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 If
you're searching for your own version of fun in the sun for your
next cruise, sail to Mexico. A great year-round
destination, Mexico offers something for everyone. Pristine white
sandy beaches and azure blue oceans provide the perfect backdrop
for relaxation. Ancient Mayan ruins tell fascinating stories of
a rich past.
 Shopping
in colorful open-air markets is even more enjoyable when you move
to the music of mariachis. The spectacular rocky formations that
rise from the sea in Acapulco become even more awe-inspiring when
you watch cliff divers plunge to the water below.
Cruises to
Mexico stop at small quaint fishing villages, glitzy resort towns
with non-stop action and everything in between enabling you to
choose how to escape la vida loca (the crazy life) on
your Mexican cruise vacation!
Bon
voyage!
Director, www.lux-cruise.com
Cruising
Mexico
 Mexico
is the fourth most popular cruise destination in the world its
appeal punctuated by 440 white-sand beaches, colorful art, exquisite
architecture, great diving and snorkeling spots, and a "fiesta"
atmosphere that permeates the air both day and night.
Many
consider it a great Caribbean alternative, with ports of embarkation
in Southern California, which are particularly convenient for
travelers who live on the West Coast.
 When
most people think of cruises to Mexico, they are actually thinking
about the Mexican Riviera, the country's Pacific coastline from
the California border to the southern border with Guatemala. But
Mexico had a number of ports along the Gulf of Mexico which are
often included on Caribbean itineraries. Due to Mexico's growing
popularity, cruise lines are beginning to assign newer and bigger
ships to the region and introducing year-round service.
Temperatures
are generally in the 70s and 80s for most of the year, although
cruisers in August and September may experience warmer and more
humid weather.
Popular
Ports
 Mexican
cruises call in a variety of enchanting and exciting ports. Here
are a few that are favored by frequent cruisers:
Acapulco
For years, Acapulco has been the ultimate Mexican Riviera
resort town for the jet-setting crowd. Along the coast you will
find dazzling beaches adjacent to luxury hotels, as well as primitive
out-of-the-way beaches, such as Barra Vieja. Just about every
water sport is offered here, but the main attraction is the cliff
diving at La Quebrada, where dare devils plunge 130 feet into
the small cove in the water below.
 Cozumel
Cozumel is the largest of the Mexican islands, measuring 28 miles
long by 10 miles wide. Located in the Gulf of Mexico, it is surrounded
by reef formations and vibrant marine life, offering great scuba
diving and snorkeling. And for those who don't want to get wet,
glass bottom boat and submarine excursions enable sea exploration.
Ships that call in Cozumel may stop in nearby Playa del Carmen,
where cruisers can visit the ancient ruins of Tulum, the only
Mayan city overlooking the ocean.
 Mazatlan
On Mexico's mainland, across the southern tip of
the Baja California Peninsula, is Mazatlan, the most important
Mexican port along the Pacific and home to one of the most popular
carnivals in the world. It's famous for its world-class sportfishing,
with marlin, swordfish, tuna and Dorado in its seas. Sites to
see include the world's highest lighthouse, the majestic Sierra
Madre mountain range and the city's famed cathedral.
Intriguing
Itineraries
Seven-day cruises are the most popular option for Mexico cruises.
But you can even find three-to four-night sailings as well as
itineraries of up to 14 days, all of which enable you to pick
the length that best fits your schedule. Here
are a few of the many exceptional cruises to Mexico.
Celebrity
Cruises Baja Mexico Cruise
Departure Date: Dec. 4, 2005
Number of Nights: 6
If you need to get away for a few days and want
to be pampered in luxury, consider cruising with Celebrity to
Baja Mexico. This six-night itinerary onboard Infinity sails roundtrip
from San Diego and makes stops at three fun ports Catalina
Island in California and Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada in Mexico.
Celebrity also has three-and four-night cruises to Baja Mexico,
which call in Catalina and Ensenada.
Fares
for the six-night cruise start at $500 per person, double occupancy.
Website: www.celebritycruises.com
Holland
America Sea of Cortez
Departure Dates: Oct. 22 and Dec.
11, 2005
Number of Nights: 10
 Holland
America offers a variety of Mexican cruise options, with five-
to 10-night itineraries that feature not only the Mexican Riviera,
but also the Sea of Cortez. The line's Sea of Cortez sailings
onboard ms Zaandam depart from San Diego and visit many
of the most popular Mexican ports Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and
Cabo San Lucas while also stopping at some uncommon, but intriguing
places, such as Topolobampo, Loreto and La Paz.
Fares
begin at $1,112.29 per person, double occupancy.
Website:
www.hollandamerica.com
Princess
Cruises Mexican Riviera
Departure Dates: numerous sailings
in 2005 and 2006
Number of Nights: 7
 Princess
Cruises offers a seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary on Sapphire
Princess that offers travelers an opportunity to see three
of Mexico's most popular ports Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan
and Cabo San Lucas while traveling roundtrip from Los
Angeles. And the line currently has a promotion for sailings departing
on November 26, December 3 and December 10.
The
promotional fares for these three special sailings which are based
on double occupancy, range from $599 for an interior cabin to
$996 for a Mini-Suite.
Website:
www.princess.com
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