What Is a Mexico Cruise?
A Mexico cruise sails to Pacific coast ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan on Mexican Riviera itineraries, or to Caribbean-side ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya on Western Caribbean routes. Short 2-4 night Baja cruises depart from Southern California, while 7-night Riviera sailings offer a longer Pacific coast experience. Fares start from $178 per person.
Mexico Cruise Quick Facts
| Sub-Regions on iCruise | Mexico Cruises and Baja Mexico Cruises |
| Duration Range | 2 to 75 nights. Most popular are 3-4 night Baja and 7-night Riviera. |
| Pacific Departure Cities | Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego |
| Caribbean-Side Ports | Cozumel and Costa Maya (listed under Western Caribbean on iCruise) |
| Starting Prices | From $178/person. Summer/fall lowest ($178-$194). Winter slightly higher ($183-$325). |
| Ideal For | West Coast residents, budget-conscious travelers, beach lovers, food and culture enthusiasts |
What Does a Mexico Cruise Cost?
| Season | Months | From Price (per person) | Sailings/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer/Fall | May-October | From $178 | ~119-180 sailings/month |
| Winter (Dry Season) | November-April | From $183 | ~139-258 sailings/month |
Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only, and subject to change.
When do you want to cruise?
| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2026 | 4 cruises | $7,899 |
| Dec 2026 | 4 cruises | $7,199 |
| Jan 2027 | 4 cruises | $13,449 |
| Feb 2027 | 5 cruises | $5,299 |
| Nov 2027 | 3 cruises | $5,899 |
| Dec 2027 | 3 cruises | $7,849 |
| Jan 2028 | 1 cruise | Call For Price |
| Feb 2028 | 1 cruise | $8,799 |
| Mar 2028 | 2 cruises | $6,399 |
| Nov 2028 | 1 cruise | $5,099 |
| Dec 2028 | 3 cruises | $6,499 |
| Feb 2029 | 3 cruises | $7,399 |
| Mar 2029 | 1 cruise | $11,799 |
Mexico Cruise Highlights
Travel south to ports like Mazatlan and Acapulco to snorkel, scuba dive, shop, dance and more. Visit the nationally protected Marine Park in Cozumel and the Museo del Cuale in Puerto Vallarta, or snorkel through crystal blue waters in Los Cabos Bay.
Popular Mexico Cruise Ports
Cruisers can travel to Mexico in a number of ways - on Mexican Riviera Cruises, which sail from California and are usually seven nights or longer; on Mexican Baja Cruises, three- or four- night sailings from Southern California; or on Western Caribbean cruises that feature ports in Mexico. Here are three often visited ports in the colorful country:
- Cabo San Lucas: Fun in the sun is the rule in Cabo San Lucas, a resort city known for its beaches, nightlife and water sports. Go scuba diving, sport fishing, or parasailing, or stroll through Puerto Paraiso, the center of Cabo.
- Ensenada: One of Mexico's most popular ports, Ensenada is just 80 miles south of San Diego but offers a true taste of Mexico. Visit the wine country, go horseback riding on the Baja Bandidos Trail, or indulge in culinary treats like fresh oysters and rich wine.
- Costa Maya: This southern coastal city, just north of Belize, is home to ancient Chacchoben Mayan ruins, the Mahahual fishing village, and the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Visitors can also swim with dolphins and kayak through the Bacalar Lagoon.
When is the Best Time to Go to Mexico?
Though Mexico's weather varies by season and region, the country can be visited by ship any time of year. Baja cruises are offered year-round on lines like Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, while Mexican Riviera cruises are usually offered between October and May. Like the United States, the country's coldest months are between December and February. Most itineraries depart from California - San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and occasionally San Francisco.
What Cruise Lines Go to Mexico?
Mexico is a popular destination for many cruise lines. Here are a few to explore:
- Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival offers two- to seven-day cruises out of Los Angeles year-round, to ports across Mexico. Sail to ports in the Yucatan, Mazatlan, or Puerto Vallarta, to name a few, and partake in action-packed excursions like zip-lining, parasailing and salsa dancing lessons.
- Princess Cruises: Sail on a Mexican Riviera Cruise with Princess, available from September to May with three- to eight-day itineraries. Princess' first cruise vacation was to Mexico more than 50 years ago, so the line is no stranger to ports like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Loreto and more. Princess offers weekend getaway cruises, week-long vacations and eight-plus day adventures.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: One of the more modern ships to travel the Mexican Riviera belongs to Norwegian Cruise Line. Its ships go to Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo, and depart from Los Angeles. Unique shore excursion opportunities include beachside camel rides and a visit to one of the world's finest tequila factories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Baja cruise and a Mexican Riviera cruise?
A Baja cruise is a short 2-4 night sailing from Southern California, typically visiting Ensenada or Cabo San Lucas. A Riviera cruise is a longer 7-night voyage visiting ports further south like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo. iCruise offers both, with Baja as a separate page.
Can I cruise to Mexico from Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles (San Pedro) is a major departure port for both Baja and Riviera cruises. Long Beach and San Diego are also available.
Do I need a passport for a Mexico cruise?
Recommended but not required for U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises. A passport card is also accepted for Mexico port stops.
Is Cozumel part of a Mexico cruise or a Caribbean cruise?
Cozumel and Costa Maya are Mexican ports on the Caribbean coast. On iCruise, they appear on Western Caribbean itineraries from Florida and Gulf Coast ports, not Pacific-side Mexico pages.
How long is a Mexican Riviera cruise?
Typically 7 nights round-trip from Los Angeles or Long Beach, visiting 2-3 Pacific coast ports with sea days on either end.
Explore More Mexico Cruise Options
- Baja Mexico Cruises
- Cruises from Los Angeles | Cruises from San Diego | Cruises from Long Beach
- Western Caribbean Cruises (for Cozumel and Costa Maya)
- Mexico Cruises Calendar