Top 7 Mexico cruises for 2025 and 2026

Cruises to Mexico offer a unique allure that's hard to surpass.

Pacific Coast itineraries include stops in both Baja California (notably Ensenada) and the southern region known as the Mexican Riviera (home to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta). Where else can you spend your morning watching whales from a small boat and your afternoon indulging in shopping or savoring authentic Mexican dishes?

The ports along Mexico's eastern coast are often grouped with other Central American ports or island destinations on Western Caribbean cruises. If you look closely, you’ll discover three- to five-night cruises from Galveston, Texas; New Orleans; and Mobile, Alabama, that exclusively visit Mexican ports like Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Progreso.

The main attractions on Mexico cruises are beaches, water sports, and delicious food and drinks. Both coasts provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy sun and sand. The finest Mexico cruises feature extended port stops, giving you ample time to explore, along with time on the ship to relax and unwind.

You may even be able to cruise to Mexico without a passport if your journey starts and ends at the same U.S. port.

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

From time to time, you can discover luxury cruises to the Mexican Riviera with Regent Seven Seas. Lindblad Expeditions and UnCruise Adventures present nature-focused small-ship experiences in Baja California.

We explored all available options and compiled the best Mexico cruises to help streamline your choices. Here’s what we discovered.

3-night Baja cruise aboard Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance stands out with its year-round offerings of quick getaways to Mexico.

Carnival Cruise Line operates its west coast Mexico cruises from Long Beach, a vibrant destination featuring beaches, water sports, and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Carnival Radiance (previously known as Carnival Victory) underwent a complete renovation in 2021, introducing a dedicated comedy club, exciting water features on the top deck, and the first-ever chicken restaurant from Shaquille O'Neal, aptly named Big Chicken.

The ship sails to Ensenada and back, featuring a day of excitement at sea. Water activities and whale watching during winter are top attractions for Carnival cruisers in Ensenada. Don't miss out on local fish tacos for lunch, as Ensenada proudly claims to have created this dish. Some even argue that it's the birthplace of the margarita. Enjoy enough margaritas, and it won't matter if that's true. If margaritas aren't your preference, there are renowned wineries in the area worth exploring.

You can also experience this route on Carnival Firenze, one of Carnival's two "Fun Italian Style" ships, inspired by its sister line Costa. This vessel primarily operates four- and five-night itineraries departing from Long Beach.

Who should go: It's well-known that Carnival's Fun Ships are often referred to as party ships. This quick trip to Mexico is perfect for those living in the Western states seeking a getaway any time of the year. The lively and spirited atmosphere on board translates into Ensenada during the cruise's single port day.

4-night Baja cruise featuring Catalina Island on Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder is among the oldest and smallest vessels in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, accommodating just 2,700 guests. Despite its size, it offers an array of Disney-themed experiences, such as a musical rendition of "Frozen," character interactions, and the most family-friendly cabins at sea. The Wonder departs from San Diego for Mexico during the fall and winter months.

While not every four-night journey on the Wonder stops at Catalina Island, securing one that does is a fantastic bonus for family fun. In Avalon, enjoy an incredible zip line experience featuring five lines that glide 600 feet above the stunning beaches, taking over two hours to finish.

If your group prefers a slower pace, consider a backcountry bison tour or a leisurely beach day. Catalina boasts a charming, European-inspired ambiance with delicious cuisine and a rich history. The second destination on the itinerary is Ensenada, where wildlife viewing or beach activities await.

Who should go: Disney Wonder is perfect for family cruises from the West Coast. Notable features include the Marvel Superhero Academy within the Disney Oceaneer Club, an engaging area for kids. Families will find accommodating rooms, most equipped with split bathrooms (one with a toilet and sink, the other featuring a bath-shower combo and sink). Parents can relish evenings out while kids enjoy supervised activities, dining at the adults-only Palo specialty restaurant or enjoying a drink at the After Hours entertainment district.

5- and 6-night Cabo overnight voyages aboard Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas stands as one of the largest ships to ever depart from Los Angeles.

Quantum of the Seas accommodates 4,180 guests at double occupancy. The ship boasts thrilling features like skydiving and surfing simulators, a bumper car arena, robotic bartenders, and laser tag. With a plethora of dining options available, both included and for an extra fee, you'll find it challenging to experience them all during a five- or six-night cruise.

What makes this itinerary particularly enticing is the overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas. (The six-night cruise also includes a stop in Ensenada.) Once the other ships bid farewell to Cabo, guests can dive into the vibrant nightlife. Fancy a street taco tour? How about tequila tastings? There's no better way to enjoy late-night freshly fried churros from a street vendor.

The remainder of the journey is filled with fun activities on board as you sail through the Pacific Ocean.

Who should go: A cruise to Mexico aboard Quantum of the Seas is perfect for those who love large ships. Numerous flights into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and nearby regional airports make it convenient for most of the Western states. For Californians who can reach the port in under a day, enjoying a beach day in Long Beach before or after the cruise makes this option an appealing choice.

7-night Mexican Riviera voyage on Discovery Princess

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

The seven-night itinerary features stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, along with three sea days to enjoy the ship, which accommodates 3,660 guests. Discovery Princess adds a touch of elegance to the riviera with afternoon tea and the option to order the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast delivered to your cabin's private veranda (for an additional fee).

For an indulgent experience, consider booking one of the two Sky Suites on Discovery Princess. Each suite features two bedrooms and an opulent 1,000-square-foot balcony that offers breathtaking views.

Who should go: This cruise is ideal for those looking for Princess' laid-back, upscale cruising experience. Families with children are warmly welcomed, and there are numerous connecting rooms as well as options with third and fourth bunks. While the ship offers a youth program, don’t anticipate waterslides and thrill rides; the atmosphere on board is relaxed, with an average age that skews older compared to Royal Caribbean or Carnival.

7-night Mexican Riviera journey on Carnival Panorama

Carnival Panorama is brimming with Carnival-style excitement. From an exhilarating ropes course high above the decks to thrilling waterslides and an indoor trampoline park, this ship is a playground for fun. The seven-night itineraries depart from Long Beach and cover key western Mexico ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, where the ship docks into the evening.

With three days at sea, guests have ample opportunity to savor everything the ship has to offer. The highlight is that this thrilling floating adventure operates on this itinerary all year round.

Who should go: This is an excellent option for families with tweens and teens, as many of the onboard activities cater to them. Couples cruising without kids can relax in adults-only areas like the Serenity sun deck retreat, the luxurious Cloud 9 Spa, and Havana cabins featuring their own exclusive pool deck.

7-night expedition to Baja California with UnCruise

UnCruise Adventures offers a completely unique perspective on cruising in Mexico.

Set aside the party ships and adrenaline-pumping rides for an expedition experience on the 66-passenger Safari Voyager. This ship departs from La Paz, Mexico, from January to June, offering guests the chance to seek out gray whales, whale sharks, rays, and a stunning array of marine life, as well as terrestrial wildlife.

Onboard activities include kayaking, Zodiac boat excursions, snorkeling, hiking, and, naturally, relaxation at the beach. Safari Explorer offers basic amenities, with cozy cabins and plenty of communal space on deck to spot wildlife and connect with fellow travelers.

UnCruise prices encompass all meals, excursions, equipment, beverages (including alcoholic drinks), and airport transfers, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure.

Who should go: This cruise is designed for physically active adults and families with children aged 8-17 who are eager for adventure in the wilds and waters of Baja California.

10-night cruise to Mexico featuring an overnight stay in Cabo on the Grand Princess

Princess Cruises operates the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and the 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess on seasonal 10-night itineraries exploring the Baja Peninsula and Sea of Cortez from Los Angeles.

The Grand Class ships offer a cozy ambiance, being approximately 20% smaller than Princess' newer Royal Class vessels (like the aforementioned Discovery Princess). The interior design features vibrant, piazza-style atriums with cafes, alongside expansive theaters and various dining and bar options.

Each voyage includes stops in La Paz, Loreto, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with an overnight stay in Cabo San Lucas. In La Paz, relax on the soft golden beaches and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the breathtaking underwater life through snorkeling or scuba diving. In Loreto, visit the historic Mission San Javier, adorned with beautiful stained-glass windows and the iconic bell tower of Our Lady of Loreto. Don't miss the chance to savor local seafood delights, such as the famous "chocolate" clams cooked on hot stones, perfectly paired with the zesty flavor of a traditional margarita. Keep an eye out for whales while enjoying the charm of these towns.

Four sea days give you the perfect opportunity to unwind after your shore excursions.

Who should go: This cruise is perfect for those who enjoy delving deeper into port cities beyond the typical quick visits and prefer a more relaxed atmosphere on board. Daytime activities in Cabo include sport fishing, wildlife observation, boat excursions, camel rides, kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling. Combine this with evening tasting tours, and you're all set for an unforgettable experience.

Final Thoughts

The finest cruises to Mexico are those that align with your travel style. Whether you seek a lively party vibe or thrilling adventures, there's a ship ready to whisk you away to Mexico year-round.

Narrow your search to round-trip itineraries departing from major ports like Los Angeles and San Diego. You can also find cruises heading to Mexico's west coast from San Francisco. For Caribbean experiences, consider Mexico cruises from Galveston, New Orleans, and even Mobile, Alabama.