The Ultimate Guide To A Mexican Riviera Cruise

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 doesn’t seem quite as popular as the Caribbean itineraries. Maybe its because some Mexico cities are a little bit more rugged or maybe with news reports, some consider it unsafe?

For me, a Mexican Riviera 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 dislike sitting on an airplane for a whole 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, I’m a happy camper, lol. That’s how my first Mexican Riviera cruise 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.

While a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise sees more of Mexico than a shorter trip, a three- or four-day cruise can still give you a taste of Mexico. Three-day cruises sail to Ensenada out of California. Seven-day cruises generally include Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan as port days.

Is Mexico Safe?

While there have been advisories about traveling to Mexico, I have never felt unsafe during any of my visits. While there may be violence in Mexico, there is crime everywhere, even in your own town.

Mexican policeman on a Segway

However, it’s best to exercise extreme caution when sailing a Mexican Riviera cruise. To make yourself less of a target, remove expensive jewelry and watches and leave them in your cabin safe. Carry only one credit card and a small amount of cash, and leave all your other cards in the safe. I generally get off the ship without a purse and take a small crossbody bag with just my camera, cruise ship card, Passport, and a little cash.

It’s advisable to walk in a larger group and NEVER alone and go where the other cruise ship passengers are walking. Avoid traveling to remote places on your own. During some of my cruise port visits, there was a high degree of police presence which put me at ease.

A little advice on taking a taxi in Mexico. Some taxis have no meter to clock your distance and time. ALWAYS negotiate the price of the ride before getting inside a cab. There are many stories of tourists being charged an outrageous amount. Don’t be one of them.

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. It’s important to know your embarkation port so your shuttle or taxi will drop you at the right one. Travel time in a cab or shuttle from LA International Airport (LAX) is approximately 40 minutes but can take up to an hour in heavy traffic. Additionally, San Diego also has two terminals: the first B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal and the second, B-Street Pier & Cruise Ship Terminal. Holland America and Disney Cruises sail from San Diego. Both terminals are approximately 10 minutes drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Sailing To Mexico

While you can sail a Mexican Riviera cruise year-round, the summer months are far too hot to enjoy your vacation. The best months are November to March when the weather is warm but bearable. 

The one thing I discovered very quickly on my first Mexican Riviera cruise is that everyone was escaping the winter back home. As soon as the sun popped up, loungers around the pool area became filled, almost instantly. If you worship the sun, wait until day two, and gradually spend short times by the pool. Why day two, you ask? By then, all those white-bodied people who couldn’t get enough of the rays will be various shades of red, and some will be blistered. As the days roll by, the number of severely burned individuals will increase. By the end of the cruise, most will be avoiding the sun. The sun is harsh in Mexico so be prepared and bring a high SPF sunscreen and hat.

Mexican pesos

Currencies accepted in Mexico include the Mexico Peso and the US Dollars. Should you need to exchange money, most banks will exchange Sterling pounds, Euros and Canadian dollars.

Cabo San Lucas

The Arch (El Arco), Cabo San Lucas

Generally, the first stop on your Mexican Riviera cruise, Cabo San Lucas is almost an Americanized city with its modern vacation resorts. With its rugged rock formations in the ocean, most visitor’s come to Cabo San Lucas to see the Arch or El Arco.

Cabo Wabo founded by Sammy Hagar

Nestled where the Pacific Ocean meets Sea of Cortes, Cabo San Lucas welcomes cruise ships passengers with spectacular views of the towering rocks reaching out of the water. Be sure to be on the deck to view the approach to Cabo San Lucas; as you should not miss this picture-perfect scene. 

At Cabo San Lucas, you will need to tender. For those who have not cruised before, tendering requires you to go ashore by smaller boat while the cruise ship stays out in the ocean. Tendering is a bit of a nuisance because you must obtain a tender “ticket” to board your smaller boat which steals valuable time from your port day activities. However, tendering is the only option in ports that cannot accommodate a large ship or have no terminal at all. Be sure to line up early for your ticket so you can go ashore as soon as possible.

Haggling

If you love to haggle and bargain shop, Mexico is the ideal place for you. It’s common to be followed by merchants trying to peddle their wares of Mexican silver jewelry, handwoven hats, hand embroidered clothing, and colorful textiles. Mexico is a place where you can experience almost any port excursion for rock-bottom bargain prices. For instance, I’ve taken a glass bottom boat to El Arco for under $10. The boat ride includes Lover’s Beach, Divorce Beach and a chance to snorkel in the fish-filled waters. For tips on what to do in Cabo, read “The very best of Cabo San Lucas.”

Puerto Vallarta

Sea urchin statues in Puerto Vallarta

I remember pulling into Puerta Vallarta early one morning and watching the docking process from my balcony. The captain had announced there was a delay due to paperwork that needed to be registered before we could go ashore. So, I lingered on the balcony and was shocked to see a Walmart across from the dock. Was I really on a Mexican Riviera cruise? I hadn’t seen the Walmart before because Puerto Vallarta has more than one port for cruise ships to dock.

Puerto Vallarta was made famous by the 1964 movie The Night of the Iguana in Mismaloya Beach. Mismaloya Beach became a lover’s destination for Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

The highlight of Puerto Vallarta is the Malecon, a winding promenade that runs along the oceanfront. It’s dotted with exciting and unique sculptures made by various artists. Take time to enjoy these while you listen to the sound of the ocean. While many visitors travel to Mexico for the sun and the sand, Puerto Vallarta has much more to offer. It’s a bustling city with lots of bars, restaurants, shopping and plenty of outdoor activities to occupy your time. Want for information? Read my post on “Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.”

Mazatlan

Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, Mazatlan is a coastal town in the state of Sinaloa known for its incredible seafood. A trip to Mazatlan must include a stroll to the historic center of Old Mazatlan, as its a place of so much history. Start at La Plazuela Machado, which is undoubtedly one of the loveliest plazas in all of Mexico. Constructed in 1837 by a wealthy businessman, the Plaza Machado allowed locals to relax under the orange trees that use to grow there.

Today, the tree-lined plaza still offers tourists the chance to sit, relax and watch some performers. If you love to people watch, you can spend hours in Mexico doing just that. There are lots of great restaurants with outdoor seating around the plaza, as well as art galleries, shopping, and a theater. The incredible 19th-century buildings that surround the square are of French and Spanish influence. Painted in bright colors with lovely iron railings, they reminded me of buildings I had seen in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Continue on the cobblestones street a little further to discover the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception also known as Mazatlan Cathedral. For more information on Mazatlan, read “A visitor’s guide to Mazatlan, Mexico.”

Did You Know?

Only in Mexico would you find this store sign

Did you know that Mexico is the world’s largest producer of silver? If you love silver, you’ll enjoy browsing the local merchants for handcrafted bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and rings. The prices are very reasonable and the selection vast.

Did you know Mexico is the birthplace of vanilla? Like everyone else who travels to Mexico, I always bring home a few large bottles of pure vanilla extract, enough to last me until my next trip. When shopping for extract, don’t buy the cheapest priced bottled. Learn to read the labels. With vanilla extract, you get what you pay for. Make sure the ingredients include pure vanilla and not vanilla flavor.

Did you know Mexico severely lacks adequate water treatment facilities? As a result, it’s advisable not to drink the tap water. While many restaurants say their water is safe to drink, I’ve known many people who still got sick from drinking all. No-one wants their vacation ruined by lousy drinking water so to be safe, always request sealed bottled drinking water or anything that comes in a can or bottle.

Mexico is also a place you can purchase medications such as antibiotics, and Viagra without a prescription.

Time Zone

Did you know Mazatlan is in a different time zone to Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta? It’s best to wear a watch when going ashore because you can’t rely on your cell phones to give you the correct time.When I sailed to Mexico the first time, my cruise ship visited Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan then Puerto Vallarta. This means your clock moves forward one day and moves back the next. While the captain will remind you to change your watches, someone on my cruise ship forgot. Subsequently, they were one hour late and lucky that the cruise ship actually waited for them. Many other cruisers have not been so fortunate and have been left behind at the port.

Mexican Food

From fresh fish tacos on homemade corn tortillas to delicious guacamole, salsa and chips, remember to sample some flavorful Mexican food. However, there is more to Mexican food than just tacos. Here are some delicious foods to try on your Mexican Riviera cruise.

Elote

Elote is a grilled corn-on-the-cob but packed with flavor. Once roasted, season the corn with a sauce made with salt, chili powder, garlic, cheese and mayonnaise, and best served with fresh lime. Elote is readily available at many street vendors.

Pozole

Pozole, traditional Mexican soup

Every country has a traditional soup, and in Mexico, it’s called Pozole. Pozole is made from hominy, which is processed corn and meat. Seasoned with spices and topped with radishes, avocados and lime juice, it’s labor-intensive to produce. Because of this, it’s usually only eaten on special occasions.

Mole

Traditionally used in Mexican cuisine, Mole sauce is served over meat. A classic mole sauce starts with a mix of chili peppers, which are roasted and ground into a paste. Other ingredients include garlic, spices, tomatoes, and sesame seeds.

Dorilocos

The newest snack craze on Mexican streets is Dorilocos. If you love cheese Doritos, you’ll go nuts for Dorilocos. It has no set recipe but a crazy throw together of various ingredients that all start with a bag of Doritos. The chips are tossed with peanuts, candies, cucumber, jicama, chili powder, spices, and hot sauce. There are different flavors of this bizarre street snack but be warned, all are messy to eat.

Gorditas

Mexican bread

Gorditas are thick corn tortillas sliced open to create a pocket, then filled with a delicious filling. The filling usually consists of meat, refried beans, cheese, and salsa. Gorditas mean “chubby” in Spanish, and while the fillings can vary, Gorditas come in two varieties; one baked and the other fried.

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are corn tortillas cut into quarters and lightly fried. Topped with salsa or mole sauce, the tortillas are simmered until slightly softened. Finally, they are topped with cheese, onions and sometimes meat, and served with eggs for breakfast.

Port Days

It’s helpful to remember its hot and dry in Mexico. Carry some bottled water, sunscreen, and a hat when leaving your cruise ship. Instead of sunscreen lotion, we found it better to carry a sunscreen spray. That way, we never needed to wash our lotion-covered hands.

If you plan to spend some time at the beach, cruise ships will allow you to take their beach towels ashore. This is great; because there is no need to pack one in your luggage which saves space. Do invest in a portable safe to lock up your phone, passport, money and cruise cards. I’d recommend a water resistant one like this.

Mexican Riviera Souvenirs

Tequila, the perfect Mexico souvenir

Mexico is known for its premium chocolate. If you’re a chocolate lover, consider purchasing some chocolate bars or a few jars of mole sauce. Of course, let’s not forget pure vanilla, Mexican silver, Mexican pottery, and hand-woven goods.

Of course, no trip to Mexico is complete without sampling some tequila. Before going on a Mexican Riviera cruise, I didn’t know they made flavored Tequila. I brought home a bottle of passionfruit tequila and my favorite, chocolate tequila! Nothing beats a Mexican souvenir like a bottle or two of local tequila. 

Whether you stop in cobblestoned Puerta Vallarta, Scenic Cabo San Lucas or historical Mazatlan, a Mexican Riviera cruise will leave you relaxed and rested. From its palm tree-lined beaches to its exotic flavored foods, you’re bound to experience something new.

The Day of the Dead or “Dia de los Muertos” is a holiday celebrated by people of Mexican heritage. During this holiday, family and friends gather to celebrate and pray for their loved ones who have died. All over Mexico, visitors can find Day of the Dead tourist souvenirs from sugar skulls and statues to t-shirts, magnets, and candles.

The Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos celebration

And one last thing; try to catch the sunset one night because the Pacific coasts sunsets are spectacular. My husband and I ate in a specialty restaurant the final night on our cruise. We were lucky enough to have an intimate table for two by the window, where we watched the sun slowly drop below the horizon. It was magical!

Happy travels ~ Karen