

I have to be work in Merida the same week of my kids spring break the first week of March. I have decided to bring the family with me, but we would like to stay by the beach. I have heard that the closest beach, and nicest, is Progresso. Is this correct or is there another place close to Merida? Also, what about Reef Yucatan? We are looking for a nice relaxing family vacation and are looking at the option of going to a hotel or renting a house. Does anyone have any information on home rentals and what areas in Progresso we should rent a house? I have seen great luxury hotels in and around Merida, but we really want easy access to the beach. I have heard the beaches are nice and not so nice. Can anyone give me some information?

[hdawson]

Try reading http://www.yucatantoday.com

There are rentals available. July and August there are many Mexicans taking their vacations in Progreso. The beach is nice but not good for snorkling in that it's actually on the gulf, not the Caribbean. The beautiful city of Merida is 21 miles inland from Progreso. Le Saint Bonnet restaurant accross the Malecon is a very good restaurant.

[PAF78250]

Was wondering why you felt the beach in Progreso was for "younger crowds"?

We will be crusing on the Elation 2/6/05 and one of our stops is Progreso. My husband and two others will be going to the ruins (I have already been), and my sister in law and I will shop, tour, and hit the beach.

 

Thanks

[hdawson]

I visited the Progreso beach after Elation had sailed so it was rather deserted. I saw nothing that would lead me to think it was for younger or older people. It's a nice beach. The restaurants accross the street have some great food. Suggest reaching out and eating something other than just nachos. Fish and seafoods are very very fresh.

[tdebolt]

My mother in law said she regrets getting off the ship in the port.. Although it is very different than any port in Mexico than I have been to I think its still worth a look. I saw living conditions that I would not want, there were not really any touristy areas to go to....but I think its still worth getting off the ship. Worst thing that can happen is you gain a greater appreciation for your living conditions (especially after stumbling across the open air butcher.....EWWWW!). If you don't like it then just hop back on the bus to ship and at least you had a chance to make your own decision.