Discovering the Magic of a Disney Cruise to Progreso, Mexico

Irene Vane
Jul 23
3 min read

Updated: Nov 20

A Family Adventure Awaits

Going on a Disney cruise is a fantastic way to escape the long, chilly winter. I didn’t think twice about booking my family a Caribbean cruise this past January. My oldest daughter was studying the Mayans and learning Spanish at school, so a cruise stopping in Progreso, Mexico, was the perfect fit. My husband and I surprised the girls with the trip on Christmas, and we sailed out of Galveston, Texas, on the Disney Magic three weeks later.

Two people with long hair, seen from behind, stand before a large ancient stone pyramid under a cloudy sky, evoking a sense of awe.

The Itinerary: Cozumel and Progreso

The cruise was scheduled to stop at Cozumel and Progreso. While I love my beach time, I was most enthusiastic about visiting Progreso and exploring the Mayan Ruins. Disney offers several port adventures to the Mayan Ruins. After a little research, I chose the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins port adventure. Chichen Itza is recognized as one of the seven new wonders of the world. Although it’s a 130-minute drive from the Progreso port, which was a slight downside, it seemed worth it for this exciting adventure.

Weather Woes

Well, as much as I planned and prepared for our Chichen Itza port adventure, the weather had different plans! We experienced very rough seas and heavy winds the night before our stop in Progreso. I received an alert on my phone that our Chichen Itza port adventure had been canceled. Since it wasn’t guaranteed we could dock on time, the 130-minute drive made this adventure no longer viable. As you can imagine, we were a bit disappointed.

A Silver Lining

This disappointment was short-lived. I headed to the port adventures desk on board for assistance. The crew member was very knowledgeable and helpful. She booked us the Uxmal Mayan Ruins port adventure instead. This Mayan site was only a 90-minute drive from the port!

My experience kept getting better. The next morning, we woke up excited for our Mayan ruin adventure. The tour guides greeted us with an air-conditioned bus at the Progreso port, sharing fascinating facts about Progreso and the Uxmal Mayan Ruins along the way. Our guide mentioned that these impressive ruins are less visited than Chichen Itza because they are not as close to Cozumel, which receives many more cruise ships. Progreso averages about 25 cruise ships a month, and its primary industry is fishing, not tourism. Our guide also shared the current US dollar to peso conversion rate, which was very helpful.

Ancient stone corridor with a vaulted ceiling and columns. Weathered bricks line the walls, and an open lawn is visible in the background.

Exploring Uxmal

Once we arrived at the Uxmal Mayan Ruins, we had a guided tour. Our guide spoke English, while most others who worked there did not. We received a wealth of history, had the chance to ask questions, and enjoyed time to walk around. There were very few people there, and no other tour groups at the time we visited. I’m thrilled with the pictures we captured with so few people around.

There are a few small shops, drink stands, and a restaurant. We grabbed frozen drinks for the kids before heading out. If we had more time, I would have loved to eat at the restaurant and enjoy some authentic Mexican food. Our experience was wonderful. The only upgrade I would add to this experience is a little more time!

Close-up of intricate stone carvings on an ancient wall, featuring gray and beige patterns. The detailed textures evoke historical artistry.

Why Choose a Disney Cruise?

If you want to visit Progreso and experience the Uxmal Mayan Ruins, Disney Cruise Line currently offers 4 to 5-night cruises out of Galveston sailing from November through March! The combination of Disney's exceptional service and the allure of the Mayan Ruins makes for an unforgettable family vacation.

Planning Your Magical Adventure

Would you like to learn more about a cruise with Disney? I'm Irene, a travel agent with Mouseketrips, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, and I would love to work with you! My planning services are free, and I price monitor to save you time and money! Request a no-obligation quote here or email me at Irene@mouseketrips.com with any cruising questions!

Woman posing in front of a large stone pyramid on a cloudy day, standing on grass, wearing a black top and pink shorts, exuding a cheerful vibe.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

In conclusion, a Disney cruise to Progreso is more than just a vacation; it’s an adventure filled with memories that will last a lifetime. From exploring ancient ruins to enjoying the magic of Disney, every moment is special. So, if you’re considering a getaway, I highly recommend this experience. You won’t regret it!