Destination Spotlight: Mexico

Mexico

If you want to experience authentic Spanish architecture, open-air markets, delicious food and beautiful beaches, then a cruise to Mexico is for you. Mexico offers several ports of call that each of which differ in culture and appearance. 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

There are a number of ways to cruise to Mexico - 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 colourful 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. Similar to the United States, Mexico’s coldest months are between December and February. Most cruise 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.