By Debbie Selinsky
Taking a cruise to
Mexico is a great way to see some of the country's most interesting sights. Vacationers may cruise to Mexico on the Atlantic/
Caribbean side from east coast and Gulf ports (mainly Florida). If they want to see the west coast of Mexico, which is a bit dryer and more mountainous, they may prefer a Mexican Riviera cruise, which departs from California ports.
Time Frame
The climate in Mexico is nice year-round, but the warmest time to go is during the summertime, especially if sailing the Mexican Riviera---a cruise that can be cool and windy between California ports and Cabo San Lucas. Remember, both Atlantic and Pacific hurricane seasons run June through November. Storms are more likely to hinder travel in late fall.
Features
Ports on a Western Caribbean cruise featuring Mexico are generally Cozumel and Cancun, while ports on the Mexican Riviera cruise include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. There are great beaches on both eastern and western sides of Mexico, and there are important Mayan ruins throughout the country.
Cost
The U.S. dollar does well in Mexico, and cruises to Mexico are good deals as well. The family-friendly cruises can be as short as three days or as long as 10 days and are offered almost year-round by Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International. Other lines offering these cruises include Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises.
Home Port Cruises to Mexico
Cruises to Mexico are not only offered from Florida, but also from Gulf Coast cities, such as New Orleans, Louisiana, and Galveston, Texas. You can save money by cruising from a home port near you and avoiding the cost of airfare. On the Pacific Coast, residents of Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Long beach can drive to one of these ports for a Mexican Riviera cruise.
Expert Insight
If you're traveling with your family, you'll enjoy all the fun amenities---wave machines, rock climbing walls, skating rinks---on Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships. If you're honeymooning or older, you may prefer Holland America or Princess ships.
Warning
Check for travel warnings (of crimes or problem areas) before you go on the U.S. Department of State's website.
About the Author:
Debbie Selinsky is an award-winning writer based in North Carolina. Former senior editor of Success Magazine and deputy director of the Duke University News Service, she has written about business and leisure travel for 25 years. She specializes in cruising and has traveled on more than 100 cruises. Selinsky attended North Greenville University, Oregon Institute of Technology and the Poynter Institute for Journalistic Excellence.
