carnival cruise mexico

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Costa Maya, Mexico

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
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Cruise to Costa Maya for an irresistible blend of serene beaches, action-packed activities and the best flavors south of the border. Mexico’s vivid Caribbean coast will appear just beyond the dock when your Carnival cruise visits Costa Maya. Silver dolphins, bright yellow angelfish, turquoise waves, ivory sand — these are just some selections from Costa Maya’s palette that you can expect to see on your Carnival Costa Maya adventure. Inland from the port are more brilliant hues, from the otherworldly shades of blue at the Lake of Seven Colors to the white stone pyramids of the ancient Maya. This bounty of beauty is yours to explore when you cruise to Costa Maya.

• Peek under the surface with the partially-excavated Chacchoben ruins.
• Get your wheels spinning with vehicle options like bikes, ATVs and more.
• Scuba dive with moray eels and docile nurse sharks in the Great Mesoamerican Reef.

Things to do in Costa Maya

Gotta see costa maya.

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* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

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Carnival Mexican Riviera cruises from $214*

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Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

Hop on a Carnival Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera or Baja Mexico cruise for a vacation filled with fun for everyone. You may find yourself competing to scale the canyon canopies of Cabo San Lucas, or taking a 4X4 into the desert for some exciting sand-dune exploring. While at port in Puerto Vallarta, go deep sea fishing for some wet and wild fun, or discover a vibrant and unique culture with some time in town. Days spent dancing on the beach, tasty Mexican cuisine and so much more with a cruise to Mexico onboard Carnival Cruise Lines.

Things to Do on a Mexican Riviera & Baja Cruise with Carnival Cruise Line

Say “Ole” to a vacation filled with activities that will live on as indelible memories for years to come. On a Carnival cruise to Mexico you’ll be able to parasail, swim with dolphins and learn about the local lore.

• Cabo Parasailing (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) Get an incredible vista of Cabo with a thrilling excursion in the sky. The breeze will awaken your spirit as you see the scenery of this exotic destination from the air.  

• Dolphin Encounter (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) You’ll never forget your first interaction with the playful dolphins of Cabo San Lucas. Learn about the wonderful creatures from an expert, educate yourself on how to interact with them and then head into the water for a Dolphin Encounter filled with smiles, laughs and memories.  

• Pirate Ship Encounter (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) Get ready for some swashbuckling, high-flying, wild excitement with the Pirate Ship Encounter in Puerto Vallarta. With this excursion you’ll watch pirates walk the plank, fight with swords and jump their way around the ship. You’ll stop at Majahuitas Beach afterwards for watersports and relaxation, or even a treasure hunt.  

• Rhythms of the Night (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) Get lost in a night of pagan mysticism and legends of long ago with a night in Banderas Bay. The sound of the jungle will move you as you follow a path lit by torch, highlighted by incredible ritual re-enactments and visualization of customs. Then enjoy a performance depicting an ancient journey for a night of mystery and eccentricity.  

• Golf Adventure VIP with Equipment (Catalina Island, CA) The Southern Coast of California is the perfect place for a relaxing day on the links. Try the Golf Adventure VIP on Catalina Island for a day of serene competition and beautiful weather.  

• Blow Hole and Winery Tour (Ensenada, Mexico) While at port in Ensenada, spend a day visiting La Bufadora and the tranquil Bodegas de Santo Tomas. The blowhole will explode with water and create an astounding sight, and then you’ll head to Baja California’s oldest winery where you can taste diverse wines and buy some for a take-home souvenir.  

Top 10 Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

• Carnival Firenze 5-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (May 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Radiance 3-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (May 2024 - Jan 2026)
• Carnival Radiance 4-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (May 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Firenze 4-day Baja Mexico Departing From Long Beach, California (May 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Panorama 7-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Jun 2024 - May 2025)
• Carnival Panorama 8-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Jun 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Panorama 6-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Jul 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Panorama 5-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Aug 2024 - Nov 2024)
• Carnival Firenze 6-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Aug 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Carnival Firenze 7-day Mexican Riviera Departing From Long Beach, California (Aug 2024 - Nov 2024)

Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Departure Ports

Learn more about each of the possible departure ports for a Mexican Riviera cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines. Your Carnival Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera cruise could embark from any of the following cities:

Long Beach, California

A beautiful, trendy city in coastal Southern California, Long Beach is the ultimate playground perched on the Pacific Ocean. Cruise to or from Long Beach and enjoy its rich history and adventurous excursions.

On a cruise from San Francisco you can experience all that the ‘City by the Bay’ has to offer, from its artistic, forward-looking culture to the beautiful coastline.

Photo Gallery for Carnival Cruise Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Mexican Riviera cruising photos from Carnival Cruise Lines. Keep in mind, this is just a sample of the sights waiting for you on a Carnival Cruise Lines Mexican Riviera cruise vacation.

The beach town of Mazatlan, Mexico

Sunset in Cabo San Lucas

The rocks of Cabo San Lucas

Mayan Ruins at dusk in Uxmal

Weathered tree in Manzanillo Bay, Mexico

Parasailing in Cabo

Family enjoying interacting with a dolphin

Golfing near Santa Catalina Island

Ocean sunset in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta skyline in Mexico

Rocky coast of Ensenada, Mexico

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Carnival México

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Carnival Mexico - All Cruise Reviews

1 - 10 of 12,293 Carnival Mexico - All Cruise Reviews

Sail Date: May 2024

Review for a Caribbean - Western Cruise on Carnival Jubilee

Pros of Carnival Jubilee: Excellent dining options and excellent food! The dining room is very good, especially the Emeril menu and formal night. The service was a bit inconsistent. Guy’s Burger Bar had great burgers but the line is a little long and you wait in the heat. Shaq’s Big Chicken is very good and so is the pizza and deli/hot dog stand. Chi-Bang was excellent as was the service. The ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Western Cruise on Carnival Breeze

I have cruised a ton on the Breeze. I love the layout and the size. Unfortunately this experience was very disappointing. The ship smelled so terrible in multiple areas. The hot tub smelled of urine. Our cabin had obvious damage to the floors under the carpet. Mold was present in the bathroom and the ship felt overall dingy. The windows on the breeze are always dirty and it is in major need of ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Eastern Cruise on Carnival Sunrise

Carnival staffing courteous- Dated Ship/curtains were very weathered and the windows were worn. The quality of the buffet has declined tremendously over the years. A lot of wasted time and walking when stairways are closed off and passengers are not notified until they actually attempt to walk to specific areas. Highly unacceptable that the smoking signs are not specific as to what can and cannot ... Read More

Sail Date: April 2024

Review for a Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Panorama

Thos was my first crusit on Carnival Panorama. It started late because the ship was late. There were alot of people standing in the heat waiting. We stood in three rows in thw heat, way pass our boarding time. Once we got on thw ship, there were other lines to go through. We were rushed through the dos and don'ts and advise to load the ship. Once on the ship, we were told to go to our rooms. No ... Read More

First of all we had the best cruise director ever! So keegan if you’re reading this, how’s itttttt?! Janica was very friendly and sold me on a philip stein bracelet (so thanks for that) lol. Edwin was hilarious during the shows we watched!!! I don’t remember the girls name from the quest, but she was sooooo good! Our housekeeper did an amazing job daily and was always friendly! Food was amazing ... Read More

Traveled with children

This was definitely my last Carnival cruise. The other 2 were back in 2019 and both Caribbean. I took a chance that 5 years and a different ocean could be a different experience. We did have a good cruise, but it was because we had 3 awesome excursion days. I'm not going to beat them to death here, but there was literally nothing "good" on this boat except for our team in the main dining. ... Read More

Review for a Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Firenze

First a little context. My wife and I have been on 30+ cruises, beginning with our honeymoon in 1987. We have cruised on Carnival(x3), Holland America(x1), Costa(x2), Princess(x2), NCL(x3), but mostly Royal Caribbean(x20+). We enjoy the mega ships of RCI the most. That being said we are fine with Carnival and we were looking forward to cruising on the new (to Carnival) Firenze. The ship ... Read More

Review for a Caribbean - Eastern Cruise on Carnival Conquest

This was my fourth cruise with Carnival Cruiselines and I may start checking out other cruiselines in the future. I love cruising since it gives me the opportunity to travel and see multiple places in one trip but I wasn't that impressed this time. The food quality has really gone down in the last few years and I was quite disappointed. We had fun and don't really go for the food, but it was ... Read More

Review for a Mexican Riviera Cruise on Carnival Radiance

This was our first time on this ship, though we have sailed with Carnival multiple times. For this trip, my husband and I were in an ambulatory accessible balcony cabin on deck 8, while our young adult sons were in an interior, also on 8. Boarding: the boarding process was smooth and speedy. From parking our car to parking our backsides on the Lido deck was less than 25 minutes. Such a ... Read More

Traveled with disabled person

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Home » Cruise » Carnival Cruise Line » Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review

Explore the West Coast on Carnival Cruise Line's newest ship with our brand new, day by day Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review!

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Carnival panorama mexican riviera cruise review , carnival panorama ship overview.

Carnival Panorama is currently Carnival Cruise Line’s largest vessel. This mega-ship holds approximately 4,000 passengers and includes several familiar favorites found throughout the fleet. On the outdoor decks, kids of all ages will enjoy the Carnival Waterworks, which includes two waterslides and a children’s splash area. For adults, the Serenity Retreat is a 21+ area with plenty of loungers, day beds, and an exclusive bar serving up signature sangrias. 

Active cruisers will enjoy the various challenges, which include a ropes course, the SkyRide aerial bikes, and the brand new SkyZone trampoline park. There are also other games such as pool and 9 holes of mini-golf, an outdoor SkyFitness workout zone, and a full-length basketball court.

Inside, the ship features an upper and lower promenade. These decks are home to the entertainment venues including the Limelight Lounge, which doubles as the Punchliner Comedy Club. There is also live music, trivia, and other Fun Squad events that occur in the Ocean Plaza as well as the ship’s Atrium. Most evenings of the cruise, the Liquid Lounge, the ship’s main theater, is home to one of Carnival’s signature Playlist Productions. For Carnival Panorama, there are two exclusive shows, Broadway Beats and Rock Revolution, along with two other productions. 

The ship also features a variety of casual dining options. We were thoroughly impressed with the eateries including the BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint. You also can’t go wrong with the hot and fresh 24 hour pizza or the custom sandwich creations at the Carnival Deli. Not to mention, there is also the complimentary lunch at Mongolian Wok and the Captain’s Pasta Bar. The main dining room did not disappoint either, especially the Sea Day Brunch. 

For those who have never sailed on a Carnival Cruise Line ship, we can’t think of a better vessel to test out the cruise line. For those frequent Carnival cruisers, you will feel right at home on this latest cruise ship. Overall, Carnival Panorama offered a memorable and action packed cruise filled with great service, amenities, and ports of call. While it was our first Carnival cruise, it certainly will not be our last!

Related Post : Top Things to do on Carnival Panorama 

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 1

Trying to Get Onboard

As we were traveling from the East Coast, we flew to California two nights before the cruise. Spending a full-day exploring the shoreline and visiting some family in the area on Friday, we made sure that we were still up and ready early to board the ship on Saturday morning. Our Uber picked us up at the Hyatt Centric Hotel in Long Beach around 10 am for the short drive over to the port.

Our first hint that embarkation would not be so smooth was the traffic right next to the parking garage.

By now, it was around 10:30 am and there were many cruisers who had disembarked the ship still clustered around the terminal area. Carnival Cruise Line had provided us with priority embarkation for this trip, meaning we could board ahead of our scheduled 1:30 pm time. While we had the email confirmation, it was not in the system at the terminal apparently. So, it took several conversations with a number of (not so friendly) gate agents to finally allow us to check in before our assigned time and wait in the Captain’s Lounge with other priority cruisers to board the ship once cleared. 

The ship did not begin letting priority cruisers on until about 11:30 am. This was not well organized either, and the barely audible PA system made it even more difficult. Once our priority group was called, we collected our bags and made the trek up the ramp to step foot on this brand new ship!

Our Usual Self-Guided Ship Tour

If you have been reading our reviews for a while, you know that on the first day of our cruise,  we always explore the entire ship. So, we headed up to Deck 15 forward to begin our typical photo and video routine. This is the adult’s only Serenity Deck. From there, we made our way down to the other outdoor decks, including the WaterWorks, SportSquare, and the Beach and Tides pools. We were also able to see the Thermal Suite and fitness center before they were crowded with other cruisers. 

Once we made our way inside to the lower decks, the crowds were beginning to fill-in the public areas; however, we spent close to two hours capturing a variety of images and footage from various decks.

Since the rooms weren’t ready yet, we stopped at Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse for lunch a little before 1:30 pm. This specialty restaurant is open for a complimentary buffet lunch on sea days. The menu items consisted of a few different meats and sides. While the food was good, there was not much selection for the Princess. Hence, we opted not to try the up-charge venue for dinner on this trip. 

Finishing up lunch, we headed up to our stateroom. We stayed in cabin 8387, which was located further aft than we realized when booking. As far as cabins go, it was a pretty basic balcony cabin with rather plain decor. We thought the storage was average, and the size was on par with other contemporary cruise lines. Although, we were not fans of the balcony door, which included a large window and pull out door versus a sliding door like other brands.

As luck would have it, all three pieces of our luggage had already been delivered. That meant that after we finished our cabin tour, we were able to unpack and get the room situated for our 7-night voyage. This essentially took us to Muster.

Our meeting point for the muster drill was the Limelight Lounge on Deck 4. Muster felt like it took forever, lasting close to 45 minutes. It felt very redundant, with the same messages and advisories repeated over and over again. 

What’s it Called? 

By now, it was 4:15 pm and time to get this cruise started! There was no better way to kick off this trip than with the sail away party on the pool deck.

One thing we noted is that Carnival cruisers really do “choose fun”. Hosted by the cruise director Emma, this sail away party was one of the liveliest and most crowded that we have seen on a cruise ship in a while. We were so busy enjoying the festivities that we forgot to get a sail away drink!

Oh well, we would have to wait for dinner for our first adult beverage of the trip. Speaking of dinner, we were initially wait-listed but later confirmed for the early dinner time. Typically, early dinner on this ship is 5:45 pm. So, we were confused to find that we were assigned a dining time of 5:15 pm?!?! That is a bit early, even for us.

During our travels earlier in the day, we stopped by the Vista restaurant to speak with the hostess. She assured us that as long as we showed up before 6 pm, we would have our table. 

So, it was a quick costume change and to the dining room with a few minutes to spare. 

“Showtime” on Carnival Panorama

While the Horizon Restaurant on Deck 3 is normally the dining room for traditional dining, we were seated in the Vista Restaurant, Deck 4, table 644. Our waitress Winnie and assistant waiters Putra and Sebastian were a great team.

For our first meal, we gave the night 1 menu a thorough test.

I went with some Asian-inspired options, including pot stickers and calamari for starters. I really liked the sweet and sour shrimp entree and was equally won over by the line’s signature chocolate cake. The wife sampled the chicken quesadilla and vegetable lasagna. While it was only our first dinner, we both agreed the main dining room was just as good, if not slightly better, than other contemporary cruise lines. The food was served hot and the service was on point.

After witnessing “Showtime”, where the waiters take a five minute dance break, we were out of the restaurant by 7:15 pm. Again, this was a very well-paced dinner for the first night of any cruise. 

Tonight, the Princess had a laundry list of things to do and see. The first of which was the 8:30 pm adult comedy show. With some time to kill, we grabbed our first round of the drink around the ship from Piano Bar 88. Here, there was some light music being played. It was a pleasant way to relax and unwind for a few minutes after a rather busy couple of days.

A Busy First Night Onboard

We headed to the Limelight Lounge on Deck 4 around 8 pm for the first adult comedy show of the cruise. Essentially, all the night time entertainment is covered in the cruise fare on Carnival Cruise ships . 

It was a half hour before showtime, and the venue was already pretty full. We were able to get seats, but they were not the best. The seating set-up in this venue is not very well designed. It is nearly impossible to get to some of the seats gracefully. The comedian for this set was Azeem. He would end up being our favorite of the four. Although, most of his set was making fun of people in the audience. Luckily, we were not within his sight. 

Following his show, we headed forward towards the theater. Along the way, we browsed the shops and were able to purchase an inaugural season t-shirt. Sadly, we were told that there were no more ornaments in stock. Later on in the cruise, we were able to score one luckily.

With our purchases in tow, we were to the theater around 9:30 pm while Bingo was wrapping up. The Liquid Lounge on Decks 4 and 5 is the main theater. For a ship of this size, it is rather small and also poorly designed. It certainly lacked our popular portside viewing area. Throughout the week, we would struggle to find a good vantage point. 

Starting late, the Welcome Aboard show consisted of the typical cruise director introductions. There were also a few numbers from the ship’s singers and dancers with a wide range of songs from Van Halen to Bruno Mars and John Legend. 

Following the Welcome Aboard show, most of the crowd strolled to the Atrium for Rock the Promenade, also hosted by Emma. While not as well attended as the earlier sail away party, there were certainly plenty of people out on the dance floor. We ended the night with a round of drinks and the late night comedy show in the theater featuring Azeem and Tommy Drake each doing about a 20 minute set.

It was time to call it a night. We returned to our stateroom by 12:30 am to find our first towel animal of the cruise. He would not be the last! 

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 2

A morning at sea.

Our second day of the cruise was a sea day. We planned on trying out some of the onboard amenities today. Our bodies were still adjusting to the time zone changes, so we were up before 7 am. I spent about 90 minutes getting some photos and video of indoor venues that we were not able to capture on Day 1. Returning with coffee and changing up, we were off by 9 am. 

There are so many casual dining options on this ship. Of course, it was the Princess’ goal to try them all. For this day, we opted for the breakfast burritos at the BlueIguana Cantina. These are made to order, and we gave them a big thumbs up. So far, the food was certainly winning us over. 

After breakfast, we played a round of mini-golf. Yes, we are big kids at heart. The course is scattered throughout the sports deck, with a few holes even located on the deck above. We don’t have to get into the details of who won this round! 

Finishing the game around 10:30 am, we grabbed some seats at the Serenity deck. To our surprise, we were able to get a day bed. The area was moderately busy, as the weather was sunny but a bit too chilly for tanning. As the morning progressed, it did get noticeably warmer. 

Along with doing some social media and relaxing, we also grabbed a round of drinks from the Serenity Bar. Another location crossed-off our “drink around the ship”. 

A Sea Day Afternoon

Around 12:30 pm, we returned to the sports deck to try out the ropes course. The Princess was not feeling it today, so I braved the course alone. While it is certainly a nice complimentary addition, it does not compare to the ropes courses on Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Finishing up my adventures, we caught the very end of the Lip Sync Battle Tryouts on the pool deck. Again, kudos to our fellow Carnival cruisers who went all out to get one of the two spots to be featured in the Lip Sync Battle competition on the final night of the cruise.

Next, the Princess made the executive decision that it was time for lunch. For this meal, she wanted to try another complimentary casual option, JiJi Asian Kitchen. This noodle bar is also known as the Mongolian Wok, which is complimentary for lunch. There was a 20 minute wait for this popular option, so we grabbed drinks from the Tides Bar in the meantime. 

Lunch at the restaurant consisted of custom noodle dishes served hot and cooked to perfection. Afterwards, we made a quick pit stop at our room to grab our gear and found some quiet space on the deck 5 outdoor promenade for a couple of hours. I may have snagged a Parched Pig IPA during this “working session”.

As this was the first elegant night of the cruise, we returned to the room around 4:45 pm to change for dinner and pictures. Tonight, we had reservations at the steakhouse, Fahrenheit 555, at 6:30 pm. 

Dinner and a Few Shows

Ready by 5:45 pm, we visited three photo stations located on decks 4 and 5 for portraits. Plenty of fellow cruisers were dressed up tonight. So, you certainly will not be out of place if you like to dress up for “formal nights” on a cruise.

We arrived a few minutes early for our reservation and were promptly seated at a table for two.  Dinner here was a mixed-bag.

It started off strong with solid appetizers including the smoked oysters and shrimp cocktail. I did the surf and turf for my entree and thought the steak was pretty average. The lobster was well prepared, but the serving size felt small for a specialty restaurant. The sides were on par with the main dining room, and the desserts were average as well. We still think that the best cruise ship steakhouse is Fine Cut on Celebrity Edge . Dinner took nearly two hours tonight, and the service was rather inconsistent. 

This meant that we had just enough time to find some obstructed view seats at the 8:30 pm adult comedy show for the second comedy Tommy Drake. While he certainly had a more polished set than Azeem, he was not that funny with several of his jokes being a bit predictable and corny. Although, his opening line was perhaps one of the funniest of the cruise. We won’t spoil the laughs!

Next, it was a mad dash to the main theater for the first Playlist Production show, Broadway Beats. An announcement was made prior to showtime that due to a cast member injury, the show’s arrangement was going to be modified for this performance. Even so, we both felt this show was not up to par with other main theater entertainment found on some of the world’s largest cruise ships. 

Ending a little after 10 pm, we stopped by the Havana Bar for some mojitos and live music. The drinks from this bar’s signature menu were a bit of a letdown as was the music, so we stayed until 11 pm and then called it a night. 

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 3

Preparing for cabo san lucas.

Our first port of call was a tender at Cabo San Lucas. For that reason, we booked a shore excursion through Carnival Cruise Line that included a whale watching tour and cruise past the famous arch, “Whale Watching and Coastal Cruise”. Our ship was scheduled to arrive for 10 am, with our tour meeting at 11 am. 

For today’s breakfast, the Princess wanted to try the main dining room. So, we arranged our morning routines to make sure we were down to the Vista restaurant on deck 3 for 9 am. 

There was a short line, but it moved quickly. Within five minutes, I had a cup of coffee in hand, and we were escorted to a table for two near the aft of the ship. From here, we could see the rock formations that are a landmark of this port of call. Breakfast was similar to what you would find on other cruise lines. Though, the food preparation, timing, and service were all exquisite.

After breakfast, we had about 45 minutes to get some video and photos of the coastline from the open decks. It was pretty windy, so it was tough to score a photo with the backdrop sans hair blowing in someone’s face. Not going to say who!

We returned to our room to pack our gear and met for our tour. This really just meant that we were loaded on a tender and would meet our tour guide pier-side. The tendering process seemed a bit slower, taking longer than expected to load passengers and push off. Once on the pier, we located our tour operator rather easily. Being escorted to the boat, we could see it was already rather full with other travelers. 

A Day on Cabo San Lucas

The whale watching and harbor cruise lasted about two hours. It was advertised as “open bar”, and the staff did a great job coming around to offer people drinks. Most of the mixed drinks were watered down, but I did enjoy a few cervezas during the voyage.

Being a larger vessel, we were not allowed to get as close to the whales as the smaller boats. So, we would see a few flippers or tails here and there, but they were rather far away from the boat. If you really want to get up close and personal, book a smaller boat or a zodiac tour. 

Returning to the pier slightly after 2 pm, we walked around browsing the port area for a few hours. We found our way to Cabo Wabo, the tequila bar owned by rocker Sammy Haggar. There were no rockstar sightings during this trip, but we did have time for a drink and a quick snack. Honestly, it was not very busy at all. 

On the return walk to the ship, we looked at a few shops to find just the right souvenirs and headed back to the tenders. Timing was ideal, as we were among the last few individuals to board a tender that was just about to leave around 3:45 pm. 

Back onboard, it was time for a midday coffee break and to change up for dinner. 

A Pretty Typical Evening Onboard 

Tonight, we were back in the Vista dining room for traditional dining. We arrived at 5:50 pm and made a b-line to our table. Again, dinner was well timed and we were very satisfied with our meals as well as the service we received from our waitstaff.

I tried some different options, going with the evening’s “rare finds”, braised rabbit for a starter. For an entree, I ordered the rosemary lamb shank. While different than I expected, it was tender and flavorful. For her meal, the Princess went with the tosdado de pollo inspired by the port of call and the standard chicken breast as an entree.

With no new comedy shows tonight, and our second theater show at 9:30 pm, we had about two hours to roam around the ship. We stopped at the Pixels photo studio to review the previous night’s photos. The Princess starred the few that met her approval, but we held off on purchasing any just yet.

Next up was a round of drinks at the Alchemy Bar. This ended up being our favorite bar on the ship as we were fans of the diverse menu and craft cocktails. The bartenders also made a true sidecar, my favorite cocktail at sea and on land. 

Around 8 pm, we joined the crowd at the “mini” Lip Sync Battle in the Atrium. The winners from the day before put on a small performance to see who would go first in the final competition on the last night of the cruise. The two cruisers gave it their all, and the crowd was loving the antics. 

We grabbed another round of cocktails at the Panorama Bar on Deck 3 and took our drinks with us to find some better seats in the main theater for tonight’s show. Tonight’s performance was Soulbound, a mischievous and enchanting tale of voodoo. While the Princess enjoyed this show, I did not like it at all. 

After the show, it was up to the lido deck for the Mega Deck Party and a round of drinks from the RedFrog Rum Bar. Mega it was, as fellow cruisers were out there strutting their stuff alongside Emma again tonight. A mix of common cruise songs and pop music, the deck party lasted until about 11 pm. Once the party dispersed, we returned to our room to prepare for our next port of call, Mazatlan. 

Related Post: Top Things to Do on Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 4

Your run of the mill island tour.

Before going to bed, we were told to set our clocks ahead one hour. So that 6 am alarm clock was even more annoying as it felt like 5 am.

Since we had an early excursion today, we had opted to order room service the night before. While there are several continental options, we tested out the $3 breakfast sandwiches. Breakfast arrived earlier than we indicated, so I was still in the shower and hadn’t gotten our morning coffee yet. Overall, the breakfast sandwiches were good, but we are not sure that they should be an up-charge. 

Getting ready and grabbing iced coffees, we met in the Horizon restaurant for 8:30 am for our excursion. Honestly, we are not sure why tours are asked to meet in the dining room, as the shore excursion staff simply walked us down to the gangway. We then had to find the tour operator holding a sign with the name of our excursion. We should have just been told to meet on the pier like other cruise lines organize their excursions. 

We boarded the bus for our “City, Malecon, Cliff Divers, and Scenic Harbor Cruise” tour around 8:45 am. This excursion included an approximately 90 minute harbor tour and then a bus tour to several areas of the city. On the harbor cruise portion of the tour, we passed sea caves, Goat Island, Two Brothers Islands, sea lions, the tallest natural lighthouse, and more.

On to the bus, we passed other notable stops like the flower market and shrimp market in the older parts of downtown. We then had a 20 minute stop to watch the cliff divers who jump some forty feet off the cliffs into water that is less than 5 feet deep. The bus also stopped at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral for 30 minutes to tour the town square and church on our own.

Lastly, we had about 75 minutes of free time in the Golden Zone. This is a tourist area with beaches, restaurants, and shops. We used this time to grab a few souvenirs and a quick bite to test out the local seafood. 

We arrived back to the pier around 3:15 pm and made our way through the shops to take the tram back to the ship. Of note, this is a commercial port so you must take the tram to and from the ship. Overall, this 6.5 hour tour was a nice introduction to the city. 

Back Onboard Carnival Panorama

Once we were onboard, we headed straight to Java Blue for some coffee. We both needed some extra caffeine. As the wife did not have much to eat on land, she joined the rather lengthy queue at Pizzeria del Capitano. The line moved at a steady pace, and she was back to the table with a personal pizza for herself before very long. Well, I may have had a slice too!

Tonight, we had dinner reservations at JiJi Asian Kitchen at 6 pm. So, we returned to our room around 4:30 pm to load photos and take some time to get ready for dinner. We were ready a bit early, so we took the stairs three flights to this aft restaurant on Deck 11. It was relatively empty, so the hostess had no problem seating us early.

Dinner was solid, as we are fans of this style of Asian cuisine. Our waitress recommended we order two starters, two sides, and two entrees for sharing. For the most part, we stuck to these suggestions, except we ordered three starters. I had to try both the duck and the dumplings. Good thing I did, as they were both delicious. The Princess also enjoyed the chicken spring rolls.

Our entrees were tasty as well, with the Kung Pao Chicken and Hakku Noodles being our favorites. The head chef came over twice to our table to make sure we were enjoying the food and to see if we wanted to order any additional items. For a $15 per person cover charge, we think this specialty dining venue is a great casual option. 

Done around 7:15 pm, we headed to karaoke in the Limelight Lounge. It was your typical mix of those individuals who can sing and those who could not carry a tune. Of course, we did not dare to get up there ourselves. We left around 8:30 pm to start making our way towards the main theater. We may have stopped for a few photos along the way. 

Trying to Find Seats in the Theater

Arriving around 8:55 pm, we were surprised to find the theater doors already open and the venue quite busy. We ended up finding seats off towards the side of the theater. Again, this venue offers limited seats with prime views. Tonight’s show was Rock Revolution. It had a mix of classic rock songs with a Woodstock era vibe. Of the shows to date, I found it to be the best, but the Princess was not feeling the love.

So far, the main theater entertainment on the ship was really the only let down. The show ended at 10:10 pm, and we found ourselves seats at the Ocean Plaza to listen to some live music by the duo Liz and Lucas. They took crowd requests and played a wide range of different songs. While here, we grabbed drinks from the bar to cross another venue off our drink around the ship list. 

After about an hour of listening to their set, we headed upstairs to the Serenity Party. Unlike the other parties on the ship so far, this one was a ghost town. The Princess was intrigued though as the DJ was spinning some tunes from the 90’s and early 2000’s straight off one of her mix CDs. I know, we are dating ourselves now! We don’t dance, but I can certainly sing along with a Parched Pig IPA while watching others take to the dance floor. 

By midnight, the songs had shifted to more modern pop songs. So, it was time for bed to rest up and prepare for our last port of call, Puerto Vallarta. 

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 5

A day on our own .

Our third and final port was Puerto Vallarta. For this stop, we booked the nighttime show Rhythms of the Night. That meant, we had the day to explore on our own. While I wanted to do a guided tour of the city and Malecon, none of the tours worked with the meeting time for our pre-purchased evening show. So, it was up to us to do some self-exploration. 

With the ship docking at 9 am, I grabbed some coffees from Java Blue. Swapping places with the wife, I was changed and ready to head to the Lido Marketplace around 9 am. While we enjoyed the casual spots throughout the ship, the buffet was by far our least favorite. The selections were limited and rather repetitive. 

Finishing up quickly, we were off the ship around 9:30 am. We were able to find a taxi outside the port area that was willing to take us to the strip for $10 USD. Hitting some traffic, we arrived shortly after 10 am. For the next 90 minutes, we strolled this busy area filled with shops, dining, and the iconic statutes taking plenty of pictures and video along the way. 

Returning to the spot our previous taxi left us, we headed back to the ship around noon. While we searched in the shops for one of our signature souvenirs, a Christmas tree ornament, we actually found one in the small craft market right next to the ship. I guess that is just our luck!

Rhythms of the Night

Our excursion had to meet at 2:30 pm in the Horizon restaurant. Even though the show included a buffet dinner, the Princess is a picky eater so wanted to make sure to grab a quick bite to eat before we left just in case. I tested my first ever Guy’s Burger. Big thumbs up from me! The Princess did a tortilla bowl from BlueIguana.

After getting a few additional coffees, we were back to the room to change for the excursion. Ready exactly on time, we were down to the Horizon Restaurant for 2:30 pm. Our tour was escorted to the pier and then over to the adjacent dock to take the 45 minute ferry to Las Caletas where the show is located. 

Overall, we both really enjoyed the show. I also thought the food was excellent, with my favorite being the sauteed shrimp and squid. Our only critique was the entire experience seemed rushed. You have little time to eat and explore before the show.

The show is approximately 60 minutes, complete with storytelling, acrobatics, and visual effects. The best comparison I have is that it is similar to a Cirque du Soleil show. While it is called Rhythms of the “Night”, the show actually started while it was still light out. This meant that some of the special lighting effects were lost for the first portion of the show.

As soon as the show was over, the staff rushed us off the island to take the ferry back to the ship. The ride back was a party scene with the staff singing and dancing, and everyone having a good time. They also sell you photos and t-shirts. We purchased both of course.

This Evening is Not Over Yet

Our ferry back actually took us right to the ship like a tender, as we were among the last cruisers to board the ship. We made a mad dash to the Liquid Lounge for the Hasbro Game Show which had just started. This was slightly different than we expected, but it was still a lot of fun.

There was no main theater show this evening, with the main attraction being the Love and Marriage show at 9:30 pm. Since we had come directly from Rhythms of the Night, we went up to our room to drop off our purchases and tidy ourselves up as the high-speed ferry ride left us looking a little wind-blown. 

We were back to the theater at 9 pm to grab seats and a round of drinks. While the Love and Marriage show did provide a few laughs, it was more tame than the versions found on RCI and NCL. Partly, it was the questions, and partly it was Emma. She was still a great host, but she had a more PG approach to her jokes and innuendo. 

Straight from the Love and Marriage show, it was time for the White Hot Night Party. This took place in the Atrium on Decks 3-5. Glow sticks and music from all decades were the features of this indoor party. 

We spent about 45 minutes at the party and then headed back to the theater. It was time for the ship’s version of the Quest. We were not going to participate, so like several other cruisers, we hid towards the back of the venue. Again, we have seen versions of this show dozens of times, and the Carnival version was a bit more tame.

Done around 12:30 am, we retired to our room for the night. We had two more sea days filled with plenty of things to do, eat, and drink!

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 6

The dining can’t get any better.

With two sea days in a row, we had plenty of items we wanted to accomplish over the next 48 hours.

The weather outside was sunny, but not very warm. So, we decided it wasn’t going to be tanning weather. As lucky would have it, we did not use our bathing suits all cruise. We did not take a dip in the pools or test out the WaterWorks waterslides. To check another item off the Princess’ list, we did the Sea Day brunch today. 

We arrived at 9:15 am to the Vista restaurant and were greeted with a small line. Again, it moved swiftly, and we were seated at a table for 2 at the aft of the ship. Hands down, this dining option had to be one of our favorites. We both enjoyed the skillet cake and the 12 hour French toast. While I am usually more of a lunch fan, I went with breakfast this morning. Next time, I am certainly testing out the lunch items. 

Brunch lasted about an hour. This gave us just enough time to make it to the Dr. Seuss parade departing from the Ocean Plaza at 10:30 am. We followed the parade to the main theater where there was a story time for the little ones. No, we didn’t stick around for the story.

Time to Head Outside

With a few character photos captured, we stopped by the Sky Zone to learn more about this up-charge facility. I scheduled a session for the last sea day at 12 pm.

Having spent most of the morning indoors, it was time to brave the weather outside. Luckily, it was sunny but probably only in the 60’s.

We snagged some of the last loungers near the beach pool in the direct sunlight. Here, we spent a few hours “working”. Apparently, it was prime seating for the ship’s hairy chest competition which started at 12:30 pm. 

We hung around the pool area until 2:15 pm. Now, it was time for lunch. 

With so many options, we decided to sample selections from the deli today. Another solid offering was the buffalo chicken sandwich. It was now official that Carnival Panorama had some of the best casual dining that we have ever had on a cruise ship. 

Finishing lunch before 3 pm, we switched views and descended to Deck 5. The hotel director had provided us with complimentary access to the private Havana Pool area. This area includes two hot tubs, an infinity pool, some loungers, day beds, and other comfy outdoor furniture. 

We secured a large day bed and a couple of drinks for the next 90 minutes or so until it was time to head back and change for elegant night. 

A Feast for the Senses

Knowing we couldn’t arrive to dinner any later than 6 pm, we were down to the portrait studios for 5:30 pm. Three picture studios later and a lot of odd posing, we were to dinner for the second Feast menu.

This menu included several upscale offerings. I was a big fan of the crab cake, the filet mignon, and the grilled shrimp. The Princess also gave her seal of approval to the clam chowder. For a meal, she did the fusilli in a mushroom cream sauce, which she thought was just okay. 

Another Non-Stop Night

We were out of dinner at 7:15 pm and power walked to the main theater to get seats for the Celestial Strings 7:30 pm performance. Luckily, we were able to get decent seats without too much searching. Still, the venue is just not optimal for photos. Both of us agreed that this was our favorite show. The variety of music and arrangements was captivating, as were the costumes and backdrops. 

Never wanting to miss anything, it was a sprint across the ship to try to get seats for the 8:30 pm comedy show of Vince Morris. Unfortunately, the venue was already standing room only.

We managed to squeeze out a seat in the back, which was obstructed by other individuals standing in front of us. This comedian was okay but not as funny as Azeem in our opinion. 

The show ended around 9 pm, and we all had to exit the lounge. While the Princess made a pit stop at the restroom, I entered the queue for the second adult comedy show with Tony Esposito. Finally, we were let back into the venue at 9:20 pm and were able to secure seats with a view. Having a table and chairs this time around, we flagged down a waiter for a couple of drinks. 

Tony’s set was certainly an act. We both think that we have seen him on another cruise line but couldn’t pin-point it. He had some pretty good jokes about his wife and kids, but a lot of the setups felt like they were 10 years old. I mean, he referenced DVDs!

This show ended around 10:10 pm. Were we going to call it a night? Of course not!

Tonight was the 80’s Rock and Glow Party. While we did not join the main dance floor, we certainly rocked out to the 80’s tunes along with some drinks from the BlueIguana tequila bar. We closed down the party around midnight. 

Tonight, we were gaining an hour of sleep back. There was one more day onboard Carnival Panorama and plenty of things we had to accomplish! 

Related Post: Guide to Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages 

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Day 7

Time for some green eggs and ham.

Gaining the hour of sleep, we set the alarm for 6:45 am this morning. On day 1, we made reservations for the ship’s Dr. Seuss breakfast at 8:15 am. I grabbed a few sunrise photos and video of the outdoor decks before getting the wife her morning iced latte.

Ready for the day, we headed to the Horizon restaurant for this up-charge event. While it was only a $6 per person cover charge, we both agreed that the food was rather average. Of course, you are paying for the experience, which included character meet and greets with Thing 1 and Thing 2, as well as Sam and the Cat in the Hat. 

Yes, this is for families and kids, but we were not the only table of just adults. 

Jumping from One Thing to the Next

Breakfast was finished by 9:30 am, and we had some time to kill before my 12 pm Sky Zone appointment. We were able to play another round of mini-golf and do the SkyRide bike with minimal wait times.

This put us close to 12 pm, so we headed down and checked in for the Sky Zone. Of course, only I opted to test out this up-charge trampoline park. The Princess claimed she had to be in the audience for photos and videos. 

For $12 a person, you have an hour to use the facilities. They organize it by age group, with 15+ being the oldest category. This meant that old and out of shape me was stuck with teens and twenty somethings that were much more fit and athletic. Still, it was a lot of fun.

I personally liked the basketball dunking. While my “old” team did come in third place in dodge ball, I think some of the officiating was suspect. The area also includes a few other challenges, such as an interactive rock-climbing wall, jousting, a rope ladder, and tug of war.

On the sidelines, the wife snapped some photos and video of me trying not to break my neck. 

Cramming Everything into the Final Day

After all that work, I needed a drink and perhaps a bite to eat.

Good thing the Tides Bar had a short wait as we ordered our only frozen drinks of the entire cruise! While the Princess waited in a long pizza line, I snagged a shrimp burrito from BlueIguana and a table.

Finishing up close to 2 pm, we wanted to get some last hours of sunlight. Unfortunately, it was a bit too cold and windy on the top decks, as well as the Deck 5 outdoor promenade. 

Instead, we grabbed two drinks from Guy’s Pig and Anchor Brew House and staked claim to seats in the Havana Bar. This venue is quiet during the day, so we were able to do some work until about 4 pm.

The night before, our host in the dining room, Mr. A, offered us the opportunity to do a Galley Tour at 4:45 pm. This would be cutting it close for dinner, so I went solo to this private event. It lasted about a half hour, while the head chef gave us a run down of the night’s menu. We were also able to see the Chef’s Table and learn about that exclusive dining experience. 

Back to the room, I quickly changed up for dinner. While Carnival had offered us a specialty dinner at Cucina del Capitano, we decided to spend our last night in the main dining room. That way, we could say goodbye to our great waitstaff and properly thank them.

The menu did not feature the Princess’ go-to turkey dinner, a last night staple on Royal Caribbean. Instead, she went with a caprese salad and cornmeal crusted chicken.

For a starter, I did the escargot which was surprisingly well seasoned and not drenched in butter. For an entree, I did half orders of the two shrimp dishes- one a pasta dish and the other a rice dish. I preferred the aptly named penne, shrimp, and bacon dish. 

The icing on the cake was the dessert. The ship’s Baked Alaska was as much a spectacle as it was a sweet treat. Waiters paraded around with this popular dessert complete with flames and sparklers. Not only did it look amazing, it was equally delicious. 

Finishing up by around 7 pm, we had a few remaining items to attend to for the cruise. 

Final Night Onboard

Tonight was the final competition of the Lip Sync Battle at 7:30 pm.

This was a full out spectacular. Each of the contestants had two rounds to show off their skills. This included one routine with the ship’s dancers. Then, there was even a performance by one of the Fun Squad members doing a 90’s mash-up and one with Emma doing an 80’s mash-up. The entire event lasted about an hour, and it was a great way to top off the cruise. 

Next, to round out our drink around the ship, we stopped in to the Heroes Tribute bar on deck 4. This is a brand new venue for the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The venue was not very busy tonight. In fact, the only time we saw a crowd here was during football as there are several large screen televisions to watch the game. So, we each tried one of the signature cocktails on the menu.

The last session of late night comedy was at 10:30 pm in the main theater. With some time to spare, we finished our drinks and headed up to the pool deck to get a glimpse of the Dive-In Movies. A small crowd was watching the live action remake of Disney’s Aladdin. For us, it was a bit too chilly outside. Of course, I did snag a bag of popcorn on my way back indoors. 

For our last drink of the night, we stopped in at the Alchemy Bar. This was certainly our favorite spot. Sipping our cocktails for a while, we eventually ended up in the theater for the last show of the evening. The two comedians, Tony Esposito and Vince Morris, gave us a few more laughs before it was time to call it a night close to 11:30 pm. 

While we did not know exactly what to expect on this trip, we decided to “choose fun” and had a wonderful time on our first ever Carnival cruise. 

Carnival Panorama Mexican Riviera Cruise Review – Disembarkation

The saddest time of any cruise is disembarkation. As usual, we opted to do the Self-Assist disembarkation, though it started much later than other cruise lines. We were already docked when we woke up, but they did not begin calling passengers to the gangway until close to 8:30 am. This gave us time to grab a final breakfast at the BlueIguana around 8 am to fuel up for our day. We were going to be spending the day in Long Beach as we did not fly out until the evening. 

On Carnival Panorama, even self-assist disembarkation was called by deck numbers starting at deck one. We were patient for a bit, but when only deck 1 had been called 15-20 minutes into the process, we decided to head down to the gangway.

We were greeted by a long line of fellow passengers with bags in tow all looking to get off the ship. Taking close to an hour to get scanned off the ship and through Customs, it was close to 9:45 am at this point. We can’t imagine how long it took for those individuals who left their luggage out the night before to be called! Now we know why there was such a traffic jam a week ago when we embarked the ship.

We had looked into visiting the Queen Mary prior to our cruise. This was the perfect option to spend the day as it is within walking distance from the terminal, and they will store your luggage for you. So, we headed over and checked our luggage with the bellhop. We then waited 15 minutes or so for the ticket counter to open. To our surprise, we were informed that we could get free entrance by showing our cruise ship card. 

This certainly beats the $40 advertised price online. Of course, this free admission was all self-guided, so we ended up booking two of the tours, the Glory Days Historical Tour and the Haunted Encounters Tour. Each of these tours were about an hour long and cost $10 each per person. We spent a good majority of the day here roaming the ship after completing the two guided tours. It is amazing to see how similar yet different cruising is now.

Around 3 pm, we rounded up our bags and got an Uber to the airport. It was an uneventful red eye flight home. Sad that our cruise was over, it only means that we beginning planning for the next one. Next up is Royal Caribbean’s amplified Freedom of the Seas, but we can certainly see ourselves on another Carnival cruise in the near future.

Do you have plans to cruise on Carnival Panorama? What do you love about sailing with Carnival Cruise Line? Drop us an anchor below with your own Carnival cruise review.

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Thank you for your review. My family is going to be on the Panorama in a week & your reviews and all posts related are so helpful! We are particularly grateful for the tip about the free admission to the Queen Mary. So great! We don’t fly until later in the day and wasn’t sure what to keep us busy. Thanks again!

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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The Best Cruises to Mexico for Every Traveler

By Meena Thiruvengadam

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Whether it's world-class diving, white sandy beaches, or Mayan ruins you’re after, a cruise to Mexico can get you there in comfort and style. 

Set sail from the West Coast to experience the beaches and nightlife of Cabo San Lucas , stroll the boardwalk in Mazatlan, or dig your toes into the sand in Puerto Vallarta. For diving and Mayan ruins, opt to cruise Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Dive into the deep blue water in Cozumel, walk a beach free of high-rise hotels in Costa Maya, or walk in the footsteps of the ancient Mayans in Tulum . 

Several major cruise lines serve these routes with decked-out ships that offer something for everyone. Sprawling pools, thumping dance clubs, and fresh margaritas are just the beginning. 

This is the domain of large cruise ships, but there are a few smaller vessels—like American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator —that cruise to Mexico . 

Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line sail to Mexico from the West Coast year-round. Three Carnival ships—the Carnival Miracle , Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Residence — cruise to Mexico from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Norwegian Cruise Line sails to Mexico from California, Florida, and New Orleans. 

Princess Cruises, Holland America, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises sail to Mexico seasonally. While Mexico is warm year-round, you’ll find the most pleasant temperatures—and some of the best prices— between November through February. Mexico’s rainy season is from May through November, but expect bursts of showers instead of washouts. Hurricane season is between June and November, and while hurricanes don't always make landfall, the rains they bring can put a damper on even the best-planned beach day.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, and whenever it is you’re looking to set sail, there’s a cruise to Mexico that’s sure to feel tailor-made for you. 

Best short cruise to Mexico 

In just three nights, Royal Caribbean's  Navigator of the Seas sails from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, and back.  The itinerary includes a full day at sea—plenty of time to take a few laps around the ship’s ice skating rink, spend a few hours at the spa, try out the longest water slide at sea and catch a show. Of course, you could just spend your entire sea day lounging around on the pool deck eating Johnny Rockets and sipping on colorful cocktails. If you’ve got a little bit more time, opt for a four-night itinerary. Royal Caribbean offers two four-night itineraries on the  Navigator of the Seas . One adds a stop at idyllic Catalina Island. The other spends additional time in Ensenada. 

Best weeklong cruise to Mexico 

There may be no better way to bliss out than by sailing the  Norwegian Bliss along the Mexican Riviera. Sail roundtrip from Los Angeles, stopping in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, Mexico. Spend port days visiting tequila factories, wineries and endless sandy beaches. Or opt for an adventurous 4x4 ride, snorkeling, kayaking or an idyllic horseback ride. On board the ship, you’ll have your choice of 19 restaurants, 20 bars, and plenty of things to do. The  Norwegian Bliss made its debut in 2018, and its entertainment offerings include a two-level  racetrack , Broadway shows, laser tag, mini golf and a casino. The ship has a private 18 and over beach club and a spa with both a salt room and a snow room. 

Best family cruise to Mexico 

There is so much to do on board the  Carnival Radiance your family might not want to leave the ship on port days. The  Carnival Radiance has a water park, a ropes course, mini golf, sports courts, and a kids club that accommodates ages two to 17. There’s also a teen spa, video arcade and enough room to play soccer, basketball, and volleyball on board. With more than a dozen restaurants, there’s something for even the most discerning junior palate. There’s even a green eggs and ham breakfast to go with a Seuss at Sea experience inspired by the famous author’s books.

Windstar Star Legend's Cuadro 44 Restaurant 

Best small ship cruise to Mexico

You could cruise to Mexico on a mega-ship. Or you could opt for a calmer, quieter, more yacht-like experience on Windstar Cruises’  Star Legend . This all-suite yacht boasts cabins that are nearly 300 square feet. The ship is fresh off a major renovation with a new spa, pool, and fitness center. Every bathroom on board has gotten a makeover and comes stocked with L’Occitane toiletries. The  Star Legend is scheduled to set sail from Miami in the spring. Windstar's  Jungles and Jewels of the Central American Coast itinerary sails roundtrip from Miami, stoppings in Key West en route to Cozumel and Costa Maya. But Mexico is just the beginning. Windstar’s  Star Legend also calls on Belize City, Belize, and Roatan, Honduras, giving passengers plenty of chances to go on an unforgettable dive, immerse themselves in ancient ruins or simply soak up the sunshine.  

Best cruise to the Yucatan Peninsula 

Mega ships aren’t the only vessels that cruise to Mexico . American Queen Voyages’  Ocean Navigator is less than one-tenth of the size of the behemoth ships sailing the region. The ship can accommodate just over 200 passengers and feels more like a river cruise ship than an ocean-going vessel. Restaurant and bar choices are limited, but that might not matter much when you’re sipping margaritas and snacking on molletes at the beach. The  Ocean Navigator ’s Mexico itineraries visit seven ports in 10 days, giving passengers the chance to dive into Cozumel’s deep blue water, explore Chichen Itza’s Mayan ruins, and sip on margaritas in Cancun. This isn’t the kind of ship that parties all night, but that should make it easier to wake up for gorgeous sunrises. The price of this all-inclusive cruise includes food, drinks, room service, Wi-Fi, pre-paid gratuities, port fees, and taxes. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

Best luxury cruise to Mexico

There may be few more luxurious ways to arrive in Cabo San Lucas than on board Regent’s new  Seven Seas Grandeur . The cruise line's  Magic on the Mexican Riviera itinerary is scheduled to sail round trip from Los Angeles in late 2024, calling on ports including Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta. The 10-night journey includes three luxurious days of cruising the Pacific Ocean. Spend your sea days lounging around your spacious suite, playing bocce ball or shuffleboard or relaxing by the pool bar. The ship's suites range in size from 307 to 4,443 square feet. Each comes with a private balcony, and there may be no better place on board to enjoy your morning coffee with a view. Cruise fares on Regent Seven Seas include roundtrip business class intercontinental flights, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, specialty restaurants, and gratuities.

Best cruise to the Mexican Riviera

If you’re looking to touch grass at sea and sample the best of the Mexican Riviera, the  Celebrity Solstice is for you. This ship is home to a half acre of real green grass and sails from Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. This is a ship with a cool vibe, a sophisticated feel, and lots of fun things to do on board. Try a cocktail-making class or a wine-blending class. Or catch a glass-blowing show on the grass. The ship is also home to more than 200 solar panels and generates some of its own electricity.

Recommended

Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection

The St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

North America Travel Guide

7 best Mexico cruises 2024

Editor's note: This guide has been updated with the latest information.

Cruises to Mexico have an appeal that's hard to match.

Pacific Coast itineraries cover both Baja California (with stops in Ensenada), and the area farther south considered the Mexican Riviera (featuring the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta). Where else can you spend the morning whale watching from a small boat, followed by an afternoon of shopping or enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine?

The ports on Mexico's eastern coast are often lumped together with other Central American ports or island destinations on Western Caribbean cruises . Do a bit of digging, and you can find three- to five-night cruises from Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; and Mobile, Alabama, that visit only Mexican ports, including Cozumel, Costa Maya and Progreso.

Beaches and water sports, as well as eating and drinking, are the primary attractions on cruises to Mexico. Both coasts offer ample opportunity to play in the sun and sand. The best Mexico cruises have lengthy port stops that provide plenty of time to explore, plus time on board the ship to relax and decompress.

You might even be able to cruise to Mexico without a passport if your cruise begins and ends in the same U.S. port.

So, what's the best cruise to Mexico? Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line run year-round cruises from the Los Angeles area and Galveston ports, while Princess Cruises, Holland America , Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line offer seasonal cruises to Mexico from the West Coast.

Occasionally, you can find luxury cruises to the Mexican Riviera on lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas . American Queen Voyages and UnCruise Adventures offer unique small-ship opportunities to cruise Mexican ports on both coasts.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We scoured all the options and came up with the best Mexico cruises to help narrow your choices. Here's what we found.

3-night Baja cruise on Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance gets the nod for having a year-round schedule of short escapes to Mexico.

Carnival Cruise Line 's west coast Mexico cruises sail from the port of Long Beach, which is a fun destination in its own right, with beaches, water sports and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Carnival Radiance (formerly Carnival Victory) underwent a complete refit in 2021, adding a dedicated comedy club, top-deck water attractions and the first-ever chicken joint from Shaquille O'Neal, aptly named Big Chicken .

The ship goes to Ensenada and back with one fun day at sea. Water sports and whale watching in winter are among the top activities in Ensenada for Carnival cruisers. For a local lunch in port, order fish tacos; Ensenada claims to have invented the dish. Some also claim Ensenada is the original home of the margarita. Drink enough of those, and it won't matter if it's true or not. If margaritas aren't your thing, there are popular wineries in port worth checking out.

Who should go : It's no secret that Carnival's Fun Ships are known as party ships. This short hop to Mexico is ideal for residents of the Western states looking for an escape any time of year. The ship's atmosphere is enthusiastic and fun, which spills into Ensenada on the single port day of the cruise.

Related: A beginner's guide to picking a cruise line

4-night Baja cruise with Catalina Island on Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder is one of Disney Cruise Line 's oldest and smallest ships, carrying only 2,700 passengers. However, it's packed with Disney adventures, including a musical stage production of "Frozen," character meet-ups and the most family-friendly cabins at sea. Wonder sails to Mexico from San Diego during the fall and winter.

Not every four-night cruise on Wonder includes Catalina Island, but if you can snag one that does, it's a huge bonus of family fun. Activities in the port of Avalon on Catalina include an amazing zip-line course of five lines. Soaring along the island's hillsides 600 feet above the beaches below, the adventure course takes over two hours to complete.

If your crew isn't into highspeed zipping, try a backcountry bison expedition or a relaxing day at the beach. Catalina is a charming island with a European feel, memorable food and a fascinating history. The second port on the itinerary is Ensenada, where the wildlife-watching or beach fun can continue.

Who should go: Disney Wonder is an ideal ship for family cruise travel from the West Coast. Features include the Marvel Superhero Academy inside the Disney Oceaneer Club, the activity space for kids. You'll have family-friendly accommodations on board, most with split bathrooms (one with toilet and sink, the other with bath-shower combo and sink). Parents have plenty of opportunities to enjoy a night out without the kids, dining at the adults-only Palo specialty restaurant or sampling an adult beverage at the After Hours entertainment district.

5-night Mexico cruise with Cabo overnight on Majestic Princess

Princess Cruises ' Majestic Princess is one of the largest ships that seasonally visits Mexico from Los Angeles. The vessel, which was originally built for the Chinese market, has been Americanized, but it still features some nods that include upscale onboard shopping boutiques like Coach and Bulgari, plus a relaxing enclosed top-deck lounge with gathering spaces and faux topiaries.

The ship sails five-night voyages that offer overnights in Cabo San Lucas. There are also some sea days mixed in.

After all those other cruise ships say adios to Cabo, cruisers on board Majestic Princess can explore the city's nightlife. Street taco tour, anyone? Tequila flights? How else can you enjoy late-night freshly fried churros on a street corner?

Who should go: This cruise is for anyone who enjoys exploring port cities more in-depth than what's offered by a standard port call and who appreciates less of a party atmosphere. Daytime activities in Cabo include sport fishing, wildlife watching, boat rides, camel rides, kayaking, parasailing and snorkeling. Add in evening tasting tours, and you're set.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

6- and 7-night Mexico cruises plus Roatan on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean' s Harmony of the Seas is one of the largest vessels ever to sail from Galveston, and there's a shiny new terminal designed to handle the behemoth.

Part of the line's Oasis Class , which includes the world's largest cruise ships, Harmony of the Seas carries 5,479 passengers at double occupancy. The ship features an open-air AquaTheater at its aft for high-diving and acrobatic shows, an ice skating rink, some of the most extravagant Royal Caribbean suites across the fleet and a park with live plants in the center of the ship.

There are several variations for sailings of both durations, but both offer ample beach time at Cozumel and Costa Maya, plus a third stop in Roatan, Honduras. The rest of the trip is all about fun on the ship as you cruise the Gulf waters for two to three sea days, depending on itinerary length.

Who should go: A Mexico cruise on Harmony of the Seas is ideal for big-ship lovers. Inexpensive flights into Houston's two airports make it accessible to at least a dozen central U.S. states. And for Texans who can drive to the port in less than a day, the fun of a beach day on Galveston Island before or after the cruise makes this sailing an easy choice.

7-night Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama is loaded with Carnival-style fun. From a jaw-dropping, nail-biting ropes course high above the decks to waterslides and an indoor trampoline park, this ship is a crash course in playtime. The seven-night itineraries sail from Long Beach and include all the main western Mexico ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, where the ship stays into the evening hours.

With three sea days, cruisers have plenty of time to enjoy the ship. The best part is that this floating thrill ride cruises this itinerary year-round.

Who should go: It's a great choice for families with tweens and teens because so many of the onboard activities are geared to them. Couples sailing without kiddos can enjoy adults-only areas like the Serenity sun deck retreat, a plush Cloud 9 Spa and Havana staterooms with their exclusive pool deck.

7-Night Expedition to Baja California with UnCruise

UnCruise Adventures does Mexico with an entirely different approach to cruising.

Leave the party ships and the thrill rides behind for an expedition adventure aboard the 66-passenger Safari Voyager. The ship sails from La Paz, Mexico, between January and June, taking passengers in search of gray whales, whale sharks, rays and an amazing variety of sea life, as well as wildlife on dry land.

Activities include kayaking, Zodiac boat rides, snorkeling, hiking and, of course, downtime at the beach. Safari Explorer is somewhat basic in its amenities. You can expect cabins that are quite cozy, but ample public space on deck to watch for sealife and meet your fellow passengers.

UnCruise fares include all meals, excursions, equipment, beverages (including alcohol) and airport transfers, leaving you free to enjoy the adventure.

Who should go: This cruise is for physically fit adults and families with kids ages 8-17 seeking adventure in the wilds and waters of Baja, California.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

7-night Mexican Riviera cruise on Discovery Princess

When Princess Cruises' newest ship isn't in Alaskan waters, it can be found cruising to the Mexican Riviera from the Los Angeles port at San Pedro.

The seven-night itinerary includes Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, plus three sea days to enjoy the ship, which carries 3,660 guests. Discovery Princess brings a bit of elegance to the Riviera, with afternoon tea and the ability to order the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast to your cabin's private veranda (for an additional charge).

While Discovery Princess is similar to most Princess ships in design and decor, it has something no other ship in the fleet has — two Sky Suites. Each suite has two bedrooms and a luxurious 1,000-square-foot balcony for unrivaled views.

Who should go: This is the best Mexico cruise for those seeking Princess' relaxed upscale mode of cruising. Children are always welcome on Princess, and there are plenty of connecting rooms and cabin options with third and fourth bunks. Though the ship offers a youth program, don't expect waterslides and thrill rides. The vibe on board is low-key, and the average age is a bit older when compared to Royal Caribbean or Carnival.

Bottom line

The best cruises to Mexico are the ones that suit your travel personality. Whether you're looking for a party atmosphere or adventure, there's a ship waiting to take you to Mexico any time of year.

Focus your search on round-trip itineraries from major ports in Los Angeles, San Diego and Galveston. You'll also find options for cruises to Mexico from San Francisco, New Orleans and even Mobile, Alabama.

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North America: Baja Mexico Cruise

4-night carnival radiance cruise.

From $214 per person* Additional government taxes, fees and port expenses per person: $0

Carnival Cruise Line

So close, yet so deliciously far. Mexico might be right down there, but it exists in another world entirely. Experience a whole enchilada's worth of rich culture and fun on a cruise to Mexico. Each port contributes its own distinct local flavor to the mix.

Included Extras

  executive member benefit.

Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward, up to $1,000, on qualified Costco Travel purchases

  Digital Costco Shop Card

Member Exclusive: Digital Costco Shop Card with every Carnival Cruise Line sailing†

Onboard the Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance

Costco Member Reviews

• Year Built: 2000
• Year Refurbished: 2020

Double Occupancy Capacity: 2984

While the sun has set on the legendary Carnival Victory, she’s been transformed into something that shines even brighter: Carnival Radiance. Everything the sunlight touches on Carnival Radiance has been doused with an extra dose of fun. There's the biggest Serenity area ever, featuring three decks, plenty of recliners and even a waterfall. Carnival WaterWorks, packs favorites and awesome new slides — like the slick Speedway Splash — into the signature waterpark. There's also SportSquare, where you can let your inner champion run free (around the jogging track), miniature golf, or engage in a little one-on-one, from ping pong to foosball to giant chess. Dining options include Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi. All the latest Carnival bars are here: RedFrog Pub, Piano Bar 88, and the new multi-purpose Liquid Lounge. It’s an expansive theater that’s home to captivating daytime and nighttime entertainment, including the line’s high-tech Playlist Productions revues and audience participation favorite Hasbro, The Game Show.

Member reviews become available after at least 5 are received in order to provide you with an accurate picture of this travel product.

Onboard Activities

Activities & services (included in cruise).

• Disco/Nightclub
• Theater/Show Lounge
• Outdoor Movies
• Fitness Center
• Educational Programs
• Miniature Golf
• Pool - Children's
• Pool - Outdoor
• Sports Facilities
• Water Park Arena
• Water Slide
• Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
• Art Gallery
• Internet Center
• Children's Indoor Play Area
• Organized Age Specific Activities
• Teen Center or Disco
• Teen Programs
• Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
• Safe Deposit Boxes

Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)

• Game Arcade
• Beauty Salon
• Fitness Classes
• Spa Services/Massage
• Sauna/Steam Room
• Bars/Lounges
• Babysitting
• Conference Center
• Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
• Infirmary/Medical Center
• Self-Service Laundromat
• Wedding/Vow Renewal

Main Dining Room

Main Dining

Main Dining Room:  Carnival's Main Dining Room brings you a full three-course menu in an experience that’s satisfying, but never stuffy. Drop in nightly and enjoy a rotating menu of delectable favorites like steak, roasted duck, scallops, prime rib, and, of course, sinfully delicious desserts.

Specialty Dining

Bonsai Sushi:  Dine amidst expertly pruned bonsai trees while enjoying sit-down service and an affordable menu of delectable catches, plus soups, sides, sakes, and desserts. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Cucina del Capitano:  Italian-American dishes inspired by the recipes from our Italian captains’ and officers’ childhoods are served up family-style in a comfy, eclectic environment decorated like an Italian country home. Vintage images of our captains and ships adorn the walls, and there’s even a Captain’s table where you just might see the man himself dine. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast:  Sit down to a truly fantastical feast at the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends™. Bright colors and patterns decorate your table, which features fun and unique menus. Feast! Feast! Feast! Lose yourself exploring a delicious menu where you'll find "Green Eggs and Ham," brightly colored fruit, gravity-defying pancake stacks, funky french toast, "Moose Juice" 'n' "Goose Juice"… and much more. (Classic breakfast offerings are available as well.) Breakfast is also the perfect time to meet and greet the stars of Dr. Seuss - characters will be around for special photo opportunities and fun interactions, making this a meal to remember. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

JavaBlue Café:  From the simply caffeinated to the simply sublime, nothing satisfies your coffee craving like JavaBlue Café, featuring fun twists on the hot and cold drinks you enjoy, plus a mouth-watering assortment of baked treats. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

RedFrog Pub:  Get into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog Pub is Carnival's laid-back, no-worries, oh-so-lively, Key West-inspired pub. Sample Caribbean fare, dominate at the foosball table, enjoy live music and try the signature private-label brew, ThirstyFrog Red. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Seafood Shack:  A good seafood dish is quite the catch. However you like yours served - whether it’s on a roll, in a salad or atop a platter - Seafood Shack’s the place to cast your net. Imagine a New England-style seaside spot where you can take it all in, enjoying a great meal complete with a side of ocean view. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Steakhouse:  The menu features premium cuts of beef cooked to your specifications, as well as a fantastic selection of seafood, entrées, gourmet appetizers and an extensive wine list. Like any destination restaurant, reservations for Steakhouse are highly recommended. Your meal includes an appetizer, salad, entrée, side and dessert. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

Steakhouse Selections:  Whoever said you can’t always get what you want certainly never said it on a Carnival cruise. Odds are that something from our steakhouse sounds good - filet mignon, New York Strip, lobster, or surf and turf. Now you can get these signature steakhouse dishes anytime you’re enjoying dinner in the main dining room. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

The Chef’s Table:  Treat your taste buds to unique culinary event hosted by one of Carnival's master chefs. Your VIP experience begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a galley tour. The evening’s highlight is a full-service dinner of amazing appetizers, entrees and desserts not found on the regular menus. Seating is limited, so reserve early at the ship’s Guest Services desk. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.

24-Hour Room Service:  There’s a menu of salads, sandwiches and sweet stuff - completely free - during the day, plus hot food options available for a small fee. Late-night menu options (after 10 p.m.) are also available for a small fee.

Casual Dining

Big Chicken:  Carnivals Chief Fun Officer, Shaq O’Neal, brings his poultry know-how and good taste to the seas with Big Chicken. Step up to the counter for lunch or dinner and walk away with your choice of chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken strips or juicy fried chicken baskets… plus side dishes, like potato salad and jalapeño slaw. Early-morning buzzer-beaters are invited to enjoy a breakfast featuring classics like a three-cheese omelet, chicken biscuits, and biscuit and egg. And so’s everybody else - breakfast is served all day!

BlueIguana Cantina:  The BlueIguana Cantina features freshly made tacos and burritos. Throw homemade tortillas and salsa into the mix, and you have a casual dining experience that will have you coming back for more.

Guy's Burger Joint:  Carnival has teamed up with celebrity chef Guy Fieri to bring all the authentic appeal of a roadside burger shack to Guy's Burger Joint, the cool poolside spot for hot burgers and hand-cut fries. Try a fresh-off-the-grill burger Guy's way, or take it off-road to the toppings bar and truly make it your own.

Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que:  Enjoy a wide variety of BBQ favorites smoked right on board over hickory and cherry wood using Guy’s signature recipes, rubs and spices. Throw in sides like Mac Daddy Mac n Cheese, Old Skool Potato Salad and Collard Greens and you’ve got a rockin’ sea day on deck.

Lido Marketplace:  Featuring an amazing variety of casual dining spots, each just a few flip-flopped steps from the last, Lido Marketplace always has a special something ready to satisfy your latest craving spectacularly. Here Carnival does it with dozens of what-to-eat options... great choices like BBQ, a deli counter, salad bar, an Asian station and a pasta bar... plus one spot where the chef serves up a different surprise daily! At Lido Marketplace, there's tons of indoor and outdoor seating made for gathering around, so you can enjoy your personal faves in your favorite company for lunch or dinner, or even breakfast! Lido's also where you can find soft serve, frozen yogurt and fresh pizza 24-hours a day.

Pizzeria del Capitano:  Featuring piping hot slices right out of the oven, with your choice of toppings, Pizzeria del Capitano is the good kind of cheesy - the best reason to stop in for a taste of hand-tossed specialties made with fresh mozzarella. This place rolls out pizzas and Caesar salad 24 hours a day.

Seaday Brunch:  At Seaday Brunch, you can sleep in and still enjoy breakfast favorites, while early risers get a head start on lunch. You’ll enjoy huevos rancheros, special French toast, loaded mac-n-cheese and more ways to cook eggs than you may have thought possible.

Swirls:  Swirls ice cream entices with sweet frozen treats around the clock! Choose from chocolate, vanilla or strawberry. Open on Lido deck 24/7, frozen yogurt and soft-serve ice cream is a great way to beat the heat all day, or the perfect nightcap after a long evening of fun.

The Carnival Deli:  Craving a little taste from the old neighborhood? Enjoy old-time favorites like a hot pastrami on rye, a grilled Reuben or roasted turkey breast on a country roll. Sandwiches and wraps are always hand-carved and served fresh with coleslaw or relish and a kosher dill pickle.

Disclaimer regarding ship dining

• Inside Stateroom
• Ocean View Stateroom
• Balcony Stateroom
• Suite Stateroom

An Interior stateroom is a comfortable retreat, featuring a full private bathroom. Some rooms also feature pull-down beds – ideal for families.

Interior Upper/Lower (Category: 1A)

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• In-room safe for valuables
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• Stateroom climate control
• Bathrobes upon request

Interior (Category: 4A)

Interior (Category: 4B)

Interior (category: 4c), interior (category: 4d), interior (category: 4e), interior (category: 4f), interior (category: 4g), interior (category: 4h), interior with picture window (obstructed views) (category: 4j).

Spa Interior (Category: 4S)

• Unique welcome ritual
• Priority spa reservations
• Unlimited use of Thermal Suites
• Complimentary scrub kit to use in our Thermal Suites
• Two complimentary fitness classes (per guest)
• Complimentary body composition analysis
• Exclusive discounts on treatments during port days
• Cloud 9 Spa bathrobes and slippers
• Upgraded Elemis in-stateroom toiletries

Guarantee - Inside (Category: IS)

Category: IS This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

These rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

Ocean View (Category: 6A)

Ocean View (Category: 6B)

Ocean view (category: 6c), ocean view (category: 6d), scenic ocean view (category: 6j), scenic grand ocean view (category: 6k), guarantee - oceanview (category: ov).

Category: OV This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

Porthole (Category: PT)

Relax and admire the passing scenery from your stateroom’s private balcony.

Balcony (Category: 8A)

Balcony (Category: 8B)

Balcony (category: 8c), balcony (category: 8d), balcony (category: 8e), aft-view extended balcony (category: 8m).

Aft-View Extended Balcony (Category: 8N)

Spa balcony (category: 8p), spa balcony (category: 8s), premium balcony (category: 9b).

• Modified for guests with wheelchairs

Premium Vista Balcony (Category: 9C)

Guarantee - Balcony (Category: BL)

Category: BL This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

A spacious room, that includes priority check-in during embarkation.

Extended Balcony Grand Suite (Category: ES)

• Priority check-in and boarding
• Priority dinner reservations for select specialty restaurants
• Priority main dining room time assignment (Early, Late, or Your Time Dining)
• Priority debarkation at homeport, and ports of call requiring a water shuttle or with arrival times later than 9:30 AM
• Two large bottles of water
• Pillow-top mattresses

Ocean Suite (Category: OS)

Grand Suite (Category: GS)

Captain’s suite (category: cs), guarantee - suite (category: st).

Category: ST This category can be booked for a special rate, guaranteed to you. Please note that the category is not associated at the time of booking with a specific stateroom, deck, bedding configuration or other particular settings. The assignment of an actual cabin will be performed during your check-in. The cabin can be anywhere on the ship.

• Ship Name: Carnival Radiance
• Year Entered Present Fleet: 2000
• Ship Class: Sunshine Class
• Maximum Capacity: 3,873
• Number of Passenger Decks: 13
• Number of Crew: 1,108
• Officers' Nationality: Italian
• Ocean-View without Balcony: 310
• Ocean-View with Balcony: 503
• Total Inside Staterooms: 612
• Tonnage (GRT): 101,509
• Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 2,984
• Country of Registry: Panama
• Total Staterooms: 1,492
• Suites with Balcony: 52
• Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International

Terms & Conditions

*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.

†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.

Ship's Registry: Panama

Digital Costco Shop Card

This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.com.

Ship Rating

An outstanding luxury cruise experience with an exceptional level of attention to detail. Expect superb service from all levels of officers and staff.

A very good quality all-around cruise experience aboard a ship that offers a range of facilities and services.

A decent, unpretentious cruise experience, with a moderate amount of space and quality in furnishing and fittings.

A modest quality cruise experience with less attention to detail and service.

Expect a very basic cruise experience with minimal attention to service, hospitality and finesse.

Offers some, but not all, of the amenities and services associated with the next highest star rating.

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RAINFORESTS TO RUINS

Mexico cruises.

Experience flavorful food, mesmerizing landscapes and ancient past with a cruise to Mexico.

Cruise to Mexico and find everything from volcanoes, jungles and deserts and beaches, to enjoy outdoor and urban adventures of all kinds. Head to  museums to see the surreal works of Frida Kahlo and ancient artworks excavated from the Maya civilization. Or see Mayan ruins up-close-and-personal — remnants of ancient temples, like Chichen Itza and Tulum, stand just a stone's throw from pristine beaches, so you can take a soak or a surf after your history lesson. And be sure to immerse yourself in the colonial architecture, bustling parks and lively, spice-fragrant marketplaces in Mexico City, Puebla, and Cancun. Discover the magic with a Mexico cruise.

Save Big With These Mexico Cruise Deals

Explore more while spending less with Mexico cruise deals onboard our best cruise ships

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EXPLORER'S SPIRIT

Get out of your comfort zone and discover an untamed wilderness, where you can dive into an underground cave or encounter ancient ruins with the best Mexico cruises.

THE PAST PRESERVED

Discover why Mexico is one of the most impressive civilizations in the world when you experience its Mayan ruins at Tulum, Ek Balam or Chichen Itza and its Aztec roots at Tenochtitlan and Templo Mayor, harkening back thousands of years of history.

It's easy to get in touch with Mother Nature when you're in Mexico. Tours take you through cenotes, expansive underground caverns, or on rainforest safaris where you can spot iguanas, macaws and other colorful wildlife.

COAST CALLS

Reach the beach and soak, surf or snorkel in Mexico's clear waters, then stroll over soft sands and discover ancient ruins by the sea in places like Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas. More seascapes are found in Playa Progreso in Yucatan, Costa Sur in Puerto Vallarta, Cacaluta in Huatulco and Mahahual in Costa Maya, all of which provide those frame-ready vistas synonymous with Mexico.

GET A TASTE OF THE CULTURE

Mexico's cities and towns offer a wealth of cultural gems. You'll find everything from high art to colorful villages brimming with life and tradition on your cruise to Mexico.

DIG INTO LOCAL LIFE

Mexico's sprawling urban areas show you the lively side of this rich country. Stop by Mexico City, Cuernavaca, Cancun or Puebla to see the bustling streets filled with restaurants, bars and stores, the busy plazas with vendors offering local food and candy, and the charming colonial neighborhoods with colorful flowers dripping from balconies.

From colorful skull souvenirs — a throwback to the ancient practice of honoring passed-on ancestors — and charming sombreros to Mayan temples and colonial-era architecture, Mexico is a treasure trove of the visual arts. You can get a glimpse of the country's most renowned artist, Frida Kahlo, at the Frida Kahlo Museum in Playa del Carmen.

TASTY TEMPTATIONS

Mexico is a kaleidoscope of unique regional cuisines, all equally flavor-packed. In Oaxaca, taste your way through the varieties of rich mole sauces, and in Yucatan explore fresh flavors in dishes heavy with citrus and spice, like cochinita pibil, the shredded pork that fills one of Mexico's most-loved taco styles.

Best Mexico Cruises

A cruise to Mexico is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Mexico onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships.

Mexican Riviera Cruises

Mexico’s wild west coast offers just as much natural beauty, vibrant culture and sun-kissed adventures as its eastern counterpart, the Riviera Maya. Cruise from Los Angeles onboard the Amplified Navigator of the Seas® to Baja’s brightest jewels, like foodie-favorite Ensenada, fun-loving Cabo , charming Mazatlán and scenic Puerto Vallarta .

Explore Cruises To The Mexican Riviera

THE GREAT GULF

Cruise the Yucatan Peninsula, which separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico, and discover Mexico's Caribbean side. Stop in Cozumel island, off the east coast of Yucatan , and enjoy the bright-blue waters and untouched paradise appeal.

Explore Cozumel & Cancun Cruises

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Mexico Cruises Insider

Mexico is ready for you to explore at any time of year. In general, the weather is best between December and April — there's little rain, and the temperatures are very comfortable. The wet season starts in May and ends in October, while hurricane season (affecting mostly the Caribbean side) starts in June and runs until November.

When you travel to Mexico, one of the best ways to enjoy the country is by immersion. Try the local food, shop the local markets, and choose excursions that allow you to spend time getting to know a specific neighborhood, historic site or natural wonder.

Learn a few phrases in Spanish and speak to waiters, vendors, tour guides and everyday people. Ask about places to eat, the history or the music. Get out of your comfort zone and reach out to the people who know the country best — they can let you know where to go for the best price on that souvenir you're seeking or which beachside spot makes the best margarita.

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Día de los Muertos, Visit Mexico

Plan your Mexico cruise vacation around the culture and traditions of the Dia de los Muertos. Discover and experience the holiday firsthand.

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Planning a Mexico cruise vacation to visit famous architecture? We’ve curated the ultimate tour guide to visiting some of the most beautiful churches in Mexico.

7 Perfect Puerto Vallarta Day Trips

Set sail on a cruise vacation and discover the best things to do while traveling on your Puerto Vallarta day trip. Plan your Mexico getaway your way!

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Envision your next weekend Caribbean vacation, plan a short cruise or quick getaway to the best travel destinations to visit. Adventure awaits!

Plan a Relaxing 4 Day Vacation to Mexico

Traveler’s guide to planning a relaxing 4-day Mexico cruise filled with extraordinary things to do while making the most your short vacation getaway.

Adventure Traveling Jungle Tours

Uncover the ultimate jungle tours and adventure traveling experiences throughout the Caribbean and South America. Enjoy a guide tailored to your vacation cruise.

Best Mexico Ancient Ruins and Mayan Sites

The best ancient sites and ruins to visit in Mexico. Go back in time and discover the beauty, the mystery and the culture of the venerated Mayan people.

Haggling on prices at local markets is par for the course here — just make sure you know a few words of Spanish, and don't ask the vendor to go unreasonably low.

Mexico's tiered bus system is a great way to get around affordably: Choose the first ("primero") or platinum ("platino") options for the high-end treatment.

There's a more lax attitude about time in Mexico so factor in an extra half-hour to an hour when planning out your Mexico cruise itineraries.

FOR THE FOODIE'S SABROSO IS THE WORD

Sabroso means delicious, which is synonymous with Mexico's cuisine. Known the world over for its originality when it comes to multilayered flavors that focus on spice, Mexican food boasts dishes like mole, cochinita pibil and tacos al pastor. When in Mexico, go where the locals are eating and enjoy the salsas, the spices and the crunch.

MOLE POBLANO

A saucy and popular delicacy, mole poblano is made with chili peppers and chocolate and is poured over chicken and then topped with sesame seeds.

Tamales are a steamed masa, or a corn-based dough filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, chili peppers or fruits. The masa is wrapped inside of a leaf and steamed. Discard the leaf and chow down on the stuffed dough for a traditional treat.

CHILAQUILES

Fried tortillas take a swim in spicy red salsa or refreshing green salsa for a savory dish commonly enjoyed during breakfast.

RELATED PORTS

In Mexico, you can explore an array of culturally unique cities like Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Cozumel, as well as cruise ports such as Huatulco, Costa Maya and the Yucatan. And the best way to get to know these places is by arriving from the water.

Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico

Mazatlan, Mexico

Yucatan (Progreso), Mexico

Ensenada, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Manzanillo, Mexico

Related Destinations

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Princess is launching an all-inclusive, 4-month, around-the-world cruise for $20,000— see what it'll be like

• Princess Cruises announced a 114-day  world cruise to 52 destinations in 2026, starting at $20,000 per person. 
• Guests who book early would get a free, all-inclusive package, a first for Princess' global itineraries.
• Extended and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the vacation industry.

Princess Cruise's new around-the-world voyage will hit two vacation trends in one itinerary.

In January 2026, the company says its Coral Princess will embark on a 114-day cruise to 52 ports in 28 countries and six continents — more destinations than any of its previous global sailings .

It's the Carnival Corp brand's latest appeal to the extended cruising trend . But it's not the only fad this four-month vacation is targeting.

The sailing, which starts at $20,000 per person, also marks the first time Princess is offering a complimentary all-inclusive package as a way to entice early bookings.

Ultra-long and all-inclusive cruises have emerged as big trends in the industry.

Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, and Oceania's 2024 around-the-world cruises all sold out before departing in January. The former was fully booked within three hours, while every cabin on the latter was called for in 30 minutes.

Besides being high-end, these three companies share one commonality: some level of all-inclusiveness , as is common with premium cruise lines.

Mass-market cruise companies rarely go the all-inclusive route.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian are generally beloved for their affordability.

But if you want to experience all their ships have to offer, be prepared to face a list of up-charged amenities like pay-to-play rides and specialty restaurants . After all, there's a reason their base fares are much cheaper than their increasingly popular ultra-luxury, all-inclusive counterparts.

But Princess has been increasingly vying for a slice of the luxury cruiser pie.

The cruise line says guests who book its 2026 world cruise early (that is, by the end of October) will receive its most inclusive Princess Premier package for free. The perk — launched two years ago — covers amenities that typically have a fee, like WiFi, premium drinks, some specialty restaurants, and workout classes.

Travelers who reserve one of the ship's high-end cabins by the same deadline would also receive complimentary airport transfers and airfare, services normally exclusively offered by luxury cruise lines .

The itinerary would have two roundtrip embarkation options: Fort. Lauderdale, Florida, on January 5, 2026, or Los Angeles 16 days later.

From there, the 2,000-guest Coral Princess would sail more than 35,000 nautical miles to ports in North America, the Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Australia, Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, and Central and South America.

It wouldn't be Princess' longest voyage — that title goes to its 116-day world cruise in 2025 — but it would be one of its most destination-heavy.

While two days longer, next year's around-the-world cruise would hit six fewer ports and four fewer countries than its 2026 counterpart.

According to the itinerary, about half of the 2026 voyage consists of sea days.

That's a lot of time on the water with no land in sight. Luckily, travelers can keep themselves entertained by attending lectures and programs related to the destinations, leisuring around the adult-only lounge, or taking a dip in Coral Princess' four pools.

The 21-year-old ship also has 10 places to grab a bite, although the Italian and steakhouse restaurants are considered specialty. Premier is the cruise line's most inclusive package, but it only includes 16 free dinners at these upcharge restaurants, paced once a week.

Princess is still a mass-market cruise line, after all.

The company has been increasingly dangling its inclusive package as a big perk.

The company says its two-month-old Sun Princess will debut in the US in October with its first-ever Sanctuary Collection . Travelers who splurge on these expensive and luxurious accommodations would be rewarded with two major benefits: a private lounge and Princess Premier.

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Princess Cruises Adds Historic America Cruisetour Ahead of 250th Anniversary of America

14-night land and cruise experience highlights america’s roots with nation’s capital, philadelphia, williamsburg & more.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 13, 2024) – Princess guests discovering the scenic east coast on a 2025 Canada & New England cruise sailing out of New York City can now immerse themselves in historic America as they tour the nation’s capital, interact with early settlers at a living history museum, visit Independence Hall in Philadelphia, and stand on the same soil as Thomas Jefferson at his Monticello estate, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This Historic America cruisetour takes guests on a seven-night, hosted land tour with overnight stays in Washington D.C., Williamsburg, Staunton, Gettysburg and Philadelphia prior to boarding a seven-day Canada/New England cruise onboard Enchanted Princess roundtrip from New York City.

“Visiting our nation’s capital, nearby historic cities and landmarks always ranks high on travelers’ lists of places to visit in their lifetime,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer, Princess Cruises. “We make traveling to historic America easy, educational and memorable with our knowledgeable and inspiring tour guides sharing the incredible stories of our country’s settlers, leaders, landmarks and historic sites.”

This Historic America cruisetour includes hotels, motorcoach transportation, sightseeing and most breakfasts and dinners. Sample itinerary details:

• Day 1: Arrive Washington, DC
• Day 2: Tour Arlington Cemetery, Embassy Row, National Cathedral, museums of choice, evening illumination tour of Lincoln, Vietnam, World War II, and Korean War Memorials
• Day 3: Visit Mount Vernon, George Washington’s iconic estate, and Jamestown Settlement before arriving in Williamsburg for dinner at a Colonial Williamsburg Tavern
• Day 4: Full day of Colonial Williamsburg historic area
• Day 5: Tour Richmond National Battlefield Park and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate
• Day 6: Enjoy Harpers Ferry National Historic Park and guided tour of Gettysburg Battlefield
• Day 7: City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, for Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, First Bank, Carpenter’s Hall, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth’s Alley and Christ Church
• Day 8: Arrive in New York City to embark Enchanted Princess for cruise
• Day 9: Newport, Rhode Island
• Day 10: Boston, Massachusetts
• Day 11: Portland, Maine
• Day 12: At Sea
• Day 13: Halifax, Canada
• Day 14: At Sea
• Day 15: Return to New York City

On sale now, there are 10 Historic America cruisetour options in 2025 with departure dates of August 16, 23, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11 and 18, 2025. Rates start at $4,529 per person.

Thornton added, “With the upcoming 250th anniversary of America in 2026, now is the time to visit our nation’s historic landmarks and celebrate our independence.”

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page