Video compliments of the Travel Channel

First-time cruisers often book Gulf of Mexico voyages because they involve smaller ships, which mean a cheaper price tag. But a budget sticker price doesn't equal a third-rate vacation. A cruise to Mexico's Yucatan can be just as luxe as any other Caribbean cruise.

Cruises to the Yucatan usually set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or Galveston, Texas, with stops in the Mexican ports of Cozumel and Progreso. Both offer a unique window into ancient Mayan life. In Progreso, Carnival will take you on a tour of the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, one of the new seven wonders of the world. There you'll explore the pyramid of Kulkulcan, the ball court (the Mayans were serious about their sports), the mystical cenote (water-filled sinkholes with caverns and tunnels), the temple of the warriors and the observatory. In Cozumel, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a guided tour of the Tulum Mayan Ruins, a cliff-top sight overlooking aquamarine water that is one of the most famous Mayan landmarks. Be sure to check out the view from the Castillo (castle).

If looking at crumbling buildings isn't your style, sign up for Carnival's Buggy Beach Break to zip through pretty Progreso on a dune buggy or dive 100 feet below the sea on one of Norwegian's Atlantis Submarines off the coast of Cozumel. Or just bake on the Yucatan's beaches. Cozumel stands out for its calm waters, making it a safer place to swim. There is lots to see underwater, too, so get some snorkel gear. Another day trip option is Merida, which is just north of Progreso. As the capital of the Yucatan, Merida is a hot spot for cultural offerings. Explore the Plaza Mayor, the city's main plaza, which teems with people and historic buildings such as the cathedral. Check out modern art from Yucatecan artists at the nearby Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Ateneo de Yucatan (Pasaje de la Revolución entre 58 y 60, Merida, 52-999-928-3258).

No trip would be complete without some souvenirs, so head out on your own for a shopping break. In Cozumel, hit the shops along Avenida Rafael Melgar for reasonably priced Mexican silver and turquoise jewelry. On the strip, visit Los Cinco Soles (Avenida Rafael Melgar 27 x 8 Nte, Cozumel, 011-52-987-872-0132; www.loscincosoles.com), where you can pick up some elegant hand-blown, blue-rimmed glassware sets . Stroll the pier in Progreso to peruse vendors selling local crafts. Traditional dresses (huipiles), shawls (rebozos) and men's embroidered cotton shirts (guayaberas) will get you in the Mayan mood.