Should I buy my mom a passport or go to Puerto Rico
 

I would like to take my mom on a vacation this year for her birthday. She doesn't travel and has no need for a passport. I took her on a cruise for Christmas a few years ago and she really enjoyed it but our cheap cruise options are limited as we are from Texas. I thought about Puerto Rico since she won't need a passport to go there, another more expensive cruise to the Bahamas (she's always wanted to see the Atlantis resort that is there), or just buying her a passport as part of the gift and taking her to another island. I'm a budget traveler so I wouldn't want to spend more than $2,000 total.

What would you suggest? If you think I should buy the passport what island would you recommend? I don't want to culture shock her or anything but also don't want an all-inclusive resort. I know she would like the beach, snorkeling, a colonial city feel, and ruins she can climb on if possible. I've done some research but my tastes are completely different from hers as I prefer to constantly be on the go doing adventurous activities.
Thank you for any suggestions.

I suggest you just stick to US territory, PR or US Virgin Islands. Or Hawaii. Or here's a concept, since it's her birthday, why not ask her where she'd like to go.

I agree if she has no need for a passport and it is only for this single trip, just pick a place you can go without one... Hawaii, USVI, Puerto Rico.

I also agree to ask her where SHE wants to go :-)

Thank you for your help! I completely forgot about Hawaii. I thought about asking her where she would want to go but she'll just say "Oh anywhere is fine, just let me know." like she has done in the past. LOL She isn't a traveler so she won't look to see what is out there. But maybe I'll put together three options with activities and everything and let her pick between them. Then make any changes if we want to. Thanks again for the ideas.

Since she's not a "traveler" all the more reason to stick with Hawaii. It's amazing but not intimidating or scary in any way.

Where are you -- $2000 is a very low budget for Hawaii. Airfares alone could eat up 3/4 of your $$$

Or is that $2000 per person

It will be a big help to get the answer about budget.

Texas is such a big state, the drive may be too far, but there are some great cruises out of Galveston in your price range.
Some even go to Nassau. The Atlantis is a very expensive place, but there are some cheaper options for seeing it.
RCC has some nice cruises on one of their five star ships that does some great ports.
There are actually some pretty cheap cruises out of Miami to the Bahamas, if you can get a cheap flight to Miami.
When are you going? Getting cheap cruises is all about being somewhat flexible with dates and really keeping an eye on prices as they go up and down. Book when the bargain comes up.

Look at vacationstogo.com.
You don't have to book with them. They are just a good, easy to use, web site for seeing what is available and watching prices.

How long will the trip be?
Is the $2000 for the two of you? And does that mean air/hotel or total cost (air/hotel/transportation/food and drinks)?
What time of year (You can get a lot more for your money in Puerto Rico during the summer months versus winter/spring).

Agreeing with everyone else above, budget is going to decide your options somewhat.

If that "$2000 total" actually for two people and has to cover airfare and the entire trip food, lodging, entertainment for both of you, will definitely narrow down your choices.