By Judy Newell
For the majority of travelers to Mexico, the first (and sometimes only) encounter with the state of Yucatan is a daytrip from Cancun to Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza provides a solid introduction to Yucatan, for sure, but the state has much to offer visitors beyond the world-renowned archaeological site. Tren Maya is envisioned as the literal vehicle that will introduce thousands of tourists to everything the state, as well as the rest of the peninsula, has to offer.
The rail line is designed to give greater exposure to the peninsula’s Mayan roots. It will run from Cancun in Quintana Roo to Palenque in Chiapas state in the south.
The project had to be paused during the pandemic, but Yucatan Governor Mauricio Vila Dosal said it is now taking shape and is going full steam ahead.
The first leg of the rail line is expected to be running by sometime next year, linking the states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche; the entire line could be completed by 2024, although that target has changed several times since the project began.
As travelers ride the train south, they’ll encounter not only rich archaeological sites but also an abundance of Mayan cuisine; idyllic beaches along the Gulf coast, which is being branded as the Yucatan Riviera; and places like the city of Progreso, a burgeoning cruise port.
Tren Maya will offer a variety of experiences. The most basic is safe, comfortable passenger cars for commuting locals and others taking a short excursion; a second will offer access to dining cars, where guests will be able to enjoy regional cuisine; and the third will be cars with sleeping compartments for overnight trips.
Cruise News
The World’s New Largest Cruise Ship
Royal Caribbean has taken delivery of Wonder of the Seas from the shipyard in Marseille, France. With the transfer, Wonder now becomes the largest cruise ship in the world, barely edging out its sister-ship Symphony of the Seas.
Coming in at 236,857 gross tons and 1,188 feet long, Wonder marks the fifth entry into Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class, with a sixth ship ‒ yet unnamed ‒ due sometime in 2024. Wonder of the Seas’ delivery comes after nearly three years of construction, with work that started before the pandemic.
Wonder features a number of favorites found on other Oasis-class vessels, b. But Royal Caribbean has also introduced numerous new features. This includes a new Suite Neighborhood with its own sun deck and plunge pool. Kids can enjoy the new Wonder Playscape and there are new bars and restaurants.
If you’re ready to sail, you don’t have to wait long. The ship makes her debut in Fort Lauderdale on March 4, where it will sail 7-night cruises to the Caribbean until May. Enjoy 30 percent% off all guests plus+ up to US $150. Staterooms start from: Interior US $805, Outside View $988, Balcony $1,013 and Suite $2,686 for a 7-night Eastern or Western Caribbean voyage.
From there the ship will head to Europe, sailing from Barcelona and Rome during the summer.
Want a chance to cruise stateside again? Wonder of the Seas returns to Port Canaveral in November.
Deal of the Week
Combine the Rocky Mountaineer Train with an Alaskan Cruise
The luxury glass-domed train is teaming up with American Queen Voyages for an unforgettable trip through Canada and Alaska, at a package rate.
This summer, travelers heading to Canada and Alaska will be able to combine two iconic ways of experiencing the region– ‒ an expedition cruise and a train journey– ‒ into one unforgettable itinerary.
For the inaugural season of its new expedition ship, Ocean Victory, American Queen Voyages is teaming up with luxury train company Rocky Mountaineer for travel packages that include trips aboard the glass-domed train cars before or after the cruise line’s Alaskan voyages.
The rail add-on is available on six of American Queen’s Vancouver-to-Sitka sailings, beginning May 2 and running through September 10.
As part of the combined itinerary, dubbed the “Landscapes & Luxury Rocky Mountaineer City Stay Package,” travelers can book a six-day pre-cruise or a five-day post-cruise journey that will wind its way through the Canadian Rockies between Calgary and Vancouver.
The travel package add-ons include two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train with top-tier GoldLeaf service, which includes perks such aslike an outdoor viewing platform, signature cocktails, and onboard guides to point out scenery and wildlife.
Also included are two hotel nights in Banff, Kamloops, and two nights in Vancouver– ‒ including tours around the city– ‒ and a National Parks pass. Logistics such as luggage handling, as well as airport and hotel transfers, are also covered.
As for the cruise portion of the itinerary, travelers can choose from 12 – or 13-day voyages through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Among some of the sailing’s highlights are Fiordland, Misty Fjords National Monument, Frederick Sound, as well as the Endicott and Le Conte glaciers. Ocean Victory is small enough to access ports of call that larger ships cannot, such aslike Baranof Island’s eastern coast.
The brand- new ship accommodatesholds just 186 guests and features amenities includinglike sliding observation platforms for viewing wildlife, and kayaks and Zodiac boats that can be deployed with expedition guides. Consider the train-and-cruise combination, which costs US $3,799 per person, your ticket to getting up close to the majestic Alaskan and Canadian wilderness in an unprecedented way.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50+ years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budget. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415-111-8765, Vonage 949-300-3682; email judynewell@perfectjourneys.net.
Sources: Travel Weekly, Cruzely, Condé Nast Traveler
