Millions of vacationers travel to Mexico via cruise ship each year. In fact, Mexico is one of the world's top ten destinations for cruise lines, with nearly 6.5 million passengers traveling annually. The most popular Mexico cruise destinations include Cancun and Cozumel on the Atlantic coast and Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo san Lucas, Ensenada and Acapulco on the Pacific coast (Mexican Riviera). Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Princess and Norwegian are among the most popular Mexico cruise lines.
Today, Mexico cruises attract all sorts of people, not just retired folks or newlyweds. Singles, couples, gays, families and others are all cruising in greater numbers, primarily because Mexico cruise ships have expanded the activities and venues they offer, from onboard clubs, casinos and gourmet dining to spas, elaborate fitness centers and water parks. Cruise ships today resemble small cities, and the activities offered rival those found at nearly any high-end hotel. Mexico cruise lines also offer a good selection of cruise lengths, from three nights to twelve or more nights, to accommodate people who do not have a lot of extra time as well as those that have a full two weeks to devote to a Mexico cruise.
Mexico cruise fares include accommodations, transportation to and from port, activities, evening entertainment and meals in main dining rooms, but because fares are generally not all-inclusive, expect extra costs such as alcoholic drinks, tips, spa visits, laundry, some restaurants and shore trips. Rooms are generally smaller than a hotel room but are comfortable. Ships these days are well-stabilized, and rough seas are rare since most ships’ radar can detect approaching storms well ahead of time and outmaneuver them. Once onboard, staying in touch with the mainland is easy as most Mexico cruise ships have cable in the cabins. There are Internet hubs with wifi, and cell phones work at sea.
Cruise ships are safe, having to meet an array of international safety regulations, known as Safety of Life at Sea, which require ships to have emergency lighting along escape routes and smoke detectors and sprinklers in case of fire (sinking really is not a concern with modern ships). Passengers must also practice trying on life jackets and run through a safety drill within a few hours of boarding. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard conducts thorough inspections of all Mexico cruise ships that sail out of U.S. ports.
One of the best Mexico cruising deals is the last minute cruise, officially defined as a trip that sails somewhere between a few days and three months in the future. The ideal time to find these deals is 60 to 90 days before a ship leaves the dock since this is when vacationers can cancel reservations without incurring a penalty. Some of the best bargains can be found during the off season or just before the Christmas travel time (the first two weeks of December) and just after the Christmas travel time (first two weeks of January). And when it comes to bargain Mexico cruises, read the fine print so you know exactly what is included in the low price.
Most major cruise lines offer cruises to the major ports in Mexico, including Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. Cruises can last anywhere from a few days or a weekend to a few weeks. You will find plenty to do in Mexico ports as the Mexico tourism industry caters to the cruising business, but seeing the ports isn't seeing the real Mexico. To do that, you will have to venture into the actual country itself.
Remember that when you are in port you are now in a foreign country. It's always best to behave like a guest, since you are one, and to observe local rules and customs. Mexicans always appreciate foreigners at least trying to speak Spanish, so give it a whirl!
