
Cruise region
Mexican Riviera
A Mexican Riviera cruise follows Mexico's sunny Pacific coast from Los Angeles to resorts such as Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Beaches, winter whale watching and colourful old towns make it a relaxed holiday. Many itineraries combine the sailing with time in Las Vegas or a road trip along historic Route 66.
Best time to go
Season
Typical daytime highs
- Winter and spring (November to May). Typical daytime highs around 25 to 29°C in winter and spring (November to May). Dry and sunny.
- Summer and autumn (June to October). Typical daytime highs around 31 to 34°C in summer and autumn (June to October). Hot and humid, with a risk of tropical storms.
These are typical ranges, not a forecast.
How long
Fly-cruise airports
- Los Angeles International (LAX). about 11 hours
- Las Vegas Harry Reid (LAS). about 10 hours 30 minutes
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD). about 9 hours
Who it suits
Questions
When is whale-watching season on the Mexican Riviera?
Humpback whales are usually seen around Cabo San Lucas from about December to March.
Can I combine a cruise with Las Vegas?
Yes. Many itineraries start with a stay in Las Vegas before joining the ship in Los Angeles.
What is the Route 66 option?
Some itineraries follow historic Route 66 from Chicago via towns such as St Louis, Amarillo and Santa Fe before the cruise.
Ports and places
Los Angeles
A pre- or post-cruise stay for Hollywood, Santa Monica and Griffith Observatory.
View 8 cruises featuring Los AngelesLas Vegas
An inland stay for the Strip's shows, with the Grand Canyon within reach.
View 10 cruises featuring Las VegasCabo San Lucas
See the El Arco rock arch at Land's End and watch for whales in winter.
View 8 cruises featuring Cabo San LucasMazatlan
Explore the colourful historic centre and the long seafront Malecón.
View 8 cruises featuring MazatlanPuerto Vallarta
Stroll the Malecón seafront and relax on Banderas Bay's beaches.
View 7 cruises featuring Puerto VallartaEnsenada
Watch La Bufadora blowhole and taste wines from the Valle de Guadalupe.
View 4 cruises featuring EnsenadaCatalina Island
Explore the harbour town of Avalon and the clear waters off this Californian island.
View 3 cruises featuring Catalina IslandAmarillo
A Route 66 stop, home of the Cadillac Ranch art installation.
View 4 cruises featuring AmarilloChicago
An inland stay for the lakefront, architecture river tours and galleries.
View 4 cruises featuring ChicagoGallup
A Route 66 town known for Native American arts and crafts.
View 4 cruises featuring GallupKingman
A Route 66 town in Arizona with a museum of the historic road.
View 4 cruises featuring KingmanOklahoma City
A Route 66 stop with a moving national memorial and cowboy heritage.
View 4 cruises featuring Oklahoma CitySan Francisco
See the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and the cable cars.
View 1 cruise featuring San FranciscoSanta Fe
An adobe city of art galleries and Pueblo heritage.
View 4 cruises featuring Santa FeSpringfield
A classic Route 66 stop on the road-trip part of the itinerary.
View 4 cruises featuring SpringfieldSt Louis
See the Gateway Arch on the Mississippi.
View 4 cruises featuring St Louis
