Just back from Progreso - short review

[jjstexas]

We just got back from the July 29 – Aug 5th Rhapsody of the Seas cruise with Royal Caribbean. We enjoyed Progresso, but it is definitely different from the other ports on the itinerary (Cozumel, Roatan, and Costa Maya). We rode the $2 bus, which was really a great thing to be able to see the city and scope out where we might go next. As soon as you get off the free bus that takes you down the 4-mile pier, walk straight in front of you just a few yards, and you will see this bus. Get on the top deck if you can; you’ll have to duck a few branches, but you’ll get a great view of the beaches and some beautiful architecture. The bus ride is only about 20 minutes long, so it is not a huge investment of time.

We then went to the beachfront. We went to Shark’s about halfway down the beach; GREAT pina coladas (with fresh cinnamon on top – YUMMY!) but honestly kind of rude service. We intended to order food, but couldn’t ever get a waiter back after the first couple of rounds of drinks. We waited an hour for the bill despite trying to get the attention of the waiters. However, it was quite inexpensive and not bad for renting a place on the beach. I would probably try another place if we went back.

The beach was different than Costa Maya, Roatan, and Cozumel – a little dirtier, the water is not clear at all (don’t expect to snorkel at all, at least not on the beachfront closer to the pier), but there are some small waves – unlike the other ports – so that was fun. Bring your own floats if you can; they are quite expensive on the beachfront; we ended up buying some from other cruisers who were about to leave.

This was probably our least favorite port (it didn’t hurt that the weather was poor), but the people here are the most friendly of any port, we felt. There is also a good bit of shopping here as well, and this is a good place to get hammocks, it seems. Be happy to answer any questions, but our stay was pretty brief.

[qprrules]

Thanks for the review, we'll be stopping there in a week! Just one quick question, is the sand the kind you can make sandcastles or is it the "shellie" kind found along the Texas coast?

thanks:)

[jjstexas]

qprrules - Actually, um, yes to both. There were several sand castles along the shore, but it was also pretty shelly immediately beside the water. About mid-beach was the good, mostly shell-free sand for sand castles. So if you have kids, I would definitely bring the water shoes. Hope that helps!

[qprrules]

qprrules - Actually, um, yes to both. There were several sand castles along the shore, but it was also pretty shelly immediately beside the water. About mid-beach was the good, mostly shell-free sand for sand castles. So if you have kids, I would definitely bring the water shoes. Hope that helps!

excellent - thanks again for the info:)