Promising year-round sunshine, endless white sandy beaches and rich cultural heritage, Mexico – and the underdeveloped island of Cozumel – are popular destinations for cruisers. International liner Carnival Cruises offers a wide variety of tempting cruises setting sail from the United States to Cozumel and Mexico.
Carnival Cruises unofficial mantra is “full-on-fun”. Each of its 23 ships offers a dizzying array of stage shows, musical performances and deck parties; water parks and rollercoasters; street food and fine dining. Liners depart from ports across the U.S. to exotic locations across the world but – unsurprisingly – Mexico is one of its most popular destinations. If you’re looking to set sail soon, we’ve rounded up some of the best Carnival cruises to Cozumel and Mexico which combine the best activities, facilities and amenities both at sea and ashore.
4 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
For those looking to dip their toes into Mexico’s colourful pre-Hispanic history and palm-fringed beaches, this short cruise from New Orleans includes two glorious days at sea aboard the Carnival Valo and a day in Cozumel. Travellers have the whole day to explore the island’s tropical reefs, ancient Mayan ruins and frozen margaritas – perfect for those looking for a slice of the lovely, laid-back Caribbean. Onboard, the ship offers floating resort-like amenities, with multiple pools, Tiki-style bars, a three-deck-high water slide and a range of dining options. From $279 ($70 per night)
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5 Night Baja Mexico Cruise
Most of Carnival’s Mexico-bound cruises depart from sunnier states in the South, but on this cruise, you can sail along the entire length of the country, from the top of San Francisco to the tip of Mexico. The five-night itinerary includes two days aboard the Carnival Miracle, a full day to explore San Diego and a day in Ensenada, a port city with a soulful harbour and Malecon promenade. It’s ideal for those looking to combine cultural excursions with days spent making the most of Carnival’s stellar facilities. From $619 ($124 per night)
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6 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
On this six-night cruise, guests have two whole days to explore the pristine beaches, rich Hispanic culture and vibrant bar and food scene in Cabo San Lucas, on the Baja California Peninsula. There’s also a full day to explore Ensenada, one of the first settlements founded in the Californias and known locally as ‘The Cinderella of the Pacific. The cruise sets sail from Los Angeles aboard the Carnival Miracle. As well as thrilling activities on land, guests can expect Carnival’s signature upbeat atmosphere, dining options and family-friendly amenities too. From $459 ($77 per night)
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7 Night Western Caribbean Cruise
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This week-long cruise from Orlando combines three delicious tropical destinations with three leisurely days at sea. Onboard the Mardi Gras, there’s a tantalizing range of dining options, from Cajun cooking and Shaq’s Big Chicken to street food bites. Families of all ages won’t be able to resist ‘The BOLT’, the fastest and first rollercoaster at sea either. Offshore activities leave plenty of time for snorkelling in Cozumel and strolling around the bleach-white beaches of Costa Maya. There’s a full day to explore the Isla Roatan, beloved for its lush, untouched beauty, wildlife and marine life, too. From $729 ($104 per night)
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8 Night Mexican Riviera Cruise
This dreamy eight-night cruise sets sail from Los Angeles aboard Carnival’s flagship liner, the Carnival Panorama. At 323 metres long, it’s the largest ship in the fleet and it’s bursting with state-of-the-art facilities and luxury touches. It’s particularly popular with families, thanks to onboard adventures like the Sky Zone (an indoor trampoline park), Waterworks Park and the SkyRide, a zip line suspended two-lane bike course above the deck. Adults travelling without children will appreciate the adults-only deck too. This route takes in some of the most enticing destinations along the Mexican Riviera, with stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. From $1,159 ($145 per night).
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