Leaving from the Port of Los Angeles and San Diego are 3- to-14-day cruises that make port stops in Loreto, Topolobampo, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Acapulco and Zihuatanejjo/Ixtapa. These destinations are along the Pacific Coast of Mexico, referred to as the “Mexican Riviera.” There are also cruises departing from Houston, Galveston and New Orleans through the “Western Caribbean” that include Mexican port stops in Cozumel and Cancun.
The FactsCruises to Mexico are very affordable, and are offered by Holland American, Princess, Norwegian Caribbean, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines. The weather is drier from California departures, and port stops offer city and cultural tours, and even one on the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railway. The weather on the Gulf side is warm and humid; passengers can enjoy crystal-clear waters to swim, snorkel or scuba dive in, relax on the beaches or visit the ancient Mayan ruins at Uxmal, Chichen Itza and Tulum.
BenefitsCruises in themselves can be relaxing and enjoyable. The added benefits of port stops with land tours and excursions add a historic and cultural significance that is both educational and entertaining. They offer opportunities to talk with residents and shopkeepers, learn about Mexico’s geography and explore archaeological landmarks. Shopping for souvenirs, one-of-a-kind items and locally made arts and crafts include hammocks, clothing, pottery, jewelry and painted gourds.
Time FrameAlthough Mexican cruises are available all year long, the summer months are most popular for traveling. Planning can be done a year in advance in order to take advantage of early booking prices, though it’s possible to find a bargain at the last minute when cruise lines have rooms to fill. Depending on where you live and whether you have time zones to cross to the embarkation city, it is suggested you add a day or so for a hotel stay in order to rest and board your ship without rushing.
FeaturesCruises to Mexico include on-board enrichment programs that include lectures and presentations by naturalists, historians and other experts in anticipation of port stops and what they will have to offer passengers. By the time the ship arrives, many passengers will already have some knowledge of the port stop city’s layout, where to shop, what attractions are of interest and where to dine. Cruises also offer land tours inland that take most of the time in port, even as long as 4 or 5 hours.
Expert InsightMexican cruises are family friendly. Summer is an excellent time for children to travel to Mexico to explore different cultures. Study destination guides and seek opinions and suggestions from those who have traveled there before when choosing a cruise line and specific itinerary. Much depends of length of vacation time and budget. Try exploring on your own, and use public transportation where possible instead of taking the cruise line’s land tours.
Resources: Carnival Cruise Lines
Norwegian Caribbean Line
Travel Agency-Cruises to Mexico
By: Natasha Lawrence
Natasha Lawrence is a service journalist and photographer with over 20 years of writing experience for Internet destination companies such as Gayot.com, Wcities.com, Citysearch.com and SouthernTravelNews.com. She’s been a contributor to magazines like "Savannah Magazine," "Alaska Business Magazine," "Northern Virginia Magazine" and "Florida Woman." Her photographs have been on the cover of "Traveler of Charleston" and "Florida Artists."
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