By Anel Laj
Travelers take
vacations to
Mexico for a quick escape from the wear and tear of the work world. Warm sandy
beaches, savory food, water sports, touristy places, reclusive getaways and culture entice the traveler to the Mexican Riviera. But getting there? Now that's an adventure in itself. Numerous options for getting to your destination are available; deciding on one type can be difficult.
cruises offer a welcoming atmosphere and fun-filled vacation as soon as you set foot on the ship. Cruise lines, amenities, itineraries, excursions and value factor into deciding the best cruise experience.
Itinerary
The ship's destination is your primary concern. Some cruise ships sail to the Mexican Riviera, while others tour the Baja Peninsula. Knowing what cities you want to visit helps narrow your trip. Cruise ships traveling to Baja and The Mexican Riviera offer spectacular outdoor excursions at each stop. If you are undecided as to what cities you'd like to visit, consider some of the most popular outdoor excursions: swimming with dolphins in Zihuatanejo or Puerto Vallarta, experiencing cliff diving in Acapulco, visiting a deep island nature preserve while kayaking in Mazatlan, then visiting the Pacifico Brewery, going on an off-road jeep safari in Manzanilla, snorkeling and scuba diving in La Paz and its surrounding islands, or going sport fishing in the Marlin Capital of the world of Cabo San Lucas.
Most cruise ships provide 3-, 6-, 7- or 10-day adventures. The shorter adventures usually remain in the Baja Peninsula visiting Ensenada and Los Cabos. If you can stay a couple of extra days, the adventure is worth it. The longer cruises travel south and explore Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo, Acapulco and Manzanillo. Each city offers a distinctive regional culture, customs and flavorful food.
Indoor Activities
Defining what you want to do on your vacation helps select the best cruise experience for you. If you have an active lifestyle and desire high-energy activities, then selecting a ship from the Carnival Cruises should be step one. They provide passengers with an enthusiastic ambiance and amenities that create fun experiences, such as nightclubs, poolside competitions, bars, live entertainment and LED screens on outdoor pool decks.
However, if you want a more relaxed experience, choosing a Norwegian line presents a viable option. It's an unstructured passenger itinerary, where guests dictate their activities with no time line. They can eat, dance, swim, play or disembark the boat for sightseeing pleasures at any time. This line provides flexibility with a personal touch.
Families and couples looking for a combination of relaxation and fun should look into the Royal Caribbean experience, which is filled with active and sports-related activities. The famous rock-climbing wall provides a unique challenge for the athletically driven.
Princess cruises offer a "Big Ship Choice with the Small Ship Feel." The service and personal attention to detail exhibited by the staff make it possible to feel comfortable in intimate spaces, with elegant style and classy designs. The world-class Lotus Spa caters to all your needs and provides massages and beauty treatments all day long. Art auctions and book clubs provide indoor activities that appeal to a cultured traveler.
Food
Selection, quality and availability are what most travelers desire. If you are looking for flexibility with dining plans, Norwegian and Princess Cruise Lines offer top-quality choices. The Norwegian Star offers 13 restaurants on board, while the Princess Cruise lines have a 24-hour buffet/bistro open. All cruise lines offer seated or upscale dining whether you want a fancy meal or just simple delicious cuisine.
Accommodations
Research the staterooms online to see the style, layout and design of the accommodations. Each cruise line varies in what it offers its guests at different price ranges. Villas, suites, oceanview rooms with balconies and standard rooms offer different amenities. Your budget dictates what type of room you receive.
Resources
About the Author:
Anel Laj began her professional writing career more than 10 years ago as a sports journalist for the Los Angeles Daily News. Currently, she is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles. Laj received her Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from UC Berkeley. She earned her Master's in Professional Writing from the University of Southern California.
