A typical Western Caribbean cruise travels an itinerary featuring some combination of Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Roatan, Belize, Costa Maya and Jamaica. While you could travel that itinerary several times and never have the same cruise you will hit each of the ports time and time again (particularly Cozumel and Belize). Lately there has been a push to a add bit of flavor to what many consider a stale area of the Caribbean.
First came a new Jamaican cruise port in Falmouth, which opened earlier in the year. The Falmouth, Jamaica cruise port has most of the amenities we have grown accustomed too at other cruise ports; dozens of shops, a craft market and restaurants. Now a second new port (this one in Honduras) is being built to further enhance Western Caribbean offerings.
The New Kid on the Block
Recently, on the North Coast of Honduras construction has begun on Banana Coast. Located in the town of Trujillo, Banana Coast will be Honduras’s second major cruise destination. The other is Roatan which is located about 45 miles north of Banana Coast. Banana Coast will be built and designed by OBM International with plans to finish the project in late 2012. The port will be capable of handling two post-panamax mega ships, such as Oasis of the Seas, Norwegian Epic and Carnival Dream.
When its finally ready for business Banana Coast will boast 50,000 square feet of retail, a themed restaurant and an architectural design which pays homage to the times of the banana trade. Banana Coast will also offer a wide variety of shopping experiences ranging from local brands to international stalwarts. There will be a multitude of ways for passengers arriving at Banana Coast to access their particular interests: boat via the onsite marina, by bus or taxi from the transportation hub, or by walking along the walkways to the bars, restaurants and Historical Center. Banana Coast will also include replica train for visitors to travel along continuous circuits of the beach and Historical Center at their convenience.
With construction just beginning and the opening being so far in the future, currently no cruise lines are scheduled to visit Banana Coast but look for more news of that in the early part of 2012.
Here is an excerpt from the Banana Coast website giving cruisers a glimpse on what we have to look forward to when the port opens:
More than just the beach, Banana Coast has natural diversity for visitors to experience firsthand:
- Waterfalls, Rivers & Streams
- Mountains
- Tropical rainforest
- Guaimoreto Lagoon Nature Reserve with mangrove ecosystem, pink flamingos
- Sandy beaches, coral reefs, and crystal waters
The Caribbean destination is supported by the Campo del Mar Park System, featuring agriculture, flowers and gardens, animals and wildlife, a historical museum, 15th Century Spanish road, rivers and beach.
The Bay of Trujillo is a deep water natural harbor and was the first mainland landing spot of Christopher Columbus in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. A two-ship cruise dock and themed retail shopping village are under development at the heart of the colonial city, near the Santa Barbara Fort, cannons and charming cobblestone streets.
Honduras has a rich cultural heritage. At Banana Coast, visitors will experience the cultures of the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna, and the peaceful Pech Indians.
Related posts:
- A Tale of Two Cities Bucking for a Cruise Port
- Another Cruise Ship Flees the Port of San Diego. Due to Violence in Mexico?
- Royal Caribbean Helping to Rebuild Haiti One School at a Time
- Carnival Eliminates Mobile Alabama and Expands Port Canaveral Offerings
- Norwegian Cruise Lines Follows Royal Caribbean’s Lead
