Six of the best cruises to Mexico
Where are the best places to explore in Mexico? Vicky Mayer discusses the top Mexican cruise destinations that should be on your bucket list.
Number one
Puerto Vallarta
In the foothills of the lush Sierra Madre mountains, this historic port offers cobbled streets lined with elegant colonial buildings, galleries and cafes.
But the main attraction is the stunning beaches – don’t miss the chance to spend a couple of hours at Playa de los Muertos.
Get onboardRoyal Caribbean seven-night ‘Cabo, Vallarta & Mazatlan’ cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas, round trip from Los Angeles via Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, departs November 28, 2022, from £511.
Number two
Merida
Accessed from the port of Progreso, this magnificent city is crammed with impressive colonial architecture, and with live music on every corner it’s a pleasure to spend the day here.
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You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area, including the Mayan ruins at nearby Uxmal.
Get onboardCarnival five-night ‘Western Caribbean’ cruise aboard Carnival Breeze, round trip from Galveston via Cozumel and Progreso, departing November 26, 2022, from £188.
Number three
Cabo San Lucas
At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is known as a party town but it also has amazing beaches.
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And take a boat trip to see El Arco, Cabo’s famous landmark – a natural rock formation in the shape of an arch.
Get onboard Princess Cruises seven-night ‘Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez’ cruise aboard Diamond Princess, round trip from San Diego via Loreto, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, departs September 11 2022, from £529.
Number four
Acapulco
In its 1950s heyday, Acapulco was a playground for Hollywood stars. The glamour may have faded a little but Acapulco’s huge crescent-moon bay still packs a punch.
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There’s brilliant snorkelling, and don’t forget to call in for cocktails at the legendary Hotel Los Flamingos, perched on a 450ft clifftop.
Get onboard NCL 12-night ‘Panama Canal’ cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel, from Los Angeles to Colon via Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Puerto Caldera, departs November 12, 2022, from £920.
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Number five
Cozumel
This island off the Yucatan Peninsula is where cruise ships dock for Playa del Carmen, Cancun and a wealth of nearby attractions, from Mayan ruins to wildlife reserves.
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If you’re short of time, Cozumel itself offers excellent shopping (and powerfully authentic margaritas).
Get onboard P&O Cruises 35-night ‘USA & Caribbean’ cruise aboard Ventura, round trip from Southampton via Bermuda, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, New Orleans, Key West, Miami, Port Canaveral and Ponta Delgarda, departs March 2, 2023, from £2,499.
Number six
Manzanillo
On Mexico’s Pacific coast, lively Manzanillo offers pristine white beaches, rambling mango plantations and great seafood restaurants. Get onboard Princess Cruises 10-night ‘Mexican Riviera’ cruise aboard Ruby Princess, round trip from San Francisco via Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, departs November 22, 2022, from £619.
- READ MORE: Why now is the time to set sail with Princess Cruises -
It’s also one of the world’s best destinations to go sport fishing for marlin, red snapper and tuna.
About Vicky Mayer
Vicky began her career working on young women’s magazines before moving on to TV and entertainment titles. Her passion, though, has always been travel, so as Editor of World of Cruising, she combines her love of magazines with the chance to shout about cruise holidays around the world.
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