I went to the Caribbean for the first time during a cruise. I wish I’d had more time in these 2 ports.

To me, taking a cruise is like watching previews at the movies — you can get an idea of each coming film’s plot, aesthetic, and overall vibe, but you’ll have to return to the theater to get the full story.

I decided this on my first cruise back in 2022.

The seven-night voyage aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas stopped at four ports: Roatan, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Passengers had about seven hours to explore at each stop.

For me, it was only enough time to get a small taste of each place, and the first two ports left me wishing I’d had more time to explore.

Here’s how I spent my hours in Roatan, Honduras, and Cozumel, Mexico.