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However, there are a few considerations to make before picking the date of your cruise. Mazatlán is home to 500,000 people, making it the largest port visited on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Mazatlán’s Old Town is a main attraction for visitors, and the walkable, cobblestoned neighborhood boasts museums, restaurants, cathedrals, and plazas to discover. Most visitors will opt for a beach day in Puerto Vallarta, whether by spending the day at an all-inclusive resort or booking a catamaran tour in the Bay of Banderas.
Night Western Caribbean CruiseDetails
Seafood is by far the most popular choice for those cruising the Mexican Riviera, as many of the cruise ports along the coast are known for their abundance of fresh seafood. With savory ceviches, endless shrimp, and grilled fish with chili marinade, you won’t go hungry if you love seafood. Navigator of the Seas is the Royal Caribbean ship offering year-round cruises to the Mexican Riviera from the Port of Los Angeles. As a recently amplified Voyager Class cruise ship, Navigator of the Seas boasts plenty of amenities, restaurants, lounges, and onboard activities to keep cruisers busy. Royal Caribbean offers several different itinerary options to the Mexican Riviera, from short weekend getaways to 7-night sailings and repositioning cruises.
Vacation Deals
Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán tend to have stronger currents and conditions than Puerto Vallarta, which is located in a small bay as opposed to the open Pacific. If you’re the type of cruiser who prefers wandering around port instead of taking excursions, you’ll find plenty to do in each Mexican Riviera port. One of the best parts of cruising the Mexican Riviera is walking around the historic, cobblestone-street towns you’ll find in this region of Mexico. You’ll want to visit the Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone) in Puerto Vallarta, a historic, waterfront old town neighborhood that is home to boutique shops, bars, restaurants, homes, and condos. Navigator of the Seas is the only ship offering cruises to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Cozumel Cancun Cruises Insider
One of the first things that comes to mind when planning a cruise to Mexico is the food. Whether tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, guacamole, salsas, or churros, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied in Mexico. For great deals and guaranteed stores, walk along the waterfront on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar, a mile-long strip in San Miguel.
It’s Christmas Time on Navigator of the Seas
Cancun and Cozumel's town centers remind you that these places aren't just beach hot spots — they're every bit as "real Mexico" as cities in the country's interior. In Cancun, visit food-truck filled Parque Las Palpas, or stop into the shops and cafes of vibrant Avenida Tulum. In Cozumel, check out the understated, elegant San Miguel Cathedral, or learn about the local ecosystem at the Museum of Cozumel Island. As far as footwear is concerned, be sure to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes, whether tennis shoes or sturdy sandals. If you plan on visiting the beach, flip flops are preferred, and you’ll also want to pack formal shoes for dinners and events onboard.
Royal Caribbean Ship Impacted by Sudden Storm in Gulf of Mexico - Cruise Hive
Royal Caribbean Ship Impacted by Sudden Storm in Gulf of Mexico.
Posted: Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
It only took about 30 minutes to get curbside and an additional 30 minutes to get to the airport. Well over an hour later, we were finally approaching the entrance to Studio B when the activities staff indicated they were looking for a party of 3. This meant that mom and sis were not up to playing laser tag this morning. When the rest of us arrived down to Studio B, we were greeted by a rather long line. With not much else to do on this cold day, we decided to wait anyway.
Here, we got some beautiful panoramic vistas of the area including the lighthouse. Meeting in the theater for 1 PM as indicated, it was over 30 minutes later when we were finally called to disembark the ship. The tender process itself was actually quick and efficient, taking only about 20 minutes to get to shore. Darla Fox, one of our favorite pub musicians, was onboard Navigator of the Seas this week. We enjoyed her performances earlier this year on Mariner of the Seas, and we thought the fam would also.
Ready for Adventure Year-Round
A small paradise of beaches, wildlife, hiking trails, resort villages, and shopping, Catalina Island is sure to offer a fun-filled port day while on a cruise. While not technically in the Mexican Riviera (or in Mexico for that matter), Catalina Island is a port you’ll see on shorter cruises to Mexico out of the Port of Los Angeles. The island is located just 22 miles off the coast of Southern California and is best traveled via golf cart or bicycle.
Adrenaline-seekers will find plenty of adventurous activities to keep them occupied on a Mexican Riviera cruise. From zip lines to kayaking and off-roading through the countryside, you won’t go bored while in port. In Puerto Vallarta you’ll find RIU Palace Pacifico, RIU Jalisco, and Hotel RIU Vallarta, all of which offer unlimited drinks and food along with pool and beach access. Keep in mind that some ports offer better swimming opportunities than others.
With a little over 2,500 residents, it’s worlds away from destinations like Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, and I was intrigued. If booking a whale watching tour is a must for you while in the Mexican Riviera, be sure to cruise between the months of December and March/early April for the highest chances of spotting whales. Humpback and gray whales are the most common to spot along the Mexican Riviera.
The most well-known of the rock formations is El Arco, a 200-foot granite rock in the shape of an arch. Cruising the west coast of Mexico along the Mexican Riviera makes for an excellent vacation, with dramatic landscapes, world-class cuisine, and culturally-enriching ports at your fingertips. Expect prices to be several hundred dollars more expensive during peak times of year, especially if you’re planning a cruise during the holiday season. Mexico’s Caribbean cruise ports stay warm year-round, so you can have a perfect beach day whether it’s January or August.
Or work off your margaritas with a spelunking expedition inside a Cenote cave. You can expect to see the total price of a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise on Navigator of the Seas between $900 and $2000 for two people in an interior cabin. Total costs will depend on the time of year, with summer months and holidays much more expensive than the off-season.
There will occasionally be other Royal Caribbean ships stopping at ports along the Mexican Riviera. However, this only happens during longer repositioning cruises as ships make their way from the Caribbean to Alaska (and vice versa). Highlights of Navigator of the Seas include the longest waterslide found at sea, ice skating, the Bamboo Room tiki bar, Hooked Seafood restaurant, and a resort-style Caribbean pool deck. These cruises tend to be between nights, departing from either Los Angeles or San Diego and ending in Florida. Repositioning cruises often visit Huatulco, Mexico, a port located in the state of Oaxaca, which is not visited on shorter Mexican Riviera cruises.
If you’re looking for activities on the water, consider joining a whale-watching tour in Ensenada — season runs from mid-December to mid-April. Or opt for an unforgettable scuba diving adventure in Cabo’s Bahía San Lucas. Carnival Cruise Line's west coast Mexico cruises sail from the port of Long Beach, which is a fun destination in its own right, with beaches, water sports and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
If you don’t have a scuba diving certification, consider a Snuba or Discover Scuba excursion. These diving excursions are beginner-friendly yet you’ll still be able to explore coral reefs and other marine life. You surely won’t have trouble finding tour operators, day passes at resorts, and cultural opportunities to seek out during your day in port. Cozumel’s cuisine is dominated by Mexican, American and international cuisine. Fresh seafood is always a good choice, and so is the cochinita pibil— a slow-roasted, highly seasoned pork dish. Cool off with a michelada, made with beer and freshly squeezed lime juice over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
