Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Purple Coneflower: Plant Care & Growing Guide

coneflower garden design

Participants are expected to keep up with the weekly assignments and activities as they purposely build on and refer to previous lessons. Assigned lessons with readings and exercises are required, with participation in online discussions, hands-on activities, and submission of design work and reflective journals. Most students spend approximately hours each week with the content, however more time may be needed to explore additional resources added each week. Despite how hardy they are, there are a few common issues you'll run into when growing and caring for coneflower. If you're looking to bring cheerful texture and helpful critters to your garden, coneflower is a must-plant perennial. Combine coneflower alongside other plants with similar cultural needs of full sun and good drainage.

Create Privacy in Your Yard

How to Grow Echinacea - Growing Coneflowers - Good Housekeeping

How to Grow Echinacea - Growing Coneflowers.

Posted: Tue, 29 May 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Moreover, Sedum’s vibrant and showy flowers add a pop of color to the garden, complementing the Coneflowers’ blooms. Another great benefit of planting Sedum alongside Coneflowers is that it attracts pollinators, particularly bees. To start a specific coneflower variety from seed, either collect seeds from a species (not a cutivar or hybrid), or purchase seeds from a nursery.

Sharon Shutler: Low-maintenance landscape

A serious disease that affects coneflower and other plants in the aster family is aster yellows, a plant virus carried by thrips. These pesky little bugs feed on pollen, as well as plant juices, by scraping the plant tissue and drinking the sap. As these bugs fly around and feed, they transmit the virus from plant to plant. Symptoms will be visible on new buds and open flowers that will show erratic, contorted growth. If you see this on your plant, there is no cure except to dig up the plant and properly dispose of it before the disease is transmitted to any other plants.

Green Jewel (Echinacea purpurea 'Green Jewel')

To get the most blooms (and the sturdiest plants), plant your purple coneflowers in a spot that gets at least six to eight hours of full sunlight each day. The plants will tolerate partial shade, but may eventually flop over, and the blooms won't be as prolific. Hardy in a wide range of climates, coneflowers are perennials in USDA growing zones 3 to 10. Plant them in a sunny spot and deadhead them throughout the growing season to encourage successive waves of blooms. To see more ideas about how to use coneflowers in a landscape, see 10 Ideas to Steal from Prairie-Style Gardens.

Shopper’s Diary: Peonies in Paris, for Flowers and Coffee

But the plant will establish healthier roots if it’s not putting energy into flowers the first year. Plants in quart- or gallon-size containers won’t need this if their root systems have had a chance to grow to fill the pot. But if you’re working with plants in small, 4- or 6-in.-wide pots, it’s best to either pinch the blooms off or cut the entire bloom stalk back, as in the photo at above. All coneflowers can become dense and root-bound over time, causing blooms to become sparse.

There’s a coneflower for every garden, including bright single flowers and double blossoms, and colors from orange and yellow to red and deep pink. Coneflowers bloom from summer to fall and they shine in a variety of garden settings. To care for your coneflowers, you can remove spent blooms to encourage a second round of blooms. In the fall, you have the option to cut back the plants or leave the seed heads on for winter interest and as a food source for birds. Overall, they are low-maintenance perennials that add color and beauty to any garden setting. Native to eastern North America, they are hardy, drought-tolerant, long-blooming, and cultivated in an ever-widening range of colors.

coneflower garden design

The process will also help prevent an overabundance of self-seeding from the plant. As a native prairie plant, purple coneflower thrives in hot, dry climates but can handle a range of temperature and humidity fluctuations. However, they do not do as well in very humid climates, or in rainy areas where the soil stays wet. Coneflowers benefit from division every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate the plant and maintain healthy growth. The best time to divide them is in early spring or early fall. To divide, dig up the plant, separate the root clumps, and replant them with proper spacing in well-prepared soil.

coneflower garden design

White Swan (Echinacea purpurea 'White Swan')

Take a look at our tips below to get the most out of your coneflowers. To ensure healthy cone flower plants, make sure they are planted in average, well-drained soil. By following these care tips and providing adequate water, your coneflowers will reward you with beautiful blooms throughout the growing season.

Understanding Soilless Potting Mix and Its Application in Gardening

Other pollinators, such as honeybees and hummingbirds will visit Echinacea too. A well-thought-out garden layout enhances the visual impact of your coneflower garden. Begin by planning the arrangement of your coneflowers, taking into account factors such as height, color, and blooming seasons.

By incorporating these companion plants into your garden design, you can create a dynamic and eye-catching display. The combination of coneflowers with lambs-ears and globe thistle creates an interesting visual texture while also attracting butterflies and bees. Lambs-ears, globe thistle, and other companion plants provide a vibrant and visually interesting backdrop for your coneflowers.

Some of the newest varieties are hybrid crosses between two different coneflower species. With these makeovers, Echinacea has morphed into a rock star in the garden. With the addition of so many new Echinacea forms, it is possible to design an entire landscape centered on this flower.

"With voles, mix pea gravel, such as PermaTil, into the hole to prevent them from eating the roots." Never miss a fabulous garden or ideas on how to design your own. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart, depending on the mature size of the variety. Large flowers that are 4 to 5 inches across have a rose-like fragrance. Part of the Big Sky series developed by Richard Saul of Itsaul Plants.

Place taller varieties towards the back to create a layered effect, allowing each flower to shine. Intersperse with lower-growing varieties for a balanced and harmonious composition. When designing your coneflower garden, don’t be afraid to mix different flower forms and colors for added visual interest. Create a pollinator-friendly space by incorporating them into your landscape design. Additionally, consider the height and spread of different varieties to ensure a balanced planting arrangement.

Plant them in an area that receives full sun and has good drainage. Some varieties will start flowering earlier, while others may produce flowers into fall. Learn more, along with timely planting advice, garden design inspiration, tips and more in our weekly newsletter. Part of the Dream series from Terra Nova Nurseries in 2009, this coneflower holds its color for an exceptionally long time. Others in the series are ‘Glowing Dream’ (watermelon-coral), ‘Amazing Dream’ (deep-pink) and midsize ‘Daydream’ (yellow). Maintaining a thriving coneflower garden involves vigilance against common pests and diseases.

If you want to enjoy butterflies and songbirds in your garden plant coneflowers. For weeks, even months, during the summer and fall the blooms and seed heads will attract a multitude of winged beauties. Each composite flower (actually a compact arrangement of ray and disk flowers) offers up a fully loaded buffet table for butterflies.

Participants learn how right plant right place principles provide the foundation for a healthy and attractive garden design. Although the plant can tolerate some shade, coneflower should generally be planted in an area that receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight a day. The hardy plant is easy to maintain, but you'll need to ensure you're fulfilling its basic care requirements in order to have healthy blooms that return each spring.

Coneflower Growing Guide

coneflower garden design

Prevent it by giving plants good air circulation and not watering overhead (if you need to water). Choose plants with multiple growing points, not just one cluster of leaves. Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ is known for its magenta-pink color and robust blooms. It blooms from summer to fall, and it’s one of the most famous gardener’s choices.

Be sure to mulch in winter

Coneflowers grow best in a garden that boasts a neutral soil pH of about 6.5 to 7.0. They can thrive in a variety of soil types, including sandy, rocky, and clay soils. For best results, add a bit of compost to your mixture when planting to give your coneflowers successful a good start. Summersong™ Firefinch™ (Echinacea hybrid) has variable flowers ranging from reddish-orange to pinkish-red for a captivating effect in the landscape.

The Garden Decoder: What Is 'Aster Yellows'? (And How Do You Stop It?)

Use this shorter variety in small spaces, as edging, in the front of a mixed border, mass plantings, or containers. Well, the plant breeding that created those vibrant colors included a species that’s a little pickier about its growing conditions than purple coneflower, the one most of us grow. But for the most success, try these tips from Dan Heims, president of Terra Nova® Nurseries, Inc., a company that’s developed some of these bright new flowers. Those gorgeous yellow, orange and red coneflowers certainly are standouts in the garden! But gardeners may be disappointed if they expect them to bloom year after year without a care in the world like the old-fashioned purple coneflowers. Especially towards the end of the summer, or in humid weather, coneflowers are prone to get powdery mildew, which is unsightly but won’t kill the plant.

Aster yellows

Keep it watered for at least one week, until the plant is established. You should water your flowers about once a week, giving them approximately an inch of water. To prevent powdery mildew on your flowers, ensure they have good air circulation and are planted in a sunny location.

Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. Ideas to update and improve your outdoor space with hardscaping elements. Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work in the garden. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.

Optimal Soil Conditions

5 rain garden ideas for your stormwater runoff - Reviewed

5 rain garden ideas for your stormwater runoff.

Posted: Fri, 17 Jun 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) stands out with its tall, misty spires of lavender-blue blooms and contrasting silvery leaves, offering a dreamy, wispy allure. When planted alongside Coneflowers, there’s a delightful interplay of textures and colors. The robust, daisy-like petals of Coneflowers beautifully juxtapose the subtle and feathery presence of Russian Sage. This pairing, besides being a visual treat, is also ecologically beneficial, beckoning a variety of pollinators to the garden, thus enhancing its vibrancy and ecological richness.

Go Lawn Free: Plant a Prairie Garden - Birds & Blooms

Go Lawn Free: Plant a Prairie Garden.

Posted: Tue, 11 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

After the last frost has passed sow coneflower seeds in open, well-exposed ground, placing them about 1/4 inch deep in soil. "For earlier blooms, you can even start them indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost of the season," says Rebecca Sears, chief gardening expert at Ferry-Morse. "Once the plants reach 2 inches in height, they can then be transplanted outside." Sedum, also known as Stonecrop, serves as an excellent companion plant for Coneflowers. With its low-growing and succulent foliage, Sedum creates a beautiful contrast to the tall and upright growth of Coneflowers.

coneflower garden design

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Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, this herbaceous perennial blooms later in the season, from summer into fall. Echinacea plant makes a great addition to mixed borders, beds, cutting gardens, mass plantings, rock gardens and native landscapes. When it comes to the old-fashioned pink-purple or white coneflower, there isn’t an easier plant to grow. As long as you put the plant in the ground right side up, it should be fine!

Find Landscape Architects & Designers to Help Get the Job Done

Start by preparing the soil by loosening it to a depth of 12 inches and adding compost for nutrient-rich conditions. Space the plants about one to three feet apart, depending on their mature size. This allows enough room for the grasses or other companion plants you may want to include in your garden design ideas. Echinacea is known for its medicinal properties as well as ornamental value in the landscape.

Planting coneflowers in clusters or drifts will also attract butterflies to your garden. To get the best results from your coneflowers, you should add a bit of fertilizer during later winter or early spring. "I like to top dress the soil around the plant with a good two inches of compost," says Christina Matthews, urban flower farmer-florist and owner of The Flower Lady. "I find that in my gardens the compost is all they need in order for the plant to provide me with an endless amount of summer blooms."

Selecting the perfect coneflower varieties is crucial for a successful garden. Echinacea purpurea is a popular choice, known for its striking purple blooms and medicinal properties. Echinacea paradoxa, with its unique yellow petals, adds a touch of diversity to your garden. Consider incorporating a mix of varieties to create a visually appealing and dynamic landscape. To create a vibrant garden alongside coneflowers, consider planting them with other perennials like yarrow, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses. This combination will add visual interest and attract pollinators to your garden.

Pests like powdery mildew can be a nuisance, especially in humid weather or towards the end of summer. Another serious disease to watch out for is aster yellows, which affects not only coneflowers but other plants in the aster family as well. It is caused by a plant virus carried by thrips, and infected plants should be removed to prevent transmission. In addition to these companion plants, consider including other perennials or grasses in your garden to further enhance its appeal. By mixing different flower forms and colors, you can create a diverse and visually appealing landscape. The easiest method is to sow them outdoors in the fall, either in the ground or winter sowing them in milk jugs.

The seeds need darkness to germinate, so plant them about half an inch deep and cover them with soil. Place the seeds under grow lights that are about an inch or two above the plant once the seedlings emerge. Color Coded® ‘Frankly Scarlet’ (Echinacea hybrid) is a taller variety with large vibrant scarlet-orange flowers on well-branching plants.

We have our heads in the clouds but our feet are firmly planted in the ground. It inspires us to not only use design to improve the world but to truly change it. This design course has given me validation that it is okay to trust your soul and give authentic voice to your garden space. It is important that you work through each lesson assigned for a particular week.

A circlet of short pink petals is topped with a puff of darker pink, reminiscent of anemone dahlias. According to Plant Delights Nursery, a chance seedling of ‘Magnus’ popped up in the growing fields of Dutch breeder Jan van Winsen in 1997. With large fragrant flowers that are 4 to 5 inches across, ‘Green Jewel’ grows to form a compact clump. However, if deer are hungry enough, they will eat almost anything. Other animals that may take a taste include rabbits, squirrels and woodchucks.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Costa Maya Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya cruise port schedule

riviera maya cruise

From Sonoran specialties like machaca stew to Baja beach-day classics like shrimp and fish tacos, you’ll find plenty of crave-worthy flavors to savor during your Mexico cruise. In fact, most of the best things to do in this beautiful region happen outside. And venturing into the wilderness in search of waterfalls just outside Puerto Vallarta.

Cabo San Lucas

And if you’re looking to venture away from the beaches, the rugged mountainsides and canyons make for some eye-opening hikes. Whether you prefer getting physical or unwinding and soak up some rays, dining, going for a drink or expanding your horizons, you really can have it all on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is surrounded by clear waters and sun-kissed beaches. As one of the world’s premier resort destinations, it’s the perfect place to relax, recharge and reawaken your passion for adventure. On a Mexico cruise, tour Todos Santos and enjoy lunch at the Hotel California.

Where to Stay

Costa Maya's largest liners in 2018 were Symphony OTS (RCI-Royal Caribbean) on November 20th (7-day from Miami / Nov 17-24) and MSC Seaside (MSC) on January 11th (7-day from Miami / Jan 6-13). The Port's current "day passenger" record is 14,000, while its max daily capacity is 15,000. Chantae Reden is an adventure writer and photographer who rarely strays far from the coastline. She is a freediver, surfer, scuba diver, and has a mild obsession with sharks. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Escape, ScubaDiving.com and she's a guidebook author for Moon Travel Guides. Discover more of her stories on her travel website, TheSaltSirens.com.

Sapona Shipwreck Swim and Snorkel

riviera maya cruise

From a balcony stateroom, take in the sights and sounds of the colorful cultures ashore before enjoying the “sabor” of local cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Mexican Riviera cruise. Spend an entire day walking along the Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s beach boardwalk. Shop for regionally crafted goods — like woven baskets or a pair of leather boots — and meet the locals who created them. Stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy delicacies like tamales and pozole with a seafront view. Or watch street performers sing and dance, and get up close to larger-than-life sand sculptures. Between its beaches, aquatic parks and vibrant art scene, Puerto Vallarta’s varied landscapes offer adventures for all.

Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Many west coast locals will be acclimated to the water, but for the uninitiated, it can feel brisk, particularly outside the summer months. Consider a rash guard or similar coverage if you’re not used to cooler waters. Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

MSC Cruises offering Mexico's Costa Maya on new passenger itinerary - Riviera Maya News

MSC Cruises offering Mexico's Costa Maya on new passenger itinerary.

Posted: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Which West Caribbean Beach Has The Prettiest Water?

No pre-assigned seating, no fixed schedules, no limited options, no nonsense — just a shipload of opportunities to rejuvenate your body and transform your soul. From the Wynwood art scene to the world-renowned shores of Miami Beach, the Magic City is a perfect collision of relaxation and cultural exploration. Begin your evening with transportation from your Riviera Maya hotel to the marina. The relaxation starts as soon as you set foot on your catamaran where our attentive staff caters to your every need. As the catamaran sets its sails, sip on a cocktail, or your refreshing beverage of choice, from the open bar. Though tamales are popular throughout central and south America, the ones you’ll find along Mexico’s western coast are unique.

Outdoor Travel Ideas On The Coasts Of Mexico

Mexico’s vibrant cuisine brings ever-new discoveries as you sail the Mexican Riviera. There are more than 50 wineries in the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada, so this is the place to head for tastings. In Puerto Vallarta, don’t miss pescado embarazado, fresh fish grilled with lime on a stick over charcoal, served with tangy salsa. Cabo San Lucas is packed with fine restaurants, but you can’t beat the farm-to-table cuisine here—all washed down with an ice-cold margarita. Whether you prefer long stretches of golden sand lined with chic restaurants and bars, or wild, wave-pounded rocks, you’ll find your dream on the Mexican Riviera. Take a day boat to the dramatic El Arco rock arch near Cabo San Lucas.

Lounge by the shimmering pool, or sample the cocktail menu in the gorgeous Sunset Bar, overlooking the ship’s wake. On Solstice-series ships, bask on the grass of the Lawn Club on the upper deck, and cool off with delicious gelato from Café al Bacio. Elevate your experience in The Retreat, offering all-suite accommodation, an elegant private lounge, and dining at the exclusive Luminae at The Retreat. Cruises with Celebrity to the Mexican Riviera last from five to 16 nights. Most are seven or eight-night voyages sailing round-trip from Los Angeles, visiting different combinations of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Ensenada.

Miami

Dive into Ensenada's taco scene, and embrace tortillas stuffed with fish, cabbage, salsa and fresh lime. Order tostadas in Cabo San Lucas, a flat tortilla topped with fresh seafood and salsa. Legend states that the beloved margarita was first concocted in northern Baja California, and while the facts are blurry, it's only right to order one near its fabled place of origin. If cocktails aren't what you fancy, Baja California's Valle de Guadalupe supports tens of wineries, producing nearly 90% of Mexico's wine. You can't go wrong with a glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc just before sunset. Further south, it's all about pescado embarazado in Puerto Vallarta, where fish is first smothered in a chile and achiote paste and then set on a grill.

Weave through lush, over-water trails and over warm, shallow water teeming with marine life including conch, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish. No problem—you’ll receive instructions from your guide on how to maneuver your kayak. Hop on a boat ride through the famous Bacalar (aka Seven Colors) Lagoon—where the crystal-clear waters and white limestone bottom cause the water to morph into varying shades of turquoise, cobalt blue and deep indigo. You’ll visit two technicolor cenotes—La Isla de los Pájaros and El Canal de Piratas—and learn about the real pirates of the Caribbean who once cruised these waters. The Riviera Maya is a dreamer’s gateway to Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Arriving from Miami at 9 am and departing late with an additional day and night spent at The Beach Club at Bimini, you’ll have plenty of time to see each port from every sun and moonlit angle.

These are typically stuffed with pork (called guemes tamales) or chicken (tamales fajados de pollo) along with simmered olives and raisins. Sip, savor and sway to the music with onboard activities that give you a taste of Mexican tradition. Sample tequila while learning about the drink’s history from a local expert, and indulge your taste buds with tacos and fajitas.

Costa Maya counts with many experiences offered via Port Pass - an access pass to all in-port activities. One of the Port's newest additions is the Rockpool where tourists can relax, swim, drink and enjoy the view of the docked ships. A Mexican Riviera cruise is the perfect getaway for all kinds of travelers.

The once-sleepy town of Tulum now hosts a party each night of the week, with live music sets as part of the norm. Playa del Carmen is also lively under the stars, with bars offering bottle service to impromptu hotel parties bumping reggaeton. You won't go hungry (or thirsty) on a Mexican Riviera or Riviera Maya vacation, and it's no surprise that both regions are renowned for their seafood. While no two ceviche recipes are quite alike in the Riviera Maya, you're likely to have some fine-tuned combination of fresh fish marinated in lime juice, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, onion and a touch of habanero pepper sauce.

You could also explore more northerly ports along the West Coast on a cruise that calls at Ensenada as well as San Francisco and Monterey. Or opt for a Panama Canal voyage between San Diego and San Juan, Puerto Rico, stopping at Puerto Vallarta as well as the Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao. Finally, a long voyage between Valparaiso, Chile, and Los Angeles will bring you to exciting ports in Peru and Costa Rica as well as Cabo San Lucas. With an abundance of activities to do on both land and sea, Medano Beach offers something for the whole family. Costa Maya port's current capacity is 4 berths (4 ships may dock simultaneously), with pierside water depth allowing docking of world's largest passenger liners (RCI's Oasis-Class). If more than 4 vessels visit at once, the other will be anchored and their passengers transported/ferried to the pier via tender boats.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Sunset Cruise in Riviera Maya

riviera maya cruise

During the post-COVID season 2022, Port Costa Maya recorded a total of 363 cruise ship calls, following only Cozumel (864 calls). In December 2020, Quintana Roo media reported that a new (USD 10 pp) tourist tax on foreigners goes into effect on April 1, 2021. Details on how it will be collected or will it be applied also to cruise ship tourists were not revealed. In 2017 was opened the largest Mayan archaeological site Xcabal, located at ~1-hour bus ride from the cruise port. Until 2019, the site was open exclusively to cruise line-organized excursions.

Comparing the Yucatan and Baja Peninsulas

riviera maya cruise

Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes. A staple of the Sonoran cuisine popular in northern Mexico, machaca guisada is a stew that spotlights spiced beef or donkey. The meet is dried like jerky, pounded and simmered in spiced liquid until it’s tender again. The Mexican Riviera has many beauties including Manzanillo, a historic city center.

Cool Things to Do on Short Cruises From LA

The latter, Chichén Itzá, is further inland and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous monument (El Castillo) has 365 steps for each day in the solar year (climbing them is not permitted). Travelers can also plot out a number of day trips around the Riviera Maya right from vendors in Playa del Carmen, including excursions trips to Cozumel, a bonafide snorkeling and diving mecca. January through March visitors can expect a more temperate climate, with temperatures ranging from about 73 F to 77 F. Rainy days are rather rare during this time, with January averaging five days of rain and February and March averaging just three.

This Coastal Destination Is Home to Some of the Most Iconic Mexico Attractions — Here's How to Plan the Perfect Trip

Cruise from Los Angeles and explore some of the region’s must-visit destinations, like Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. If you’re longing for a vacation that’s equal parts beautiful scenery, rich culture and thrills the whole family will love, nothing beats Mexico cruises from Los Angeles. Bordered by the Pacific, the Mexican Riviera checks all the boxes — great cuisine, quaint historic towns, top-rated beaches and even a wine country that rivals Napa. What’s more, you’ll have just as much to look forward to in between shoreside discoveries as you sail onboard the Amplified fleet-favorite, Navigator of the Seas®.

Official ground search begins for missing American cruise ship passenger - Riviera Maya News

Official ground search begins for missing American cruise ship passenger.

Posted: Fri, 05 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Explore Our Most Affordable Itineraries Want to witness the beauty of Mexico for yourself? Venture on a Mexican Riviera Cruise for a blend of beach life, adventure, history, and culture. Explore Our Most Affordable Itineraries\n Want to witness the beauty of Mexico for yourself?

riviera maya cruise

Why Cruise to the Mexican Riviera With Celebrity Cruises

Try the local food, shop the local markets, and choose excursions that allow you to spend time getting to know a specific neighborhood, historic site or natural wonder. Cancun and Cozumel's town centers remind you that these places aren't just beach hot spots — they're every bit as "real Mexico" as cities in the country's interior. In Cancun, visit food-truck filled Parque Las Palpas, or stop into the shops and cafes of vibrant Avenida Tulum. In Cozumel, check out the understated, elegant San Miguel Cathedral, or learn about the local ecosystem at the Museum of Cozumel Island.

Those looking for animal encounters with their swim should head to Akumal, a beach town located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Akumal is Maya for "place of the turtles," which means there will be plenty of flippered friends waiting for you. Come face-to-face with them on a self-guided tour by swimming out from the dreamy white sand beach at Lol-Ha restaurant. The island is located on the Mesoamerican Reef — the largest barrier reef system in the Atlantic Ocean — which dazzles all the way from Mexico's coast to Belize, Guatemala, and the Bay Islands of Honduras.

The Riviera Maya, which is also sometimes referred to as the Mayan Riviera, stretches over nearly 100 miles of coastline with beautiful white sand beaches and brilliant turquoise colored water just south of Cancun. This world-renowned paradise is home to mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, ecological reserves and adventure parks, and the world's second largest coral reef. ~10-min by taxi from Port Costa May (in Mahahual) is the Jaime’s at the Blue Reef Hotel offering to cruise ship tourists all-inclusive day passes (limited to just 28x daily). Because the Mexican Riviera's coastline is longer than the Riviera Maya, the cuisine is more varied.

CCL's newest ship Carnival Jubilee unveils Texas-sized entertainment for inaugural cruise from...

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative. Our Princess fleet includes ships that offer a multitude of amenities and feature the innovative MedallionClass® experience.

Enjoy Cozumel's famed scuba diving, even if you're not licensed, thanks to the "SNUBA" experience offered at Chankanaab Park. Dive into bright-blue waters, Mayan ruins and spicy specialties in Cozumel and Cancun. We’ve taken care of all the details — so all you have to do is kick back and have the relaxing vacation you deserve. There’s nothing more liberating than having the freedom of charting your own course.

Top-rated vacation destinations in the Baja Coast, including Catalina Island and Ensenada. On a Mexican Riviera cruise with Princess, travel back in time to the 19th century during a visit to Mazatlan’s Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Admire the Moorish and Gothic architecture, and marvel at statues of famous saints — like Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — that decorate the church’s exterior. Then head inside to see baroque decor, crystal chandeliers and gold-lined murals. From the airport, travelers can hire a car with Hertz, Avis, or Europcar (and a host of others), take a taxi, or hop on the low cost and ever-reliable ADO Bus shuttle that runs directly to both Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The Mayan ruins at Cobá and Chichén Itzá also make fantastic day expeditions, with the former housing a 120-step pyramid called Nohoch Mul, which offers awe-inspiring jungle views from the summit.

Mazatlán’s Old Town is a maze of flower-filled plazas and delightful 19th-century buildings, many now serving as restaurants and galleries. In Puerto Vallarta, admire the Zona Romantica and the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, its steeple topped with a filigree crown. Head to pretty Todos Santos, a day trip from Cabo San Lucas, to wander cobblestone streets and browse galleries. Mountains and desert meet the aquamarine surf of the Pacific on the Mexican Riviera, a playground of glamorous resort towns, golden beaches, enchanting Spanish colonial architecture, and jaw-dropping sunsets. So we’re making both of those things happen.Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea.

Then explore the natural playgrounds of Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. With both seven-day Mexico cruises and 10-day itineraries, there’s an itinerary to fit any schedule. Flights to the Riviera Maya from the U.S. are plentiful with all major U.S. airlines offering direct flights from Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, Houston, Chicago, and more. Cancún International Airport (CUN), Mexico's second-largest airport, will be your gateway to adventures in the region with daily direct flights.

The coastline of the Mexican Riviera ranges from uncharted to world-class when it comes to waves. Puerto Escondido's barreling beach break tempts only the most daring of surfers. For those who want a more mild ride, there are plenty of other waves to explore — like the friendly breakers in front of the surf schools at Ensenada, Todos Santos and Cabo San Lucas. At these spots, surfers of all ages and abilities have a shot at standing on a wave.

The island of Cozumel also has a small airport (CZM), which serves both international and domestic airlines. Beautiful Bacalar warrants a longer trip to explore the Lagoon of Seven Colors (Laguna de Los Siete Colores), named for the varying shades of blue of its crystalline waters. On a clear, sunny day, you'll do no better than kayaking, swimming, or taking a boat around the lagoon. The rest of this laid-back "Magic Town" (Pueblo Mágico) is a pleasure to discover on foot.

Or sail on a catamaran to Lover’s Beach, and snap a photo in front of El Arco on your way. Tulum is also brimming with Instagram-friendly eye candy, including the Ahau Tulum's Ven a Luz sculpture, the "Follow that dream" sign at the Lolita Lolita Tulum boutique, and the whitewashed swings at Coco Beach Club. Of course, all its beaches are equally picture-perfect, though the unmissable beach experience in Tulum is the archaeological site at Playa Ruinas. The clifftop Mayan ruin overlooking the impossibly blue waters of the Caribbean makes this a unique sandy spot.

Our Picks: The Best Cruise Line Private Islands & Destinations For Passengers

cruise line private islands

Described as beachside meets the mountainside, it provides guests with a scenic background of lush vegetation and mountain terrain. There are a number of complimentary food options onshore including the Jumbey Beach Grill for some BBQ favorites, Abaco Taco Bar and a new food truck Topic Like It’s Hot with some island flavors. The menus include typical bar food with some touches of the Caribbean with fried plantains and ceviche. Fruity cocktails, rum and beer are all popular drinks, including some Belizean beer.

Things to do at Great Stirrup Cay

For a true island hangout try Springer's Bar in the marina area. Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay is a largely undeveloped island located in the eastern Bahamas. It provides guests with a stunning crescent-shaped beach to swim and lounge on, as well as a variety of activities to fill the day. Weather in the Bahamas tends to be warmer in the summer months, with more humidity and a chance of rain. Late fall and winter can drop into the 70s, with drier conditions. The island's fee-based attractions now include the tallest waterslide in North America and the largest wave pool and freshwater pool in the Caribbean.

Princess Cays (Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise line)

When it comes to cruise line private islands, CocoCay takes the gold medal as far as things to do. Now it features a massive pool (Oasis Lagoon) and Thrill Waterpark. There are also plenty of places to just hang out on the beach and work on your tan.

Cruise lines shocked by Bahamas plan to collect VAT at private islands - Seatrade Cruise News

Cruise lines shocked by Bahamas plan to collect VAT at private islands.

Posted: Tue, 06 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Half Moon Cay – Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line

That way you have everything you need instead of having to stop what you’re doing and go back to the cabin. For piers, the ship docks and passengers can walk right off and on. That makes it faster and easier to get to the fun and back to the ship at the end of the day. Practically any outdoor beach activity you can think of can be done on Half Moon Cay from snorkeling to parasailing to hiking and biking the island's numerous pathways and trails. Perfect Day at CocoCay was voted top in the Best Cruise Line Private Island award category, getting 34% of the vote. Nine islands in total competed for the annual honor, including Carnival’s Half Moon Cay and Amber Cove, Princess Cruises’ Princess Cays, and MSC Cruises’ Ocean Cay.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of Central America, guests are treated to a wide range of activities on this 75 acre oasis. The island was developed in partnership with the Belizean government, and local inhabitants own the businesses and work onsite, contributing to the local economy. There are eight different beaches on Ocean Cay, with lifeguards on duty.

There are cabins for rent at the end of the island known as Silver Cove. These high-end spots encircle a private lagoon only for guests that spend the money for the beachfront cabin for the day. That’s complemented by wide swathes of beaches and a shore that gently slopes into the water. There are cabanas to rent, and lots for kids to do from a game pavilion to splash pad, biking/nature trails, rentals, small waterslides, and snorkeling. Of course, there are also your favorite Disney characters making the rounds as well. MSC isn’t as well-known in North America as bigger rivals like Royal Caribbean or Carnival.

cruise line private islands

After taking a tender to shore, you’re greeted with a long stretch of white sand beach, lots of seating, food options galore, and plenty of space to find somewhere quieter if you want. Honestly, we think Great Stirrup Cay can make a claim to a number of different categories above. It’s a great overall private island, but it’s also relaxed, and great for adults.

The club’s luxurious overwater cabana rentals take relaxation to a new level. Of course, guests will be most interested in the beaches and water. Ocean Cay today has enormous stretches of white-sand beaches that wrap around the island. Of course, there’s also shopping and various shore excursions available.

Available shore excursions may include options like swimming with stingrays, jet ski rides and snorkeling. As with most cruise line private islands in the Bahamas, the waters around Half Moon Cay are too shallow for ships to dock at a pier. Instead, cruisers are ferried by smaller tender boats from ship to shore. But the clear, shallow water makes this island a perfect spot to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and watersports during your visit. Private islands provide a relaxing counterpoint to cruise ship itineraries packed with onboard activities, port cities to explore and busy shore excursions. Several of the largest cruise lines own and call on private islands as part of their Caribbean itineraries, including ports in the Bahamas, Haiti and Belize.

Buying access to over-the-top water play areas and water slides also counts as a "tour." All cost extra. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do, but it’s a more gentle approach to island life. You can still try some watersports or a game of volleyball, and swim and snorkel amongst the coral and colourful fish.

MSC offers overnight stays on many cruises, giving you the chance to enjoy the island much later in the day — and even into the night. One drawback is that pricing for many extras like the beach club, waterpark, and Hideaway Beach can be expensive. We’ve seen the waterpark priced at $150+ per person and more. There’s still plenty to do without a charge, but the best activities mean opening your wallet. Whether you want to just relax at the beach, or you have kids that want to be active all day, or you want something high-end like lobster and an over-the-water cabana, CocoCay can offer it all. Everyone and everything on the island revolves around cruise passengers.

That doesn’t keep it from making a splash with some of the least-expensive cruises you find and one of the best private islands around. For private islands, you simply walk to the beach where there are chairs already setup and find a spot all your own. If you or a travel companion have mobility issues, then private islands are among the best spots to visit due to the accessibility. For private islands, you simply walk to the beach where there are chairs setup and find a spot all your own.

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