Qasr Al Watan is Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace, open to the public and worth a visit for its grand interiors and insight into the UAE’s political and cultural heritage. The building blends traditional Arabian craftsmanship with monumental scale, featuring vast halls, towering domes, and a 350,000-crystal chandelier. Exhibits cover everything from the country’s governing institutions to ancient manuscripts, and an evening light show on the palace façade wraps up the visit.

Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace — the "Incomparable Palace" — was once hailed as a marvel of its era. Initially featuring 360 rooms, an expansive courtyard, and a 90-metre-long pool, the palace was a monument to the Sultan's affluence and influence. Adorned with a lavish selection of materials sourced globally — from Italian marble to Malian gold — the palace was envisioned as an opulent space for grand receptions and ceremonies. However, following al-Mansur's death in 1603, the palace was abandoned and gradually succumbed to decay, especially during the waning years of the Saadian rule. Many of its precious elements, particularly its marble, were harvested and repurposed in various Moroccan structures. Nowadays, El Badi stands as a significant point of interest in Marrakesh, housing various exhibitions and even showcasing the Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. Though largely in ruins, the palace still whispers stories of a bygone era of wealth and grandeur.

The Josiah Dennis Manse, built in 1736, stands as one of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts. Once home to the town's namesake, Reverend Josiah Dennis, the manse now serves as a museum showcasing artifacts from his life and the early days of Dennis. Explore exhibits dedicated to his children's room, spinning and weaving techniques, and other aspects of 18th-century life. The complex also includes the 1745 schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into the history of education in the region.

A favorite daytrip destination from Costa Maya, the Chacchoben Maya ruins are located nearby a city of the same name, only 50 minutes away from the cruise port. This fascinating landmark is estimated to have been inhabited since as early as 1000 BC, and after a fairly late discovery in the 1940s, it still contains several unexcavated areas. Visitors can pick from a range of tour operators to be guided through the site, and as a bonus can admire the remarkable flora of what is called the 'Region of the Lakes.'