Reef Shadows – Riviera Maya & Progreso

About this cruise

Sometimes you just need a few days out of your routine. This one sails from New Orleans on July 25, 2026, spends 5 nights visiting Cozumel and Progreso (Mérida), and gets you back before anyone really notices you were gone. The sea days at each end give the whole trip a natural arc: build-up, exploration, cool-down. Rum punch at the beach bar, snorkelling off the dock, sunsets that are genuinely worth staring at. Of the stops, Progreso (Mérida) tends to be the one people talk about: Gateway to the ancient Mayan world of Yucatán. Roughly 8 hours ashore per stop. No need to rush. You won't go hungry on Carnival Valor. 9 restaurants come with the fare, plus 3 more when you feel like treating yourself. And July means long, warm days. Good for the ports, good for the pool. Sometimes the best trips are the ones you just go ahead and book.