Gulf Crest – Progreso & Riviera Maya

About this cruise

5 nights from New Orleans, visiting Cozumel and Progreso (Mérida). It sails July 20, 2026 and it's the sort of trip where you come back saying "I needed that." The shape of this trip works well: open water on either side with 2 port calls clustered in the middle. Rum punch at the beach bar, snorkelling off the dock, sunsets that are genuinely worth staring at. Cozumel stands out. It's Mexico's Caribbean island of Mayan mystery. Around 8 hours per port on average, which is generous enough to go beyond the obvious. You won't go hungry on Carnival Valor. 9 restaurants come with the fare, plus 3 more when you feel like treating yourself. The timing works well too: warm evenings on deck, late sunsets, and a lively atmosphere. All in all, it's a solid trip.