Whether it's world-class diving, white sandy beaches, or Mayan ruins you’re after, a cruise to Mexico can get you there in comfort and style.
Set sail from the West Coast to experience the beaches and nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, stroll the boardwalk in Mazatlan, or dig your toes into the sand in Puerto Vallarta. For diving and Mayan ruins, opt to cruise Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Dive into the deep blue water in Cozumel, walk a beach free of high-rise hotels in Costa Maya, or walk in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans in Tulum.
Several major cruise lines serve these routes with decked-out ships that offer something for everyone. Sprawling pools, thumping dance clubs, and fresh margaritas are just the beginning.
This is the domain of large cruise ships, but there are a few smaller vessels—like American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator—that cruise to Mexico.
Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line sail to Mexico from the West Coast year-round. Three Carnival ships—the Carnival Miracle, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Residence— cruise to Mexico from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Norwegian Cruise Line sails to Mexico from California, Florida, and New Orleans.
Princess Cruises, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises sail to Mexico seasonally. While Mexico is warm year-round, you’ll find the most pleasant temperatures—and some of the best prices— between November through February. Mexico’s rainy season is from May through November, but expect bursts of showers instead of washouts. Hurricane season is between June and November, and while hurricanes don't always make landfall, the rains they bring can put a damper on even the best-planned beach day.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, and whenever it is you’re looking to set sail, there’s a cruise to Mexico that’s sure to feel tailor-made for you.
Best short cruise to Mexico
In just three nights, Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas sails from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, and back. The itinerary includes a full day at sea—plenty of time to take a few laps around the ship’s ice skating rink, spend a few hours at the spa, try out the longest water slide at sea and catch a show. Of course, you could just spend your entire sea day lounging around on the pool deck eating Johnny Rockets and sipping on colorful cocktails. If you’ve got a little bit more time, opt for a four-night itinerary. Royal Caribbean offers two four-night itineraries on the Navigator of the Seas. One adds a stop at idyllic Catalina Island. The other spends additional time in Ensenada.
Best weeklong cruise to Mexico
There may be no better way to bliss out than by sailing the Norwegian Bliss along the Mexican Riviera. Sail roundtrip from Los Angeles, stopping in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, Mexico. Spend port days visiting tequila factories, wineries and endless sandy beaches. Or opt for an adventurous 4x4 ride, snorkeling, kayaking or an idyllic horseback ride. On board the ship, you’ll have your choice of 19 restaurants, 20 bars, and plenty of things to do. The Norwegian Bliss made its debut in 2018, and its entertainment offerings include a two-level racetrack, Broadway shows, laser tag, mini golf and a casino. The ship has a private 18 and over beach club and a spa with both a salt room and a snow room.
Best family cruise to Mexico
There is so much to do on board the Carnival Radiance your family might not want to leave the ship on port days. The Carnival Radiance has a water park, a ropes course, mini golf, sports courts, and a kids club that accommodates ages two to 17. There’s also a teen spa, video arcade and enough room to play soccer, basketball, and volleyball on board. With more than a dozen restaurants, there’s something for even the most discerning junior palate. There’s even a green eggs and ham breakfast to go with a Seuss at Sea experience inspired by the famous author’s books.
Best small ship cruise to Mexico
You could cruise to Mexico on a mega-ship. Or you could opt for a calmer, quieter, more yacht-like experience on Windstar Cruises’ Star Legend. This all-suite yacht boasts cabins that are nearly 300 square feet. The ship is fresh off a major renovation with a new spa, pool, and fitness center. Every bathroom on board has gotten a makeover and comes stocked with L’Occitane toiletries. The Star Legend is scheduled to set sail from Miami in the spring. Windstar's Jungles and Jewels of the Central American Coast itinerary sails roundtrip from Miami, stoppings in Key West en route to Cozumel and Costa Maya. But Mexico is just the beginning. Windstar’s Star Legend also calls on Belize City, Belize, and Roatan, Honduras, giving passengers plenty of chances to go on an unforgettable dive, immerse themselves in ancient ruins or simply soak up the sunshine.
Best cruise to the Yucatan Peninsula
Mega ships aren’t the only vessels that cruise to Mexico. American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator is less than one-tenth of the size of the behemoth ships sailing the region. The ship can accommodate just over 200 passengers and feels more like a river cruise ship than an ocean-going vessel. Restaurant and bar choices are limited, but that might not matter much when you’re sipping margaritas and snacking on molletes at the beach. The Ocean Navigator’s Mexico itineraries visit seven ports in 10 days, giving passengers the chance to dive into Cozumel’s deep blue water, explore Chichen Itza’s Mayan ruins, and sip on margaritas in Cancun. This isn’t the kind of ship that parties all night, but that should make it easier to wake up for gorgeous sunrises. The price of this all-inclusive cruise includes food, drinks, room service, Wi-Fi, pre-paid gratuities, port fees, and taxes.
Best luxury cruise to Mexico
There may be few more luxurious ways to arrive in Cabo San Lucas than on board Regent’s new Seven Seas Grandeur. The cruise line's Magic on the Mexican Riviera itinerary is scheduled to sail round trip from Los Angeles in late 2024, calling on ports including Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta. The 10-night journey includes three luxurious days of cruising the Pacific Ocean. Spend your sea days lounging around your spacious suite, playing bocce ball or shuffleboard or relaxing by the pool bar. The ship's suites range in size from 307 to 4,443 square feet. Each comes with a private balcony, and there may be no better place on board to enjoy your morning coffee with a view. Cruise fares on Regent Seven Seas include roundtrip business class intercontinental flights, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, specialty restaurants, and gratuities.
Best cruise to the Mexican Riviera
If you’re looking to touch grass at sea and sample the best of the Mexican Riviera, the Celebrity Solstice is for you. This ship is home to a half acre of real green grass and sails from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. This is a ship with a cool vibe, a sophisticated feel, and lots of fun things to do on board. Try a cocktail-making class or a wine-blending class. Or catch a glass-blowing show on the grass. The ship is also home to more than 200 solar panels and generates some of its own electricity.
