Planning a Mexico Cruise Vacation

With an expansive coastline and incredible year-round temperatures, Mexico is the ideal cruise destination. Numerous ports and seaside villages offer an eclectic mixture of everything Mexico has to offer. Encounter pristine beaches, delicious Latin cuisine, thrilling nightlife and fascinating Mexican history as you scuttle down the shoreline of this unique and beautiful country during your Mexico vacation.

Explore the Mexican Riviera on Your Mexico Cruise Vacation

When planning a Mexico cruise vacation, the first decision you must make is which coast to visit. Cruises to the Mexican Riviera will have you discovering the gorgeous sights and sounds of Mexico's western coast along the Pacific Ocean. Encounter beautiful Baja in the northern region of Mexico or travel as far south as Acapulco and Ixtapa. Other popular Mexican Riviera cruise destinations include Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Most cruise lines headed for the Mexican Riviera disembark from California -- typically Los Angeles or San Diego. In general, party-seekers and couples seeking a romantic getaway may prefer this side of the coastline.

Enjoy the Caribbean Coast on Your Mexico Cruise Vacation

Travel to Mexico on cruise lines that depart from the Gulf Coast or Florida will have you exploring the fascinating Caribbean coastline of Mexico. The Yucatan region, Cozumel and Riviera Maya are the most popular seaside destinations here. Scuba divers and snorkelers may prefer charting their course for the crystal-blue waters and premium dive spots found on this side of Mexico. Chichen Itza and other historic locations also make this the ideal cruise path for encountering the intriguing history of the Mayan civilization. For families, the wide variety of kid-friendly environments may make a Caribbean cruise the better choice out of the two Mexico coastlines.

Choosing a Cruise Line for a Vacation to Mexico

Numerous popular cruise lines make frequent journeys to Mexico. Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Holland America are three of the largest carriers. These big name cruise lines are excellent choices if you are wishing to satisfy the vacation interests of several different age groups. The wide variety of on-board activities and travel destinations will appeal to adults and children alike. If you would like a cruise line that exclusively focuses on family-friendly activities, then Disney Cruise Lines is an excellent option. For couples interested in a romantic getaway, Princess Cruises is a good bet.

Planning Your Mexico Cruise Itinerary

Cruises to Mexico range from 3-day to 14-day excursions. Obviously, the more time you have available to you, the more destinations you'll be able to see. If you only have a few days to travel, the Baja region is an ideal destination. As it is farther north than other Mexico cruise destinations, you'll spend less time on the boat and more time exploring the captivating beaches and towns of Mexico. If time constraints are less of an issue, you might consider taking a cruise that continues from Mexico into other coastal countries. Many Mexico cruises can be found that also stop in Central America or the Caribbean islands before heading back to America.