Looking for an honest opinion on Progreso.

[gapearl]

I'm planning a family cruise for later this summer. Some haven't had a good vacation in years and may not have another for a while, so I want them to have a great time. My mom has been on a Disney cruise about 10 years ago, and it will be the first cruise for everyone else. I've narrowed the trip down to 2 cruises due to dates and convenience to the ports (Mobile and New Orleans). One cruise is the Carnival Elation out of Mobile with ports of call in Cozumel and Progreso. I've been to Cozumel and know we'll enjoy it there, but I have my doubts about Progreso. I've done my research and have mixed reviews. On one hand, it seems that we could have a nice day at the beach there with some good shopping of local crafts and some good drinks. On the other hand, I've heard the beach is a dump and that there's not much around. I see you can also take the bus into Merida for a city tour, but wondering if it's a good idea with the way the media is talking about all the drug violence in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you have been here, what is your HONEST opinion, good or bad? Would my family (including my senior citizen mother and 40ish age cousins) enjoy it? Thanks in advance.

[hdawson]

Let me put it this way. Two portcalls in Progreso and subsequently three two week land vacations in Merida and surrounding area.

 

The high crime rate relates to the US-Mexico boarder. Merida, the state capitol and home to four universitys is a sophisticated, beautiful old Spanish colonial city and very safe. Safer than US cities of a million or more inhabitants.

 

A recent article on safety concerns in Mexico:

 

http://news.travel.aol.com/2010/03/31/how-safe-is-mexico?ncid=AOLCOMMtravdynlprim0890&icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl4|link3|http%3A%2F%2Fnews.travel.aol.com%2F2010%2F03%2F31%2Fhow-safe-is-mexico%3Fncid%3DAOLCOMMtravdynlprim0890

 

More information for visitors to the Yucatan state can be found at http://www.yucatantoday.com

 

Keep reading this board for very good firsthand information.

 

Caution everyone in your group: Cruising is addictive.

[hdawson]

BTW. I am three score and eleven in age and sometimes vacation in Merida alone. I speak no useful Spanish. The people are warm, friendly and very proud of their history and heritage.

[clackey]

BTW. I am three score and eleven in age and sometimes vacation in Merida alone. I speak no useful Spanish. The people are warm, friendly and very proud of their history and heritage.

I just had to jab, H.

 

Gapearl,

 

We have done three cruises to Progreso and have done something different each trip. We beached it one trip, complete with shopping in the Mercado. Took a ruins tour to Dzibalchaltun and spent a day at Reef Yucatan Resort thru AutoProgreso. Had a ball at all three. When we go back we will probably go to Merida. From H's pictures and post it would have to be neat.

[hdawson]

Jab taken in the same spirit as given. Funny, just had a birthday and don't feel a bit different than last year.

[Sargent_Schultz]

I am not aware of any drug violence in the Yucatan. Yucatan doesn't share a border with the United States. America's addiction to drugs is the root cause of all of that, anyway.

 

Cozumel is like the 51st state. Progreso is more like old Mexico. You will find the shopping and prices better in Progreso.

 

Some people don't like the water in Progreso because it is on the Gulf of Mexico and doesn't have the blue water of the Caribbean. But there is nothing dirty about it. Snorkeling is non-existent.

 

I've been several times and will visit again in the future.

[clackey]

Cozumel is like the 51st state. Progreso is more like old Mexico. You will find the shopping and prices better in Progreso.

 

.

SS is right on. Cozumel is very touristy. So far Progreso is still a laidback Mexican town. Once you get off of the Malecon (Main St.) you will find a pretty neat place. Several blocks towards the center of town you will find little stores where the locals shop. It is Bargain City if you take the time to shop. Of course it helps if you can speak a little spanish but as H noted, it isn't absolutely necessary.

[hdawson]

If your group would decide to explore Merida instead of the beach or an excursion, It's very easy and inexpensive to go to Merida. Local, modern and reliable bus service is $3.00 pp RT.

[gapearl]

Thanks everyone! This helps me a lot. A big thanks to Sargent on the snorkeling heads up! The other cruise is the Triumph to Belize, Roatan, and Cozumel. This is the one I really want to take, but it's 7 days and most do not want to do a 7 day. Plus it will end up being more expensive and a 7 day cruise with 3 full days at sea may be too much for first time cruisers. I've taken 5 vacations within the last 3 years and get to travel to America's greatest cities for work, so this vacation is really about them and what they want, not necessarily what I want. I'm just happy to hear Progreso isn't as bad as I thought it would be. Somewhere I thought I read the violence was also in the Yucatan Peninsula (in addition to the US border) and heard somewhere there had been some kidnappings in Cancun. I was just in Cancun on Christmas and never felt unsafe, so I don't know where that story came from.

[gapearl]

Great article by the way hdawson!

[Carriecruises]

When I went a few years ago I went on the Corona Beach Break. We had tons of fun. We didn't get in the water because it was too cold but we got plenty of sunshine and enjoyed watching the games and the open bar. We had a few people try to sell us stuff but they didn't really bother us. I was more afraid in Key West than in Progresso.

[traveler523]

I'm planning a family cruise for later this summer. Some haven't had a good vacation in years and may not have another for a while, so I want them to have a great time. My mom has been on a Disney cruise about 10 years ago, and it will be the first cruise for everyone else. I've narrowed the trip down to 2 cruises due to dates and convenience to the ports (Mobile and New Orleans). One cruise is the Carnival Elation out of Mobile with ports of call in Cozumel and Progreso. I've been to Cozumel and know we'll enjoy it there, but I have my doubts about Progreso. I've done my research and have mixed reviews. On one hand, it seems that we could have a nice day at the beach there with some good shopping of local crafts and some good drinks. On the other hand, I've heard the beach is a dump and that there's not much around. I see you can also take the bus into Merida for a city tour, but wondering if it's a good idea with the way the media is talking about all the drug violence in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you have been here, what is your HONEST opinion, good or bad? Would my family (including my senior citizen mother and 40ish age cousins) enjoy it? Thanks in advance.

 

Hey Pearl,

 

Just returned from cruisin, and we went to Progreso and Cozumel. I never felt "unsafe" in either place, but if you are expecting glitz and glamour, you may be "uncomfortable" in Progreso. I took a tour to Uxmal and that was a great trip. I am in law enforcement, and noticed police everywhere in Progreso, on the way to Uxmal, and on the way back. If walking a lot and hot weather is an issue for your group, I would definately consider other options than one of the ruin tours.

 

hdawson is a great source of information, I even contacted him before our cruise b/c I feel he is honest and gives reliable advice.

 

I will say, and it is something I have found in traveling around the US, Europe, and cruising. A little research goes a long way, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While on our cruise, we ate at a sit down restaurant where the wait staff didn't speak English and the price was listed in pesos. Guess what, no one got sick, the food was fantastic, and for me and DW to eat to the point that we were almost uncomfortable, it cost us $16. And that was one of the highlights of the trip!!! Others from our cruise ship came in, but all left without buying a drink or meal (mostly unwilling to try something new or were unwilling to discuss the conversion rate from pesos to US dollars - we asked them later).

 

I think more importantly, you look at your group and decide what makes people happy. Sitting on the beach, chilling at a club, exploring the markets and interacting with the locals, doing it yourself, paying a guide...

 

And the most important thing:

HAVE FUN!

[hdawson]

Traveler. Budget doesn't allow for a trip to Merida right now, so have just started considering a Sep cruise from Mobile. A day in Merida is better than NO trip to Merida.

[traveler523]

Traveler. Budget doesn't allow for a trip to Merida right now, so have just started considering a Sep cruise from Mobile. A day in Merida is better than NO trip to Merida.

 

 

:D.

 

Carnival Elation will be cruising from Mobile then.

[hdawson]

But the single supplement is a real bummer.

[Prphan2]

We hugely disliked Progreso...but, I do have to say that it was probably because all we wanted to do was to be left to own devices, go to the beach and be left alone to relax and veg out. Our experience tanked after we did the double-decker bus tour, that left a lot to be desired and then when we walked to the beach. Even though I had done a lot of research and thought I was prepared for the vendors, I was not prepared for the nonstop barrage every 3-4 feet! We were very polite with our, "No thank you" and kept a smile on our faces, but still had vendor after vendor continue to come after us. We were in one of the earliest groups on shore, so maybe if there had been more people, we wouldn't have felt like we were being attacked. It was so bad that we turned around and were back on the ship by 10:00. I fully appreciate that the cruise ships provide a nice amount of income to the city and that the vendors are just hard working people trying to make a living, but...it was just too much. Having so many Mexican friends, or those of Mexican heritage, I was looking forward to seeing "real" Mexico, but instead came away with nothing positive. It also didn't help to see 10-20 military personnel with automatic weapons, standing guard as we came in and out of port.

 

If we find ourselves in Progreso again, we'll get off of the shuttle and head away from the water, do a little exploring and get to know the residents in the areas that they live their everyday lives.

[hdawson]

I'm sorry about your experience. Agreed, if there is a next time, try exploring Merida or Uxmal. Today you will see just as many M-16s on Time Square. They are there for your protection and keeping the Yucatan state safe from crime.

[traveler523]

I fully appreciate that the cruise ships provide a nice amount of income to the city and that the vendors are just hard working people trying to make a living, but...it was just too much. Having so many Mexican friends, or those of Mexican heritage, I was looking forward to seeing "real" Mexico, but instead came away with nothing positive. It also didn't help to see 10-20 military personnel with automatic weapons, standing guard as we came in and out of port.

 

If we find ourselves in Progreso again, we'll get off of the shuttle and head away from the water, do a little exploring and get to know the residents in the areas that they live their everyday lives.

 

If you are speaking of the actual travel from the ship into town, I believe that the middle section of the pier is actually owned by the government - hence the military presence. During my visit, I only saw one person dressed in BDU, but we did see what we believe to be a military ship escorting us while approaching the pier.

 

When I traveled in Europe, it was a common sight to see military or police with automatic weapons.

 

But having said that, if we return to Progreso, as I stated earlier as well, we will go into Merida or on another excursion to the ruins.

[gapearl]

Thanks Traveler. I'm not too concerned with the people trying to sell stuff because I've seen that pretty much everywhere in the Caribbean. Carrie, how is the beach area at the Corona Beach Break? What kind of games were there? Was there a restaurant? Lots of chairs and umbrellas? Any water sports like jet skis? I'll always have a good time with a beach and a margarita. Hdawson, if we decide on this one, it will be the one sailing the last week of Sept. Maybe we'll see you there.

[hdawson]

Most report that the Corons Beach Break is a ripoff. $35 for beer?

Beer in all the restaurants along the Malecon is $2.00. How much can you drink and still remember the way back to the pickup point?

The food at le Saint Bonnet is very good and reasonable and they will serve you on the beach if you like. Great service.

 

My family lives in Carrollton. I should know in a day or two of my decision. If so I'll spend the day in Merida.

[Carriecruises]

Corona Beach was nice. We happened to get there really early so we weren't crazy about drinking but once the music started everyone was laid back. The water was too cold but as the day went on, more people got in the water. They had places for massage and braiding. There were plenty of chairs and we brought our towels from the ship. They were playing volleyball and different things. Kinda like the stuff you see at the pool on the lido deck. There was a restaurant there that we used for the banos but we didn't eat there. They brought us complementary chips and fresh salsa which was the best we had ever had. I wish I could remember more but once the booze were flowing, well...you know. I will look at some pictures tonight and see if anything jumps out at me.

[fresnel468]

We hugely disliked Progreso...but, I do have to say that it was probably because all we wanted to do was to be left to own devices, go to the beach and be left alone to relax and veg out. Our experience tanked after we did the double-decker bus tour, that left a lot to be desired and then when we walked to the beach. Even though I had done a lot of research and thought I was prepared for the vendors, I was not prepared for the nonstop barrage every 3-4 feet! We were very polite with our, "No thank you" and kept a smile on our faces, but still had vendor after vendor continue to come after us. We were in one of the earliest groups on shore, so maybe if there had been more people, we wouldn't have felt like we were being attacked. It was so bad that we turned around and were back on the ship by 10:00. I fully appreciate that the cruise ships provide a nice amount of income to the city and that the vendors are just hard working people trying to make a living, but...it was just too much. Having so many Mexican friends, or those of Mexican heritage, I was looking forward to seeing "real" Mexico, but instead came away with nothing positive. It also didn't help to see 10-20 military personnel with automatic weapons, standing guard as we came in and out of port.

 

If we find ourselves in Progreso again, we'll get off of the shuttle and head away from the water, do a little exploring and get to know the residents in the areas that they live their everyday lives.

 

Your plans and experiences were very much like ours a few weeks ago. After enjoying Progreso in 2004, I was looking forward to a return trip. After the visit in 2010, I will not be returning. For example, mildly annoying beach vendors in 2004 were relentless in 2010. The place just seemed to have an air of desperation. Maybe I was just having a bad day but that's the way I saw it.

[WilliamLawson]

Progreso can be a desperate place - I have lived here for over 20 years and the place is not, contrary to its name, progressing. Consecutive municipal and state governments mismanaging the meager tax income they get to run the place, along with poor planning and no clear idea of where they want to go with the place, has left locals desperate for an income, any income. So that's why the vendors have become more abundant and bothersome.

 

As HDawson points out, you can visit Merida, where you will not be pestered nearly as much as in Progreso. Uxmal is a nice trip. There is also a fresh water spring that comes up in the middle of the brackish mangroves just outside Progreso, where you can take boat tours. This last option is the least commercial and somewhat rustic, but it could be a fun way to spend a couple of hours. It's called El Corchito and I am sure that you can find someone to take you there.

 

As for the armed soldiers, the pier where the cruise ships dock is indeed a federally controlled facility and that is where cargo ships arrive which means customs which means tight controls. Nothing to be afraid of, unless you have a bale of marijuana on your back. So far, Mexican port customs facilities have not been farmed out to any Saudi Arabian companies.

 

Enjoy!

[hdawson]

William. Your 1st paragraph comments about government sounds not unlike here in the US.

 

Looks like you might have a tropical storm coming this weekend.

[clackey]

Nothing to be afraid of, unless you have a bale of marijuana on your back. Enjoy!

You don't need to worry then, if you have enough cash to grease the palms of the local government. The Mordida works very well south of the border.

 

I've been going to Mexico since the late 60's and there has been little change in governmental ethics.:(