Just 10 to 12 families, so it feels like traveling with friends.
Small on purpose
Maya ruins, cacao, and the Melipona bee, woven together by one storyline all week.
Made for learning
Just 10 to 12 families, so it feels like traveling with friends.
Small on purpose
Just 10 to 12 families, so it feels like traveling with friends.
Small on purpose
Just 10 to 12 families, so it feels like traveling with friends.
Small on purpose
Real food, gratitude, and God's creation, hosted by a Registered Dietitian and homeschool mom.
Faith + wellness
Why families choose Taste + Traditions: Mexico
A trip built so your kids remember the place, not just the pool.
Just 10 to 12 families, so it feels like traveling with friends.
Small on purpose
Homeschooling not required. Little ones, teens, and grandparents too.
Every family welcome
three threads.
one bigger story.
The Melipona Bee.
Cacao.
Maize.
This experience follows three foods and traditions that open the door to a deeper understanding of Mexico.
Learn about the native stingless Melipona bee, its importance to Maya culture, and the traditions surrounding honey.
Melipona bee
Discover cacao's origins, its role in Maya life, and how chocolate has been prepared and valued through generations.
cacao
Learn how masa traditions have been passed down for generations, explore tortilla making, and experience hands-on Mexican cooking.
Maize
the little melipona bee who will travel with us.
Meet Meli
Throughout our Mexico experience, we'll follow Meli as she searches for an answer to a question children (and grown-ups) sometimes ask too:
What was I created to do?
Her journey will lead us through the stories of maize, cacao, the people who have cared for these foods and traditions for generations, and the remarkable relationships woven throughout creation.
Families will meet Meli before we travel, continue her story together at sea, and then step into the world she's been discovering during our time in Mexico.
But we won't discover how her story ends until the journey home.
Day 3
apr 28
Day 2
apr 27
GALVESTON
Settle in, meet new friends, and explore the ship.
Day 1
apr 26
Day 5
APR 30
Day 4
apr 29
Day 6
May 1
Day 3
apr 28
AT SEA
Hands-on learning and family time.
Day 2
apr 27
Day 1
apr 26
Day 5
APR 30
Day 4
apr 29
Day 6
May 1
COSTA MAYA
Maya ruins and a fresh tropical fruit tasting.
Day 3
apr 28
Day 2
apr 27
Day 1
apr 26
Day 5
APR 30
Day 4
apr 29
Day 6
May 1
COZUMEL
Cacao, tortillas, and Melipona bees
Day 3
apr 28
Day 2
apr 27
Day 1
apr 26
Day 5
APR 30
Day 4
apr 29
Day 6
May 1
AT SEA
Hands-on learning and family time.
Day 3
apr 28
Day 2
apr 27
Day 1
apr 26
Day 5
APR 30
Day 4
apr 29
Day 6
May 1
GALVESTON
Return to port
Day 3
apr 28
Day 2
apr 27
Day 1
apr 26
Day 5
Apr 30
Day 4
apr 29
Day 6
May 1
Itinerary
excursions
- Explore ancient Maya ruins.
- Learn about Maya history, culture, and daily life.
- See how the land and environment shaped life in the region.
- Stop at a local fruit stand.
- Taste fresh local tropical fruits.
COSTA MAYA
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Grind cacao in a traditional stone molcajete and make a chocolate drink like the Mayas did.
- Press tortillas and make fire-roasted salsa.
- Learn about the stingless Maya honeybee, why they are sacred to the Maya culture, and taste the honey.
- Make a beeswax candle to take home.
COZUMEL
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Grind cacao in a traditional stone molcajete and make a chocolate drink like the Mayans did.
- Press tortillas and make fire-roasted salsa.
- Learn about the stingless Mayan honeybee, why they are sacred to the Mayan culture, and taste the honey.
- Make a beeswax candle to take home.
COZUMEL
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Grind cacao in a traditional stone molcajete and make a chocolate drink like the Mayans did.
- Press tortillas and make fire-roasted salsa.
- Learn about the stingless Mayan honeybee, why they are sacred to the Mayan culture, and taste the honey.
- Make a beeswax candle to take home.
COZUMEL
- One hour of guided classroom time on each sea day.
- Connect what we are learning to the foods, traditions, and cultures we are experiencing along the way.
- Discuss, reflect, and build on the real-world experiences from our time in port.
- Community dinners.
SEA DAYS
MExico
Some places ask you to look a little closer. In Mexico, food, tradition, family, and place are deeply intertwined. This Experience is an invitation to slow down, notice, and learn from the stories held within them.
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Grind cacao in a traditional stone molcajete and make a chocolate drink like the Mayans did.
- Press tortillas and make fire-roasted salsa.
- Learn about the stingless Mayan honeybee, why they are sacred to the Mayan culture, and taste the honey.
- Make a beeswax candle to take home.
COZUMEL
- One hour of guided classroom time on each sea day.
- Connect what we are learning to the foods, traditions, and cultures we are experience along the way.
- Discuss, reflect, and build on the real-world experiences from our time in port.
- Community dinners.
SEA DAYS
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Grind cacao in a traditional stone molcajete and make a chocolate drink like the Mayans did.
- Press tortillas and make fire-roasted salsa.
- Learn about the stingless Mayan honeybee, why they are sacred to the Mayan culture, and taste the honey.
- Make a beeswax candle to take home.
COZUMEL
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
- Grind cacao in a traditional stone molcajete and make a chocolate drink like the Mayans did.
- Press tortillas and make fire-roasted salsa.
- Learn about the stingless Mayan honeybee, why they are sacred to the Mayan culture, and taste the honey.
- Make a beeswax candle to take home.
COZUMEL
- Tour Maya ruins.
- Visit with a Mayan family in their village.
- Learn about tradition medicines.
- Laern the art of tortilla-making.
- Sample dishes and recipes that have been passed down through generations.
COSTA MAYA
Simple prep materials to help your family arrive already connected to the story.
text here
Learning changes when the place becomes part of the lesson
The Growing up nourished layer
Traveling the Growing Up Nourished Way
pre-trip learning
Guided gatherings that help families connect throughout the sailing.
onboard meetups
Coordinated port excursions for an immersive experience.
port experiences
Simple take-home pieces so the experience continues after you return.
keepsakes & projects
A Christian worldview woven naturally into how we learn, give thanks, and experience God’s creation together.
FAITH, WOVEN IN
Limited to 10–12 families so people can actually know each other and experience it together.
Small on purpose
the founding experience
- airfare to Galveston
- port parking
- travel insurance
- group shore excursions
- specialty dining
- gratuities
Not included
What's Included
- cruise and cabin accommodations
- port fees and taxes
- most onboard meals
- Growing Up Nourished learning experience
- pre-trip resources
- community and onboard meetups
included
$1,147
from
interior
per room
$1,363
from
Ocean view
per room
$1,687
from
balcony
per room
Pricing based on double occupancy. Rates valid through December 25, 2026. Additional family promotions available for cabins accommodating three, four, or five guests.
$199
growing up nourished experience fee
per family
How it Works
Booking your family’s place is simple. Choose the cabin that works for you, reserve your spot, and we’ll guide you through everything that comes next.
What happens:
Choose the room type that works best for your family and request your cabin through the Growing Up Nourished group.
Good to know:
Interior, ocean-view, and balcony options are available at different price points.
01 — Choose your cabin
What happens:
Choose the room type that works best for your family and request your cabin through the Growing Up Nourished group.
Good to know:
Interior, ocean-view, and balcony options are available at different price points.
01 — Choose your cabin
What happens:
Secure your cabin and complete the Growing Up Nourished Experience registration for your family.
Good to know:
The cruise fare and Growing Up Nourished Experience fee are separate.
02 — Reserve your place
What happens:
Once you’re registered, we’ll begin sharing trip details, learning resources, and what to expect as the Experience gets closer.
Good to know:
You’ll have plenty of time to plan travel, excursions, and the practical pieces.
03 — Get connected
What happens:
We’ll help your family step into the story before you ever reach Mexico with your pre-trip guide, trip information, and final details.
Good to know:
Then all that’s left is to pack your bags and meet us in Galveston.
04 — Get ready to go
Amy
Hi, I’m Amy. I’m a Registered Dietitian, Functional Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, homeschooling mom, and the creator of Growing Up Nourished.
I built this Experience from the same place I’ve built our curriculum: a desire to help families understand food, health, culture, and the world around them in a way that feels real.
About 02
Hi! I'm Amy!
Registered Dietitian. Homeschool mom. Curriculum Creator.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few things people ask
How far in advance should I book?
We encourage families to reserve early. Cabin availability is limited and depends on the cruise ship’s occupancy, so specific room types and pricing may become unavailable as the sailing fills.
Will there be a faith component to these Experiences?
Growing Up Nourished is rooted in a Christian worldview, and our Experiences naturally reflect that. There may be opportunities for prayer, gratitude, and conversations about God’s creation along the way, but this is not a Bible study or faith-based retreat. Families from different backgrounds are welcome to join us.
Do we need to homeschool to join?
Not at all. While these Experiences were created with learning families in mind, you do not need to homeschool or use Growing Up Nourished curriculum to come. Curiosity is enough.
Are the shore experiences included in the cruise price?
No. Our group experiences in Costa Maya and Cozumel are optional and priced separately. This gives each family the freedom to choose what works for their interests, ages, and budget.
Do we have to participate in everything?
No. Nothing about this trip is meant to feel like a packed school itinerary. Join the group experiences that interest your family, choose another excursion, explore independently, or simply enjoy the ship. There is room to make the trip your own.
What travel documents will we need?
Passports are required for this Experience. Each traveler, including children, will need a valid passport. Families are responsible for making sure their passports and other required travel documents meet the cruise line’s requirements before departure.
Can I drop my child off at the gatherings and excursions?
No. Growing Up Nourished Experiences are designed for families to experience together. Parents or guardians are responsible for their children at all times, including during meetups and group activities.
What ages is this designed for?
Growing Up Nourished Experiences are open to kids of any age. The experience is designed for families to learn, explore, and experience Mexico together, so there’s no required age range.
How do we reserve our cabin?
Start by contacting us for a cabin quote. Our travel coordinator will follow up with available cabin options, current pricing, and the steps for reserving your cruise. Cruise pricing varies based on cabin type, occupancy, and availability.
Can grandparents join us?
Absolutely. Grandparents and other family members are welcome to join. These Experiences are about learning and exploring together across generations.
Is this a homeschool cruise?
Yes, and so much more! Taste + Traditions: Mexico was created with homeschool families in mind, so learning is woven right into the trip. But you don't need to homeschool or use Growing Up Nourished curriculum to join us. Any family who loves to learn together is welcome. The places do most of the teaching, with about an hour of guided learning on our sea days and plenty of time to simply enjoy the trip together.
How is this different from a regular family cruise?
- A small group of 10 to 12 families, so you actually get to know each other.
- Pre-trip lessons and the story of Meli, the little Melipona bee, so your kids arrive already curious about what they'll see.
- Private group excursions arranged through local guides, built around Maya ruins, cacao, maize, and the Melipona bee.
- Guided gatherings and community dinners on board.
- Simple keepsakes and projects so the learning keeps going after you're home.
- A host who is a Registered Dietitian and homeschool mom, with faith woven in naturally.
On a regular cruise you see Mexico. On this one, your family gets to understand it.
What does the trip cost in total for a family of four?
- Your cabin: Rates start at $1,147 per room for an interior cabin, based on double occupancy, and are valid through December 25, 2026. A third or fourth guest in the cabin changes the price.
- The Growing Up Nourished Experience fee: $199 per family.
- Optional group excursions in Costa Maya and Cozumel: priced separately.
Airfare, port parking, travel insurance, specialty dining, and gratuities are extra. Cruise fares change often, so the best way to know your family's exact total is a free cabin quote from our travel coordinator, Alicia Mitchell of Dreaming About Vacations. Request a quote here.
When do I need to apply for my child's passport?
A few things to know:
- Children under 16 apply in person with form DS-11, and both parents or guardians need to be there (or send a signed consent form).
- A child's passport is valid for 5 years, so check the expiration date on any passport you already have.
- The names on your cruise booking should match your passports exactly.
