Spring 2024 Cruise to Honduras and Mexico on Harmony of the Seas

In March of 2024, we embarked on a relaxing vacation aboard Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas. Our ports included Roatan in Honduras, and Costa Maya (Mahahual) and Cozumel in Mexico.

Check out our photos from the trip below as well as some recommendations for things to do in each port.

Harmony of the Seas

A yellow lifeboat on the Harmony of the Seas, seen from above against the blue ocean

We aren't really "cruise people," but given that the promotional offer we received from Royal Caribbean meant we only had to pay the cost of flights, it was too good to turn down.

Cruises give us both an opportunity to "unplug" from work (the Wi-Fi isn't typically great). We also enjoy the variety of activities and entertainment options available onboard instead of having to plan every detail of a vacation on our own.

The Harmony of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world, and it's truly a floating city. With a variety of dining options, entertainment, and activities, there was never a dull moment on board during sea-days or at night.

Roatan Honduras

Our first stop was Roatan Honduras, an island in the Caribbean, known for its beautiful sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters. Walking out of the port was, to be honest, a little overwhelming with the number of people trying to escort you off to their questionable tours.

We opted to take an excursion offered through the cruise line to Tabyana Beach Club, which was a great choice. We lounged on the beach, enjoying the sun and sea, while being treated to a delicious lunch spread and a well-stocked full bar.

After the beach club for the day, we walked around and checked out the port on the way back to the ship.

A teal building at the port of Roatan, Honduras
Photos of us in front of the port of Roatan, Honduras sign
Palm trees in Honduras against the sky
A boat docked at the beach in Roatan, Honduras
The beach at Tabyana Beach in Roatan, Honduras
A resort pool at Tabyana Beach in Roatan, Honduras
A man jogging on the beach in Roatan, Honduras

Costa Maya (Mahahual) Mexico

Next, we sailed to Costa Maya, Mexico. We explored the port and markets, feeling much more comfortable on our own than we did in Honduras, and then headed to Catrina Restaurant in Mahahual for a salsa-making class and mezcal tasting.

We booked the salsa-making class through Viator, and it was a fun and interactive experience. Plus, who doesn't love freshly-made salsa and guacamole?

After the class at the restaurant, our experience included a taxi to the beach at Mahahual, where we spent the rest of the day walking through the markets and enjoying drinks at a beachside bar.

The port of Costa Maya, Mexico
A sign reading Costa Maya
Catrina restaurant in Mahahual, Mexico
Making salsa at Catrina restaurant in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
Mezcal shots with orange slices and chili powder at Catrina restaurant in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
Street vendors in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
Mexican masks
A police officer surveying the street in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
Artwork on the street in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico
Small seagull artwork
An artist customizing street art in Mahahual, Costa Maya, Mexico

Nachi Cocom Beach Club in Cozumel Mexico

Our final stop was Cozumel, Mexico. Known for its coral reefs, it's a paradise for snorkelers and divers. This was our favorite stop of the trip.

We spent a relaxing day at Nachi Cocom Beach Club, relaxing on the white sandy beach. The beach club only allows 130 people per day (meaning we had plenty of space to ourselves), and it was just over $100 US for the both of us for the day. This cost included unlimited food and drinks, and access to all of the beach club's amenities.

As the day progressed, we unwound on comfortable loungers under swaying palm trees, indulged in all-inclusive cocktails and lunch, served right at our reserved chairs on the beach.

We highly recommend reserving your spot early at Nachi Cocom if you're interested in visiting for a day.

The beach at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
A beach with a pier at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
The pool at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
Beach chairs lined up next to the pool at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
The beach at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
A straw sun shade on the beach at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
A sailboat in the distance at the beach at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico
A kayak at the beach at Nachi Cocom in Cozumel, Mexico