Mexico's stunning western coastline, golden sunsets and quiet ports of call offer a relaxing alternative to a Caribbean cruise. Still a world away, but close to home, a Mexican Riviera cruise or a Mexican Baja cruise is a convenient way for those living in the western US to enjoy a cruise within driving distance. Mexico's turbulent history has created a unique blend of native cultures and Spanish heritage, providing a dramatic backdrop to quaint villages and romance you'll find today.

Open-air markets characterize the ports of call found on Mexico Cruises. Spend some time shopping for crafts, silver jewellery, and pottery created by local artists, or simply stroll through the streets enjoying the Spanish architecture, sidewalk cafes and lively cantinas. The townspeople are friendly and polite, and sure to make your visit enjoyable. Cultural exhibitions are performed daily in the public plazas highlighting local dances, live music and traditional costumes. Along with exotic birds, reptiles and flowers the atmosphere is colourful, festive and fun.

For those looking for more active and adventurous activities you find that the beaches deep clear waters along the coastline are prime territory for sport fishing and whale watching excursions. Several fine golf courses are accessible from the ports of call, and you'll also find sailing, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.

There are two types of cruises to Mexico and one cruise itinerary that has ports in Mexico. These should not be confused.

Mexican Riviera Cruises
These cruises sail year-round and roundtrip from Southern California and seasonally from San Diego or San Francisco. A Mexican Riviera cruise is usually 7 Nights or longer and include stops in Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Some longer Mexican Riviera cruises include stops or overnights in Acapulco.

Mexican Baja Cruises
Mexican Baja cruises always sail from Los Angeles or Long Beach. These are short 3 and 4 Night getaways that are very popular for West Coast residents. The 3-Night cruises leave on Fridays and visit Ensenada, spend a day at sea and return to their homeport. The 4-Night cruises often include a stop at Catalina Island and some include San Diego as well.

Western Caribbean Cruises that INCLUDE Mexico ports
These cruises depart from Florida and the gulf ports New Orleans, Galveston and Houston. Western Caribbean cruises visit the Eastern ports of Mexico located on the Yucatan Peninsula. These ports include Cozumel, Cancun and Costa Maya. Since these cruises typically visit other ports like Jamaica, Belize, Grand Cayman, they are not considered Mexico cruises, but rather Caribbean, specifically the Western Caribbean cruises. Click here for more about Western Caribbean cruises.

Three and four night Mexican Baja cruises usually visit:

Mexican Riviera cruises will visit three or more of the following ports of call depending on the ship and itinerary.

3- and 4-night Mexican Baja cruises are offered year-round on Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International.

Mexican Riviera cruises 7-nights and longer and are offered on a seasonal basis October through April or May. Look to Carnival Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises for newest ships and the most regular sailing dates. Repositioning itineraries sail one way northbound in the spring and then again southbound in the fall and can be found on a wide variety of cruise lines. Norwegian Cruise Lines has introduced an 8 Night Mexican Riviera cruise that includes and overnight port stop in Acapulco and Celebrity Cruises has 10 Night Mexican Riviera Cruises from San Diego.

Mexico cruises generally sail from and return to San Diego, Los Angeles or Long Beach. San Francisco is sometimes offered on a seasonal basis, as well. Acapulco is often an embarkation or disembarkation port for repositioning cruises and is a popular place in which in spend an extra night or two.