The simple answer is yes, you can take a one-way cruise to Mexico. The complicated answer is that yes, you can take a one-way cruise to Mexico—one that is easy to book but expensive; or one that is inexpensive but hard to find.
Repositioning
One type of one-way cruise to Mexico is a repositioning cruise. When the high season ends in one location, cruise lines must move their ships from there to another location that is starting its high season. For example, cruises can take place around Alaska only during the summer, and Mexican cruises take place during the winter, so when the seasons change, you can book a one-way cruise on a ship that is being repositioned to its next location.
Benefits
A major benefit of one-way repositioning cruises is that they are less expensive than regular cruises. These cruises also go to ports of call that are less well-known. Unlike in other ports of call that may have lots of cruise ships in port and multitudes of tourists, you will get to see more local life rather than just seeing other tourists. The cruise ship itself will also be less crowded, as most people want to go round-trip.
Considerations
One-way repositioning cruises to Mexico will have more days at sea than is common for regular cruises, giving you fewer port days. Some prefer the more relaxed feel and make use of the ship’s amenities. Some people find it too long at sea without a break on land or want the sightseeing of many ports of call. The length of the trip in a one-way repositioning cruise is usually longer than for regular cruises, too.
Discovering
Repositioning cruises to Mexico can be difficult to find. Not much advertising of them exists. One method is to check CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) for cruise lines going to Mexico. Then search their websites for the word “reposition.” Or look for departures that are at the start of the season (when summer is ending) for ships that are repositioning from colder climates to Mexican areas. Or talk to a travel agent who specializes in cruises.
Other One-Ways
A one-way cruise to Mexico that is not repositioning is very hard to find. Most cruises return to their starting point. If you find a cruise that has Mexican ports of call and you want to remain in one of those, you will most likely be charged for the entire round-trip. Also with any one-way cruise, keep in mind that if you plan to fly back home, a one-way airfare may not cost much less than a round trip.