Cruises to Mexico have always been popular due to their unique appeal. From the stunning Pacific Coast to the vibrant ports on the eastern coast, there is something for everyone on a Mexican cruise. Whether you’re a beach lover, an adventure seeker, or a food enthusiast, Mexico has it all.
On the Pacific Coast, you can find itineraries that cover both Baja California and the Mexican Riviera. Baja California offers stops in Ensenada, where you can spend your morning whale watching from a small boat and your afternoon shopping or enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine. Further south, the Mexican Riviera features ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, where you can soak up the sun on beautiful beaches and indulge in water sports.
The ports on Mexico’s eastern coast are often combined with other Central American ports or island destinations on Western Caribbean cruises. However, if you do some digging, you can find cruises that visit only Mexican ports. These cruises depart from Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; and Mobile, Alabama, and include stops in popular Mexican ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso.
Beaches and water sports are the primary attractions on cruises to Mexico, but there is also plenty of opportunity to explore the local culture and cuisine. The best Mexico cruises offer lengthy port stops that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the destination. And the best part is, if your cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port, you might not even need a passport.
When it comes to choosing the best cruise to Mexico, there are several options to consider. Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line offer year-round cruises from the Los Angeles area and Galveston ports. Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line also offer seasonal cruises from the West Coast. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas occasionally offer cruises to the Mexican Riviera. And for a unique small-ship experience, American Queen Voyages and UnCruise Adventures have you covered.
To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve scoured all the options and found some of the best Mexico cruises available:
1. 3-night Baja cruise on Carnival Radiance: Carnival Radiance offers year-round short escapes to Mexico from the port of Long Beach. The ship goes to Ensenada and back, with one fun day at sea. This cruise is ideal for residents of the Western states looking for a quick getaway any time of year.
2. 4-night Baja cruise with Catalina Island on Disney Wonder: Disney Wonder sails to Mexico from San Diego during the fall and winter. Not every cruise includes Catalina Island, but if you can snag one that does, it’s a huge bonus of family fun. Activities in Avalon on Catalina include a thrilling zip-line course, backcountry bison expeditions, and relaxing beach days.
3. 5-night Mexico cruise with Cabo overnight on Majestic Princess: Majestic Princess is one of the largest ships that seasonally visits Mexico from Los Angeles. The ship offers five-night voyages with overnights in Cabo San Lucas. This cruise is perfect for those who enjoy exploring port cities more in-depth and appreciate less of a party atmosphere.
4. 6- and 7-night Mexico cruises plus Roatan on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas: Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas is one of the largest vessels ever to sail from Galveston. The ship offers sailings of both durations, with stops at Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan, Honduras. This cruise is ideal for big-ship lovers and is easily accessible for residents of central U.S. states.
5. 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival Panorama: Carnival Panorama offers a seven-night itinerary from Long Beach that includes all the main western Mexico ports. With three sea days, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s thrilling amenities. This cruise is a great choice for families with tweens and teens, as many of the onboard activities are geared towards them.
In conclusion, cruises to Mexico offer a unique blend of sun, sand, adventure, and culture. With a variety of cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect Mexico cruise that suits your preferences and interests. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable Mexican adventure.