Sunday, March 31, 2024

Belize Cruise Port Guide: Your Gateway to Tropical Paradise

belize cruise terminal

Immerse yourself in thrilling outdoor activities and explore the untamed beauty of this tropical paradise. One of the most famous historical sites in Belize is the ancient Mayan city of Xunantunich. Located near the town of San Ignacio, Xunantunich features impressive stone temples and plazas. Climb to the top of El Castillo, the largest temple, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and nearby Guatemalan border.

Tips for Exploring Belize Cruise Port

belize cruise terminal

While English is the official language, don’t be surprised to hear locals conversing in Creole, Spanish, and various native dialects. Belizeans are known for their friendliness, but it’s always a good idea to brush up on local norms. It’s a lot for one day, but hundreds of visitors to Belize City opt for this exciting tour.

Environmentalists present united front in opposition to Port of Belize cruise project; consultation set for Wednesday - Breaking Belize News

Environmentalists present united front in opposition to Port of Belize cruise project; consultation set for Wednesday.

Posted: Tue, 21 Jul 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]

CCL-Carnival opens 2025-2026 Caribbean schedule with new itineraries from Galveston TX

The cruise port of Belize City (in the country of Belize) has a good number of world-class attractions like the Mayan archeological sites of Xunantunich, Altun Ha, or Lamanai. And there are also lots of wildlife adventures to enjoy both in the ocean and in the lush tropical forest. Belize City, with its wooden and brick buildings, exudes some colonial charm but the downtown area also has many seedy neighborhoods, and tourists should beware of walking around the city after dark. For cruise passengers, Belize City is primarily a jumping-off point for tours and excursions to its many natural and historical attractions.

Long Beach, CA

The project was budgeted USD 82 million (island development plus construction works). The official currency is the Belize Dollar, but US dollars are also accepted in all tourist areas. The site features the remnants of ancient plazas, temples and palaces, and the imposing El Castillo temple — the second tallest in Belize. From the top of El Castillo, you can admire stunning panoramic views stretching into Guatemala. Upon exiting the port security gates, turn right on Fort St, and after a couple of minutes’ walk you’ll reach the Belize Welcome Sign and an iconic red and white Baron Bliss lighthouse. The local population typically tends to be friendly, polite, and speak English very well.

Belize is not a beach destination because most of the shoreline consists of mangrove forests. Cruise lines offer few to no excursions that go to any beaches because the few that exist are mostly small or too far away. A boat tour on the river makes for an excellent, exciting break from the hustle and bustle of Belize City. Tours are typically half day excursions although guides don’t complain when visitors to Belize City opt for a full day of adventure on the river.

Celebrity Cruises offer as many 14 shore explorations,and Princess has available 16 cruise excursions in Belize City cruise port cruise port. All ships anchor in Belize City harbor and passengers are whizzed from ship to shore via speedy Belizean tenders; it takes approximately 20 minutes to tender to shore. Exploring the local markets provides an opportunity to try traditional Belizean snacks and delicacies. Discover the unique flavors of fry jacks, a deep-fried dough served with various fillings, or try Johnny cakes, a type of cornmeal bread that is a staple in Belizean cuisine. Wash it all down with a refreshing coconut water or indulge in Belize’s own local Belikin beer. The country boasts excellent fishing grounds, offering opportunities for both deep-sea fishing and fly fishing.

Mesoamerica Reef Ocean adventures and activities

Del Sol products epitomize the creativity found here, with items that change color in the sun, offering a unique souvenir that captures the essence of Belize's artistic flair. The Belize cruise port itself, called “Tourism Village” is quite small, with souvenir shops and Diamonds International and restaurants offering cheap drinks and Caribbean specialties. There is a high guarded fence around Tourism Village which they don’t recommend tourists venture outside of by themselves.

Among Belize’s most renowned natural marvels is the Great Blue Hole, a subaquatic sinkhole situated close to the heart of Lighthouse Reef. This geological marvel stretches over 300 meters across and plunges 125 meters deep, offering a unique scuba diving experience unlike any other. At present times, it’s mostly used for more light-hearted purposes such as transportation to and from eco-lodges and for boat tours in search of Belize wildlife.

Belize River Boat Tours

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular options for exploring the tranquil rivers, mangroves, and coastal lagoons of Belize. Glide along the water’s surface, take in the stunning scenery, and observe the rich birdlife and marine species that inhabit these ecosystems. One of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Belize is observing the majestic jaguars. Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world’s first jaguar preserve, offering a chance to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat. Take a guided hike or go on a night tour to increase your chances of spotting a jaguar or other nocturnal wildlife.

Not only do these reserves protect the habitat of countless marine species, but they also provide unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and research. Travelers can browse through a selection of duty-free shops offering a variety of goods ranging from luxury items to local crafts. The souvenir shops at the port provide an assortment of memorabilia, highlighting Belize's culture and heritage. These products make for perfect gifts and keepsakes, ensuring visitors can bring a piece of Belize back home with them. Those seeking to take home a piece of Belize will find ample shopping opportunities within the tourism village and beyond.

Immersing yourself in the cultural and culinary scene of Belize is a fascinating way to truly experience the rich heritage of the country. From exploring ancient Mayan traditions to indulging in the diverse flavors of Belizean cuisine, there are endless opportunities to satisfy your curiosity and taste buds. For adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, Belize is a haven of thrilling activities and natural wonders. For beach lovers, the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are a paradise within a paradise.

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From taxis and local buses to water taxis for island hopping, there’s a mode of transport to suit your needs. Belize City, the largest city and cruise port hub, provides straightforward access to all these options. Belize offers an array of scrumptious sweets, from coconut tarts to cassava cake.

Other popular options include fry jacks, which are deep-fried dough pockets often filled with fruit preserves and sweet potato pudding. Indulge your sugar cravings by exploring the local bakeries and specialty stores in the vicinity of Fort Street Tourism Village. From decadent pastries to tropical fruit popsicles, you’ll find a myriad of options to enjoy a sweet moment during your port day. From its coral reefs to its jungle landscapes, Belize is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The country is home to a myriad of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sea turtles, and a variety of exotic birds. Options abound for nature tours, whether it’s hiking in a national park or visiting wildlife sanctuaries.

Belize’s wildlife and nature tours offer a chance to witness the country’s incredible biodiversity and connect with its natural wonders. Whether you’re exploring dense rainforests, cruising along tranquil rivers, or immersing yourself in vibrant marine habitats, each experience is sure to be a memorable and enriching adventure. When your cruise ship docks at the Belize Cruise Port, you will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of exciting activities and attractions. From pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters to ancient Mayan ruins and diverse wildlife, Belize has something for everyone. The Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest barrier reef in the world offering incredible snorkeling and scuba diving. The Belizean waters are home to vibrant coral gardens, nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and fascinating marine wildlife.

25 BEST South America Cruises 2024 Prices + Itineraries: Cruises to South America on Cruise Critic

cruise around south america

Ports include the bustling city of Sao Paulo, to the rustic charm of Buzios. Its sister vessel, the Norwegian Star, offers an eastern coast itinerary from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro. With an option to take a side trip to Iguazú Falls National Park, you’ll want to fly in early to expand your itinerary. Finally, the boat terminates in the expansive capital of Peru, Lima, one of the biggest cities in all the Americas, and well worth winding down from your cruise experience as you plan your next adventure. Unlike the larger vessels where passengers pay for tours, Celebrity offers a shore excursion at each island, which is included in your cruise fare. Unlike their larger vessels, these ships offer an intimate expedition-style adventure.

FIND YOUR PATH TO ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AMERICA

For this port of call, we opted to take a tour of the city with Context Travel rather than booking an excursion through the cruise line. This generally is not recommended but I had an established relationship with the company. If you spend your time in the cities you will have a different experience than someone who goes to the wildlife preserves or an estancia (ranch). We loved seeing the penguins and the elephant seals at the Peninsula Valdes. But we also enjoyed exploring Buenos Aires which is both historic and cosmopolitan.

South America & Antarctica Cruises

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Posted: Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Indulge in a feast for the senses on an epic South America cruise with Princess®. Feel the rhythm of more than a thousand years of history and culture while savoring an incredible variety of regional cuisine. Marvel at captivating views of the legendary Amalia Glacier, make friends with the famous Falkland Island penguins and sail to the very bottom of the world with our all-new Antarctica cruise itineraries. Spectacular monuments, stunning natural beauty and one-of-a-kind experiences from ship to shore will both inspire and surprise you. Enjoy the adventure and excitement of a South America cruise and come back new®. Some cruises include Antarctica in their itineraries -- if not sailing there directly, perhaps a day-long shore excursion, via plane, from Punta Arenas, Chile.

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Celebrity Cancels 2024-25 Season in South America.

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What should I pack for a cruise to South America?

I will provide a primer for the larger ports since my voyage was on a sizable ship and these are the ports I’ve experienced. On an Around the Horn cruise, you will encounter all kinds of weather. Throughout your sailing, you can expect, the sun, rain, wind, and even snow. That said, you should expect the daytime South American temperature to range from the 90s in Buenos Aires to the 30s when sailing through the Strait of Magellan. You can expect the cold weather to continue as your ship heads up the west coast and through the Chilean Fjords.

cruise around south america

Cruises

If you are prone to seasickness you are going to want to pack Dramamine or another motion sickness remedy. For most of the cruise, you can expect regionally normal seas. However, what that means for your experience has a lot to do with the size of the ship you are on, where you are on the vessel, the weather, and how you respond to the motion. During your sailing around Cape Horn, you can expect rain, snow, sleet, and wind. Only about a day and a half of your cruise will subject you to this.

Most South American cruises run from late October to mid-March which is the best time to go to South America. This means that you will be sailing during winter in the northern hemisphere. South America’s seasons are the opposite so you will be cruising during South America’s summer. That’s just one of the things that makes a cruise around the continent a wonderful winter vacation option. Legend Cruises offer everything from four to fourteen days trips. However, an eight-day cruise through the western and eastern Galapagos islands provides a happy medium.

Punta Arenas, Chile

Stop by the professionally staffed Fitness Center equipped with the latest cardio and weight machines. Try one of our classes on indoor cycling, Pilates and more or work out at your own pace. You can also head out for fresh air and exercise on deck, where you'll find basketball and volleyball courts, and two refreshing pools (available on select ships). Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy.

World Stage features innovative cruise ship shows and a two-story LED screen that creates a vivid wraparound display. Our relaxing café with panoramic views is your home for handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and refreshing cocktails in the evening. Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure. Sun protection is also a must, and although you may not encounter rain, we suggest a light waterproof jacket to be on the safe side. As on every Cunard cruise, be sure to pack swimwear and formal wear, so you can make the most of our pools and spa facilities, and enjoy our glittering Gala Evenings in all their splendor. It’s a fine example of the country’s rich cultural history, beautiful architecture and adventurous cuisine.

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. On the other side of the continent, you have Fernando de Noronha, a volcanic archipelago off Brazil's eastern coast, a place so beautiful and precious only 400 people a day are allowed to visit. Last - but certainly not least - there is the famous Christ the Redeemer, a statue standing 30 meters tall on the peak of Corcovado mountain, looking down over the iconic city of Rio de Janeiro. Cunard guests visiting the pulsating, exhilarating Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will find themselves in one of the most colorful, musical places in the world. With delicious cuisines, stunning scenery and its famous carnival atmosphere, Rio has new delights waiting around every corner. In Chile’s capital, grand colonial buildings stand proudly among glass skyscrapers and elegant parks.

cruise around south america

After embarking from Santiago or Buenos Aires, you’ll visit a plethora of unforgettable ports. Play the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. with Holland America Line, the exclusive cruise line partner of the Professional Pickleball Association. All our cruise ships feature pickleball courts with amazing top-deck views.

South America’s Cruisetour vacations feature land tours to either breathtaking Iguazú Falls or majestic Machu Picchu, one of the most impressive UNESCO sites in the New World. See snow-flecked mountains, wild rivers and glass-like lakes of Torres del Paine National Park. This is a land of contrasts from secluded beaches to dynamic metropolises, lush mangrove forests to rocky canyons.

We encourage you to leave valuables on board when you go ashore, and to use the safe provided in your stateroom for your valuables. With its high, frozen peaks, barren desserts, and dramatic weather, Patagonia might seem inhospitable to animals. But nature always finds a way, and the wildlife in Patagonia is extraordinary.

Antarctica Cruises and South America Cruises 2024 and 2025

cruise around south america

World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.

Hilton Buenos Aires

As with any big city with lots of visitors, you should take precautions in places like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. Don’t carry your cell phone or wallet in your back pocket, and keep your purse and camera close to you. For Celebrity Cruises® and parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, the safety of our guests and crew has always been our highest priority.

San Antonio To Southampton, 31 nights, Feb 25, 2025

Flightwise, you'll get to your cruise using airports in Buenos Aires and Santiago (a two-hour bus ride from the port of Valparaiso). Marvel at enchanting penguins, basking seals, pods of humpback whales, and towering mountains draped in snow. Choose from distinct South American cruise itineraries that will take you places far beyond your imagination. From ancient civilizations to dramatic vistas of rushing waterfalls, South America cruises make an impression. Discover the lost city of the Incas from high atop the mountains in Machu Picchu.

Land Programs

Other excursions took cruisers to the Uruguayan countryside with visits to wineries and estancias. The most demanding excursion we took was in Ushuaia, and it was categorized as “strenuous.” It included rafting and hiking. I remember being a bit winded during the hike but that probably had more to do with altitude than my physical condition. Also, I was less than a year out from a hip replacement but was able to manage my activities. Of course, if you have any physical restrictions you will want to get more information about the excursions before booking.

South America & Antarctica Cruises

cruise around south america

Since these only travel to one or two ports, guests who book these sampler cruises on the MSC Seaview generally reside in Brazil. Our South America Pre- and Post-Cruise Land Programs invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures, cuisines and rich history of this region. Set sail on an amazing voyage around the legendary Cape Horn, embodying the determined spirit of the sailors who made the historic voyage in years past aboard small clipper ships. Along the way, your cruise highlights will include an encounter with the icy wonder that is the Amalia Glacier, and abundant wildlife.

South American Cruise Ports of Call and Excursions

Sail along the eastern coast of South America, highlighted by red cliffs, untouched beaches and dense rainforests of Brazil and wind your way through the Caribbean. With an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro, you’ll have a chance to taste traditional Brazillian cuisine and visit historic sites such as the Christ the Redeemer statue and Sugarloaf Mountain. Sail along glacial waters and enjoy views of Elephant Island, Antarctic Sound and Gerlache Strait. The majority of our South America cruises range from 12 to 14 nights. Galapagos cruises are seven nights, but if you add on a land extension, the whole experience will be 10, 11, or 16 nights.

cruise around south america

Holland America's '22-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday' Cruise - Travel + Leisure

Holland America's '22-Day South America & Antarctica Holiday' Cruise.

Posted: Fri, 03 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Uruguay may be the second smallest nation in South America, but it has 400 miles of coastline. With its long Atlantic shore, there’s no shortage of wonderful beaches. Let Celebrity show you the very best of this enchanting continent on a cruise to South America, whether you’re fascinated by cosmopolitan cities or Antarctica’s pristine, ice-strewn bays and channels.

Windstar charts its first South America cruises plus add-on tours - Seatrade Cruise News

Windstar charts its first South America cruises plus add-on tours.

Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

South America Cruisetour Vacations

Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam bring the World Stage experience to the next level by surrounding you in spectacular sight and sound with a two-story, panoramic LED screen. Enjoy an early dinner on your verandah before an evening excursion. All selections are included in your cruise fare unless otherwise noted on the in-room menu. A casual, modern marketplace, Lido Market offers the widest range of food options on board for breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late-night snack. Oosterdam, our second Vista Class ship, brings high style to the high seas with thoughtful upgrades and stunning artwork.

Day by Day

Crossing over into Peru, the boat anchors at the historic port town of Trujillo, which was once home to the Moche and Chimu prehistoric cultures. Here, the giant tortoises still roam the earth, iguanas lounge leisurely out in the sun, and you can see evolution itself in action. After you’ve seen the wildlife, you’ll agree that some of it looks almost prehistoric. So, this small ship cruise makes navigating through the remotest corners of the Strait of Magellan and Darwin Range easier. You’ll anchor in some of the most exciting locations in South America.

If you’re looking to visit this incredible place, then the best time would be during the warmer months, when it’s not raining. Alternatively, those who live in or near Sao Paulo can choose a similar mini-cruise. Roundtrip from Sao Paulo, they can pick from the MSC Preziosa or Fantasia. With two days in Montevideo, Uruguay, you can marvel at the city’s collection of historical statues. The Stella Australis Patagonia cruise is an unforgettable five-day escape into a frozen wonderland away from civilization. Dance to your favorite songs with one of the best bands at sea.

Keep in mind that while in port you may choose to enjoy the local cuisine. After boarding your cruise ship in Baltra, you’ll continue through the many islands of the Galapagos. Wildlife sights include giant tortoises, sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, cormorants, and the most famous residents, the blue-footed boobies.

Board the Stella Australis down in Ushuaia, Chile, the world’s southernmost city. For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination. For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Dive-In offers a variety of casual culinary classics, using the highest quality ingredients. Enjoy a burger, grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own trade-marked secret sauce.

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