Destinations
Mexico
From mariachis to margaritas, Mexico is where it all began for Princess with our first cruise vacation in 1965. Fifty years later, we continue to visit the best of the region on a wide variety of sailings to the Mexican Riviera roundtrip from Los Angeles or San Francisco, with stops in colorful Puerto Vallarta, the playground to the stars, Cabo San Lucas, colonial Loreto and more.
3 to 5-day cruises
roundtrip from Los Angeles
7-day cruises
roundtrip from Los Angeles
8-day cruises or longer roundtrip
from Los Angeles or San Francisco
Featuring sun washed beaches, rich culture and fun watersports, Mexico cruises offer special attractions and activities for every traveler. With Princess Cruises, passengers will not only enjoy this stunning destination but also the spectacular entertainment on board, from comedy shows, to folklore performances, and more. Whether traveling as a couple or with your family, embark on a life-changing experience and come back new with vivid memories, great friends, and a new perspective on the world we live in. Start planning your Mexico cruise today!
Tequila has long been considered Mexico’s national drink and plays an important role in Mexican culture. Its history dates back to the mid-16th century but didn’t gain widespread popularity until after the Mexican Revolution. Unravel the many secrets this elixir possesses with Princess Cruises during an onboard expert presentation paired with sample tequila tastings – plus you may even have the chance to win a free bottle!
Experience the powerful emotion of Mexican folk rhythms as Mariachis perform traditional songs on board—at the bar, on deck by the pool, in the Piazza—wearing classic embellished costumes and wide-brimmed sombreros. This regional music invites audience participation, so feel free to join in! Ask the band to play "Las Mañanitas" if someone in your group is celebrating a birthday or special occasion. Or for something more romantic, ask for "La Malagueña" or "Serenata Huasteca".
An evolving fusion of Mesoamerican and Spanish cooking, traditional Mexican cuisine is intricately tied to the culture and traditions of the region – and therefore has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Indulge your taste buds on board with Mexican-themed dishes like fresh Ceviche, Vegetables a la Parrilla, savory chips and salsa, tacos, fajitas, or even traditional mole—a popular holiday dish. Finish the night with a sweet treat like coconut Cocadas or a decadent creation by master chocolatier Norman Love as part of our Chocolate JourneysSM premium onboard experience.
You'll not only learn about Mexico’s rich heritage and bright flavors ashore, but experience it firsthand on board with enrichment offerings like:
Discover this country’s festive heart & soul on award-winning shore excursions like Coastal whale-watching in Cabo San Lucas, Folkloric shows and authentic fare in Mazatlán, sportfishing in Manzanillo and a zip line adventure in Puerto Vallarta. And on itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can also experience some of the fabulous nightlife.
Princess Cruises’ Youth Centers & Teen Lounges are staffed by fun, experienced counselors that offer discovery programs like creating Mexican arts and crafts while learning about the traditions and customs of the places they’ll visit. Our supervised centers are the perfect place for kids to chill with new-found friends with Mexican fiesta theme nights, video games, music and dance parties, movies, arts & crafts, sports contests, group dinners and much more.
Awarded "Best Onboard Shopping" from Porthole Magazine, our duty and tax free boutiques on board feature local traditional goods from Mexico, including hand carved wood figurines and vases, fire opal, and sterling silver jewelry. These are just a few of the many gifts you’ll find to create a lasting memory of your Mexican Riviera cruise vacation.
When Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes sailed into this quiet little bay in 1535, he tried to establish a colony called Santa Cruz. He later abandoned it but, luckily, Sebastian Vizcaino arrived in 1596, renamed it La Paz and the colony has flourished ever since.
MoreHere, you’ll find a playground of activities that Cortes couldn’t even dream of. From a festive downtown full of attractions to sun-drenched beaches, renowned for their soft, golden sand, to warm, inviting water teeming with marine life, La Paz offers a little bit of everything for everybody. And isn’t that what vacations are all about!?
Explore a wealth of fascinating artifacts and exhibits detailing the history of the indigenous peoples who made this enchanting area their home from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century.
Sitting in the historical heart of the city, this charming 19th century cathedral reflects California mission style of architecture. Inside are a number of paintings and statues dedicated to Virgin Mary, La Paz’s patron saint.
Get up close and personal with snakes, iguanas, lizards, tortoises, albino cobras and giant pythons at this non-profit attraction. Observe naturalists, hold a creature, or even adopt an animal.
Among the city’s most notable traits is its dedication to its handicrafts and the artisans who create a variety of unforgettable works of art.
Located on the southern Baja Peninsula, this charming paradise lies between the desert and the Sierra Laguna mountain range. Quaint village life, abundant agriculture, and miles of unspoiled beaches abound.
With an average temperature of 60°F in winter and 80°F in summer, the astonishing natural wonders of golden sand and turquoise water beckon you to swim, snorkel and scuba.
The Sea of Cortez plays host to a wide and breathtaking variety of marine life including finback, gray and blue whales, as well as dolphins, sea lions and exotic fish.
Whether you stretch out on a blanket on the golden sand, go for a refreshing dip, or explore a cove or rocky islet, the best beaches in Baja are within easy reach of La Paz.
This ancient and beautiful destination, cradled by the lush hills of the Sierra de la Giganta and the cobalt waters of the Sea of Cortez, immerses you in history and culture from the moment you step onto its shores. Dating back nearly 12,000 years, Loreto is thought to be the oldest human settlement on the Peninsula of Baja California, and you can explore its fascinating cave paintings and petroglyphs.
MoreIt is also where the Jesuit missionaries landed, founding the first Mission of Baja California and establishing the Church of Our Lady of Loreto, which still anchors the town. Mexican heritage and colonial influences can both be seen as you wander through the quaint streets, browsing curio shops, sampling local fare and meeting the friendly people. Outdoor enthusiasts will love exploring Loreto’s sun-drenched and scenic surroundings. Sparkling beaches and dramatic cliff-top vistas invite thrill-seekers and eco-travelers alike to discover the local flora and fauna and the abundant water activities. Kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and sport-fishing are popular, as are more extreme off-road adventures and, in the winter months, whale watching. Come experience the unspoiled beauty of Loreto for yourself!
This quaint village is home to the second oldest mission in the Californias. Its historic 17th-century church boasts period architecture, stained-glass windows and the first weather vane in Baja.
Rising above the main plaza, the charming stone church’s bell tower is the town’s main historic landmark, founded in 1697. Step inside for its beautiful crucifix and golden altarpiece carved in wood.
Located in an 18th century Jesuit convent, this petite museum displays 300 artifacts showcasing the development of the Baja and Alta California missions as well as 17th- and 18th-century mission art.
Explore the beauty and wonder of the rugged Baja Peninsula by kayak.
Enticing divers and snorkelers of all levels, Loreto National Marine Park, a 100-mile stretch of sea-hugging Baja coastline, is home to over 800 species of colorful fish, unique to the Sea of Cortez.
Savor the flavors of an authentic Mexican seafood specialty exclusive to Loreto. Fresh from the sea, "chocolate" clams, cooked over rocks, are complimented by margaritas and a music performance.
Today, the city has its own "Gringo Gulch," a haunt of the rich and famous. Travelers are also drawn by its climate, its excellent shopping - which offers great values on leather goods, jewelry, and handicrafts - and mile after mile of palm-lined beaches.
The city’s popular boardwalk by the beach is lined with shops, restaurants and artists selling their wares. Begin your stroll at the Los Milenos sculpture by Mathis Lidice and head southward.
Accessible only by boat, this secluded cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay is surrounded by lush jungle and features pristine beaches for an exclusive private paradise.
The cathedral features a gilded crown, a replica of one worn by Carlota, empress of Mexico. A 1995 earthquake damaged the crown and sculptor Octavio Gonzales created its replacement.
Discover the fascinating process of tequila making, from its origins in the blue agave cactus to your glass, and sample Puerto Vallarta’s finest at Hacienda Doña Engracia.
The tiny town and crescent-shaped beach of the same name is situated in a cove off Banderas Bay, south of Puerto Vallarta. Sleepy and remote, the only way to get there is by boat.
This series of uninhabited islands offers kayaking, snorkeling or scuba diving around the periphery of the islands where you can bird-watch as it is a haven for all matter of winged species.
Get acquainted with new underwater friends at the Dolphin Adventure Center. Kids can kiss the dolphins and meet their curious babies, while adults may indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime belly ride!
Become one with nature as you zipline and rappel through the Mexican jungle, view the countryside by powerful ATV, or go kayaking and snorkeling in the warm waters of Puerto Vallarta.
Known as a place of infinite beauty, affectionate locals and endless sunshine, San Diego has become one of America’s favorite cities. Located in the southwest corner of California, close to the border of Mexico, San Diego has a distinct cross-cultural feel, part sun-drenched Mediterranean atmosphere, part south-of-the-border zest and part quintessential California beach town.
MoreThe history of San Diego is rooted in its Spanish and Mexican past. San Diego was declared the capital of upper and lower Baja only four years after Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Less than thirty years later, the United States declared war on Mexico and within two years the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo was signed creating the current borders between Mexico and the United States.
The city continues to prosper with a population exceeding one million. World-renowned attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, the Salk Institute, Sea World, La Jolla and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge have created a strong tourism industry for the area. But undoubtedly what attracts visitors from around the world is the city’s breathtaking natural beauty, superb coastline and near-perfect weather.
Site of the first Spanish settlement in California in 1769, this historic district offers the finest in theater, shopping, dining and free live entertainment - all within easy walking distance.
The nation’s largest urban cultural park, this 1200-acre park is home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the world famous San Diego Zoo.
Surrounded by ocean bluffs and soft sand beaches, this affluent, hilly, seaside resort outside of San Diego offers fine shopping and dining as well as year-round sunshine and watercolor sunsets.
More than a world-famous zoo, this is a sanctuary for thousands of animals, a landscape of rare plants from all climates and a living classroom that entertains and educates.
This gigantic adventure marine park offers close-ups with penguins, dolphins and sharks, sea lion and killer whale shows, rides and water coasters and the opportunity to feed sea mammals!
This stunning 1,800-acre preserve where animals from around the world wander freely in surroundings similar to their natural habitats, features an aviary, a petting zoo, a railway, and animal shows.
Take a harbor cruise that offers up San Diego’s history and highlights including a submarine base, the Coronado Bridge, the famous Hotel Del Coronado and area wildlife sightings.
Explore San Diego’s wine country which is know as the Valley of the Sun and is only 30 minutes from downtown San Diego.
What draws travellers, however, is the bay’s scenic beauty: jungle-laden mountains rise above rocky coves and golden-sand beaches. The offshore waters offer superb diving - and some of the finest fishing in the world.
For decades, Manzanillo has been a secret destination for fishermen. The offshore waters teem with 70 species of game fish. One can fish for sailfish and dorado year-round.
Offering a splendid combination of warm, golden sand and undulating palm trees, Manzanillo’s 40 miles of pristine beaches are said to be the most beautiful on the Mexican Riviera.
A world-class resort on Manzanillo Bay boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, water sports, a 70-slip marina, and a quarter-mile of private beach all in a setting resembling the Arabian nights.
Activity in downtown Manzanillo centers on the main plaza or zócalo. Filled with flowering trees, a fountain and view of the bay, locals flock here to throw rice to the palomas (pigeons).
Dedicated to helping endangered species, the Tortugario Ecological Center has the largest turtle sanctuary in Mexico and is home to migratory birds, iguanas and crocodiles.
These two cities offer looks into Mexico’s past: Colima, the capital of the state of Colima is home to 2,000-year-old ruins; Comala is a 500-year-old city living in the shadow of two volcanoes.
The San Luciano was a casualty of the devastating 1959 Mexico hurricane. The former cargo ship is 300 feet long and is submerged in only 25 feet of water, with the top of the wreck only four feet beneath the surface, just off the shore of La Boquita Beach. This popular dive site is populated with scores of tropical marine life, in particular adorable puffer fish, hawksbill turtles, octopuses and seahorses.
Lying just below the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan boasts a superb year-round climate. Mazatlan, a name that means "Place of the Deer," sits on a peninsula at the feet of the rugged Sierra Madre, and the Cerro de Neveria - "Ice Box Hill" - divides the area’s rocky Pacific beaches from the broad, white-sand beaches beloved by visitors.
MoreThe climate, the beaches, and the world-class sportfishing have turned this commercial fishing port into one of the world’s top resort destinations. Yet while visitors flock to the markets, bathe in the sun, or marvel at the airborne ballet of the famed Papantla dancers, Mazatlan remains one of Mexico’s major Pacific ports - the city exports over 40 million pounds of shrimp every year.
Admire the Moorish and Gothic architecture at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, then head across the way to the popular Plaza Revolución with its charming gazebo and street vendors.
The Italian-style theatre, a national landmark loving restored to its 19th-century splendor, is home to a concert hall, galleries, an art school and a highly regarded conservatory of music and dance.
The tourist zone, known as Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) boasts numerous four and five star hotels with private beaches, shops and restaurants, and palm-lined beaches.
Stone Island is less crowded and not as developed as the mainland, a haven of sunshine and ocean, with glistening sand, crashing waves, and rustling palm trees and plentiful coconuts.
Founded in 1900 by three German immigrants, Pacifico Brewery produces one of Mexico’s finest premium brews.
High-flying divers perform acrobatic and dangerous plunges into rocky surf from a 59-foot high ledge.
In the lush Sierra Madre foothills, the twin colonial towns are reminiscent of yesteryear as artisans craft furniture and pottery, and cobblestones and colorful red roof tiles dot the streets.
From hiking to sportfishing to ziplining through the treetops, Mazatlan offers exciting adventures outdoors to suit anyone’s style.
"Welcome to Paradise," is a fitting expression for those visiting the coastal city of Santa Barbara. Called the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a place where food, art, history, fashion, wine and sunshine mix to create a delightful and unique experience for the visitor.
MoreCharming Spanish and Moorish style buildings graced by brilliantly-colored bougainvillea, palm-lined beaches, a warm Mediterranean climate, charming sidewalk cafés and a pristine seaside setting are some of the aesthetic reasons for visiting Santa Barbara.
The "Queen of the Missions," Santa Barbara’s Old Mission can be traced back to the 1700’s when the mission was built to bring Christianity to the Chumash Indians. The Old Mission is now a California Historical Landmark and is one of the most popular attractions in the area.
Just outside of Santa Barbara, lies the Santa Ynez Valley which is home to numerous world-renowned wineries. The scenic beauty of the dramatic mountains, lush valleys and oak trees is only surpassed by the rich flavors of the wines produced in the area.
Founded by Catholic settlers in 1786, the commanding presence and graceful lines of this majestic mission leave no doubt why she is called "Queen of the Missions."
Featuring the ideal Mediterranean climate for growing grapes, the fertile Santa Ynez Valley is home to California’s most accomplished wineries which have produced award-winning wines since the 1970s.
Considered the most beautiful government building in America, this impressive Spanish-Moorish style landmark completed in 1929 occupies a square block in downtown Santa Barbara.
The heart of Santa Barbara, this bustling, vibrant district lined with one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants and cafes is popular with locals and tourists alike.
This quaint Danish-themed town founded in 1911 replicates Copenhagen with its windmills, cobblestone streets, half-timbered walls, thatched roofs and restaurants featuring Danish cuisine.
Nestled among the verdant, rolling hills of Santa Barbara’s wine country, this charming village-like town is renowned for its art galleries, wine tasting shops and craft boutiques.
Pause to take in the grandeur (and a photograph!) of the landmark Moreton Bay Fig Tree, the oldest fig tree in America planted in 1870 and spanning 160 feet.
Whale watching is a popular pastime as is horseback or bicycle riding along the beautiful landscape; as well as kayaking or exploring the many eateries, breweries and vineyards located throughout the region.