Where Do Mexican Riviera Cruises Begin
Depending on the cruise line, you will embark in either Los Angeles or San Diego. Its important to know your embarkation port so your shuttle or taxi will drop you at the right one.
Los Angeles has two ports: the World Cruise Center and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal . It can take more than an hour to get to either cruise port from LA International Airport .
- Princess Cruises and Norwegian sail from San Pedro
- Carnival Cruises sails from Long Beach.
San Diego also has two terminals: the B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal and the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. Most cruises depart from the B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal. Both terminals are approximately 10 minutes drive from San Diego International Airport .
These cruise lines sail from San Diego:
- Carnival Cruise Line.
- Norwegian Cruise Line.
- Princess Cruises.
Even if its a 10-minute trip to the terminal, weve experienced enough unforeseen travel delays to recommend arriving a day or two early. You dont want to miss the boat!
Might as well take advantage of your time in these Southern California cities before departing on your cruise.
- If in LA, pay a visit to Griffith Park or walk along Santa Monica Pier.
- If in San Diego, visit the famous San Diego Zoo with this skip the line ticket. Or, relax along Black Beach while you watch the locals ride the waves.
About The Mexican Riviera
The Mexican Riviera is the Pacific coastline of Mexico. This region is also known as the gem of the Pacific. The ports of call along this picturesque coastline are each unique and special, offering individual characteristics and a hospitable hacienda charm that can only be found in the Mexican Pacific. The most popular ports of call in the Mexican Pacific include Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, and Ixtapa.
As a general rule, the longer the duration of the cruise, the more ports of call. This is especially true in the Mexican Riviera, where port cities are often situated at considerable distances from one another. With the exception of Ensenada, the Mexican Riviera features warm weather almost every day of the year. Summer hurricanes can affect cruise itineraries, so be sure to check with your cruise line in the event of any weather disturbances.
Mexican Riviera Cruise Embarkation
There are two ports in Los Angeles to sail from: World Cruise Center in San Pedro and the Long Beach Cruise Terminal in Long Beach. Princess Cruises and Norwegian sail from San Pedro, while Carnival Cruises sails from Long Beach. Its essential to know your embarkation port so your shuttle or taxi will drop you at the right one. Travel time in a taxi or shuttle from LA International Airport is approximately 40 minutes but can take up to an hour in heavy traffic.
- Location: World Cruise Center, 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro
- Location: Long Beach Cruise Terminal, 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach
Additionally, San Diego also has two terminals: B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal and Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier. Holland America and Disney Cruises sail from San Diego. Both terminals are approximately ten minutes drive from San Diego International Airport .
- Location: B-Street Pier, 1140 N Harbor Drive, San Diego
- Location: Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier, 1000 N Harbor Drive, San Pedro
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Cruise To Mexico On One Of Our Newest Ships
Experience the beauty and splendour of this romantic region with a cruise aboard one of our newest and most exciting ships, Norwegian Bliss. Witness Cabo’s gorgeous sunsets from the Observation Lounge or while enjoying a delectable dinner on The Waterfront, exclusively on Norwegian. Once you’re ready for more excitement, head to the outdoor laser tag arena, or go for some laps at the thrilling race track.
- Balboa Park’s Casa de Balboa
- Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta
- Visit beautiful Puerto Vallarta
- Dive below to meet the locals
- Tostadas de ceviche
- Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Acapulco
- 4×4 Rhino Cart Experience in Cabo San Lucas
- La Jolla San Diego
- Horseback riding in Cabo San Lucas
Are You A First
- 71 pages packed with money saving tips and insider tricks
- Discover the best time of year to cruise, how to get free onboard credit, how to maximize credit card bonuses, and much more.
- This must-have book is great for first-timers as well as long-time cruisers.
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. Ironically though, sailing to Mexico doesnt seem quite as popular as the Caribbean itineraries. Maybe its because some Mexico cities are a little more rugged, or perhaps with news reports, some consider it unsafe?
For me, a Mexican cruise was never really on my bucket list, but I considered it an option just because I live on the west coast, and the port was close to home. While I love to cruise, I dont appreciate spending an entire day flying into my embarkation port. So, if I can take a same-day flight and arrive at the cruise ship terminal in a few hours, Im a happy camper, lol. Thats how my first Mexican Riviera vacation came about. I scored a fantastic seven-day cruise deal out of Los Angeles and combined it with a few days in California, being a kid in Disneyland and Universal Studios.
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Waterproof Case For A Smartphone
Todays smartphones have become quite expensive. If youre spending any time on the beach or by a swimming pool, its best to protect your phone against water damage. Invest in a waterproof case that still allows you to use your phone to take pictures even when secure inside the pouch.
The lightweight phone pouch features a sturdy rope buckle and dual-sided clear windows to allow for use. Its available in various colours, from your traditional black and white to fun colors including pink, yellow, and orange.
Mexican Riviera Cruises With Princess Cruises
Sun, sand and surf – what more could you ask for? The Mexican Riviera is filled with rich culture, bright flavors, scenic vistas, and most definitely, fun in the sun. The La Quebrada cliff divers of Acapulco will leave you amazed at their daredevil flying feats. The cobbled streets of Puerto Vallarta’s Malécon are ideal for a relaxing stroll. And the deep-water lagoons, coconut groves and laid-back attitude of Zihuatanejo provide a delightful taste of Old Mexico. Don’t forget Mazatlán’s long sandy beaches and the chance to spot humpback and gray whales off Cabo San Lucas.
Begins 05. November 2021
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How To Save On Cost For Your Disney Cruise
- Book your cruise during the off-season.
- Choose an appropriate travel agent. You might be surprised at the big differences in rates with various travel agencies. Hence, do your research first before booking.
- Be on the lookout for last-minute restricted fares.
- Book the best cabin at a reasonable price.
- Bring your own water or alcoholic beverage , but it should be in your carry-on luggage. However, dont take it with you to the bars, as you will be charged extra as corkage fees.
- On the day you board, claim your free Wifi before midnight. The 50 MB data allows you to have a lot of Internet time from the Disney Cruise Line app.
- Take advantage of the free soft drinks from the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruises. However, you have to go to Deck 9 at the Beverage Station to get it.
- Avoid taking sodas, alcoholic beverages, smoothies, bottled water, and specialty coffees to lounges and bars as you would be charged with a corkage fee.
- You can bring with you your own snacks, provided that they are in your carry-on luggage.
Disney Cruises Line Itineraries
Here are also some Disney Cruises Line Itineraries that you can choose from:
- From Barcelona, Spain to the Mediterranean
- From Civitavecchia to the Mediterranean with Greek Isles
- From Dover, England or Copenhagen, Denmark to Northern Europe
- From Dover, England to Western Europe, Norwegian Fjords , or British Islands
- From Galveston, Texas to the Caribbean, the Castaway Cay or the Bahamas
- From Miami, Florida to the Caribbean, to Cozumel, Mexico, and the Bahamas
- From New Orleans, Louisiana to Cozumel, Mexico
- From New York City, New York to Canada or Bermuda
- From Port Canaveral, Florida to the Caribbean or to the Bahamas
- From San Diego, California to the Mexican Riviera, Baja, Mexico, Panama Canal or Vancouver, Canada
- From Puerto Rico to San Juan, to New Orleans, Louisiana
You can select your dream places to go on these fantastic cruises. Theres a Disney Cruise for each individuals preference.
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Medical Services And Facilities
- Local COVID-19 testing facilities – Government of Mexico
The quality of care varies greatly throughout the country.
Private hospitals usually offer good-quality care but are generally expensive. Most wont agree to deal directly with medical insurance companies and will require payment in advance.
Mental health care
Mental health services are extremely limited in Mexico, particularly outside of Mexico City.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Mexican Riviera Cruise Port Highlights
Acapulco, Mexico: For decades, Acapulco reigned as the ultimate Mexican Riviera resort town — a hangout for the international jetsetters. Acapulco’s main attraction is the cliff diving at La Quebrada. Throughout the day and early evening, young men make a perfectly timed, breathtaking dive from a steep cliff into a small cove of water below. The assembled crowd gasps and holds its breath until the diver surfaces and then climbs up the steep cliff to do it all over again.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: This party town on the southernmost tip of Baja California provides a stunning juxtaposition of sea, desert and mountains. Aside from enjoying the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, including migrating whales from December through April, visitors can partake in water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, scuba diving and parasailing. The marlin fishing off Cabo is legendary, too, and championship golf courses are noteworthy.
Catalina Island, California: This island, 26 miles from the Southern California coast, is a prime tourist attraction for day-trippers and cruise passengers alike. Catalina Island’s main town of Avalon is lined with boutiques, shops and restaurants, all an easy stroll from the Green Pleasure Pier, where cruise passengers arrive. Take a glass-bottom boat ride, or rent a bike for a few hours.
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Popular Mexico Cruise Itineraries
Your port of departure will have everything to do with which itinerary you choose. Naturally, to visit the Caribbean side requires leaving from ports in the southeastern U.S., from Texas on eastward. For the Pacific, figure on leaving from California. Knowing your options will allow you to best select a cruise that suits your interests and taste. A few popular options from each coast include:
Learn From Our Guests Ask & Answer
Even the most seasoned travellers have questions. With Ask & Answer, you don’t have to go far to get those questions answered. The bonus – the questions and answers come from fellow cruisers!
Learn about the latest ships and destinations by browsing hundreds of questions posted by real cruisers. If you happen not to find what you’re looking for, you can even post a question of your own.
Real questions. Real answers. All from real cruisers.
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Luxury Cruises To Mexico
There are endless treasures waiting to be discovered aboard one of our luxury cruises to Mexico. This enchanting destination has everything youve ever dreamed of for an unforgettable vacation: white sand beaches, ancient ruins, mouthwatering cuisine, and breathtaking sunsets.
Explore two different regions of the country aboard one of our Mexico cruises: the Mexican Riviera in the west and the Caribbean on the eastern side. Mexican Riviera cruises stop in charming beach towns along the Pacific Coast, including Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Ensenada. On the East Coast, discover the beauty of Costa Maya and the stunning island of Cozumel on one of our Caribbean cruise itineraries.
Unwind at The Retreat Lounge
Available 24/7 only to guests of The Retreat, It’s the perfect place to start or end your day with a complimentary drink, or two.
Second Guest Flies Free Offer
Pay airfare for one guest, and you’ll automatically lock-in roundtrip flights for two. Secure these savings online by choosing your nearest airport in step one of your cruise booking, and enjoy air-to-sea made easy. We’ll coordinate your roundtrip flights, and transportation between the airport and cruise port.
Find this offer on 4+ Day Cruises to this destination and beyond.
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First Cruise Ship To Depart From California In Over A Year Sets Sail For Mexican Riviera
A cruise ship headed for the Mexican Riviera set sail from the Port of Long Beach on Saturday the first cruise ship to depart from California in 17 months.
The Carnival Panorama is on a seven-day voyage and will stop in the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan before returning to Long Beach, Carnival Corp. said in a statement.
The 1,060-foot Carnival Panorama debuted in 2019.
Passenger Bob Lechtreck said he and his wife were on the inaugural sailing on December 11, 2019.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be on the Panorama for its inaugural return to service,” Lechtreck told the Press-Telegram in a text. “It’s been way too long since we’ve sailed, and we couldn’t be happier returning to our favorite activity.”
Top 5 Things To Do On Mexican Riviera Cruises
Written by The CruiseExperts team. Posted in Mexico
Your Guide to Mexican Riviera Cruises
If sunny beaches and rugged landscapes appeal to you, it may be time to book your Mexican Riviera cruise tickets. A soothing cruise to Mexicos Gold Coast is one of the top ways to relax during the craziness of the upcoming holidays and is also one of the best winter cruise options to get away from chilly weather. Plus, with so many intriguing ports of call in the Mexican Riviera, finding the ideal activity and excursion for your personality is easy.
Joan
Mexico cruises are a hit with just about everyone, with excursion options ranging from relaxing on a sandy white beach and scuba diving to exploring ancient ruins, being immersed in traditional culture, enjoying the marine life in the area, visiting local art districts, culinary tastings and more. Some of the top stops on a Mexican Riviera cruise include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco. If you are someone who loves to take advantage of excursions, here are our top five recommendations while on your Mexican Riviera cruise:
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Mexican Riviera Cruise Itineraries
Variety and flexibility are key reasons why Mexican Riviera cruises are so popular.
Three-Night Cruises: Carnival and Disney run three-night cruises from San Diego and Los Angeles to Ensenada. They also offer four-night cruises to Ensenada that include stops on Catalina Island. These short “Baja California” cruises are perfect for first-time cruisers, family reunions and wedding parties.
Seven-Night Cruises: The most popular option in the Mexican Riviera, these cruises typically include two-night stops in either Cabo San Lucas or Puerto Vallarta, or they make a stop in Mazatlan. What’s great about the later departures is that you have time to explore the noted nightlife and restaurants .
Longer Itineraries: Princess and Holland America have developed 10- and 12-night cruises that hit Mexican Riviera ports and visit Mexican cities on the Sea of Cortez, including Loreto, La Paz, Guaymas and Topolobampo. For more information on these trips, read our Sea of Cortez cruise tips.
Transcanal: Most Panama Canal transits also include stops along the Mexican Riviera. Besides Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, potential stops include the ports of Ixtapa and its neighbor, Zihuatanejo, Santa Cruz, Huatulco, Manzanillo and Puerto Chiapas in southern Mexico.
Day #5 Puerto Vallarta Shore Excursion
You can also have a blast exploring and saving some money too by planning your own shore excursion like we did in Puerta Vallarta.
We grabbed a quick 20 minute taxi ride to Old Town Puerto Vallarta for some beach fun and street side tacos. It was a grand adventure that turned out to be one of our favourite port visits.
Traveling Islanders Tip! Be careful with those sneaky taxi drivers parked immediately beside the ship. They will try and convince you to take longer rides unecessarily so they can charge you a higher fare.
Our destination for the day was the Beach of the Dead or better known to the locals as Playa De Los Muertos. We agree, its quite a weird name for a beach. Whats even weirder is we actually chose to go there with our kids! But we kept hearing it was the place to go from a few different vendors beside the cruise ship. Turned out, they were right.
Want to try para-sailing? There were three different companies operating off of the beach. We saw lots of tourists taking off and landing safely all day long.
For lunch try a fish, beef or chicken taco from one of the beachside outdoor restaurants like we did. Our fish tacos were fresh and delicious.
When youve had enough time on the beach, take a stroll through charming Old Town Puerto Vallarta. Here youll find narrow cobblestone roads, old world Spanish architecture and shops of every imaginable type.
Day #6 Cruising With Carnival During A Day At Sea
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