Cruising in Mexico gives you the advantage of visiting multiple places on one trip, especially since Mexico is so large and the historic sites are far apart.
With over 2,000 miles separating Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea from the Baja Peninsula in the Pacific Ocean, you’ll need to choose between visiting Mexico's east or west coast. Both offer plenty of beach views and rich culture, but each has its own very different and unique offerings, from its cuisine to the civilizations that built their ruins. So do you want to cruise to Cozumel or Cabo?
Many Western Caribbean cruise itineraries will include stops on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, also known as the Mexican Riviera. On the other hand, on the Pacific side of Mexico, you'll find a more laid-back Mexican lifestyle revolving around the sun, the sand and the surf.
Mexico is where it all began for Princess back in 1965. Today, Princess has among the largest selection of Mexican Riviera cruises, with five-, seven- and 10-day itineraries. Search this Cruise Line.
Disney Wonder often spends part of the year taking travelers to places like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The cruise departs from San Diego, so Disney fans might add a few extra days to visit Disneyland in Anaheim. Search this Cruise Line.
With three dedicated cruise piers at Punta Langosta, on the island of Cozumel, you'll be docked right in the heart of historic San Miguel. MSC and Norwegian are among the cruise lines that typically dock here. Search this Cruise Line.
Cruise Mexico's west coast by choosing a Mexican Riviera or Mexico itinerary departing from California. Explore ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on most cruises; visit Loreto, La Paz and Topolobampo on longer sailings. Some cruises will overnight in Cabo or offer extended time in port. Others will visit mainly ports in California with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.
It might sound confusing, but to sail to eastern Mexico, choose a Western Caribbean cruise. Itineraries typically include Key West and ports in Central America or the Cayman Islands. Depart from Florida, New Orleans or Galveston, and visit Cozumel and Costa Maya. Some Southern Caribbean, Panama Canal and South America itineraries also visit these ports.
Western Caribbean cruises may or may not sail the Yucatan Peninsula year-round, but the best months to visit are December through April. The Baja Peninsula boasts dedicated Mexican Riviera itineraries throughout the year, with February through April being the most popular months.
The mid-summer months of July and August can get quite rainy and hot—you'll have to be extra careful to keep hydrated and to re-apply sunscreen. A good in-between time is May through June or September.
December to April is Mexico’s dry season, and that brings milder temperatures. Just know that many ports on both coasts are spring break hot spots in February and March. Cozumel, Cancun, Cabo and Puerto Vallarta will be crowded. However, it's a trade-off since these are excellent months for viewing marine life, particularly on the Pacific side.
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