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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. If margaritas aren't your thing, there are popular wineries in port worth checking out. ATV or road buggy tours are popular excursions in many cruise ports due to the adventurous nature of driving these vehicles, which can take you far away from busy tourist streets and into nature. Ensenada is no different, with plenty of ATV and road buggy tours offered throughout the surrounding area. Cruising to Ensenada offers plenty of activities to choose from, including wine tastings, shopping at local markets, enjoying fresh cuisine, and visiting the second largest blowhole in the world.
What is the Mexican Riviera?
Here’s our guide to cruising the Pacific coast of Mexico along the Mexican Riviera. Many cruisers rave about the “Salsa, Salsa, and Margaritas” shore excursion, during which you learn how to make various types of salsas, guacamole, and margaritas. The most famous landmark in Cabo San Lucas is Land’s End, a rock formation marking the point at which the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California.
Adrenaline-filled adventures
From zip lines to kayaking and off-roading through the countryside, you won’t go bored while in port. Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlán tend to have stronger currents and conditions than Puerto Vallarta, which is located in a small bay as opposed to the open Pacific. You’ll want to visit the Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone) in Puerto Vallarta, a historic, waterfront old town neighborhood that is home to boutique shops, bars, restaurants, homes, and condos. While visiting the country on a cruise, you'll find that USD is universally accepted, although you will typically receive change back in pesos. Navigator of the Seas is the only ship offering cruises to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.
Find Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Cruises to Mexico (with Prices) - Cruise Critic
Find Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas Cruises to Mexico (with Prices).
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 23:26:54 GMT [source]
Cruises
Additionally, it's not included in the cost of your cruise fare, so you'll have to pay extra for admission. Included in the cost of a day pass to the Royal Beach Club are complimentary beach chairs, food, and use of the swimming pool and kids' splash pad. Another complimentary returning favorite you'll find on Utopia of the Seas℠ is Boardwalk Dog House.
GET A TASTE OF THE CULTURE
You don't need to be a pro to carve the surf, though — try your best to keep from wiping out or do what I do and ride boogie-style on your belly. Drop by Café Promenade on Deck 5 in the morning, afternoon or at night for brewed coffee, lattes and cappuccinos paired with tasty pastries and other quick-and-easy bites. Another Royal Caribbean classic, this guest-favorite free restaurant has spent years fine-tuning its recipes for crave-worthy pies. They range from classic offerings like spicy pepperoni and decadent cheese to creative specialty pizzas loaded with everything from smoky barbecue chicken, juicy pineapple and fresh garden veggies. Sorrento's is also one of the restaurants onboard that's open latest, making it a perfect pit stop to refuel after a wee-hours whirl on the dance floor. Royal Caribbean offers the “El Salto Canyon Hiking Tour & Craft Beer” excursion, which first takes guests on a guided hike of the canyon, where they’ll traverse Baja California’s hills.
If you’ve cruised to ports on the Caribbean side of Mexico, you’ll undoubtedly notice a change in scenery when docking in Ensenada. Baja California has a dry, almost Mediterranean climate with a rocky and mountainous landscape. You can’t cruise to Mexico without tasting local cuisine, which is both affordable and delicious, and Puerto Vallarta has plenty of local specialities to enjoy.
Best Mexico Ancient Ruins and Mayan Sites
And then there's Supercell℠, a massive champagne bowl that spins you around and around before funneling you into the pool down below. 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.
Best Mexico cruises 2024 - The Points Guy
Best Mexico cruises 2024.
Posted: Sat, 10 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Shop at local markets
Princess Cruises' Majestic Princess is one of the largest ships that seasonally visits Mexico from Los Angeles. 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. If you’re looking for a day spent on the water, consider a yacht cruise along Ensenada Bay. The bay is home to wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, and whales, as well as picturesque rugged mountain scenery.
She's traveled extensively around the world, enjoys building unforgettable itineraries and loves introducing readers to lesser-known. Because this activity is free of charge, I like to come back throughout the day to stretch my arms and legs — especially around sunset, when the light is golden and the ocean water shimmers like gilded crystal. And that's not all — the ship's Ultimate Abyss℠ also has zoom booster rollers and see-through racing windows that make the ride even more thrilling than ever. Located steps from the adults-only Solarium (my go-to pool spot for relaxing and catching up on my reading), Solarium Bistro is a complimentary dining option that's truly tranquil. The menu here usually highlights fresh, healthy Mediterranean dishes, including Greek salads, pitas paired with refreshing tzatziki, tender lamb chops and decadent Greek donuts called loukoumades.
Located throughout Mexico are 132 pueblos mágicos (magic towns), which are small towns admired for their intricate architecture, natural beauty, history, and traditions. Mornings and evenings can feel crisp onboard when sailing through the Pacific ocean on a Mexican Riviera cruise at any time of year. Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost point of Baja California and is an extremely popular tourist destination known for its party atmosphere. 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. You'll find everything from high art to colorful villages brimming with life and tradition on your cruise to Mexico.
Since Royal Caribbean is designing the beach club as a public-private partnership, Bahamians are able to hold up to 49% equity in the venture. No cruise is complete without a night of belly laughs at the onboard comedy club. This adults-only hotspot can hold a candle to some of the best clubs in Manhattan and Chicago. It hosts a changing lineup of stand-up comedians specializing in everything from sketch comedy to slapstick. This one's a classic — and easily one of the best free things to do onboard Utopia of the Seas℠. This surf simulator funnels over 30,000 gallons of rushing water to create perfect swells all day, every day.
Horseback riding tours are available to book on La Misión Beach for those interested in exploring Baja California’s beaches in a more unique way. Tasting local cuisine is a must while at the market, and there are a variety of casual food stalls offering dishes like chilaquiles, stuffed chilis, seafood dishes, and gorditas. This waterfront boardwalk overlooking the port is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. Street vendors and food stalls dot the boardwalk, which congregates at Ventana al Mar, a public park home to one of the largest Mexican flags in the country. If you’re hoping for a high-energy excursion in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find plenty of tour opportunities that will surely get your adrenaline pumping. These two towns are located around an hour from port and offer a more laid-back feel than bustling Puerto Vallarta.
From dramatic Land’s End in Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta’s lively, café- and bar-dotted coast, you’ll have your pick of postcard-pretty shores for soaking up the sun. If you’re looking for activities on the water, consider joining a whale-watching tour in Ensenada — season runs from mid-December to mid-April. Seafood is by far the most popular choice for those cruising the Mexican Riviera, as many of the cruise ports along the coast are known for their abundance of fresh seafood. With savory ceviches, endless shrimp, and grilled fish with chili marinade, you won’t go hungry if you love seafood. Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) are small towns recognized by the Mexican government for their culture, history, and charm.
Though visitors between January and mid-March will be treated to peak whale migration season, while summer offers sunny beach days and prime surf conditions. And if you’re looking to venture away from the beaches, the rugged mountainsides and canyons make for some eye-opening hikes. Whether you prefer getting physical or unwinding and soak up some rays, dining, going for a drink or expanding your horizons, you really can have it all on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine.
When it comes to filling a few days with great food, rich culture and plenty of fun in the sun, nothing beats a Mexico cruise from the west coast. Sail from Los Angeles on Navigator of the Seas® — an Amplified fleet favorite that’s bursting with thrills. Opt for a quick escape to Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas filled with delicious global flavors, top-notch wines and world-renowned beaches.
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