Does Royal Caribbean Cruise to Mexico?

Royal Caribbean International, a renowned and leading cruise line, is known for it’s extensive and diverse selection of cruise itineraries around the globe. Sailing on state-of-the-art ships that offer a plethora of amenities and activities, Royal Caribbean aims to provide unforgettable experiences for it’s passengers. While the company offers a wide range of destinations to discover, one question that often arises is, "Does Royal Caribbean cruise to Mexico?" With it’s commitment to exploring the world's most captivating destinations, Royal Caribbean indeed offers several exciting cruise options to explore the enchanting beauty and rich cultural heritage of Mexico's stunning coastlines and vibrant cities. From the iconic ruins of ancient civilizations to the pristine beaches and enticing flavors of Mexican cuisine, Royal Caribbean's cruises to Mexico promise an unforgettable vacation brimming with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Is Royal Caribbean Sailing to Mexico?

Royal Caribbean is indeed sailing to Mexico, offering 22 cruises along the beautiful coastline of the Mexican Riviera. Stretching along the western coast of Mexico, the Mexican Riviera is home to twenty cities and lagoons known for their stunning oceanfront resorts and popularity among tourists. Despite the long distances between these cities, they’re collectively referred to as the Mexican Riviera due to their breathtaking beauty and attractions.

If youre planning to embark on a Mexican adventure, November is the most popular month to start your cruise. However, Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of departure dates to accommodate different travel preferences. Whether youre looking for a quick getaway or an extended vacation, there are 383 cruises available between August 2023 and April 2025.

When sailing with Royal Caribbean to Mexico, you can expect a luxurious and unforgettable experience. From the moment you step on board, youll be treated to world-class amenities, superb dining options, and exciting entertainment. Whether you choose to explore the vibrant city of Puerto Vallarta, indulge in the rich culture of Mazatlan, or relax on the stunning beaches of Cabo San Lucas, each port of call along the Mexican Riviera offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

As you cruise along the coastline, youll have the opportunity to participate in a variety of shore excursions. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring ancient ruins, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Mexico is a vibrant country that offers an array of breathtaking attractions and cultural experiences. It’s extensive coastline makes it an ideal destination for cruise vacations. Travelers can embark on a journey to explore Mexico’s stunning beaches and immerse themselves in the rich history of ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayas. Whether it’s lounging on the sand or delving into archaeological wonders, a cruise to Mexico promises an enriching and memorable adventure.

Can You Go to Mexico on a Cruise?

Cruising to Mexico is a fantastic way to explore the diverse and vibrant country. With it’s vast coastline and stunning beaches, it’s no wonder that Mexico is a sought-after destination for cruise lines. Royal Caribbean, one of the leading cruise companies, offers several itineraries that include stops in Mexico.

Whether youre a beach lover or a history enthusiast, a Mexican cruise has something for everyone. You can spend your days lounging on the white sandy beaches of Cancun or Cozumel, soaking up the sun and sipping on margaritas. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of water activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

But Mexico isn’t just about it’s beaches. With a rich history and ancient ruins scattered throughout the country, there are numerous cultural and historical sites to explore. From the iconic Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza to the impressive pyramids of Teotihuacan, you can immerse yourself in the ancient civilizations that once thrived in these lands.

Cruising to Mexico also allows you to sample the countrys delicious cuisine. Indulge in mouthwatering tacos, fresh ceviche, and flavorful mole dishes. And of course, no trip to Mexico is complete without trying some authentic tequila or mezcal.

Whether you choose a short 3-night cruise or an extended itinerary, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. From it’s state-of-the-art ships with world-class amenities to it’s excellent customer service, you can expect a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Although Cancun isn’t a direct port of call for Carnival cruises, the cruise line offers a convenient shore excursion that allows passengers to explore Cancun from the nearby port of Cozumel.

Do Carnival Cruises Go to Cancun?

While Cozumel isn’t the same as Cancun, it’s still a popular cruise destination and offers a variety of activities and attractions for Carnival passengers. In fact, Cozumel is known for it’s beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

During these excursions, passengers can explore the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum, which are located just a short distance from Cancun. Here, they can learn about the ancient civilization and marvel at the well-preserved structures that date back thousands of years. In addition to the ruins, there are also plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and relaxing on the picturesque beaches that Cancun is known for.

While Carnival doesn’t have a direct port of call in Cancun, they do provide their passengers with the option to visit this popular Mexican destination. So, while a Carnival cruise may not go directly to Cancun, passengers can still experience all that this exciting city has to offer during their cruise vacation.

Source: Cancun Cruises With Carnival – Travel Tips – USA Today

Additionally, the geography of the area and the coral reefs surrounding Cancun present challenges for large cruise ships, making it impractical for them to navigate close to the shore.

Why Don T Cruise Ships Go to Cancun?

Cancun, Mexico, is a renowned and highly sought-after tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. However, despite it’s popularity, cruise ships don’t typically set sail directly to Cancun. This may seem surprising, as one would expect such a vibrant and bustling locale to be a prime spot for maritime adventures. The reality, however, lies in the depth of the water surrounding Cancun, which poses a limitation for large cruise ships to dock directly at it’s shores.

These vessels require a certain depth of water to ensure a safe and smooth dock, as well as maneuverability within the port itself. Consequently, to allow cruise passengers the opportunity to explore Cancun, alternative methods of transportation are implemented.

To bridge the gap between the deep-sea ports and Cancuns shores, cruise passengers usually take a ferry from a nearby city to Cancuns tender port. Tender ports act as a gateway for visitors to reach their land-based destination. These ports provide a secure and efficient means for passengers to access the mainland while ensuring the safety and integrity of both the cruise ship and the surrounding waters.

While the absence of direct access for cruise ships to Cancun may initially appear as a drawback, it can actually be seen as an advantage. The ferry ride itself can be an exciting and scenic journey, offering passengers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea before they embark on their exploration of Cancuns wonders. This transit option not only provides an additional aspect of adventure to the travel experience but also maximizes the capacity for cruise ships to include Cancun as part of their itineraries.

This legal requirement has led many Hawaii cruises to include stops in Mexico. By stopping at a Mexican port, these cruises are able to fulfill the regulations set forth by the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886. While this may seem like an inconvenience to some passengers, it provides an opportunity to explore and experience another destination during their cruise vacation.

Why Do Hawaii Cruises Stop in Mexico?

Cruises from Hawaii often include a stop in Mexico due to the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (46 U.S.C. 289), which restricts foreign vessels from transporting passengers between ports within the United States. Since the majority of cruise ships operating from American ports are foreign-owned, they must include a foreign port in their itineraries to comply with this law.

This stop is typically a brief visit, allowing passengers to disembark and explore a Mexican port for a limited time before continuing on their journey. It’s important to note that the inclusion of a Mexican port doesn’t necessarily make the cruise a “Mexican” cruise, as the primary destination is typically Hawaii.

Moreover, adding a Mexican port to the itinerary also offers an opportunity for passengers to experience a different cultural and travel experience during their cruise. Mexico is known for it’s vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and historical sites, making it an appealing stop for many travelers.

This stop provides a chance for passengers to explore a different destination and enrich their overall cruise experience.

Conclusion

From the stunning coastal cities of Cozumel and Costa Maya to the vibrant port of Ensenada, passengers can experience a range of unique excursions and immerse themselves in a world of ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and flavorful cuisine.