Cancun beach view from turquoise Caribbean

Mexican Cruises

The Mexican Riviera is a rapidly rising cruise destination, and it is becoming known as an alternative option to the Caribbean. Mexico has thousands of miles of Pacific coast which attracts tourists and celebrities alike. The 1960s film “Night of the Iguana” prompted Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to buy a seaside villa, while the 1970s television show “The Love Boat” used the scenic ports as a backdrop, bringing the Mexican Riviera and towns such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta to American tourists’ attention.

Planning

Temperatures in the Mexican Riviera stay in the 70s/80s most of the year, and thus the Mexican Riviera is a year-round destination. It can get into the upper 90s in the months of August and September, however, and combined with the humidity it can be somewhat uncomfortable. Most cruises focus on itineraries from September through May to provide a lucrative destination for those wishing to escape the cold winter months. Getting there is relatively straight forward, as the majority of cruises start in Los Angeles, although some can begin in San Francisco or San Diego. Some cruise lines which offer full year itineraries include Carnival, Crystal, Holland America, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Others, such as Silversea, run long Panama Canal itineraries which incorporate the Mexican Riviera. 

Acapulco Bay Overlook

Acapulco Bay Overlook

Itinerary

Mexico, Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, View of the marina market

Mexico, Baja California, Cabo San Lucas, View of the marina market

Mexican Riviera cruises provide a tremendous amount of flexibility and variety, which increases their popularity. Carnival, for example, runs a popular three-night cruise which starts in San Diego, stops in Los Angeles, and ends in Ensenada. They also offer a four night cruise which includes a stop on Catalina Island. The Royal Caribbean also offers three and four night cruises, starting in Los Angeles as opposed to San Diego. Short cruises such as these can be perfect for family reunions or weddings. For those seeking longer getaways, however, there are a large variety of itineraries to choose from, ranging from seven to fourteen days in length.

Shore Excursions

The variety seeps into the shore excursions as well, as there are many different activities to try and places to visit. Acapulco, for example, has been the ultimate Mexican Riviera resort town for decades. It has four extremely popular beaches, which are ideal for sailing and other water sports. The main attraction has to be the cliff diving at La Quebrada, where young men climb a steep cliff before taking a breathtaking dive into a small cove of water before an astonished crowd. Cabo San Lucas has the reputation of a party town, and the new resorts are frequently visited by celebrities. There is stunning scenery and plentiful wildlife to enjoy in between the partying, and some popular water activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, and parasailing.

Cathedral, Night view

Cathedral, Night view

For those who wish to avoid the water, there are many beautiful golf courses to try, or take an excursion to El Arco, a rock formation where the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean meet, which is covered by loud sea lions. Other activities include whale watching, marlin fishing, or taking a water taxi to “Lovers Beach”, the only beach in the world bounded by two different oceans. Catalina Island is a prime tourist attraction with many boutiques and shops. Ensenada, which is a few hours from the California-Mexico border, also has great shopping, and is surrounded by a growing wine district. It is famous for “La Bufadora”, which is an immensely strong geyser. Mazatlan, a booming resort town, is the largest port on Mexico’s Pacific coast. The “Pulmonias” (open-air taxis) give tourists the opportunity to see a panoramic view of Mazatlan’s bays and small islands. The “Pulmonias” provides a trip up the hillside, and also allows tourists to see the beautiful mountain range that rises behind the town. Lastly, don’t allow the quaint cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta to fool you, as it has a thriving nightlife. There is also a walkway which is decorated by supposedly “good luck sculptures”; touching them is said to provide good luck. Puerto Vallarta also has a magnificent jungle beach.