Sample 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise Itinerary

A Week Around the Western Caribbean

After you’ve taken a 7-day cruise, anything less is a tease!

A week doesn’t feel rushed and there are usually two sea days to relax.

I originally planned on booking the Western Caribbean cruise with a travel group.

I arranged it myself when I saw the same cruise for less.  

This was my first solo cruise and it stopped at 4 ports (Grand Cayman, Honduras, Belize, and Mexico).

If you’ve never traveled or taken a cruise solo, you may be wondering if I was lonely. The answer is no.

I did every activity on and off the ship that I wanted to solo.

I met people during my flexible dinner times, at karaoke, in the lobby and everywhere else.

To me, traveling solo is not about meeting people to fill the gaps. That would defeat the purpose!

People are just a bonus on my trips.

My “living my best life” social media uploads caused my cousin to start planning a cruise right away.

Cayman Islands

There are various websites to book your Western Caribbean cruise excursions (Priceline, Expedia, Viator, Trip Advisor, and directly with the cruise line.)

TIP: If you decide to stroll around the port, try a lobster patty at the patty stand. It will change your life!

For Grand Cayman, I did a tour of the island (Grand Cayman Hell and Turtle Farm Orientation).

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It was $49 including transportation.

The guide was very knowledgable about the area and made me consider retiring there.

The first stop was the Cayman Turtle Centre.

They allowed you to get up close and personal with the large creatures.

Most of them weighed 250lbs.

There are “touch tanks” and a large area where you can see the turtles nesting.

The tour includes an educational video. You’re free to self tour the facilities after.

The next stop was “Hell”. It’s basically a gift shop surrounded by limestone formations.

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The best part is that you can send postcards postmarked from Hell.

The owner even goes as far as dressing in a devil’s costume.

TIP: You can get a Hell stamp in your passport.

How else would you prove you’ve been to hell and back?

Roatan, Honduras

For Roatan, I booked a customizable tour of the island.

Once I took the long trek (most of it without sidewalks) to meet the guide, I learned I had been stood up.

I was disappointed that I was left hanging in a foreign country. I made the best of it.

The name of this tour was the Roatan Fun and Sun Tour. It was $55.

This is one reason why its always good to have back-up money. I had to pay for a new tour until Priceline’s refund.

The area I walked to was where local guides/drivers (men) waited on customers. They were very helpful and I never felt unsafe.

I would have been better off booking directly with a local guide. It cost less and customizing was still an option.

The views of the ship and island from Panoroma Hill were worth all of the hassle.

My guide and driver took me to “the best” restaurant on the island (Paradise Restaurant) and the food was confirmation.

It was busy since two ships had docked that day.

Understandably, it was a while before I received my whole fish fried.

The pigeon peas and rice was perfectly flavored with coconut milk. Fried plantains and cold pasta salad were additional sides.

I didn’t get on but the restaurant is famous for its zipline.

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There were merchants all along the route to buy various goodies.

I ended the tour with a nice stroll on the beach.

I experienced the most “conflict” in Honduras.

Yet, out of every port, it had the most natural beauty.

From the ship, I was captivated by the sight of its shores.

Un-“Belizeable”!

Belize and Mexico won “most fun”!

In Belize, I had an “unBelizeable” great time with our tour guide Elvis (AKA “number one tour guide in Belize”).

I read rave reviews about him on Trip Advisor and he did not disappoint.

He was funny, quirky, no-nonsense and very proud of his country. He gave out prizes for participation in his many trivia games.

I won one round. Why go on a tour to stay mute?

Belize has several Mayan ruins to visit. I chose Lamanai based on the ability to climb.

I’ve always dreamed of seeing the ruins in person. I wanted to get as close to them as possible.

This excursion (Lamanai Mayan Ruins & River Boat Safari) was booked through Carnival. It was $115.99.

The tour started with a long bus ride. The reviews exaggerated how rocky the drive was.

We transferred to a speed boat that took us to the ruins.

TIP: Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing.

There are lots of steps and walking (on uneven pavement) involved.

Climbing by Faith

The ruins are in the middle of a rain forest. Temps get very hot and humid.

TIP: Bring a hat and a container that keeps water cold.

I’ll always be grateful for someone I met on the excursion. The ruins looked intimidating in person and she encouraged me to climb all the way up.

Her name was aptly Faith.

I was afraid of heights. It was even scarier watching for crumbling rocks with every step.

The views from the top were worth it!

I felt face to face with the top of the rain forest’s trees. Where they ended, the river began.

I climbed back down on my bottom (step by step). Determination had paved the way for victory!

The boat returned to the open hut where lunch was being served.

It was a simple Belizean buffet.

We were encouraged to have seconds. The hot sauce was a delicious add-on.

TIP: Bring tips for the guides, drivers, and servers.

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Cozumel, Mexico

I covered my Mexican escapades on Cinco De Mayo in this blog.

Cruise Goals

Seven-day cruises usually add up to a better “ bang for your buck”.

The Western Caribbean one listed here is very popular.

I had plenty of fun! I would not mind repeating this itinerary.

You get 2 formal nights (Carnival) and I feel like the whole ship experience gets stepped up a notch.

My next goal is to take an even longer cruise.

How about you? What are the most days you’ve spent on a cruise?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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