Caribbean Cruise Ship Port of Call Profile
The islands of the Caribbean are located in a region southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and Northern America, east of Central America, and to the north of South America.
Weather Update
Aletta weakens to Tropical Depression - no threat to land.
Our Home Port is Venice, Florida, a city located on the southwest coast of Florida in Sarasota County.
Western Caribbean and Mexico Ports
Western Caribbean
Belize
Cozumel
Costa Maya
Falmouth
Grand Cayman
Mexico
Montego Bay
Ocho Rios
Playa del Carmen
Progreso/Merida
Roatan
Roseau
San Tomas
Mexican Riviera
Acapulco
Cabo San Lucas
Ensenada
Mazatlan
Manzanillo
Puerto Vallarta
Need to know
Hurricanes
Mexico is situated in an area prone to hurricanes. From June to November, the country may experience strong winds and rains as a result of hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.
In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane alert, Shipdetective will post NWS updates and information for travelers on our Tropical Storm Update page
Personal Security
Although the majority of visitors to Mexico thoroughly enjoy their stay, a small number experience difficulties and serious inconveniences.
Standards of security, safety, and supervision may not reach those expected in the United States. This has contributed to deaths of U.S. citizens in automobile accidents, after falls from balconies or into open ditches, by drowning in the ocean as well as in hotel pools, and in water-sports mishaps, among others.
Medical Care
Adequate medical care can be found in major cities. Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Care in more remote areas is limited. Standards of medical training, patient care and business practices vary greatly among medical facilities in beach resorts throughout Mexico.
Centro Médico Americano Located just half a block from the Main Plaza. Small hospital affiliated with some of the best hospitals in Merida just 25 miles away.(969) 935 0951.
Medical Centre of the Americas
Services: All specialties. It is affiliated with the Mercy Hospital in
Miami, Florida.
Address: 365, 54th Street, Downtown Merida, Merida.
Phone numbers: (52-999) 926-4716 / 926-4710.
Progreso/Merida, MX
Progreso is a port city in the Mexican state of Yucatán, located on the Gulf of Mexico in the north-west of the state.
The city is the municipal seat of the surrounding municipality of the same name. Progreso is a center for both the fishing industry and the container industry. All containers arrive in Progreso and are distributed to Yucatán, Campeche and Quintana Roo.
Merida is the capital of the Yucatán and located about 30 minutes from Progreso. The ruins of well over a hundred Maya sites of varying sizes can still be found on the Yucatán peninsula, such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal, though most sites have not been extensively investigated.
Today, the Yucatán Peninsula is a major tourism destination, as well as home to one of the largest indigenous populations in Mexico, the Maya people.
Good to Know
Port of Entry
Progreso
Time Zone
CST (GMT/UTC - 6)
Map Coordinates
21°16′N 89°40′W
Average Temperatures
Water: 83º Summer - 79º Winter
Air: 85º Summer - 80º Winter
Drinking Water Quality
In many areas in Mexico, tap water is unsafe and should be avoided. Bottled water and beverages are safe although visitors should be aware that many restaurants serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Visitors should exercise caution when buying food or beverages from street vendors.
Things to do and see
El Malecon
Seaside promenade with some restaurants and a few shops
El Corchito
Ecological Preserve located only a few miles from Progresso.
Dzibilchaltun Mayan Site
Museum of the Mayan peopleThe Xcambo Mayan Site was the major distribution center for the Chichen, Uxmal and Izamal tribes for salt and salted fish.
Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá (which means 'City of the Water Wizard' in Mayan) was for centuries a buzzing metropolis, one of a number of important city states comprising the pre-Hispanic Mayan Empire.
The Mayan ruin of Chichen Itza is about 90 minutes by road from Merida and even nearer to Cancun.
During the March and September equinoxes a phenomenon of light and shadow draws thousands of visitors to the Castle to witness a 'plumed serpent' of light descending the steps of the pyramid. But if you can't make it then, then don't miss the next best thing: the Night of the Mayans. It is also possible to see a similar show at another impressive Mayan ruin, at Uxmal.
Beaches and Dive Spots
We recommend you save the snorkeling and diving for another port or schedule an excursion to Xcaret, Cancún.
Xcaret
Best described as a natural theme park. Encompassing beaches, butterfly houses, a coral reef aquarium and an underground river. Beyond the beautiful white sands of Playa del Carmen lies the stunning underwater world of the Atlantic. Coral reefs with a multitude of marine life can be seen here.
Getting around
Progresso has a free shuttle bus that will take you from the pier downtown to the beach and the El Malecon. Taxi fares are regulated but make sure to negotiate your rate before you leave. Taxi vans are more expensive.
