Take a getaway to the Western Caribbean! We had such an amazing time on our seven day cruise aboard Carnival Glory for New Years. We visited four ports during the cruise including the Cayman Islands, Roatan, Belize and Cozumel. The Caribbean has four seasons of warm weather, so no matter what time of year you book, you’ll enjoy beautiful sunshine! Get ready to pack your bags after this Carnival Glory Western Caribbean Excursions overview.
Thanks to Carnival for partnering with us. All opinions are my own.
Carnival Glory Western Caribbean Excursions
In a hurry? Check out our quick video of the four ports we visited during the Carnival Glory Western Caribbean, plus highlights of the New Years eve bash, and more!
Carnival Shore Excursions
Grand Cayman – Amazing Turtle and Wildlife Adventure
This was hands down our favorite excursion of the cruise! The Cayman Turtle Center features two swimming lagoons, a predator tank, beach, nature trail, aviary, restaurant and more. It’s great for families and couples. After a quick boat ride from the ship, you’re whisked away on a guided tour through Grand Cayman to the turtle center. It’s a short 15 minute ride. Once at the Turtle Center, your guide provides an overview of the park, including a hands on experience with the sea turtles. It was so awesome to get in tank with the smaller sea turtles and hold them!
You have 2 hours to spend on your own snorkeling in the lagoons, visiting the aviary, and exploring the Turtle Center. We couldn’t have asked for better weather! Explore the lagoon with us in the video above where you swim with thousands of fish and several sea turtles! All swimming equipment is provided for your convenience including life vests.
Another recommended Grand Cayman excursion is the Coral Garden & Stingray City Sandbar, which is rated #1 by several cruise lines. Enter the warm crystal clear water at Coral Garden reef and snorkel alongside tropical fish, stingrays, and sometimes even turtles. Then make another stop at Stingray City Sandbar where you can touch and interact with the stingrays alongside a trained crew.
Cayman Shore Snorkel is another highly recommended excursion. Explore the pristine Caribbean water beautiful coral and excotic underwater life during this fun excursion. Transportation and equipment are included.
Mahogany Bay, Roatan
Walk right off the ship in Roatan for a day of shopping or visit the local beach to relax and unwind. They have massage tables, chairs, food, and more located right on the beach.
If you’re looking for adventure, the Canopy Tour and Tabyana Beach excursion is for you! Glide from the ridge of the mountain into beautiful Gumbalimba Park. Afterwards, unwind at Tabyana Beach where the jungle meets a powdery white sand beach. Relax in private sun loungers with a cool beverage, and more.
Or take a Beach Horseback Ride and Swim excursion where you’ll be guided an off-road trail alongside the Caribbean Sea. Then enjoy two hours of relaxing in a lounge chair and experience one of the best private Caribbean beaches on the island.
Carnival Glory Western Caribbean Excursions continued below!
Belize Shore Excursions
Belize Shore Excursions book up the fastest, so I recommend booking your experience before stepping on the cruise ship. You can easily do that by going to Carnival.com.
Discover the magic of this famous Mayan archeological site, Xunantunich. Your journey begins with a relaxing scenic journey to the Mopan River, passing several villages and towns along the way, and then a 5-minute ferry ride across the river to access the remote ruins. Delve into the Mayan world as you visit the site’s three plazas and partially excavated ball court.
Barrier Reef Snorkel & Starfish Island Getaway
From the ship, take a 20 minute boat ride to the barrier reef. The crew is professional, friendly, and very knowledable about the area. You’re provided all the essentials to enjoy a guided snorkeling tour of the barrier reef. Once back on the boat, enjoy unlimited rum punch while you make your way to Starfish Island for some relaxation. Sunbathe, swim and enjoy the music and the amenities of the island. There’s also a water park onsite, which is great for the kids. The water park is an additional cost. I chose to lay in a hammock and read, while my husband played five rounds of beach volleyball with other guests. We had a great time on this excursion and highly recommend it!
Cozumel Mexico Excursions
Visit the world renown Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park where you can swim in the lagoons, natural pools or underground river. Explore the underwater archeological site; visit the museum of Mayan Cities, the aquarium, the butterfly pavilion or the bird-breeding aviary.
The Ancient city of Tulum excursion is another highly recommended stop. You will be taken by ferry boat to Playa del Carmen and board an air-conditioned bus for a narrated one-hour ride to Tulum. Spend free time exploring the Mayan Temples of Tulum on your own with an optional beach break.
For even more adventure, book the Underground River with 5th Ave Shopping excursion. This top-rated tour offers guests the option to explore the historic “Chaac Tun” cenote. Follow the guides toward a fresh water underground river, where you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the underground caverns and take a refreshing swim. Transportation and equipment is included. End your excursion with a stop at the colorful 5th Avenue shops, or relax on the white sandy beach.
This cruise is not to be missed! The ship offers so many wonderful amenities, and the Carnival Glory Western Caribbean excursions make it an unforgettable vacation!
Terry says
Looks like a lot of fun to be had. I have always wanted to go on a cruise and take my 12 year old granddaughter who has never seen the ocean. Beautiful pictures.