What Cruise Ships Sail To The Mexican Riviera
Navigator of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean ship offering year-round cruises to the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Los Angeles. As a recently amplified Voyager Class cruise ship, Navigator of the Seas boasts plenty of amenities, restaurants, lounges, and onboard activities to keep cruisers busy.
Highlights of Navigator of the Seas include the longest waterslide found at sea, ice skating, the Bamboo Room tiki bar, Hooked Seafood restaurant, and a resort-style Caribbean pool deck.
Related: Navigator of the Seas guide & review
There will occasionally be other Royal Caribbean ships stopping at ports along the Mexican Riviera. However, this only happens during longer repositioning cruises as ships make their way from the Caribbean to Alaska . These ships are in Royal Caribbeans Vision or Radiance Class.
What To Bring On A Mexican Riviera Cruise
Packing for a Mexican Riviera cruise can seem complicated due to the different weather patterns youll experience throughout the cruise. While youll be visiting warm beaches and jungles, youll also be sailing up the coast of Baja California and Mexico, which can be prone to chillier temperatures, especially in the winter months.
Related: The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
If youre traveling the Mexican Riviera in the summer months, packing wont be too different from what youll pack for a Caribbean cruise, outside of an emergency lightweight jacket and jeans for chilly sea days.
The winter months will likely encounter nice beach weather while in port, but youll want to pack a few long sleeve shirts and jackets during this time of year for sea days.
As far as footwear is concerned, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, whether tennis shoes or sturdy sandals. If you plan on visiting the beach, flip flops are preferred, and youll also want to pack formal shoes for dinners and events onboard.
Port Days On A Mexican Riviera Cruise
Its essential to remember its hot and dry in Mexico. Carry bottled water, sunscreen, and a hat when leaving your vessel. Instead of sunscreen lotion, we found it better to carry a sunscreen spray. That way, we never needed to wash our lotion-covered hands.
Cruise lines will allow you to take their beach towels ashore if you plan to spend some time at the beach. Not needing to pack your own towel saves space in your luggage.
Water activities can wash away sunscreen, and the ocean breezes will often mask the effects of the suns rays. Wearing Rashguard clothing can help prevent your skin from getting burned. The tops have a UV Block fabric of UPF 50+, which helps prevent sunburn. They are available in short and long-sleeved styles for men, women, and children.
So, here are the cruise ports commonly included on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. Seven-day cruises usually have three port days but may not include three different ports. Some lines stay at Cabo for two days.
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Cost Of A Mexican Riviera Cruise
Booking a cruise to the Mexican Riviera can be an affordable way to discover Mexicos Pacific coast, culture, and beaches. Youll often find competitive prices on a cruise to the Riviera, especially when considering the cost of flying to Mexico yourself and staying in a resort for a week.
Related: How much does a cruise cost?
You can expect to see the total price of a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise on Navigator of the Seas between $900 and $2000 for two people in an interior cabin. Total costs will depend on the time of year, with summer months and holidays much more expensive than the off-season.
Youll usually find cheaper Mexican Riviera cruises from January through April , during fall , and in the first two weeks of December.
Additionally, you may find that excursions along the Mexican Riviera are often more affordable compared to excursions in more expensive destinations like Alaska and Europe.
Mexico Cruises Travel Tips
- Don’t worry so much about drug cartels and missing individuals. These things do happen, but usually not in the tourist areas you will be visiting.
- Check out cenotes, which are natural swimming holes nestled in little caves.
- Bring pesos with you, not dollars because this will make buying things easier overall.
- The weather can change considerably from region to region, so keep this in mind when planning when to go to Mexico.
- Always try the unique Mexican food, because this is the one time you have the chance! Street is by far one of the best.
- Mexican bathrooms have an M on the door for women, not for men. There may also be baskets next to the toilets in some of the areas. This is for your toilet paper, so it does not cause clogs in the system.
- Learn basic Spanish and connect with the locals to learn something new.
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Mexican Riviera Cruise Highlights
Glorious Coastal Scenery
Whether you prefer long stretches of golden sand lined with chic restaurants and bars, or wild, wave-pounded rocks, youll find your dream on the Mexican Riviera. People-watch in the fashionable Golden Zone in Mazatlán. Take a day boat to the dramatic El Arco rock arch near Cabo San Lucas. Marvel at the oceans power at La Bufadora, Ensenadas famous rock blowhole. Soak up the Hollywood glamor of Playa de los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta.
Art & Architecture
Youll find colorful colonial architecture in many of the towns along the Mexican Riviera. Mazatláns Old Town is a maze of flower-filled plazas and delightful 19th-century buildings, many now serving as restaurants and galleries. In Puerto Vallarta, admire the Zona Romantica and the church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, its steeple topped with a filigree crown. Head to pretty Todos Santos, a day trip from Cabo San Lucas, to wander cobblestone streets and browse galleries.
Creative Cuisine
Mexicos vibrant cuisine brings ever-new discoveries as you sail the Mexican Riviera. There are more than 50 wineries in the Guadalupe Valley near Ensenada, so this is the place to head for tastings. In Puerto Vallarta, dont miss pescado embarazado, fresh fish grilled with lime on a stick over charcoal, served with tangy salsa. Cabo San Lucas is packed with fine restaurants, but you cant beat the farm-to-table cuisine hereall washed down with an ice-cold margarita.
Cruises From San Diego To Mexico
Four cruise lines offer cruises from San Diego to the beaches of sunny Mexico. See the full schedule of departures out of SD below.
Cabo San Lucas is a city at the southern point of the Baja California peninsula. It has a tropical desert climate, with warm temperatures throughout the year. Kayak to El Arco rock, sip margaritas in a cantina, go sportfishing, and go scuba diving or snorkeling with the marine life.
At Mazatlan you can see cliff divers, explore the old city, or relax on the beach. Excursions include golf, jet boats, and shrimp feasts.
A stop at the port of Puerto Vallarta brings you to Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre. Explore the streets, shops and markets of the old town. Hit the beach or take an adventure to the jungles of the mountains.
Ensenada is at the top of Baja, very close to California. It’s the destination of short cruises to Mexico.
Learn more about all of the cruises to Mexico from California. There are plenty to choose from.
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Siesta Or Fiesta We’ve Got The Best Mexico Cruise For You
Each port on our Mexican Cruise vacations is filled with fun and adventure including kayaking, zip lining, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving and much more. You’re never far from a beautiful beach or a good party on Norwegian’s cruises to Mexico. Explore old traditions and stunning towns when you cruise to the Mexican Riviera on one of our newest cruise ships, Norwegian Bliss.
^Buy an air ticket and the 2nd guest flies for free. *View for full terms and conditions.
What Is A Riviera
I think I should have put this paragraph at the beginning itself. I am sure you have heard about French Riviera and Italian Riviera before. The word Riviera refers to a long coastline dotted with numerous ports at regular intervals.
Rivieras are popular among voyagers. They look for cruise lines that offer a week to two weeks cruise package tours a covering Riviera.
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Hilton Checkers Los Angeles
Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas.
Less than a mile from The Museum of Contemporary Art, this genteel hotel in a 1920s building is a mile both from the Walt Disney Concert Hall and from the Grammy Museum at L.A. Live.
Relaxed rooms offer flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms and desks, as well as coffeemakers. Suites add separate living areas. Some include patios and/or fireplaces.
There’s a polished bar and an elegant restaurant. Other amenities include a fitness centre, a business centre and a rooftop terrace, plus meeting and event space.
Distance/Airport: 18 miles
Avoid The Drinking Water
One of the biggest concerns when traveling to Mexico is Montezumas Revenge. Its commonly known that water in Mexico is unsafe to drink. Please dont make the mistake of drinking tap water in Mexico because it will make you unwell. While the locals can drink it, their bodies are accustomed to the unpurified water, but westerners arent. So, order drinks in sealed cans or bottles when visiting a port.
Also, avoid ice cubes in your drinks because these are made from the same unpurified water. Dont travel to Mexico without a bottle of activated charcoal. Should you get sick, activated charcoal contains small chambers and cavities that capture or bind up toxins in the digestive tract. The charcoal then carries it safely through the digestive system.
A LifeStraw is a handy gadget to pack for Mexico because it contains a microfiltration membrane that removes bacteria and parasites from water. So, if youre uncertain about that jug of water your waiter bought for your table, use the LifeStraw. If hiking in a remote area with no bottled water, use a life straw to purify water from streams and rivers.
Alternatively, you could purchase the LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle instead. LifeStraw also gives back to the less fortunate. For every LifeStraw product you purchase, a school child in need receives safe water for an entire year.
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What Is The Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera refers to cities and towns situated on the western coast of Mexico known for picturesque oceanfront resorts and tourist attractions.
The phrase Mexican Riviera was originally coined by Princess Cruise Line and has since been adopted throughout the cruising industry to describe the beauty and cultural enrichment visitors can expect on Mexicos Pacific coast.
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While Caribbean cruises offer a quick getaway to those on the east coast, a Mexican Riviera cruise provides west coasters the same sun-filled vacation. Cruises to the Mexican Riviera sail out of Los Angeles or San Francisco and usually visit three ports Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan.
However, shorter itineraries of four days sail to Ensenada and Catalina Island. Longer itineraries of nine to twelve days may include La Paz, Loreto, and Manzanillo. Regent, Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Oceania offer these longer cruises. Only a Panama Cruise visits Mexican ports further south. These can consist of Manzanillo, Huatulco, San Blas, and Acapulco.
Mexico borders the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, although vastly different. While the Caribbean is famous for its crystal blue waters and white sandy beaches, Mexican Riviera cruises experience a more rugged landscape. The Arch or El Arco is an example of the beautiful scenery on the west coast.
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Health And Safety Protocols
Disney has a comprehensive plan that outlines protocols for managing illness and closely follow the guidance of public health officials. In light of COVID-19, Disney Cruise Line is operating at elevated cleaning and sanitation levels. Among the procedures currently in place include:
- Training for all of Disney’s Crew Members on how best to prevent the spread of illness on board.
- A health screening completed by all Guests and Crew Members to check for illness before they board the ship.
- Extensive cleaning and sanitation of high-traffic areas and childrens facilities.
- Cleaning of all staterooms twice a day and additional disinfection when necessary.
- Discontinuing self-service at buffet locations.
- Regular communication with Guests and Crew Members regarding how to prevent illness.
- Hand-washing stations and sanitizing wipes conveniently located throughout the ships.
- Medical clinics on ships staffed with experienced doctors and nurses and stocked with supplies and medications to treat a variety of illnesses.
Take A Stroll Around Port
If youre the type of cruiser who prefers wandering around port instead of taking excursions, youll find plenty to do in each Mexican Riviera port.
Be sure to grab a coffee, beer, or meal in a local Plaza. These town squares are the perfect place to watch and observe local culture and lifestyle. While some are more touristy than others, relaxing in a shady plaza can help break up a busy port day in Mexico.
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Mexican Riviera Cruise 7
What are the top sights during the 7-Day Mexican Riviera cruise?
See the places along Mexicos western coast starting from San Diego. Californias last coastal city. These coastal cities and towns on the west coast of Mexico comprise the Mexican Riviera.
This is the huge cruise ship in which you can travel for a 7-day round trip starting from San Diego and ending at the same port on the seventh day.
MS Koningsdam
Before I fill you up with the details of top sights that you can see during your Mexican Riviera cruise tour, let me tell you something about the ship in which you are going to spend your lifes best week because, you are really going to brag about it after knowing the size of the ship, the facilities and amenities offered onboard.
MS Koningsdam is an ultra-luxury floating city. It is owned and operated by Holland America Line owns a whopping 100 vessels of various sizes and shapes and is co-owned by Carnival Corporation & plc.
Facilities and amenities in MS Koningsdam ship:
- 1300 quarters for the passengers
- 588 quarters for the crew
- Two theaters
- Swimming pools
- Spa
This incredibly-large ship has already completed several runs including a cruise of all the important Caribbean Islands, a tour of South America, an Alaskan cruise, and a long haul cruise to Vancouver.
I am sure you are already beginning to feel proud even before you book your cabin for the week-long Mexican Riviera cruise.
Date of Departure: 6th March 2022
Time of Departure: 4 PM
Time of Return: 8 AM
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Day Mexican Riviera Cruise Round Trip San Diego
Explore the coast of Mexican Riviera with these new cruise itineraries brought to you by Holland America!
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Here’s a new relaxing getaway to explore Mexican Riviera on a 7-day cruise out of San Diego!
From San Diego, head south to Mexico. Take a romantic stroll down the shores of Playa del Amor before moving your hips to the music in Puerto Vallarta.
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Mexico Cruises And Vacation
Few destinations hit all the items on travelers wish lists like Mexico. For those in search of sun, surf and seaside resorts, this is for YOU. Explore ancient cities constructed by the Aztecs, Maya and other storied civilizations. If you are passionate about food, a trip to Mexico is a revelation UNESCO recognized the countrys cuisine for its preservation of age-old culinary techniques.
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Mexican Riviera & California Coast Cruises
The Mexican Riviera and California Coast extends from San Francisco south through Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Loreto on the Baja Peninsula, and several ports on the coast of the Gulf of California including Mazatlan and Acapulco . Tourists enjoy resort life, sports fishing, water sports, dining and night-partying, shopping and sight-seeing, amidst cultural remnants of the old Mexico. Several large cruise vessels depart regularly from San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, offering 4 to 14-night cruises to Mexico. Select the ports you wish to visit from Ensenada in the north, ports on the Baja Peninsula, or travel further south to Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. Read more
The Mexican Riviera is also included in trans-Panama sailings between the US west coast and the Caribbean.