Based in Miami, Florida, Carnival Cruise Lines operates its Fantasy-class cruise ship Ecstasy out of the Port of Galveston. The ship features three swimming pools, whirlpools, a casino, several nightclubs and numerous dining options. Renovated in 2009, the ship is outfitted with a water park, a children's camp and adult-only decks. Most rooms feature standard luxury accommodations and balconies. A typical cruise on the Ecstasy is a six-day excursion with a late departure on day one and early return on day six. The ship makes stops in Progreso on the Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel, Mexico.
Carnival Place
3655 NW 87th Ave.
Miami, FL 33178-2428
800-438-6744
carnival.com
Royal Caribbean offers Mexican cruises out of Galveston on the Mariner of the Seas, a Voyager-class ship that offers enhanced staterooms, rock climbing walls, three swimming pools, mini golf, a full fitness center and even ice-skating. The ship houses a casino, a disco and 12 drinking establishments. Babysitting services are available, as is a youth program and teen center. A typical cruise on the Mariner of the Seas is a seven-day excursion with a late departure on day one and an early return on day seven. The ship makes stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico as well as Belize City, Belize.
Royal Caribbean International
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132-2096
800-327-6700
royalcaribbean.com
As of March 2010, all travelers to Mexico and other international destinations are required to carry a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant document, which is a valid passport or passport card. This is a dramatic change for vacationers, as American citizens previously have been allowed travel to Mexico with little more than a driver's license. Once in Mexico, Americans needing passport assistance can visit the embassy in Mexico City or one of the many consulates or consular agencies located in major tourist destinations. Travelers looking to get a passport on short notice can request expedited service at their local federal passport office for an additional fee.
