Progesso is a DUMP!!!!!

[KansasTexan]

I read through the entire thread. I was in Progresso last week, for the second time. I thought I'd give it another try, as I'd had a fair time last visit at the Corona Beach Break - understanding that I wasn't on a beach in Cozumel, Cancun, Montego Bay or Grand Caymen.

 

IMO, Progresso holds no appeal for me. Here's why, I'm a beach person. If someone wants to explore the ruins, super.

 

I'd like to think these boards might be helpful to those who are trying to decide about what excursions to book, or even which cruise lines to book, based on ports of call.

 

The beach at Progresso is right next to the pier. The water isn't pretty and there really isn't much scenic to behold.

 

Again, this is all in the eye of the beholder. To me it's quite industrial. I'll be waiting for the Ecstacy to go to other ports before I book on that ship again. We had a great cruise otherwise, but those beaches are very important to some of us. Hope this is useful to someone.

[The4Cruisers]

I love the diverse views on this port. We were in Progreso about one year ago and we had the time of our lives! I didn't care much for the bus ride off the pier, but the $2 bus was absolutely the best! If some people didn't expect Ritz Carlton perfection when they visit othr cultures, you'd have a much better time in life. Back to the bus... dodging the overhead wires was a panic. :p We were laughing and clowning around the whole time. I was sorry to see the tour end.

 

After the bus ride, we walked down to Buddy's and had a simple meal and some drinks. I didn't care for the folks coming by the table selling DVD's, etc, but that's the culture. A polite "no thanks" worked just fine.

 

Once we finished at Buddy's we walked across the street onto the beach. We took off our shoes and waded into the water a little bit while we enjoyed another drink. Then it was a walk back to the bus that takes you back to the pier.

 

At the pier, we had a beer at the bar near the ship and chatted with the merchants for a while.

 

Was Progreso the greatest port ever visited by a cruise ship? Heck no! Was it the prettiest? Heck no! But, it was a different experience, a safe place to stop, and it was really cool to see this little town and how its people live a normal life.

 

We'll be back again with no reservations. I'd like to venture out next time to see some ruins or tour around Merida.

[stephic411]

thanks so much for the pictures nolaalive! i have been looking for some pix of progresso and have not found too many. those were very helpful! we are going on a cruise and jan and proresso is one of our 2 stops and i was getting a little worried it was this horrible place! it does not look horrible to me at all!

[hdawson]

stephic. Drop me an email at hdawson @aol.com. Will be glad to send more pics of the Yucatan than you need. lol Progresso with two s's is a soup company. In Mexico, it's one s.

[hdawson]

Should be hdawson228@aol.com

[BritTex]

We were Progresso Mar 3rd and I loved it. We walked around the pier area and then took the shuttle into town. I didn't know what to expect from all the reviews that I had been reading before our cruise. We were very impressed. I liked the fact that you could tell them no and that was the end of it. We took the Double Decker bus that takes you around town and loved it. While we were waiting to leave, we actually saw a couple of cops doing what they are supposed to do as far as traffic control is concerned. We wouldn't have the traffic jams that we have if the cops would direct traffice around a problem. After the tour, we walked down to the beach area and went to Los Arcos and had a couple of "Ritas" and then walked along blvd. I told my husband that I was very impressed since I didn't know what to expect. I would love to go back and have more time. True, it's not Cozumel or Cancun, but, sometimes it's nice not to have all the tourist traps. Go with an open mind and you will enjoy your stop in Progresso. After we got back I looked up Los Arcos because we have one in Tomball and sure enough, they are all over the place. The owners came from Mexico City. We are going to have to try them out.

 

I really appreciate all of the reviews here about Progresso. My husband and I took our first cruise in October on the Conquest. We enjoyed it so much, we want to take the kiddos (all 4 of them!) next year. Because we will now be budgeting for a cruise for a family of 6, instead of just the 2 of us, and therefore, will be taking a 5-day instead of a 7-day.

When I looked at the ports of call for the Ecstasy, I was dissappointed to see Progresso on the list. I was afraid that there would not be enough things of interest there for my children, and I really want them to have a good experience. Thanks to the positive review, as it has changed my attitude.

Hey LovHarvey! Tomball? My DH owns the KwikKar there!

[cyranie]

My family and I really enjoyed Progreso and I wouldn´t say those rude comments about this place. You should know that Mexico´s lifestyle is different and you should get more information about the costumes and people in Mexico.

 

I will be in Progreso on December 29th.:D

[londonandlawson]

I loved Progreso, here are some of my pics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a short bus ride from Progreso

 

[swimmom2]

I love the last beach picture. Is that in Progresso? You said a short ride?? We will be there on the 21st. Thanks for your help.:)

[londonandlawson]

We didn't book with Carnival but when we got off the bus there were tour guides we used. For all four us we for something like 50 bucks and we had an air condition bus that took us to some Myan ruins. tp see pink flamingos and then to this little resort which was very nice. I don't remeber exactly but I know it was no more than 20-30 minutes

 

Here is another pic from there

Edited December 9, 2009 by londonandlawson

[londonandlawson]

Here are a few more pics from there

 

[Donna - dsw]

Thanks - looking forward to our trip - have been there before and took the double decker bus and visited the flea market - going this time with parents, son and dil.

 

Not sure what we will do on this trip - I would like to do more since I have been in the area once - but knowing that no one else has been there - would like them to see the Double Decker bus and the beach area.

 

Wanted to add - you can also get tours once in town - you don't have to book at the dock for the first time visitors.

 

They offer the same tours from the flea market area.

Edited January 6, 2010 by Donna - dsw

[Tennessee Rose]

Everything I've read about Progreso makes me more excited to visit there than our other port stop, Cozumel. With this being our (friend & myself) very first cruise, everything will be new and we're excited about it all. Thankfully, we both enjoy visiting and seeing new places and Progreso will be no different.

 

No matter where I go or what type of trip, I prefer going and doing what the local residents do/see/go to more than to a fabricated vacation destination. Although, some of those can be fun also! And I'm a "glass is almost full" type person. So, I can find wonderful things about most any place I go.

 

Can't wait to visit the Uxmal historic area (with Autoprogreso) and hoping we have enough time to wander around town before having to get back on the ship. Actually, I wish we had 2 days at Progreso because I've read about enough stuff to do that one is really not going to allow enough time!

 

hdawson---thank you so much for sharing your photos with me. They are wonderful!

 

Progreso---I can't wait to visit you!:)

[Traveler353]

Everything I've read about Progreso makes me more excited to visit there than our other port stop, Cozumel. With this being our (friend & myself) very first cruise, everything will be new and we're excited about it all. Thankfully, we both enjoy visiting and seeing new places and Progreso will be no different.

 

No matter where I go or what type of trip, I prefer going and doing what the local residents do/see/go to more than to a fabricated vacation destination. Although, some of those can be fun also! And I'm a "glass is almost full" type person. So, I can find wonderful things about most any place I go.

 

Can't wait to visit the Uxmal historic area (with Autoprogreso) and hoping we have enough time to wander around town before having to get back on the ship. Actually, I wish we had 2 days at Progreso because I've read about enough stuff to do that one is really not going to allow enough time!

 

hdawson---thank you so much for sharing your photos with me. They are wonderful!

 

Progreso---I can't wait to visit you!:)

 

With your attitude I believe that you might just like Progreso/Merida. It is very different from most if not all mainstream cruise ship ports. And that is exactly what many cruise ship "tourist" dislike about it. Have fun and enjoy your visit.

[hdawson]

Rose, you have a great attitude. From your post I suspect you are a traveler rather than just a tourist.

[conchead]

Everything I've read about Progreso makes me more excited to visit there than our other port stop, Cozumel. With this being our (friend & myself) very first cruise, everything will be new and we're excited about it all. Thankfully, we both enjoy visiting and seeing new places and Progreso will be no different.

 

No matter where I go or what type of trip, I prefer going and doing what the local residents do/see/go to more than to a fabricated vacation destination. Although, some of those can be fun also! And I'm a "glass is almost full" type person. So, I can find wonderful things about most any place I go.

 

Can't wait to visit the Uxmal historic area (with Autoprogreso) and hoping we have enough time to wander around town before having to get back on the ship. Actually, I wish we had 2 days at Progreso because I've read about enough stuff to do that one is really not going to allow enough time!

 

hdawson---thank you so much for sharing your photos with me. They are wonderful!

 

Progreso---I can't wait to visit you!:)

 

Bingo!!!!

however..that to me is the big downfall of cruising.

so little time in the port to get a feel for what it is really like.

 

Ok, Example..I really like Key West, yeah, the tourist stuff is fun and all,

but we have been several times and when you stop sightseeing

and start "living" there, even if only for a week going to the grocery store, post office

(getting off of Duval St)

..anything that the locals do...is when it really becomes nice.

Edited January 9, 2010 by conchead

[parrotthead]

I'll take Progreso over downtown Belize City, anyday.

I agree 100%!!!

 

How did I miss the prostitutes?:confused:

Right?!

 

LMAO!!

[parrotthead]

Hdawson I admire your patience and attitude and Clackey for your sense of humor...if the rest of the world could see the glass as half full instead of empty we would probably have a better world. I agree with you 100%.

 

To Agrip76: I'm sorry that Progreso wasn't for you and I hope your next port of call is more to your liking. Sincerely.

 

I must say that my wife and I have been to Progreso 4 times (3 on cruises) and have never been solicted by prostitutes nor have we felt unsafe at ANY time. From the moment we first went there we were awed and inspired by the people. Their humility, genuine happiness and overall contentment impressed us so, we are seriously contemplating retirement in either Progreso or Merida. We feel that Progreso is a diamond....you just gotta see past the coal and dirt and there it is in the soul and spirit of the people. If only I could be so content....(sigh)

KingFish is Wise!

(Hi Tim, tell the lovely Freda Hi too!--miss you guys)

[mcso32]

I'll admit, I've only been to Progresso once, I was not impressed. We live in a highly Hispanic area and some really good friends of mine are Hispanic. After describing Progresso to them they said it sounded very little like "real" Mexico. I can see some possibilities to the place as it does have so much history. Anyone telling you that the street vendors don't hound you to buy is not telling the whole truth. They won't knock you in the head and drag you in to buy but they will constantly be in your face offering you their wares. A few will even step out from behind their tables and block your way until you tell them no. Yes after telling them no two or three times they will very politely let you go on your way and move on to the next potential customer. I do like the fact that the tour buses can mow down bikes and cars and the policia just let them go on their way. Our bus hit a moped and the policia just pulled it out of the way and waved us on. The driver said that they wouldn't even have to pay for the damages, it's expected. Now, with all that being said I'm do back in Progresso in something like 26 days. I'll get off the ship for a few hours, walk around town, explore, and get back on the ship. Not my favorite place to be but certainly not bad enough to keep me off a cruise or ruin my fun. I even plan on making a third trip soon to visit the ruins; just not enough money this time around.

[parrotthead]

The vendors are NOT as agressive as (a lot of) other ports. Its expected in the 'poorer' areas that the locals will be trying to sell you something...its tourism that is being brought to their towns and that means lots of (mostly) American and Canadian dollars.

I do think Progreso is more like a 'real' mexico town...thats one thing I like, no Carlos/Charlies, no SeniorFrogs, not so 'Americainized' I dont want tourist trap restaurants, I want 'real' Mexican food.

(I know it probably wont be long till Progreso goes the way of the rest of the popular ports...how many of us remember when you went to Cozumel and it was less 'touristy'?---I liked it that way)

JMO

[mcso32]

Just to clarify, I'm not necessarily a big fan of the commercialism of Cozumel. I agree that it has become very Americanized. I go to Cozumel for the absolutely beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. Progreso does not offer the best beaches around. That's not to say that you can't still have fun on the beach but I find that Progreso's ocean scene offers very little that I can't get in the states. Still, it's a stop on my next cruise and I believe that the cruise experience is less about the ports and more about the ship you're on. I could fly to Progreso or Cozumel if I wanted to spend more time there, I chose to cruise because of the ship, not the ports.

[LaShelle2]

I agree it is a little dumpy, and I am also alarmed they still take people there. Just not my idea of a place for a tropical vacation. We did the Corona Beach Break and it was a rip off. We had a lovely view of murky water, pebbly dirty sand, and oh yeah the homeless people sleeping under the bridge leading to Progresso.

 

We did decide to make the best of it, and the open market was nice. We were harrassed constantly on the beach. Seems like if Carnival is making you pay to go to this beach they coulda offered some kinda security to keep them from bugging you. To add insult to the already disapointing situation, this was an opne public beach@!!!$^* We coulda just walked out there for FREE like other people form our ship. They were even giving free drinks to people off the street, so I guess we paid for their booze too with our rip off excursion fee.

 

One good point is I got the absolute BEST becah massage for only $20 for an hour on the beach. $40 was haggled down to $20, go figure. After all the haggling, I really needed the massage. Still didn't make up for being ripped off by Carnival taking us to a nasty public beach with homeless people!

 

I was also shocked that nobody from Carnival was there for the excursion, so if something woulda happened to us how would they have known? I thought that was the supposed reason to book with Carnival, for extra safety and to make sure the ship won't leave you?

 

 

Maybe the ruins and stuff is nice, but I would not schedule much of my time for a beach day if I returned here. Maybe a couple of hours for the beach max.

 

As for safety, I could see where if you did not stay right in the few blocks where the Carnival bus dropped us it could get a little sketchy. Just use common sense just like if you were in a strnge city in the states. We were a group of single ladies and did not feel unsafe in the main tourist area.

 

Progresso is not so bad that I would refuse to leave the ship, but definitely not a place I'd make a point to return to either.

 

 

BTW don't feel bad about missing Belize. Belize City is nothing to write home about. Unless you catch a ferry to one of the Cayes it is pretty much a dud too. The only difference is the shops are a little more modern, but I am pretty sure the cruise lines own most of them.

 

 

Both Progresso and Belize are places where you need to research ahead of time and have something planned to do IMO.

[izzyvet]

We did decide to make the best of it, and the open market was nice. We were harrassed constantly on the beach. Seems like if Carnival is making you pay to go to this beach they coulda offered some kinda security to keep them from bugging you. To add insult to the already disapointing situation, this was an opne public beach@!!!$^* We coulda just walked out there for FREE like other people form our ship. They were even giving free drinks to people off the street, so I guess we paid for their booze too with our rip off excursion fee.

 

I can't believe how ignorant some people are...ALL beaches in Mexico are open public beach@!!!$^es. Carnival has no power to make a beach "private" there. Yes, you should do your research before you go.

 

My husband and I had the best time sitting on the beach in front of one of the restaurants there. We had a great waiter bringing us out whatever we wanted all day. Yes, there were a lot of vendors, I kinda compared it to sitting on the beach and being at the mall at the same time. I did buy a very cheap bead necklace, still wear it.

[Nannersmom]

The vendors are NOT as agressive as (a lot of) other ports. Its expected in the 'poorer' areas that the locals will be trying to sell you something...its tourism that is being brought to their towns and that means lots of (mostly) American and Canadian dollars.

I do think Progreso is more like a 'real' mexico town...thats one thing I like, no Carlos/Charlies, no SeniorFrogs, not so 'Americainized' I dont want tourist trap restaurants, I want 'real' Mexican food.

(I know it probably wont be long till Progreso goes the way of the rest of the popular ports...how many of us remember when you went to Cozumel and it was less 'touristy'?---I liked it that way)

JMO

Maybe the vendors aren't as agressive, but I felt the peddlers on the beach were completely out of hand, Within 1 hour we had 47 approach us. What I have not seen people mention is how they send their children out to sell. Progresso is as nasty as Tijuana. All I wanted to do was get back to the ship and take a shower. Looking around at how dirty everything was, I wouldn't touch the food, flies where everywhere. And this was in February. My big mistake at this port was not getting away from Progresso by going to ruins or something. Read on this board how great the beach is....the beach on Lake Michigan in Chicago (yep people dirty nasty Chicago) is way cleaner. BTW, there are no public bathrooms in Progresso except at the pier. Didn't do any in the town of Progresso, did not feel like I had to tip someone to use it after my dh already purchased beer from them. Go on an excursion, stay on the ship or just book a cruise not going here. Just don't know why some think they need to sugar coat such a nasty place (btw...my dh retired from the Navy...we have traveled many places...this is on list of never again). And I know people who have family in Mexico..they DON"T go here, it is to nasty for them....think about that...

[Nannersmom]

It's not complaining. It's how it is. If i wanted to see poverty I would stay home and go to work.

 

I go on vacation to get away.

Made Detroit look pretty now, didn't it?