Progreso is a medium sized fishing town that has cruise ships visiting 2-3 times a week. A multitude of excellent restaurants and shopping as well as cultural activities exist here.
We are 1/2 hour bus ride (about $1 each way) to Merida, "The White City", with a population of over 1 million. You can find anything you might need in Merida as well as explore their symphony, museums, parks, cultural events and markets.
The Yucatan is rich with archeological sites, Mayan ruins, cenotes, flamingo watching, and most of these are no more than 1-2 hours from Progreso. Visit Chichén Itzá, Uxmal, Mayapan, the Loltun caves...the list goes on.