How to Select a Mexico Cruise

Many people find relaxation and a sense of personal fulfillment on cruises. So if that is your thing choosing to visit Mexican ports on a luxurious ocean going vessel can be a very satisfying experience. You will discover that Mexico is indeed a very beautiful country able to offer many attractions not available in the United States.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Money for the trip and extra expenses
• Clothing and personal items

1. Decide what criteria are important for your cruise to Mexico. Some factors that should be considered are price, length of trip, itinerary and port of departure, choice of cruise line and vessel, accommodations, number of people you are traveling with and any special needs they may have.
2. Keep in mind that Mexican cruises generally can last from three to fourteen days or longer. The longer the cruise the more expensive it will be.
3. Be aware that Mexican cruises are available year round and different companies offer different packages.
4. Use the American port you depart from as the paramount criteria for your cruise. On the West Coast, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego and San Francisco are regularly used by leading cruise companies. On the East Coast, Houston, Galveston, New Orleans, Tampa, Port Canaveral Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key West are often used.
5. In addition to Mexican ports such as Mazatian, Ixtapa, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco or Cancun, some trips can include Central American and Caribbean ports such as Grand Cayman, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Belize City and the Panama Canal among other stops.
6. Cruise lines can offer a choice of accommodations such as interior room, ocean view, balcony or suite.
7. Dining venues vary by cruise line and ship and multiple restaurants and styles of dining are often available on one vessel.
8. Individual cruise vessels can have bars, lounges, theaters, a library or casinos and provide drinks, music, dancing, shows, gambling, lectures, language lessons or even a cooking demonstration by a staff chef.
9. On shore, depending on the cruise, you can fish, ride a horse on the beach, snorkel, para-sail or enjoy other available sports.
10. Call your travel agent and ask questions when you want to pin down important details.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are worried about anything or have special needs, do not be afraid to ask to ask as many questions as you need to.
• Different companies offer different cruise packages and often change many details season to season and year to year.
• Effective January 1, 2008, a Passport will be required to re-enter the United States by land or sea. This requirement is already in effect for re-entry by air.
• Be prepared for unexpected contingencies with extra cash along with credit cards. American credit cards are useful almost everywhere.