Galveston, an island city situated in the Gulf of Mexico, is a major cruise destination and home port for Carnival and Royal Caribbean. The city is best-known for its picturesque downtown district known as ‘The Strand’ which features a stunning collection of well-preserved mansions that remind us of Galveston’s wealthy days as the capital of Texas. Stretching over 32 miles of shoreline Galveston is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, warm waters and summery climate year-round.

The Costa Maya is a beautiful, 100-mile-long coastline on the Yucutan Peninsula characterized by white sand beaches and beautiful blue water. Right on the port you can find shopping areas, restaurants and bars, and jet skis for rent, and the nearby city of Mahahual holds a popular, easy to access beach. For those looking for a more private piece of paradise, the more secluded beaches are just a short taxi ride away. One must-see for any visitor of Costa Maya is the Chacchoben Ruins, the remainders of an ancient Mayan city more than a thousand years old. For the best experience, take a guided tour to learn about what life was like for the Mayans – back then and now.