Can you do this cruise port on your own?
Progreso
DIY Score
Doable with planning
Leave Chichen Itza by 2pm; the drive and pier shuttle eat your time.
Tender or Docked?
Ships dock at the end of a 6.5-km pier. A free shuttle takes 15-20 min to reach the terminal building. This is mandatory each way and adds 30-40 min to any shore excursion.
How to Get Into Town
Progreso town is a 5-min taxi from the pier terminal. Merida is 45 min. Chichen Itza is 2.5 hrs.
Main Attractions
Merida is the best destination for most port calls. Chichen Itza is the most famous but requires a full day and meticulous return planning.
How Much Time You Need
Add 30-40 min to all transit times for the pier shuttle each way. Chichen Itza needs 8-9 hrs of real on-shore time.
Keep in Mind
Leave Chichen Itza no later than 2pm to allow the 2.5-hr drive back plus pier shuttle plus ship re-boarding.
Safety & Comfort
Merida is one of Mexico's safest cities. Progreso tourist areas and Chichen Itza are safe.
Tips from Cruisers
"We did Merida instead of Chichen Itza and it was the right call for our port time. Amazing colonial architecture, great local food…" — by Sarah L.
We did Merida instead of Chichen Itza and it was the right call for our port time. Amazing colonial architecture, great local food at the main market, and we were back on the ship relaxed with 2 hours to spare. People who went to Chichen Itza were still rushing back when we were already on the sun deck.