About Cruising the Mexican Riviera

Exploring Mexico's beautiful coast by ship can be the preferred method of travel for good reasons. Mexican laws regarding foreign auto insurance and car accidents, as well as you or your driver's daily/nightly level of sobriety all must be carefully considered when traveling by car. Carnival Cruises has a 7 day Mexican Riviera Cruise with a standard rate around $1,339 per person at peak season. Their Sunday to Sunday year round tour spends the first two days at sea, and then stops for three consecutive days at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. Shore tours can bring you to see ancient churches, cultural exhibits and the living history of Mexico, or you could spend time on the beautiful beaches, deep-sea fishing or scuba diving/snorkeling. Shore excursions cost additional fees not usually included in the cruise fare. Daily activities on the boat include sunning, drinking, swimming, exercise, or listening to any of the ships' bands during all of the above. Quiet times can be experienced on top decks. For families, Camp Carnival operates a child care program and a Children's World Playroom. Babysitting is available at night until 3:00 a.m. After all, Carnival is still basically a party boat. Some tips to remember: Bring American dollar bills for tips, you'll need them everywhere Phone calls can cost as much as $10 minute - send postcards instead You'll need bottled water in Mexico - bring plenty with you onshore From the haunting desert loveliness of Cabo San Lucas, perched on a remote cliff at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, to the sophisticated night life of Acapulco, Mexico’s west coast greets travelers with south-of-the-border hospitality. Ports of call along the Riviera reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. Yet, not nearly as many ships ply this route as the Caribbean so passengers going ashore are spared swarms of tourists in boutiques and restaurants.

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