DESTINATION

Mexico

From the ancient Mayan ruins of the Yucatán to the stunning Pacific coastline of the Mexican Riviera, discover why Mexico remains one of the most exciting and accessible cruise destinations in the world.

Set Sail on a Mexico Cruise

Mexico is a feast for the senses – a land of vibrant colours, bold flavours, and ancient wonders waiting to be explored from the deck of your cruise ship. With thousands of years of history, world-renowned cuisine, breathtaking coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides, and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll ever experience, Mexico delivers an unforgettable cruise vacation. Enjoy warm tropical weather year-round with temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F, making any season a perfect time to cruise.

shutterstock_255555796.jpg
shutterstock_557654347.jpg
shutterstock_1028516449.jpg
shutterstock_1063645562.jpg

Ancient Wonders

Explore awe-inspiring Mayan and Aztec ruins, from the clifftop temples of Tulum to the legendary pyramid of Chichén Itzá.

World-Class Cuisine

Savour authentic tacos, fresh ceviche, hand-made tortillas, and regional specialties that have earned Mexican cuisine UNESCO recognition.

Stunning Coastlines

From the dramatic Pacific cliffs of Cabo to the pristine Caribbean beaches of the Riviera Maya, Mexico’s shores are nothing short of spectacular.

Explore Mexico’s Cruise Regions

Mexico offers two spectacular cruising coastlines, each delivering a completely different experience. Our expert cruise advisors have sailed both and will help you choose the perfect itinerary for your dream vacation.

shutterstock_1325443922.jpg

Mexican Riviera

Key Ports: Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Ensenada, Huatulco

Known For: Dramatic Pacific coastline, world-class sportfishing, vibrant nightlife, whale watching, stunning sunsets

Ideal For: Couples, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for a mix of relaxation and excitement

Duration: 4-7 nights

shutterstock_1553800559.jpg

Yucatán & Caribbean Coast

Key Ports: Cozumel, Costa Maya, Progreso (Mérida), Playa del Carmen

Known For: Ancient Mayan ruins, world-class snorkeling and diving, cenotes, Riviera Maya beaches, vibrant local markets

Ideal For: History enthusiasts, families, first-time cruisers on Western Caribbean itineraries

Duration: 4-7 nights (as part of Western Caribbean sailings)

shutterstock_1869263008.jpg

Baja California

Key Ports: Ensenada, La Paz, Loreto, Cabo San Lucas

Known For: Wine country, desert landscapes meeting the sea, whale watching, Sea of Cortez marine life, craft beer scene

Ideal For: Short getaways from Los Angeles or San Diego, nature lovers, food and wine enthusiasts

Duration: 3-5 nights

Compare Mexico Cruise Regions

Feature Mexican Riviera Yucatán & Caribbean Coast Baja California
Typical Duration 4–7 nights 4–7 nights 3–5 nights
Main Departure Ports Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco Galveston, New Orleans, Miami, Tampa Los Angeles, San Diego
Best For Couples, adventure seekers, sunset lovers Families, history buffs, first-time cruisers Short getaways, nature lovers, foodies
Highlights Sportfishing, whale watching, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches Mayan ruins, snorkeling, cenotes, local markets Wine country, whale watching, Sea of Cortez, desert scenery
shutterstock_2008252154.jpg

Our Mexico cruise advisors will help you plan the perfect getaway.

Mexico offers an incredible variety of cruise experiences, and with so many options it can be hard to know where to start. On the Pacific side, you can explore the Mexican Riviera with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Huatulco. Shorter Baja cruises visit Ensenada and Catalina Island, perfect for a quick escape. On the Caribbean side, Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world, while Costa Maya and Progreso offer gateways to ancient Mayan cities and stunning cenotes. You can even combine Mexico ports with visits to Belize, Honduras, and the Cayman Islands on Western Caribbean itineraries. If that list seems overwhelming and you’re not sure which Mexico cruise is right for you, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Our expert advisors have been there, sailed it, and loved it—and we’ll make sure you do too. Talk to a cruise expert today!

Beyond the Beach

Mexico cruise itineraries can easily be combined with nearby destinations or extended with pre- and post-cruise stays for an even richer experience.

  • Western Caribbean – Combine Mexican ports with Jamaica, Cayman Islands, and Honduras
  • Panama Canal – Extended voyages connecting Pacific and Caribbean coasts
  • Sea of Cortez – Jacques Cousteau’s “aquarium of the world” with extraordinary marine life
  • Hawaii – Repositioning cruises connecting the Mexican Riviera with the Hawaiian Islands
shutterstock_2008252385.jpg

Find your specialty cruise today!

We’ll help find the perfect specialty cruise—whether you’re crossing oceans, transiting canals, or exploring the ends of the Earth.

Best Time to Cruise Mexico

Mexico is a fantastic year-round cruise destination, though the best timing depends on which coast you’re visiting.

Mexican Riviera Peak Season (November – April): Dry season with comfortable temperatures, ideal whale watching in Cabo from December through March, and perfect weather for outdoor adventures. This is the most popular time to sail.

Yucatán & Caribbean Coast (December – April): Dry season brings the best conditions for exploring ruins and enjoying beach days. Cozumel and Costa Maya are featured on Western Caribbean itineraries year-round.

Shoulder Season (May – June, October – November): Great value with pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular ports and excursion sites.

Summer Season (July – September): Warmest temperatures and occasional tropical showers, but excellent rates and fewer crowds. Mexican Riviera cruises are less affected by Caribbean hurricane season.

Holiday sailings and spring break voyages are especially popular for families, so we recommend booking early to secure the best cabins at the best rates.

A sleek and modern retail space within a cruise ship, featuring merchandise displays with blue and white branding, branded clothing, and souvenirs in glass cabinets with mood lighting.

Why Book with Cruise Help

Expert Advisors

Specialty cruise specialists who understand the unique requirements of expedition and world voyages.

Exclusive Perks

Access to special deals, onboard credits, and amenities not available when booking direct.

Personalised Planning

Custom recommendations for ships, itineraries, and cabin selection on complex voyages.

Full Support

Assistance from booking through disembarkation and beyond—we’re with you every step.

Mexico Cruise FAQs

The best time depends on which coast you’re visiting. For the Mexican Riviera (Pacific side), November through April offers dry weather, comfortable temperatures, and prime whale watching season. For Mexico’s Caribbean coast (Cozumel, Costa Maya), December through April provides the driest conditions. Both coasts are warm year-round, and summer months offer excellent value with lower prices.

A Mexican Riviera cruise sails the Pacific coast, typically departing from Los Angeles or San Diego and visiting ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán. A Yucatán cruise visits Mexico’s Caribbean coast ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya, usually as part of a Western Caribbean itinerary departing from Gulf Coast or Florida ports. The experiences are quite different—Pacific cruises offer dramatic landscapes and sportfishing, while Caribbean-side cruises focus on ancient ruins and world-class snorkeling.

While U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises (departing and returning to the same U.S. port) can technically use a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, we strongly recommend carrying a valid passport. A passport simplifies embarkation and provides crucial flexibility if you need to fly home from a Mexican port due to an emergency. Your cruise advisor can help you understand the specific requirements for your itinerary.

Absolutely! Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ports in the world for good reason. It offers world-class snorkeling and diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, easy access to Mayan ruins at Tulum and Chichén Itzá, beautiful beaches, fantastic shopping, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, there’s always something new to explore. Our advisors can recommend the best excursions based on your interests.

Popular Mexico shore excursions include visiting the Mayan ruins at Tulum or Chichén Itzá, snorkeling or diving at coral reefs in Cozumel, swimming in cenotes (natural sinkholes), whale watching in Cabo San Lucas, zip-lining through jungle canopy, ATV adventures, tequila tasting tours, deep-sea fishing in the Pacific, and catamaran sailing excursions. Each port offers unique experiences that your cruise advisor can help you choose from.

Mexico cruises range from quick 3-night Baja getaways out of Los Angeles to 7-night Mexican Riviera voyages. On the Caribbean side, Cozumel and Costa Maya are typically included on 4-7 night Western Caribbean itineraries. Some cruise lines also offer extended 10-14 night sailings that combine both Mexican coastlines or connect Mexico with Central America and the Panama Canal. Your cruise advisor will help you find the ideal length for your schedule and budget.

Many major cruise lines offer Mexico itineraries. For the Mexican Riviera, popular options include Carnival, Princess, Norwegian, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean sailing from West Coast ports. For Mexico’s Caribbean coast, nearly every cruise line visits Cozumel and Costa Maya, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, MSC, and Norwegian. Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea also include Mexican ports. Our team of 23+ advisors will match you with the perfect cruise line for your preferences.

Mexico is an outstanding family cruise destination. Kids love the beach days, snorkeling adventures, and exploring ancient ruins—it brings history to life in a way textbooks never could. Family-friendly shore excursions like dolphin encounters, eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-Há, and guided jungle tours make for unforgettable experiences. Most cruise lines offer excellent kids’ programs to keep younger travelers entertained on sea days. Our advisors specialize in helping families plan the perfect Mexico cruise.

Cruise ports in Mexico are well-established tourist destinations with strong safety infrastructure. Ports like Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta welcome millions of cruise visitors annually. Cruise lines carefully select and monitor their ports of call, and organized shore excursions provide safe, guided experiences. As with any travel destination, we recommend staying in well-traveled tourist areas and booking reputable excursions. Your cruise advisor can share first-hand tips for each port.

Yes! Mexico ports pair beautifully with other destinations. Western Caribbean itineraries often combine Cozumel with Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Honduras. Mexican Riviera sailings can be combined with California coastal stops or extended into repositioning cruises to Hawaii or through the Panama Canal. Some cruise lines also offer back-to-back sailings that let you experience both the Riviera and Caribbean sides of Mexico. Ask your Cruise Help advisor about the best combination itineraries.