Visiting Ensenada With Kids And Teenagers
While there are many things in Ensenada that revolve around alcohol – bars, wine tours etc. Kids and teens can have a great time visiting Ensenada on a cruise as well. With natural wonders to explore from La Bufadora to authentic Mexican food to simply grabbing a spot on the beach, you are sure to find plenty of options for excursions that will keep the young ones happy in Ensenada Mexico.
Medium Ship Line #: Cunard
While Cunards Queen Mary 2 fits more than 2,600 passengersand a number of cats and dogson board, her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria only have a capacity of about 2,000 passengers. Though theyre quite similar in layout, the QE and the QV differ in design. Both nod to the historic ocean liners of the early 20th century, but the QE takes on a bolder Art Deco vibe, while the QV features more subdued yet equally elegant decor. Guests on board both ships are likely to partake in afternoon tea before donning a glamorous gown for dinner.
Medium Ship Line #1: Bahama Paradise Cruise Line
You mightve already guessed from its name, but the Bahama Paradise Cruise Line operates cruises to the Bahamas, sailing two-day itineraries from West Palm Beach, Florida. It has just two ships in its fleet, neither of which is necessarily a showstopper, but thats not what the crowd is here forthis is a relatively no-frills cruise line for those interested in quick, affordable getaways. Many passengers opt to extend their experience with a multi-night stay in the Bahamas, which the cruise line organizes for its guests.
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Going Snorkeling And Scuba Diving
Enjoy water sports in the Gulf of Mexico. The crystal clear waters of Riviera Maya and beacheson this cruise are exhilarating. You can try going snorkeling and scuba diving so you cansee the life underwater along the coast of Mexico. It is really an amazing sight to behold.
The most popular time for tourists to go on a cruise to Mexico is typically in two seasons – fromlate in January up to the middle of April, or from June until August. This is when a lot of cruiseships are available, unlike in summer time when cruise lines reposition their ships in Alaska. Thewater temperature stays around 55. The peak summer season is expected to have hurricane storms.
More budget-friendly options are available during off-peak months, which is early in January and inMay or in the months of October and November. There are a variety of cruises available for smallercrowds, and better deals are also up for grabs.
As you are planning to look for different itineraries for Mexico cruises on this route, youmay be feeling a bit overwhelmed as what you would be doing or where you will be going. Thereare a lot of things to do and places to visit in Mexico, each with their own special activitieswhich may spark your own personal interest.
River Ship Line #: Tauck
Taucks nine river ships specialize in navigating Northern Europe, with itineraries that highlight the castles of Germanys Rhine River or explore Paris and Monets gardens at Giverny on a Seine cruise. Special departures throughout the year welcome multigenerational family groups, including young childrena unique offering among river cruise lines.
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Best Mexico Cruises For Off
Baja Mexico is a highly popular itinerary among small-ship and expedition-style cruise operators. Sea of Cortez itineraries from Lindblad Expeditions aboard 100-passenger National Geographic Venture provide guests with opportunities to accompany marine biologists on up-close encounters with gray whales migrating to the Bahía Magdalena inlets.
Another expedition cruise specialist, UnCruise Adventures, will offer seven-night Bajas Bounty journeys sailing round-trip from Cabo San Lucas and visiting lesser-visited Baja California ports including Bahía Agua Verde, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo in 2021 and 2022. The operators 86-passenger ships offer uncommon adventures hosted by expert guides.
Traditional Mexico itineraries are available from Ponant, which advertises five-star culture and relaxation, and is offering seven-night western Caribbean and Yucatan voyages aboard 184-passenger Champlain departing round-trip from Cozumel and featuring calls at Progreso.
Featured image by Ovidiu Curic/Shutterstock.com
Best Traditional Cruise: Tauck
- Ship Name: MS Savor
- Itinerary: Bratislava, Slovakia Vienna, Austria Melk, Austria Passau, Germany Prague, Czech Republic
Adventure tour provider Tauck has been in the travel industry since 1882, and in addition to a number of land tours, the company operates its own fleet of river vessels. Tauck has dedicated family voyages called Tauck Bridges, but the more traditional themed cruises have excursions that are aimed at adults. Built in 2014, the 130-passenger MS Savor has a gorgeous main atrium with a dripping chandelier, a putting green, and some innovative features like loft-style cabins with windows that open with the touch of a button. On the Musical Magic on the Blue Danube river cruise, interactive musical workshops, onboard performances, and themed excursions like a trip to the Opera House in Bratislava or a private performance at a palace in Vienna are included.
Take a look at other river cruising options with some of the best European River cruises.
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Small Ship Line #1: Silversea Cruises
Silversea’s five expedition ships stop in the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Europe, Africa, the Galápagos, and Antarctica on shorter duration sailings, but they also offer around-the-world itineraries for an international clientele. Off-the-beaten-path excursions make for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like penguin spotting in Antarctica or private catamaran tours in tropical locales. In September 2019, Silversea completed its first journey through the Northwest Passagea monumental featwith the Silver Explorer, a 144-passenger expedition vessel. The fleet was joined by the new Silver Origin, a Galapagos-specific ship, in 2020.
What Are Popular Activities In Mexico
Some of the best snorkeling and diving anywhere can be found in Mexico. The second-largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, lies off the coast of Cancun, Riviera Maya and Costa Maya, drawing underwater enthusiasts from across the globe.
History is another attraction in Mexico Mayan ruins are accessible from various cruise ports including Playa del Carmen with its nearby Tulum ruins. The structures built thousands of years ago are a stark contrast to the kitschy portside souvenir shops selling touristy sombreros.
Almost every popular shore excursion — whale watching, ziplining, kayaking, Jeep tours and even wine-tasting — can be found throughout the varied ports of Mexico.
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Small Ship Line #: Ecoventura
As Ecoventura operates a fleet of three expedition yachts with a capacity of only 20 passengers, you know youre getting a personalized experience on board. The ships sail two week-long itineraries in the Galápagosyou can combine them both if you want more time with the islands incredible wildlife. The luxurious ships each have 10 well-appointed cabins, a lounge where naturalists provide lectures and briefings before excursions, a dining room and bar, a library filled with scholarly tomes on the Galápagos, and a sundeck for relaxation.
Medium Ship Line #1: Princess Cruises
Of Princess Cruises 17-ship fleet, its five smallest include the Coral Princess, Island Princess, Sun Princess, Sea Princess, and the infamous Pacific Princess, which was the star of the TV show The Love Boat. The Pacific Princess is by far the smallest, holding just 680 passengers. The four other ships carry around 2,000 passengers and are the perfect size to sail through the Panama Canal.
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Do You Need A Passport To Cruise To Ensenada
The technical answer is “no”. In theory, you will not need to have a passport to take a cruise from Southern California to Ensenada. However, you will not be able to get off the ship in Mexico. We’ve seen people claim that they were allowed off in Ensenada but haven’t seen any specific proof. Make sure to check the policies for the cruise you are considering taking as each cruise line has their own policies.
Additionally, it is simply a good idea to have your passport with you in case of emergencies. It is much easier to use your passport than carrying around a birth certificate or one of the other approved forms of documentation.
Is It Safe To Cruise To Ensenada
The Mexican state of Baja California has gotten a bad name in recent years due to crime along the border and Mexico itself has never been as “safe” as popular tourism areas in the United States. With that being said, I feel completely safe when I visit Ensenada – though a follow a few basic rules:
1) Pay with cash where possible
2) Always watch your back
3) Don’t over consume alcohol and avoid drugs entirely
4) Never accept rides from strangers
5) Always negotiate your taxi rate before getting into the vehicle
6) Never leave the tourist areas unless you know what you are doing
7) Don’t be stupid
These aren’t tough rules to follow and they are important to consider whether you are in Chicago or Ensenada if you want to stay safe.
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When Is A Good Time To Cruise To Mexico
Mexico is a year-round destination, though the country can get steamy during the summer months most lines call in the fall/winter and even spring seasons. Plus, the dry season is typically November through May. Though weather will vary depending on where you are, expect daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit.
If you’re heading to Mexico for the whale watching, especially in the Sea of Cortez , come during the winter. Whales begin to arrive in December, and your best chances of a sighting last through March.
Small Ship Line #1: Star Clippers
Star Clippers has a fleet of three ships, with its flagship Royal Clipper holding the record as the worlds largest full-rigged sailing ship. All three are sailing yachts, unfurling their sails for itineraries across the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia, with classic exteriors and interiors featuring several bars, a swimming pool, library, and formal dining room.
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Sunstone Tours And Cruises
Baja’s Bounty 8-dayCruise
This small ship cruise aboard the 66-passenger Safari Voyager begins when guests arrive at Los Cabos International Airport to meet the expedition team and travel over land to La Paz for boarding and a welcome dinner. The small ship features spacious decks, big windows, colorful art, and an air-conditioned lounge.
The next day, the ship arrives in the Gulf of California Biosphere Reserve for snorkeling, hiking, or relaxing on the beach. At Bahia Agua Verde the following day, cruisers can visit a local ranchero, take a mule ride, or explore the coast in a small skiff. The next stop is at Isla San Francisco, with a desert beach where guests can kayak, paddle board, or just enjoy the rugged beauty of the island. In the Sea of Cortez, cruisers observe whales, dolphins, and marine life.
The cruise continues to Los Islotes and Isla Partida with options for beach hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or paddle boarding. On Isla Espiritu Santo, the ship tucks into a secluded cove for the last day of exploring and the evening farewell dinner. The next day, guests disembark in La Paz for a transfer back to San José del Cabo for a flight or extended stay.
Star Collector By Windstar Cruises
- Best for small ship lovers
- Book now: Fares from $2,199 per person windstarcruises.com
Small-ship specialist Windstar Cruises is carving out a niche in the Mexico market with a handful of Mexican Riviera sailings on its 212-passenger Star Legend each year thatll take you beyond such typical stops as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. In addition to those two ports, the lines 10-night Star Collector: Mexico & Sea of Cortez Illuminated itinerary out of San Diego adds visits to La Paz for tours to see whale sharks and other wildlife, and Loreto, Mexico, for a stop at the historic San Javier Mission.
The Mexican resort destinations of Manzanillo and Huatulco also are on the schedule, as is Puerto Chiapas, Mexicogateway to the Mayan ruins of Izapa . Three stops in wildlife-filled Costa Rica round out the itinerary.
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Small Ship Line #1: Hapag
German company Hapag-Lloyd is not just in the shipping business: its building a luxury expedition cruise empire, too. Though it currently only has two ships in its fleet, the MS Europa and MS Europa 2, the line has impressed its customers with suite-style cabins, impressive itineraries across all seven continents, and extremely polished service thats anything but stuffy. Hapag-Lloyds budding empire will expand with three new expedition ships scheduled to launch in 2021.
Small Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Sailing with only 490 guests, the Seven Seas Navigator takes its all-inclusive promise seriously, offering unlimited shore excursions, open bars with premium wines , unlimited Wi-Fi, and dining in specialty restaurants. The ship sails all over the world, spending time in Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe on week-long to three-month-long sailings.
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Medium Ship Line #: Silversea Cruises
Silverseas fleet has five ships, of which just two are technically medium-sized, with passenger counts around 600 peoplebut thats considered quite a large number for the luxurious cruise line, which specializes in smaller vessels, including five ships in its expedition fleet. Silversea Muse is the newest and largest ship, making her maiden voyage in 2017. Despite her relatively small size, Muse has eight restaurants for her passengers, all of whom are accommodated in spacious suites. As a cruise line, Silversea sails to more than 900 destinations around the world.
Best Place For Singles: Cabo San Lucas
Along the scenic Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas straddles the beautiful blue Pacific and the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez. Gray whales pass by here during their yearly migration, and the colonial city of San Jose del Cabo is a charming place to explore. Cabo is also known for its lively, fun atmosphere and bars and restaurants, making this the best cruise destination for singles. Book your trip for any time between mid-December and April to catch a glimpse of the gray and blue humpback whales.
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What Are Popular Regions Of Mexico
Cruises to Mexico run year-round as part of Western Caribbean itineraries or dedicated Mexico sailings. It’s a surprisingly large country, densely packed with sightseeing opportunities.
The main regions of Mexico visited by cruise ship are Baja California and Baja California Sur , which are the “arm” attached to the left of the mainland the west coast along the Pacific and Gulf of California and on the east coast around the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico .
Unesco Natural Heritage Sites
During your Mexican cruise, you’ll notice that a multitude of islands line the coast along the Gulf of California. These 244 islands and protected areas were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. Among them, the volcanic and wild Coronado Island is home to extremely rich biodiversity. A few kilometres away, the Espíritu Santo and La Partida twin islands, only accessible by boat, offer contrasting landscapes between the steep cliffs and turquoise bays.
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Medium Ship Line #: Viking Ocean Cruises
Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched six ocean-going vessels since 2015, the most recent being the brand-new Viking Jupiter, whose maiden voyage took place in February 2019. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean guests do receive one free excursion in each port , beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.
The Best Mexico Cruises For Every Type Of Traveler
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Editors note: As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
Talk to just about anyone you know and ask them if theyve vacationed in Mexico. Chances are they have. Its an incredibly popular spot for land-based resort vacations. And while Mexican ports have been mainstays on cruise itineraries for years, these sailings are getting more and more popular. Cruising to Mexico has increased steadily each year from 2013 through 2019, according to Cruise Lines International Association data. Last year nearly 9 million travelers boarded cruise ships bound for Mexico, a 13.5 percent increase over 2018.
Mexicos growing popularity with cruisers is likely tied to its variety. While more than half of cruisers sailing to Mexico in 2019 called at Cozumel, off the eastern coast of Mexicos Yucatán Peninsula, several cruise lines also offer Mexico itineraries visiting Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán on the Pacific coast.
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What Types Of Mexico Cruises Are There
Drawing vacationers looking to experience Mexicos beachy resort areas, festive culture, and Mayan ruins, the majority of these trips depart from Miami and Gulf Coast ports such as Tampa, New Orleans, and Galveston, Texas, and focus on the Caribbean side of Mexico. Theyll typically include a call at Cozumelthe busiest cruise port outside of Floridaand sometimes Costa Maya or Progreso on the Yucatan Peninsula. Dubbed Western Caribbean sailings and usually three to seven nights in length, they often also include stops at one or more non-Mexican ports such as Roatan, Honduras, or Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Another major category of Mexico cruises are the week-long Mexican Riviera trips out of California ports such as San Diego and Long Beach that head down the western coast of Mexico. Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan are the typical destinations here. There also are shorter Baja Mexico cruises out of West Coast ports that only go as far as Ensenada.
All the above options are available year-round. A final choice for a Mexico cruise only available during the winter is an adventure-focused, small-ship sailing along the rugged east coast of Mexicos Baja Peninsula. A handful of adventure cruise companies offer these.