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.
Read more about Mexico Cruises >
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
| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 2026 | 130 cruises | $190 |
| Dec 2026 | 250 cruises | $189 |
| Jan 2027 | 251 cruises | $199 |
| Feb 2027 | 188 cruises | $249 |
| Mar 2027 | 212 cruises | $279 |
| Apr 2027 | 190 cruises | $308 |
| May 2027 | 129 cruises | $302 |
| Jun 2027 | 110 cruises | $418 |
| Jul 2027 | 127 cruises | $479 |
| Aug 2027 | 122 cruises | $292 |
| Sep 2027 | 123 cruises | $282 |
| Oct 2027 | 179 cruises | $294 |
| Nov 2027 | 206 cruises | $240 |
| Dec 2027 | 234 cruises | $319 |
| Jan 2028 | 229 cruises | $298 |
| Feb 2028 | 192 cruises | $303 |
| Mar 2028 | 215 cruises | $354 |
| Apr 2028 | 182 cruises | $382 |
| May 2028 | 79 cruises | $394 |
| Jun 2028 | 81 cruises | $460 |
| Jul 2028 | 94 cruises | $480 |
| Aug 2028 | 80 cruises | $376 |
| Sep 2028 | 84 cruises | $356 |
| Oct 2028 | 71 cruises | $346 |
| Nov 2028 | 55 cruises | $336 |
| Dec 2028 | 77 cruises | $326 |
| Jan 2029 | 41 cruises | $321 |
| Feb 2029 | 53 cruises | $331 |
| Mar 2029 | 61 cruises | $361 |
| Apr 2029 | 48 cruises | $391 |
| 4 Night Baja Mexico from Long Beach (Los Angeles) Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Carnival Radiance 102 Sail Dates: 12/26; 12/30; 1/3/27; 1/31/27; 2/28/27; 3/28/27; 4/25/27; 4/29/27; 5/3/27; 5/10/27; See More Starting Port: Long Beach, California, United States Ports of Call: Long Beach, Santa Catalina Island California, Ensenada, Long Beach |
4 Nights |
$230per person
(double occupancy) |
| 3 Night Baja Mexico from Long Beach (Los Angeles) Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
3 Nights |
$232per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Carnival Dream 100 Sail Dates: 5/24/27; 5/29/27; 6/7/27; 6/12/27; 6/21/27; 6/26/27; 7/5/27; 7/10/27; 7/19/27; 7/24/27; See More Starting Port: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Ports of Call: New Orleans, Cozumel, Progreso, New Orleans |
5 Nights |
$388per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Caribbean Cruise from Miami | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Norwegian Aura 71 Sail Dates: 6/19/27; 6/26/27; 7/3/27; 7/10/27; 7/17/27; 7/24/27; 7/31/27; 8/7/27; 8/14/27; 8/21/27; See More Starting Port: Miami, Florida, United States Ports of Call: Miami, Roatan, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Miami |
7 Nights |
$929per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from Los Angeles | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Discovery Princess 69 Sail Dates: 11/21; 11/28; 12/5; 12/12; 1/2/27; 1/9/27; 1/16/27; 1/23/27; 1/30/27; 2/6/27; See More Starting Port: Los Angeles, California, United States Ports of Call: Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Angeles |
7 Nights |
$499per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Western Caribbean Getaway Cruise from Galveston | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
5 Nights |
$360per person
(double occupancy) |
| 6 Night Mexican Riviera from Long Beach (Los Angeles) Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Carnival Panorama 65 Sail Dates: 11/15; 11/29; 12/13; 12/27; 1/10/27; 1/24/27; 2/7/27; 2/21/27; 3/7/27; 3/21/27; See More Starting Port: Long Beach, California, United States Ports of Call: Long Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Long Beach |
6 Nights |
$250per person
(double occupancy) |
| 8 Night Mexican Riviera from Long Beach (Los Angeles) Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Carnival Panorama 62 Sail Dates: 11/21; 12/5; 12/19; 1/2/27; 1/16/27; 1/30/27; 2/13/27; 2/27/27; 3/13/27; 3/27/27; See More Starting Port: Long Beach, California, United States Ports of Call: Long Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, Long Beach |
8 Nights |
$378per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay and Caribbean Cruise from Miami | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Hero of the Seas 62 Sail Dates: 8/1/27; 8/14/27; 8/21/27; 8/28/27; 9/4/27; 9/11/27; 9/18/27; 9/25/27; 10/2/27; 10/9/27; See More Starting Port: Miami, Florida, United States Ports of Call: Miami, Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas, Miami |
7 Nights |
$1,291per person
(double occupancy) |
| 4 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
4 Nights |
$392per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Western Caribbean Getaway Cruise from Tampa | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
5 Nights |
$316per person
(double occupancy) |
| 4 Night Western Caribbean from Tampa Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
4 Nights |
$267per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Western Caribbean from New Orleans Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Carnival Liberty 46 Sail Dates: 12/27; 1/3/27; 1/10/27; 1/24/27; 2/7/27; 2/14/27; 2/21/27; 2/28/27; 3/7/27; 3/21/27; See More Starting Port: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Ports of Call: New Orleans, Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Cozumel, New Orleans |
7 Nights |
$374per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Western Caribbean from Galveston Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Carnival Horizon 45 Sail Dates: 4/8/28; 4/15/28; 4/22/28; 4/29/28; 5/6/28; 5/13/28; 5/20/28; 5/27/28; 6/3/28; 6/10/28; See More Starting Port: Galveston, Texas, United States Ports of Call: Galveston, Mahogany Bay, Belize City, Cozumel, Galveston |
7 Nights |
$622per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Western Caribbean from Galveston Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
5 Nights |
$412per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Caribbean Cruise from Miami | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
7 Nights |
$559per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Western Caribbean from Galveston Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
5 Nights |
$452per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise from Los Angeles | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Norwegian Encore 41 Sail Dates: 11/15; 11/22; 11/29; 12/6; 12/13; 12/20; 12/27; 1/3/27; 1/10/27; 1/17/27; See More Starting Port: Los Angeles, California, United States Ports of Call: Los Angeles, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Los Angeles |
7 Nights |
$389per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Tampa | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Enchantment of the Seas 40 Sail Dates: 11/15; 11/22; 11/29; 12/6; 12/13; 1/3/27; 1/10/27; 1/17/27; 1/24/27; 1/31/27; See More Starting Port: Tampa, Florida, United States Ports of Call: Tampa, Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize City, Cozumel, Tampa |
7 Nights |
$385per person
(double occupancy) |
| 6 Night Western Caribbean from Galveston Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
6 Nights |
$387per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Norwegian Epic 36 Sail Dates: 11/15; 11/22; 11/29; 12/6; 12/13; 12/20; 12/27; 1/3/27; 1/10/27; 1/17/27; See More Starting Port: Port Canaveral, Florida, United States Ports of Call: Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay, Ocho Rios, Cozumel, Port Canaveral |
7 Nights |
$399per person
(double occupancy) |
| 4 Night Western Caribbean Getaway Cruise from Galveston | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
4 Nights |
$301per person
(double occupancy) |
| 5 Night Western Caribbean from Tampa Cruise | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
|
5 Nights |
$264per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise from New Orleans | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Mariner of the Seas 34 Sail Dates: 11/21; 11/28; 12/5; 12/12; 1/2/27; 1/9/27; 1/16/27; 1/23/27; 1/30/27; 2/6/27; See More Starting Port: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States Ports of Call: New Orleans, Cozumel, Georgetown , Falmouth, New Orleans |
7 Nights |
$309per person
(double occupancy) |
| 7 Night Perfect Day at CocoCay and Caribbean Cruise from Miami | Duration | Priced from |
|---|---|---|
Icon of the Seas 34 Sail Dates: 11/21; 11/28; 12/5; 12/12; 1/2/27; 1/9/27; 1/16/27; 1/23/27; 1/30/27; 2/6/27; See More Starting Port: Miami, Florida, United States Ports of Call: Miami, Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel, Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas, Miami |
7 Nights |
$1,169per person
(double occupancy) |
