Kristina Trowbridge

The SPV Star Clipper will be anchored at Playa del Carmen, which is located about 45 minutes south of Cancun airport. The big cruise ships dock is located at the new Puerto Calica Pier, 8 miles south of downtown Playa Del Carmen. This pier is also used for commercial shipping. There is nothing else here. In Playa del Carmen, there are dozens of restaurants to pick from, bars to refresh yourself with a Margarita or cold beer, and stores where you can look for the right souvenir, shop for clothes, or simply look around and get a feel for the place. We had all afternoon to enjoy the beach and Playa del Carmen on our own. It was definitely busier here than in Cancun, but not overly crowded. Most people were on the beaches. Playa del Carmen truly defines how there is beauty in simplicity. Playa is a quaint town that has been on the brink of rediscovery with its newly built resorts and golf courses. Nothing can be better than being surrounded by the unique flair of local culture, while also having a more modern option as well. The enchantment of the native buildings, with all of the amenities from world-class resorts creates a perfect blend and an ideal cruise destination. We strolled down Fifth Avenue, the heart of Playa del Carmen. One block from the ocean, it holds an appeal for visitors, inviting them to walk up and down its whole length to absorb the real life of Playa (short for Playa del Carmen). Partly closed to cars to form a pedestrian thoroughfare, it concentrates most of Playa del Carmen's commercial activity. Fifth Avenue (Avenida Quinta) is most active during the night, when the sun has set. The temperature comes down to a nice, cooler level, and Playa del Carmen's tourists are ready to enjoy a night of vacation leisure after spending all day under the sun or exploring the Riviera Maya.

For years, vacationers have been traveling south to the serene and tranquil beaches of Playa del Carmen. As the largest of the corridor cities, it makes an excellent base for exploring the jungles, ruins and coastal regions. This charming town is quite small and perfect to be explored by foot. However, to get to the many surrounding beaches and golf courses, one may choose to use a different mode of transportation that is available here. Buses are found all along the Avenida Principal that is just a brief walk from the ferry pier, the hotels and the restaurants. Tricycle Taxis are mainly used to travel between the ferry, bus stations and Avenida 5. They will go anywhere and fear not, for they can accommodate your entire luggage as well.

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