The Original Vegan Cruise – “One of the 100 Best Worldwide Vacations to Enrich Your Life.”
Costa Maya is primarily a tourist region and is for the most part a manufactured cruise port that is relatively isolated other than Mayan ruins and fishing villages surrounding the port area. Despite being the namesake for the region, the Mayans were not the first civilizations in the region. By the time the Mayans started to settle there, other Native Americans had been there for a little over 6300 years, and they had permanent settlements for a little over 3000 years. Not to mention the lesser-known Olmecs who settled near the gulf coast and had come and gone as well.
However, the Mayans had left the greatest impact on the land; a few of their fascinating villages can be found today in form of the nearby Mayan ruins. The Mayans had used the Yucatan coast mainly in trading and exports using their large dugout canoes. They mostly traded fabric, jade, obsidian, salt and shells.
Miami moves to a rhythm all its own— from the sun-drenched beaches to a diverse blend of cultures. Indulge in the glitzy chic of Miami Beach and explore Little Havana’s deep-rooted Cuban heritage. Unwind on Key Biscayne’s serene shorelines, pedal along Ocean Drive or paddle a kayak through Oleta River State Park’s winding mangrove channels. Head to Coconut Grove to take in the bohemian vibe. Whether it’s Art Deco architecture, world-class cuisine or endless nightlife, adventure shines bright in The Magic City.
Holistic Holiday At Sea will be providing hotel accommodations offering group rates for your pre and post stay please check back in October 2022.
Setting foot on Isla de Roatán, off the coast of Honduras, is like entering incredible work of art where the mountainous lush green junglescape meets the glorious blue sea, and deep coves hide pirates of the past. Roatán, after all, was at one point home to more than 5,000 pirates. Largely untouched, Roatán is known for its barrier reef, fishing and diving cultures. The island offers an easy access to beautiful beaches and its coral reef, a sanctuary for snorkelers and divers exploring the bounty of its marine life.
Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve is founded on a deep commitment to ecological principles that shape everything from how the venues are built and how the island is run, to the kinds of activities featured on the island.
Formerly a sand extraction site, MSC Cruises has made significant efforts to clear the island and the surrounding ocean bed from all discarded debris – while removing a total of 7,500 tons of scrap metal – and relocating coral with the longer-term vision of encouraging coral to grow and repopulate. These efforts will give guests the opportunity to learn about the protection of the oceans and the importance of preserving coral reefs through dedicated edutainment programs.
Formerly the British Honduras, Belize hosts a melting pot of cultures—Garifuna, Mayan, Mestizo, Chinese, Indian, Creole and Mennonite—each leaving their distinct mark on the country’s traditions and its cuisine. In the heart of Central America, bordered by Mexico and Gautemala, Belize offers bountiful nature from untouched jungles, rainforests and caves to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere offshore, a mecca for snorkelers and scuba divers alike.
Sunday, March 19, 2023
For Holistic Holiday at Sea Participants ONLY
First departure - 11:30 am (200 passengers) (SOLD OUT)
Second departure - 12:30 pm (140 passengers)
 |
Limited seats (300 passengers) |
 |
Duration: 6 hrs. |
 |
Difficulty Level: Moderate |
 |
Vegan Meal Included |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
A 45-minute drive brings you to Tower Hill, where you will board a riverboat and head up the New River Lagoon. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, sightings of hawks, kites and falcons are common. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for “Submerged Crocodile”) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys. Your experienced guide will point out sites of importance and interest as well as detailing a full history of the Lamanai site.
This tour includes a full buffet lunch on site at the world class restaurant at Ayinha Eco Park Lamanai. Enjoy a tasty Belizean style vegan lunch buffet, cooked with local coconut oil and seasoned to perfection. Relax for approximately 1 hour and purchase tropical drinks, locally brewed Belikin beer, or sample the local rums paired with fresh organic coconut water, before returning to your ship.
Please note: Sightings of wildlife are not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility, trouble walking or for guests using wheelchairs, scooters or strollers as the trails are bumpy and cannot accommodate them. The climbing of the Temples is optional; however, no climbing will be permitted if there is rain and the temples are wet.
⁃ Coconut rice and beans cooked with kosher salt, black pepper and fresh thyme leaves
⁃ Sauté potatoes in coconut oil and onions
⁃ Tossed salad (tomatoes, carrots, red, yellow and green bell peppers, purple cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes)
⁃ Sweet corn on the cub
⁃ Steamed vegetables, (sweet corn on the cob, cauliflower, broccoli)
⁃ Fresh fruits (watermelon, pineapple, bananas)
⁃ Beverage (coconut water, soursop juice, purified drinking water)
Departure - 11:45 am (SOLD OUT)
|
Limited seats (144 passengers - minimum 24) |
|
Duration: 6.5 hrs. |
|
Difficulty Level: Strenuous |
|
Vegan Meal Included |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
Your next traverse takes you to an unrivalled 700 feet across the jungle. With your adrenaline pumping, you’ll switch gears from harness to life vests as the second leg of your quest begins, putting you up close and personal in the environment of the crystal caves phenomenon. Your tube ride finds you floating through a chamber where you will marvel at the crystal-stalactites cave formations. You’ll leave your tube and walk inside the crystal chamber to explore the sacred underworld of the Mayans. You will find yourself in front of a frozen waterfall column and glittering rim stone dam that is simply amazing. Once back on your tube, you’ll make your way to an underground lagoon, listen and relax to the sound of the water streams throughout the cave system signaling the end of your subterranean adventure.
You’ll walk back to base camp where you’ll change to dry clothes, and enjoy a vegan Lunch. Please note: Pregnant women, guests with neck, back, shoulder and knee injury, heart trouble, seizure disorders, asthma, as well as guests with disabilities such as blindness and balance disorder are not allowed to participate on this tour. What to bring: Swim suits, dry clothing, towel, repellent, cash/credit card and sunscreen. Water shoes and lockers are available for rent. Minimum age to participate on tour is 6 years and minimum height 40 inches tall. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English.
Ingredients for sautéed vegetables: fresh garlic, onions, sweet bell pepper, sweet potatoes, tomatos, carrots, zucchini, string bean, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant.
Tomato sauce ingredients: onions, garlic, tomatoes, chile guajillo, cilantro, sea salt.
Fresh oregano green salad: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, celery, onions, sweet bell pepper.
Salad dressing: olive oil, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper.
First Departure - 11:45 am (SOLD OUT)
Second Departure - 12:30 pm (SOLD OUT)
ADULTS $109 - CHILD $79 (USD)
|
Limited seats (First departure - 96 passengers Second departure - 50 passengers/24 minimum) |
|
Duration: 6 hrs. |
|
Difficulty Level: Moderate |
|
Vegan Meal Included |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
Your excursion begins at the pier where you’ll board your air-conditioned transportation for a driving tour of Belize City. Belize City, the Capital, is the country’s only genuine urban area. It is also the commercial and cultural center of the country. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, learn about the economic, historic and cultural aspects of Belizean life. View the significant landmarks and beautiful colonial buildings as your guide calls out the various points of interest around town.
You’ll continue on into the country for a visit to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, a pioneering project in voluntary grassroots conservation by the local villagers. See the Black Howler Monkey (known as the “Baboon” in the local Creole dialect) in their natural setting of the rainforest where they can be protected in a sustainable environment
Today, the population of the Black Howler Monkey in the sanctuary is thriving with more than 2,000 monkeys in residence. After this portion of the tour is finished you will be treated with a few cultural demonstrations; Flybrush Making, Rice beating and you will also be able to do cashew wine tasting. After your sanctuary tour, it’s time for lunch. Your transportation will transfer you to a local favorite called “Iguana Stop” for a delicious sit-down meal.
Then board your transportation as you’ll travel to The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center. Located on 29 acres of tropical savannah, this animal preserve features more than 125 animals that are native to Belize. The zoo’s inhabitants consist of orphaned offspring, animals born in captivity, rehabilitated animals, or those sent to the Belize Zoo as gifts from other zoological institutions. Here, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the unique wildlife of Belize on a guided tour. Please note: The minimum age to participate in this tour is 5 years old. This tour involves a considerable amount of standing and walking. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Pregnant women are prohibited from participating in this tour. Guests with prior or current neck injuries, or who have difficulty with or limited mobility, and any guest with disabilities such as blindness or balance disorder are prohibited from participating in this tour.
Ingredients for sautéed vegetables: fresh garlic, onions, sweet bell pepper, sweet potatoes, tomatos, carrots, zucchini, string bean, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant.
Tomato sauce ingredients: onions, garlic, tomatoes, chile guajillo, cilantro, sea salt.
Fresh oregano green salad: lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, celery, onions, sweet bell pepper.
Salad dressing: olive oil, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper.
(open to all passengers sailing)
Monday, March 20, 2023
For Holistic Holiday at Sea Participants ONLY
Departure - TBC
|
Limited seats (250 passengers, Minimum 50) |
|
Duration: 4 hrs. |
 |
Possibility of Swimming |
|
Difficulty Level: Easy |
|
Vegan Meal Included |
 |
Drink included |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
This leisurely beach outing will take you to West Bay and the beautiful TabyAna Beach, a seemingly endless ribbon of powdery white sand fringed with coconut, sea grape and almond trees.
You’ll have plenty of time to simply savor the surroundings, which come complete with live Caribbean music and the ever-present trade winds. The sand is an open invitation to stretch out and relax, while the water beckons to go for a refreshing swim. Vegan lunch included on site is also included in your half day of beachy goodness before you return to the ship.
Coleslaw – with vinegar, lime juice, seasonings cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, and shredded carrots
Whole wheat pasta with sautéed veggies and a house made marinara sauce.
Fresh fruit and water included.
First Departure - 9:30 am (113 passengers)
Second Departure - 11:15 am (113 passengers)
Third Departure - 12:30 pm (25 passengers)*
*transportation will be shared with non HHAS passenger, vegan lunch will be exclusive to HHAS guest only at designated area.
ADULTS $81 - CHILD $60 (USD)
|
Limited seats (113 passengers per departure, minimum 10) |
|
Duration: 4.5 hrs. |
|
Possibility of Swimming |
|
Difficulty Level: Easy |
 |
Vegan Snack Included |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
What could be more adorable and fascinating than starfish? These brightly colored, slow-moving marine animals are unmistakably shaped and are astonishing to visitors! Roatan is one of the top 6 snorkeling spots to see starfish!
The dazzling waters of Roatan are a real paradise for the starfish, also known as Cushion Sea Star. Perfectly harmless, there are plenty of them laying at the seabed, however please do not touch them!
Before or after the snorkeling enjoy relaxation on the beautiful beach and swimming-pool facing the turquoise sea! You will also have time to relax in one of our floatable islands at sea anchored in the beautiful transparent sandbar area.
Vegetable salad (green lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, onion) with home dressing prepared with olive oil, vinegar and salt; fried plantains (fried in vegetable oil and salted) rice & beans (cooked with garlic, pepper, salt, coriander, coconut oil and coconut milk)
Table service and ingredient list provided during lunch.
(open to all passengers sailing)
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
For Holistic Holiday at Sea Participants ONLY
Departure - 8:30 am
|
Limited seats (300 passengers, minimum 30) |
|
Duration: 6.5 hrs. |
|
Difficulty Level: Strenuous |
|
Vegan Snack Included |
 |
Shooting videos and/or taking pictures is not allowed or subject to fee |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula and one of Mexico’s absolute must-sees is the archaeological site of Kohunlich, a terraced city built by the Mayans between approx. A.D. 250 and A.D. 600. The sites unusual-sounding name is derived from the English name of the cohune palm, a common sight in the area. Your tour of cultural discovery begins with an air-conditioned coach ride.
At the site itself, you’ll be escorted through the park-like setting of the historical complex, whose highlights include a sunken palace, an acropolis, courtyards and even an ancient ceremonial ball field. But the sites main attraction is undoubtedly the Temple of the Masks, dedicated to the Mayan sun god KinichAhau.
With memories of the beautifully secluded Kohunlich fresh in your mind, you will enjoy a light packed lunch on the coach journey back to Costa Maya and your ship. Please note: the tour involves a 2-hour coach drive each way without a comfort stop. As the tour involves longer periods of walking on uneven ground, guests are requested to take extra care. The tour is considered to be unsuitable for guests with mobility problems or using a wheelchair given the stairs if you choose to do so on the pyramids. Guests are recommended to wear high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable shoes. Depending on the exchange rate on the day of the tour, a fee of US$5-US$8 will be payable by guests wishing to use video equipment (including mobile phones) at the archaeological site. The tour also involves an approx. 5-minute walk between the car park and the entrance of Kohunlich.
Mushroom and sautéed vegetables with olive oil and cucumber water.
Salted peanuts.
Information about the ingredients will be included in guide’s speech and provided on a laminated menu available on the bus
First Departure - 8:30 am (SOLD OUT)
Second Departure - 10:00 am (40 passengers)*
*transportation will be shared with non HHAS passenger, vegan lunch will be exclusive to HHAS guest only at designated area.
|
Limited seats (100 passengers, minimum 30) |
|
Duration: 6 hrs. |
|
Difficulty Level: Moderate |
|
Possibility of swimming |
|
Vegan Meal Included |
HHAS, Exclusive Vegan Shore Excursion is non-refundable
This enjoyable half-day outing begins with a leisurely transfer on a modern coach to reach Bacalar, with your guide filling in details about the port and its history.
You'll first be heading for Fort San Felipe Bacalar, which dates back to 1733, to see some real-life cannons.
Then you'll board a boat for a relaxing cruise and a chance to take a dip in the waters of lagoon, whose colors are many and varied. Lastly, soak up picture-perfect views over lunch in one of Bacalar's loveliest restaurants. Your return journey to the ship then lets the tour draw to a close.
HOT BAR
Side Dishes
(open to all passengers sailing)
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Although there are no EXCLUSIVE shore excursions at Ocean Cay, MSC Marine Reserve, Bahamas, MSC Divina does offer shore excursions.
(open to all passengers sailing)
Friday March 17, 2023
Please check back in July for a list of hotels with group rates for your pre-cruise stay.
Saturday March 18, 2023
Sunday March 19, 2023
Monday March 20, 2023
Tuesday March 21, 2023
Wednesday March 22, 2023
Thursday March 23, 2023
Friday March 24, 2023
Please check back in July for a list of hotels with group rates for your pre-cruise stay.
