A guide to cruising to Mexico

Quick insights

• Mexico cruises typically sail in the pacific along the Mexican Rivera or through the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatán Peninsula.
• English is commonly spoken on cruises to Mexico that depart from the U.S.
• You may want to avoid cruising to Mexico during hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

Tourism is a large part of Mexico’s economy, and cruises are a big part of the Mexican tourism industry. Several major cruise lines offer trips to Mexico from the U.S.—so much so that Cozumel is considered one of the busiest ports in the world.

And there’s plenty of reasons why. For travelers wanting to visit stunning beaches, experience a vibrant cultural scene and eat delicious food, you may want to see what cruising to Mexico is like.  

The basics of cruising to Mexico

Mexico is a vast country full of flavorful food, stunning sandy beaches, a vibrant culture and significant historical sites, giving travelers plenty to do and see. If you’re cruising to Mexico, you can experience the amenities and comforts that come with cruising while still getting to experience Mexican culture when your ship docks.

When it comes to a cruise to Mexico, you have options. Early on, you’ll likely need to decide what type of ship you what to cruise on (luxury, budget, family-friendly?) and which route you want to take.

Mexico cruises typically sail one of two routes:

• Along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, often referred to the Mexican Riveria
• Through the Gulf of Mexico, with stops in other Caribbean ports of call

On the Pacific side, common ports of call include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta while cruises going through the Gulf typically stop at Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Many cruises leave from Los Angeles or San Diego if cruising the Pacific side and from New Orleans, Tampa or Galveston if you’re cruising through the Gulf of Mexico.

When to cruise to Mexico

If you plan to cruise to Mexico, it may be wise to avoid hurricane season. It typically runs from June to November, with the highest potential hurricane activity from mid-August to mid-October.

The peak travel times for Mexico cruises take place from mid-December through early spring. This is Mexico's dry season and temps are typically in the 70s during the day and 50s at night.

But the nice weather could cost you. Cruising during those months can come with a higher price tag than off-peak times.

When to book a cruise to Mexico

Cruise lines often allow you to book a cruise 1.5 to 2 years in advance of the departure date. Booking in advance may help you secure your preferred room and excursions, plus potentially discounted rates. 

If you’re booking a Mexico cruise during peak travel season, you may want to book at least 6-12 months in advance. For larger groups, it can be helpful to book at least 12 months in advance.

Travelers who have more flexibility when they can travel, might find savings with last-minute fares and deals.

Planning your itinerary

Cruise ships are known to have a variety of activities on board. Many have pools, nightly entertainment, sports and activities to suit every type of traveler. But there is fun to be had off the boat as well.

Many cruise lines will offer offshore excursions, and Mexico has a lot to choose from, including:

• Visiting Mayan ruins
• Snorkeling and scuba diving
• ATV adventures
• A day trip to downtown Cancun that can include food or cultural walking tours

You can typically book excursions while you’re on the ship. However, most ships recommend booking them in advance. When booking excursions, you’ll want to find reputable companies or book excursions through the cruise.

Your time at the port will be limited, so you’ll likely want to plan your day in advance, especially if you’re looking to visit some of the most popular tourist attractions. When arriving at a port, try to deboard the ship early to make the most of your time on land and avoid crowds that can swell when a ship docks.

Preparing for your first cruise to Mexico

When preparing to go to on a Mexico cruise, it can be helpful to think through what documents you need to bring and what to pack:

Essential documents

Most cruises traveling from the U.S. to Mexico are considered "closed-loop". A passport may not be required on a closed-loop cruise. You’ll want to check with your cruise line and destination country to confirm the requirements to enter a foreign country.  

Packing

When packing for Mexico, you may want to take the weather, gear necessary for planned excursions and events on the cruise into account. You also will want a carry-on bag with you. You may arrive at your room before your luggage, so having a bag with essentials and important documents can provide a smoother transition onto the boat.  

What to know before cruising to Mexico

Before traveling to any foreign country, it may be wise to check with the U.S. State Department. It can sometimes issue travel advisories for increased caution in certain areas.

When it comes to being on the ship, here are a few other things you may want to know:

• Speaking English: English is widely spoke on Mexico cruises. At ports, you may find plenty of English speakers as well.
• Health: Seasickness is a common issue on cruises. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing over the counter medication, motion sickness wristbands or ginger capsules to help avoid seasickness. Cruise ships have medical staff on board. If you’re feeling unwell, consider seeking medical advice.
• Tipping: Most cruise lines add a daily service charge or gratuity to the price of the trip. Many services aboard a ship like spa and bar service have a gratuity that may be automatically added to your bill, so tipping may not be necessary.
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi likely will be an additional charge. Most cruise lines charge a daily fee for access to Wi-Fi. Also, keep in mind that cruise ship internet likely won’t be as fast and reliable as your home internet connection.

In summary

Cruising to Mexico can provide many memorable experiences. With everything from Mayan ruins to blue waters and sandy beaches, there are plenty of options off the ship to explore and experience the local culture. When leaving the ship, try to deboard early if you’re hoping to avoid crowds. And even though you’ll find many people who speak English at tourist spots in Mexico, an “Hola” and “Muchas gracias” can go along way when interacting with locals.