Ultimate Mexico Vacation cruise Guide

Mexico is one of the world’s most common places to go to on a cruise ship, and chances are if a person cruise enough, you’ll find yourself going to the country at a single point or another.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises in order to Mexico year-round on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides associated with the nation, with itineraries between 4-7+ nights to both big and small cruise liners.

In this particular guide, we’ll review the top guidelines & techniques to understand before your own Mexico sail to assist you program the best vacation cruise vacation possible.

With this information:

Ancient history

History lovers may relish the opportunity in order to visit Mayan ruins within Mexico’s Carribbean ports. The Yucatán Peninsula hosts close to 200 open public ruins, which includes the well-preserved Chichén Itzá ruins.

Incredible cuisine

Major things that will occurs to you whenever planning the cruise to Mexico may be the food. Whether or not tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, guacamole, salsas, or churros, your taste pals are sure to be satisfied within Mexico.

Varied Nature

Regardless of whether you’re touring the Carribbean side of Mexico or the Philippine Riviera, you’ll find plenty of nature to discover. From cenotes to jungles, lagoons, and coral reefs, Mexico offers plenty associated with natural splendor to enjoy on a cruise vacation.

Established travel and leisure

Mexico is no stranger in order to tourism, and the influx of both land-based and sail tourists every year means that will the nation is well-acquainted with providing to vacationers.

You surely won’t possess trouble choosing tour workers, day goes by at accommodations, and ethnic opportunities to look for throughout your day in interface.

Royal Carribbean offers cruise trips to 2 distinct areas of Mexico: the particular Caribbean aspect of Mexico and the particular Mexican Riviera.

Caribbean Mexico

Most cruise trips to South america visit the country’s Caribbean coastline across the Yucatán Peninsula. Whenever you image a holiday to Mexico, you’re likely picturing the turquoise water and resort-lined beaches of the Carribbean, and that’s exactly what you can find on the cruise to Mexico’s Carribbean coast.

Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera describes sail ports upon the western coast of Mexico along the Pacific ocean. This side of Mexico is drier and more mountainous than the Carribbean side and it is home to numerous of Mexico’s most popular resort cities like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Cruise trips to the Mexican Riviera depart from the Port of Los Angeles upon Navigator from the Seas . Some repositioning cruises will also make halts at Philippine Riviera luxury cruise ports.

Related : Mexican Riviera cruse guide

Cozumel

Cozumel is definitely an island located off the particular eastern coastline from the Yucatán peninsula known for its tropical, lush environment, seashores, and drinking water recreation (scuba diving plus snorkeling).

Cozumel is deemed as among the premiere diving locations in the world, as it’s located close to the Mesoamerican reef system, the second-largest saltwater on Earth.

Visitors to Cozumel will find no shortage associated with tours taking guests in order to nearby resorts, coral reefs, and seashores.

Costa Maya

Costa Maya can be another commonly visited port on Mexico’s Carribbean cruise itineraries and provides a classic Mexican vacation encounter: beaches, Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine, and all-inclusive day passes are usually at your fingertips.

The immediate slot area associated with Costa Maya is well-developed and has the complimentary swimming pool, restaurants, pubs, cafe, ice cream, and shopping opportunities.

Outside the port associated with Costa Maya is the particular small town of Mahahual. Visitors wishing to get a more local feel for Mexico’s culture should associated with short visit to Mahahual and walk the particular town’s boardwalk, where they’ll find regionally owned plus operated seaside resorts, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Yucatán (Progreso)

The port associated with Progreso is situated on the northern side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Like additional ports on Mexico’s Carribbean coast, Progreso offers beaches and Mayan culture combined with the opportunity to discover the particular country’s contemporary culture and cuisine.

Progreso offers the easiest access to the world-famous Chichén Itzá ruins, therefore many guests book the tour to visit this Question of the World while in interface. Other actions in Progreso include visiting cenotes, using a cooking food class, and tasting nearby spirits plus beers.

Ensenada

Located just 2 hours driving distance from San Diego, Ensenada is located at the coastline of Bajita California plus is a typical stop upon short, several and 4-night cruises through Los Angeles.

Ensenada is arid plus mountainous and is located a brief distance aside from Valle de Guadalupe, known as the “Napa Valley associated with Mexico”. Besides wine tastings, visitors in order to Ensenada may walk around the city roads, take a tour to La Bufadora blowhole, go horseback riding upon the seaside, and taste local food.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost point of Baja California and is an exceptionally popular tourist destination known for its party atmosphere.

The most famous milestone in Cabo San Lucas is Land’s End, a rock formation marking the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California. The port is furthermore reputed for great whale viewing opportunities.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is certainly one of the busiest resort cities in South america and offers a mixture of calm beaches plus historic city streets. The town is known for the Zona Romántica neighborhood, a charming area of the city with bars, dining places, and buying.

Most guests will choose for the beach time in Puerto Vallarta, whether or not by investing the day on an all-inclusive resort or booking a catamaran trip in the particular Bay of Banderas.

Mazatlan

Mazatlán hosts five hundred, 000 individuals, which makes it the largest port visited on the Mexican Riviera cruise. Mazatlán’s Old Town is the main attraction for guests, as well as the walkable, cobblestoned community boasts museums, restaurants, cathedrals, and plazas to discover.

Beach days are usually common within Mazatlán, too, and numerous visitors select to journey to close by Stone Tropical isle to soak in the particular sun. If you’re feeling energetic, consider a stroll down Mazatlán’s boardwalk, which ranges around thirteen miles upon the waterfront.

Other South america cruise ports

Royal Caribbean ships from time to time make port visits to other towns across the Mexican Riviera, such because Huatulco plus Manzanillo, but these are usually infrequent.

Caribbean ports

Mexico’s Caribbean vacation cruise ports remain warm year-round, so you can possess a perfect seaside day whether or not it’s The month of january or Aug. However, there are some considerations to produce before selecting the time of your cruise.

More comfortable, drier weather are available from October to April as compared to the particular higher, a lot more humid circumstances present in the summer weeks. You might still encounter rain, but it will be less regular. These are generally considered the best months regarding a vacation cruise to South america.

Additionally, touring during the particular fall plus winter season may be better for those passengers preparing to discover Mayan ruins or have other active adventures whilst in slot, as the temperatures won’t be because uncomfortably incredibly hot as in the summer.

Cruising to Mexico’s Caribbean slots during the particular summertime (May to September) will nevertheless offer a brilliant cruise encounter, but be prepared regarding higher temperature ranges and more rainfall.

Mexican Riviera ports

Mexico’s Pacific cycles coast can encounter a lot more varying temperature ranges when compared to Caribbean coast.

Anticipate temperatures with highs within the mid 70s to low 1980s in ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, plus Puerto Vallarta during the particular winter season. This particular is furthermore the dried out season, working from November through June.

Springtime plus summer provide temperatures within the mid 80s, although temperatures can from time to time rise to the lower 90s within Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Expect more rain from late Come july 1st through October, with most rainfall within August plus September.

Days and nights can really feel crisp on-ship when sailing through the particular Pacific ocean on a Mexican Riviera cruise at any time associated with year.

All-inclusive day time passes in order to resorts

One of the most raved about activities on the cruise trip to Mexico is spending your day at an all-inclusive breaks beach golf club or vacation resort.

These all-inclusive breaks packages are located throughout Mexico’s cruise ports and usually include unlimited food, drinks (including alcohol beverages), beach chairs plus umbrellas, plus beach accessibility. Some hotels may also have a swimming pool available whereas others may rent water sport equipment in order to visitors.

Take a look at our best recommendations plus reviews meant for day goes by in Mexico:

Visit Mayan ruins

Cruising in order to Mexico provides the perfect chance to visit Mayan Ruins. Each Royal Carribbean and impartial tour operators offer expeditions to various archaeological sites accessible through the slots of Cozumel, Progreso, plus Costa Maya.

Costa Maya is located only a good hour away from the Chachobben Mayan damages and 2 hours from the particular Kohunlich and Dzibanche Mayan ruins, producing visiting these impressive archaeological sites the popular action for visitors.

Associated : Adventure Focus: Chacchoben Ruins in Costa Maya

Involve in nearby cuisine

While sampling local cuisine will surely be delightful, there are some tours come in Mexico where one can involve yourself in the country’s culinary customs.

Many cruisers rave in regards to the “Salsa, Salsa, and Margaritas” shore adventure, during which you learn how to make various types of salsas, guacamole, and margaritas.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider a trip to the Mayan Cacao Corporation, where you’ll be capable to learn more about the history and process of making chocolate plus indulge within some artisanal chocolate yourself!

If booking a trip doesn’t interest you, you’ll find plenty of other ways to explore Mexico’s cooking scene, through chic dining places to road food.

Scuba diving (or snorkeling)

Mexico’s Carribbean coast is famous for getting some of the best scuba diving in the world. Anyone thinking about exploring the underwater world up close will have plenty of opportunities to do therefore on the vacation cruise to Mexico.

Unless you have a diving qualification, think about a Snuba or Discover Scuba adventure. These diving excursions are usually beginner-friendly yet you’ll still be in a position to explore coral reefs and other marine life.

Check out Pueblos Mágicos

Located throughout Mexico are 132 pueblos mágicos (magic towns), which usually are small towns respected for their particular intricate architecture, natural splendor, background, and traditions.

Several pueblos mágicos are usually located near cruise slots like Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta. Should you be looking for an distinctive experience faraway from the busyness of a busy interface, think about a day time tour that visits little towns such as San Jose del Cabo and Sayulita for a soothing and culturally enriching encounter.

Shop on local markets

One particular of the most fun activities to perform on the cruise in order to Mexico can be also probably the most budget-friendly: buying at nearby markets.

Many Mexican cruise trip ports will have a nearby market nearby where inhabitants can purchase generate, meats, cheeses, home items, and more. Walking through a marketplace in Mexico will ignite all of your senses, through the savory smell associated with tacos in a food stand to sweet bread from a pastry shop.

Because South america is a typical country to visit on a cruise, the majority of Royal Caribbean’s fleet visits Mexico with one point or another during the year.

You’ll find almost everything from Regal Caribbean’s littlest Vision Course cruise boats towards the largest cruise liner in the globe, Wonder associated with the Seas , cruising to the particular Caribbean part of Mexico.

Navigator associated with the Oceans is the particular only deliver offering cruise trips to the Philippine Riviera from La.

If you’re planning a cruise to Mexico plus struggling to determine which cruise ship to guide, check away our helpful guides on picking the particular best deliver for your own vacation:

You can find a wide range of Mexico vacation cruise itineraries, through short 4-night sailings to week-long cruises and repositioning itineraries. Prices vary greatly, but there exists a Mexico cruise to match any budget.

If you’re schedule is flexible and you will take a trip throughout the winter (anytime kids are usually in school), you can get some great cruise deals to Mexico.

Here are a few sample costs for that which you may pay during the off-season. These types of prices are for 2 grown ups in an interior stateroom, which includes taxes and fees:

Navigator of the Seas – several night Ensenada cruise: $481 total
Journey of the Seas – 5 night time Western Carribbean cruise: $673 total
Oasis from the Seas – 7 night Traditional western Caribbean luxury cruise: $1367 complete

Expect prices in order to be various hundred dollars more expensive during maximum times associated with year, specifically if you are planning a cruise during the christmas season .

7-night Western Caribbean cruises on an Oasis Course ship during the summer several weeks, for instance , may be over $2300 for 2 adults in an interior stateroom.

Outdoors of cruise fare, you will want to budget for the particular following additional costs:

Gratuities ($16 for each person, daily in indoor, ocean see, or porch staterooms)
Transport (airfare or even gas, car parking, etc. )
Hotel the night before your cruise
Shore excursions
Vacation cruise add-ons (drink packages, eating packages, and so forth )

Do We need to bring pesos on the Mexico cruise?

The particular official currency in Mexico is the particular Mexican Peso (MXP). Whilst visiting the country on the cruise, you’ll find that USD is universally recognized, although you might typically receive change in pesos.

There is need in order to take Mexican Pesos away from an ATM or foreign exchange prior in order to a South america cruise. However, you might not usually receive the standard exchange rate when paying out in UNITED STATES DOLLAR, saving a few bucks here plus there is normally not worth the trouble of getting pesos.

Packaging for any Mexico cruise in order to the Caribbean means getting your favorite summer clothes: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, new sandals, a swimsuit, along with a sun hat.

You’ll also wish to group clothes to wear onboard your cruise liner, including better outfits pertaining to formal evening and other evening routines, together with pajamas and loungewear.

Associated : What to use on the cruise official night

While rare in the Carribbean side associated with Mexico, it can obtain chilly on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Be sure to pack a couple of clothing items to keep a person warm, such as a set of skinny jeans and lighting jacket.

For more in-depth packing info for your Mexico vacation cruise, read our own article upon the Greatest Cruise Packaging List .

Ultimate Mexico Vacation cruise Guide – Royal Caribbean Blog