By Anne Kalosh.
Here’s a really interesting and creative new way to explore, in depth, some of Mexico’s top Mayan archaeological sites with Victory Cruise Lines!
Victory Cruise Lines created a nine-night, all-inclusive cruise between Miami and the Yucatán Peninsula. It features a trio of noted Mayan sites and other cultural and historical highlights in the three states that comprise the peninsula — Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Campeche. The all-inclusive fares cover the 9-night cruise plus 2-nights’ stay in Campeche and air between Miami and Campeche at the beginning or end of your cruise. The port stops include Key West, Florida, and along the Yucatán peninsula, Porto Morelos, Progresso, and then Campeche.
The Victory Cruise lines inaugural “Grand Mayan Experience” cruise departs Port Miami Jan. 4, 2019, on the newly remodeled, 202-passenger VICTORY II, the sister of VICTORY I (which currently sails to Cuba, Canada/New England, and the Great Lakes).
The 202-passenger Victory I, owned by Victory Cruise Lines, a new Miami-based cruise line. * Photo: Victory Cruise Lines
“Not only are we the first cruise line to feature all three states of the Yucatán Peninsula, we are pioneering the marriage of all-inclusive cruising with integrated land stays to get our guests closer to the people and unique Mayan culture,” Victory chairman Bruce Nierenberg said. The trip was designed in consultation with officials from each state’s government, ensuring special access and exclusive experiences.
Land Ho!
The program features a significant land component, including an overnight land stay during the cruise to visit UNESCO-listed Mayan archaeological sites. Highlights include a private sunrise experience at Chichen Itza, an exclusive light and sound show at Campeche, and the rare chance to see a traditional Mayan healing ceremony.
Yucatán state’s Chichen Itza. * Photo: Anne Kalosh
The trip’s Quintana Roo portion includes a full-day exploration from Puerto Morelos in the heart of the Riviera Maya. In addition to visiting the Tulum archaeological site, passengers will get to see the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, a journey through Mexico’s history starting from the pre-conquistador era.
Travelers then head inland to the state of Yucatán, visiting Chichen Itza and the “Magic Towns” of Valladolid and Izamal. Near Chichen Itza, they will view one of the best of 6,000 cenotes—rock formations that have pools fed by scenic underground rivers.
After touring Valladolid, travelers will overnight at Mayaland Hotel, built to create the feeling of a traditional Mayan village. The hotel is located within the archaeological zone of Chichen Itza, the most famous Mayan remains on the Yucatán Peninsula, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Chichen Itza. * Photo: Anne Kalosh
Following a gourmet dinner at the hotel, Victory travelers will experience the Chichen Itza Sound & Light Show. The next morning begins with an exclusive visit to Chichen Itza before it opens to the general public, for a Mayan sunrise experience.
The itinerary continues with a stroll through Izamal, a colonial town built over Mayan ruins visited by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Before the pope’s visit the entire town was painted Vatican yellow and has maintained that color ever since. It’s often called “The Yellow City.”
VICTORY II enters Yucatán state at the port of Progreso where passengers will spend two days exploring Mérida, a colonial city of parks and broad avenues lined with mansions built in former glory days. Included are a visit to one of the last working haciendas in the region, a lost Mayan city and an ancient Mayan cleansing ceremony.
Mérida’s Plaza Grande. * Photo: SEFOTUR
In Campeche travelers will enter the walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of restored pastel buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, fortified ramparts and well-preserved mansions. Either before or after the nine-night cruise on VICTORY II, passengers will stay at the Hotel Plaza Campeche within the walled city for three days and two nights. This provides an all-inclusive immersion into Mexican history and culture, including an exclusive folkloric ballet show at the Toro Theater.
Campeche Cathedral. * Photo: Victory Cruise Lines
Victory Cruise Lines will operate “Grand Mayan Experience” cruises from January through early May 2019. The second season is scheduled for November 2019 to May 2020.
During the early 2019 inaugural season, the package bundles in the all-inclusive three-day pre- or post-cruise stay at Campeche, creating an 11-night, all-inclusive cruise and land experience for the cost of the cruise alone. Travelers who book a winter 2019 cruise by May 31, 2018, receive a $1,000 per person discount for a total savings of $2,000 per cabin.
For more info, go to VictoryCruiseLines.com
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