Monday, April 1, 2024

7 Most Beautiful Mexican Riviera Cruise Ports

mexican cruise ports

For those interested in culture, the Riviera Cultural Center and the Ensenada Museum of History are must-see destinations. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the vibrant art scene in the city, with numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists. Meanwhile, food lovers can indulge in local delicacies like ceviche, aguachile, and the city’s famous shrimp dishes.

mexican cruise ports

Caribbean Mexico vs Mexican Riviera

Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. This beach resort is home to a tiny population of around 100, and is very popular for snorkelling and diving when tourists visit. There isn’t much to see in the immediate vicinity of Puerto Chiapas, but there are plenty of exciting shore excursions within a short drive. Explore banana, coffee and cacao plantations, or tour the ruins at Izapa – smaller than nearby temples but just as fascinating. If you like to relax then head to Playa Olas Altas, but if you prefer your beach to have more of a party atmosphere then Playa las Gaviotas is more for you.

Adventure Traveling Jungle Tours

It’s recommended to research the port beforehand and identify the main attractions, activities, and points of interest. Wine lovers will appreciate a visit to the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico’s premier wine region, just a short drive from the city center. Here, visitors can tour vineyards, enjoy wine tastings, and indulge in fine dining at the valley’s renowned restaurants. Nature enthusiasts can explore the La Bufadora, one of the largest marine geysers in the world, or visit the beautiful Estero Beach.

EXPLORER'S SPIRIT

She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. If you’re longing for a vacation that’s equal parts beautiful scenery, rich culture and thrills the whole family will love, nothing beats Mexico cruises from Los Angeles. Bordered by the Pacific, the Mexican Riviera checks all the boxes — great cuisine, quaint historic towns, top-rated beaches and even a wine country that rivals Napa. What’s more, you’ll have just as much to look forward to in between shoreside discoveries as you sail onboard the Amplified fleet-favorite, Navigator of the Seas®. From dramatic Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta’s lively, café- and bar-dotted coast, you’ll have your pick of postcard-pretty shores for soaking up the sun.

Are passports required for cruises to Mexico?

Dating back to 1888, Bodegas de Santos Tomas offers a fantastic selection. I took a tour with Wheeling Vallarta Segway, and the experience was a blast. Alternatively, enjoy the city’s best sights on a Hop-on Hop-off bus tour. If you’re a certified diver, scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez allows for giant manta ray, whale and hammerhead shark, and dolphin sightings.

The western coast of Mexico is so well-known for its fabulous beaches and stunning coastline that it’s frequently called the Mexican Riviera. One of the larger ports on the Mexican Riviera, Manzanillo is home to two distinct bays. Manzanillo Bay is closer to the downtown area, while Santiago Bay is a little further away but has some fascinating reefs and shipwrecks to explore on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. The largest of the cruise ports on Mexico’s west coast, Ensenada is very close to the border with the US and has a warm, almost Mediterranean-esque climate. Most cruise ships that visit the southern end of the Baja California Peninsula are heading to Cabo San Lucas, which is just a 30 minutes’ drive from San José del Cabo.

2025 Mexico Cruises

mexican cruise ports

This side of Mexico is drier and more mountainous than the Caribbean side and is home to many of Mexico’s most popular resort towns like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Towards the end of your cruise, you will likely port in cities like Zihuatanejo or Acapulco. Both cities are home to world-class luxury resorts and abundant sea life. Dip your toes in the Pacific, book yourself a cabana and take in the last few days of sunshine from the beautiful white sand beaches. The most popular Mexican riviera cruise ports are Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Salina Cruz.

There are multiple dive sites such as El Bajo, Espiritu Santo National Park, and Isla Cerralvo. For those who have not cruised before, tendering requires you to go ashore by smaller boat while the cruise ship stays out in the ocean. Cruise lines will allow you to take their beach towels ashore if you plan to spend some time at the beach. Since vessels sail on the Pacific Ocean, guests may experience rough seas.

Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? What Cruisers Need to Know - Cruise Critic

Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? What Cruisers Need to Know.

Posted: Thu, 14 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Five-day Mexico cruises from Los Angeles

Alternatively, you can head to the Baja desert on horseback instead. Located north of La Paz, Loreta offers a chance to see the giant blue whales from January to March. Outside of Blue whale season, whale-watching tours include sightings of humpback, orca, and fin whales. For the history buffs, the Ensenada Museum of History tells the history of the Baja Peninsula and the locals who impacted the area.

Experience the country’s unique character the second you step on the ship with traditional Mexican cuisine, events and activities. Expect prices to be several hundred dollars more expensive during peak times of year, especially if you’re planning a cruise during the holiday season. If you’re schedule is flexible and you can travel during the off-season (anytime kids are in school), you can find some great cruise deals to Mexico. You’ll find everything from Royal Caribbean’s smallest Vision Class cruise ships to the largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas, sailing to the Caribbean side of Mexico. If booking a tour doesn’t interest you, you’ll find plenty of other ways to explore Mexico’s culinary scene, from chic restaurants to street food.

Experience a whole enchilada’s worth of rich culture and fun on a cruise to Mexico. Each port — including favorites Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta — contributes its own distinct local flavor to the mix. The city center, where the cruise port is located, is walkable, making it convenient to explore the nearby attractions on foot. Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available for longer distances or for those who prefer not to walk. For relaxation, the city offers beautiful sandy beaches such as Playa de los Muertos and Playa Palmares, perfect for sunbathing or a leisurely swim in the sea. Nestled where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes, Cabo offers plenty to do, from water-based tours to a lazy day at the beach.

If you prefer something a bit tamer, Cabo San Lucas will provide you with the chance to explore by ATV, with a guide, over 100 acres of Cabo coastline, desert, mountains, canyons, and riverbeds. Most of us are familiar with Mexico, but less so the Mexican Riviera. This phrase refers collectively to twenty cities and lagoons that lie on the western coast of Mexico.

One of the biggest concerns when traveling to Mexico is Montezuma’s Revenge. Please don’t make the mistake of drinking tap water in Mexico because it will make you unwell. Both terminals are approximately a ten-minute drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Cruises to Mexico 2024-2025 Best Mexico Cruises

mexico cruise 2024

Discovery Princess brings a bit of elegance to the Riviera, with afternoon tea and the ability to order the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast to your cabin's private veranda (for an additional charge). If your crew isn't into highspeed zipping, try a backcountry bison expedition or a relaxing day at the beach. Catalina is a charming island with a European feel, memorable food and a fascinating history. The second port on the itinerary is Ensenada, where the wildlife-watching or beach fun can continue. Disney Wonder is one of Disney Cruise Line's oldest and smallest ships, carrying only 2,700 passengers.

Local connections

The Mexican Riviera has many beauties including Manzanillo, a historic city center. Fried tortillas take a swim in spicy red salsa or refreshing green salsa for a savory dish commonly enjoyed during breakfast. There's a more lax attitude about time in Mexico so factor in an extra half-hour to an hour when planning out your Mexico cruise itineraries. In general, the weather is best between December and April — there's little rain, and the temperatures are very comfortable. The wet season starts in May and ends in October, while hurricane season (affecting mostly the Caribbean side) starts in June and runs until November.

mexico cruise 2024

Discover

Family activities in Galveston range from exploring pirates and ghosts to heading to the beach and local water parks. Learn a few phrases in Spanish and speak to waiters, vendors, tour guides and everyday people. You'll find everything from high art to colorful villages brimming with life and tradition on your cruise to Mexico. Activities include kayaking, Zodiac boat rides, snorkeling, hiking and, of course, downtime at the beach. You can expect cabins that are quite cozy, but ample public space on deck to watch for sealife and meet your fellow passengers. Part of the line's Oasis Class, which includes the world's largest cruise ships, Harmony of the Seas carries 5,479 passengers at double occupancy.

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Board a pirate ship and sail along the coast to learn about the Riviera’s rich history. Snorkel through the turquoise waters alongside your guide, who can bring you up close to coral reefs and colorful marine life. Or horseback ride along the sun-kissed shores while admiring the beauty and wildlife around you.

Mexican Riviera Cruises

25 BEST Mexico Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Mexico on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic

25 BEST Mexico Cruises 2024 (Prices + Itineraries): Cruises to Mexico on Cruise Critic.

Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 14:32:10 GMT [source]

Sunbathe by the pool, relax in a bubbling hot tub, or indulge in a treatment in the spa. Elevate your experience to The Retreat and you can enjoy fine dining in Luminae, as well as suite accommodation and access to an exclusive lounge. Cruises to Mexico depart from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Los Angeles, and Orlando (Port Canaveral).

Whether you're planning a romantic escapade, an adrenaline-fueled expedition with friends, or a family holiday brimming with fun, a Mexican Riviera cruise caters to them all. When it comes to filling a few days with great food, rich culture and plenty of fun in the sun, nothing beats a Mexico cruise from the west coast. Sail from Los Angeles on Navigator of the Seas® — an Amplified fleet favorite that’s bursting with thrills. Opt for a quick escape to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas filled with delicious global flavors, top-notch wines and world-renowned beaches.

Puerto Vallarta

Enjoy stunning views from the revolutionary observation lounge, put the pedal to the metal on our thrilling racetrack at sea, play a round of mini golf, and more. Even if you’ve never visited Mexico, chances are you’ve tried shrimp or fish tacos before. That said, nobody does them like they do along the Baja coast.

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Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions (and the answers to those questions) posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own. Experience the beauty and splendor of this romantic region with a cruise aboard one of our newest and most exciting ships, Norwegian Bliss. Witness Cabo's gorgeous sunsets from the Observation Lounge or while enjoying a delectable dinner on The Waterfront, exclusively on Norwegian. Once you're ready for more excitement, head to the outdoor laser tag arena, or go for some laps at the thrilling race track. UnCruise fares include all meals, excursions, equipment, beverages (including alcohol) and airport transfers, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure.

Some also claim Ensenada is the original home of the margarita. Drink enough of those, and it won't matter if it's true or not. If margaritas aren't your thing, there are popular wineries in port worth checking out.

Mexico is a country that never ceases to seduce visitors with its spectacular natural splendor and vibrant cultural heritage. Puerto Costa Maya is the gateway to Kohunlich, where temples, palaces, and ball courts dating back to 200 BC lie in dense jungle. Or head to Chacchoben, the site dominated by a dramatic pyramid.

Meet the master brewer from Olympo Microbrewery and then tour Tequilera Doña Engracia. Though tamales are popular throughout central and south America, the ones you’ll find along Mexico’s western coast are unique. These are typically stuffed with pork (called guemes tamales) or chicken (tamales fajados de pollo) along with simmered olives and raisins. Fully immerse yourself in Mexico’s beauty and culture with these popular Mexico shore excursions.

Occasionally, you can find luxury cruises to the Mexican Riviera on lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas. American Queen Voyages and UnCruise Adventures offer unique small-ship opportunities to cruise Mexican ports on both coasts. The ports on Mexico's eastern coast are often lumped together with other Central American ports or island destinations on Western Caribbean cruises. And if you think you already know the region, think again — there are endless new discoveries to be made. From Ensenada to Puerto Vallarta to Cabo, each city has its own distinct food scene well worth exploring.

Sample tequila while learning about the drink’s history from a local expert, and indulge your taste buds with tacos and fajitas. Or let loose with your loved ones during a mariachi performance, and dance to the lively tune of violins and guitars. On a cruise to Mexico with Princess, activities lie around every corner. Enjoy extra time on land with our More Ashore program — offering a variety of overnight stays in Cabo San Lucas and La Paz on certain itineraries — and explore more of Mexico. Cruise through the Sea of Cortez, considered to be the “Aquarium of the World”, as well as the Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the surrounding landscapes with the golden sunset as your backdrop on our Mexico cruises.

With both seven-day Mexico cruises and 10-day itineraries, there’s an itinerary to fit any schedule. Revel in white-sand beaches, fun and adventure on a cruise to Cabo. Meet the personalities that call these lands home on shore excursions exclusive to Princess when you cruise to Mexico.

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