Western Caribbean Cruise

including Key West, Grand Cayman, Honduras & Cozumel
aboard the Costa Mediterranea

Imagine waking up to a brilliant sunrise as it casts a warm pink glow over the glistening waters of the tropics. From sunup to sundown, you'll find exotic ports of call with lush landscapes, beautiful white-sand beaches, friendly locals, open-air markets and the world's clearest waters.

Itinerary at a Glance

Western Caribbean Cruise Day Destination/Port of Call Arrive Depart 1 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 7:00 pm 2 Key West, Florida 8:00 am 5:00 pm 3 Cruising 4 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 8:00 am 5:00 pm 5 Roatán, Honduras 10:00 am 5:00 pm 6 Cozumel, Mexico 9:00 am 6:00 pm 7 Cruising 8 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 8:00 am

Port Descriptions

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale was originally built to protect the vital railway and the coastal area from pirates. The modern city of Fort Lauderdale is a wealthy metropolis of approximately 1 million people whose fortune rests mainly on tourism. The city has invested some 30 million dollars in developing the city to make it more attractive to potential tourists.

The Riverwalk, a promenade along the bay, lined with boutiques, restaurants, shops and museums is a focal point of the city. Fort Lauderdale is also home to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, dedicated to famous swimming champions such as the original "Tarzan", Johnny Weismuller, along with the more recent Olympians Greg Louganis and Mark Spitz. The complex also houses the Hall of Fame Aquatic Complex, one of the most advanced sports venues in the world. Another major attraction is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Key West, Florida

Key West is the most southerly point of the USA located only 90 miles from Cuba. It is part of a string of islands, the Keys, which are connected to Miami by highway. Key West is one of the country's most famous tourist areas due to its subtropical climate and relaxed lifestyle.

American writer Ernest Hemingway lived on the island for nearly ten years and his former home is now a museum dedicated to its famous former resident. Key West's history includes being a trading point during slavery and a shelter for pirates who waited to pounce on passing galleons.

Key West's historical center, along Duval Street, includes many small shops and businesses. The suburbs include a Bahamian quarter, between Thomas Street and Petronia Street. This area includes shops and small museums including the Wrecker Museum dedicated to the memory of those lost at sea.

Grand Cayman Island

Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands, lying between Cuba and Jamaica. It has long been a favorite destination for snorkeling and scuba divers due to its crystal clear water and beautiful climate. Tourism developed after World War II, first as a favorite of Americans, followed by visitors from Europe.

The island is home to several nature reserves and maritime parks as well as the famous Cayman Turtle Farm. The flora and fauna of the Cayman Islands are surprisingly diverse and include the spectacular Cayman blue iguana. Much of the island's social life revolves around "seven-mile beach" which stretches around West Bay. In the West Bay region is an area of volcanic black rock formations that date back over 1 million years called Hell. In 1962, a post office was opened to allow visitors to mail postcards from Hell.

George Town is the capital of Grand Cayman, is home to world renowned shopping, insurance and banking interests. The center of George Town is home to duty-free shops where you can find the finest jewelry, cosmetics, china, crystal and more.

On Grand Cayman, choose from well over a dozen optional shore excursions, including a kayak safari, snorkeling and scuba diving, a coral reef cruise, a jeep adventure, a visit to the famous underwater stingray observatory, a "deep wall" submarine adventure to 800' below sea level, parasailing to 400' above the island, and much more. Excursions range from $37 - $96/person, except the "deep wall" submarine adventure, which is $372/person (not included).

Roatán, Honduras

Situated 30 miles from the north coast of Honduras, Roatán is the largest of the Islas de la Bahia and has a population of 7000. The long, narrow island of Roatán is only 30 miles in length and just 3 miles wide. This makes it possible to see both the island's northern and southern coasts at the same time.

Roatán has an average of 20 days of rain each month. Due to the abundant rainfall, Roatán is covered with lush woods and forests. Agriculture is a primary activity, most notably bananas, but also sugarcane and various precious woods. A fishing industry has also developed which mainly exports prawns and lobster.

Roatán City, located on the southeastern coast, is the island's capital and has a population of approximately 4,000.The waters around the island are perfect for snorkeling and diving where you can view the tropical fish, various species of coral and sponges. Tropical groupers can be encountered by divers in the area known as Peter's Place.

Cozumel, Mexico

The island of Cozumel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting an estimated 20 million people a year. The town of Cozumel is the perfect place to enjoy the glorious beaches, superb diving and ancient archaeological sites.

The first evidence of civilization on Cozumel dates back to the Mayans of 300 BC. It is possible today to see the excavated ruins of San Gervasio, a holy Mayan monument, originally a temple built to honor Ixchel. On the south of the island, Chankanaab national park offers some delightful diving in a lagoon packed with a colorful array of tropical fish and turtles.

The arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519 signaled the end of the Mayans' dominance. The island remained virtually deserted for several hundred years until Cozumel's importance as a trading post in the gum trade and then as an American anti-submarine base during World War II revived its importance.

Enjoy your choice of two dozen amazing optional shore excursions in Cozumel, such as an eco-park and snorkeling safari, an escape to Passion Island, swimming with dolphins, a bike tour of Cozumel Island, scuba diving in coral reefs, a kayak jungle tour, a submarine expedition, a trek to the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio and Tulum, a jeep tour to Chack-Tún Cave, and much more. Excursions are priced at $29 - $149/person (not included).

About Your Cruise Ship, the Costa Mediterranea

See specifications, deck plans & photos of the ship.

The Costa Mediterranea has a unique personality inspired by Italy's 17th and 18th century palazzi and castles of the Mediterranean Sea. Twelve spacious and panoramic passenger decks offer an impressive array of facilities including five restaurants, four bars, three pools (one with a retractable roof), a theater extending over three decks, a casino, disco, ballroom, conference center, library, and internet cafe.

For stunning views of the Caribbean, the Costa Mediterranea has 845 outside cabins with private verandas or picture windows.The Mediterranea also offers its guests the best in fitness and recreation. Treat yourself to a sauna, Turkish bath or shiatsu massage and be sure to visit the gym's whirlpools, steam rooms, and saunas.