Mexican Riviera Cruises
A week down Mexico’s Pacific coast from Southern California.
Get Mexican Riviera QuotesA Week Down the Pacific Coast
The classic Mexican Riviera cruise is a seven-night round trip from Southern California. After a day or two at sea, the ship calls at three resort ports on Mexico’s Pacific coast and then sails home, usually arriving early on the eighth morning.
A typical order is Los Angeles, two sea days, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas, then one or two sea days back, though some weeks reverse the order or add Ensenada. Shorter five- and six-night versions usually visit Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada only, and some longer sailings add La Paz or Loreto in the Sea of Cortés.
Where the Ships Sail From
| Departure port | What to expect | Official site |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (World Cruise Center, San Pedro) | Week-long Riviera cruises and short Ensenada trips from several major lines | Port of Los Angeles |
| Long Beach | Carnival’s West Coast base, next to the Queen Mary, with Riviera and Baja sailings | — |
| San Diego | Seasonal Riviera cruises, often a little shorter at sea because the city is closer to Mexico | Port of San Diego |
Lines and ships change from season to season. In recent seasons, Princess Cruises has offered seven-day Riviera voyages from Los Angeles calling at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta; Carnival runs Riviera and Baja trips from Long Beach; and Royal Caribbean runs short Ensenada sailings from Los Angeles. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise confirm what is sailing for your dates.
Sea Days, Cabins and Life on Board
Expect two sea days heading south and one or two heading north. The Pacific off Baja can be breezy and the swell can build, especially in winter, so if you are prone to seasickness choose a cabin low and near the middle of the ship. On the way south, the air warms by the day; many travelers find the first sunny sea day one of the best moments of the trip.
Getting to the ship: most passengers drive. Parking at the Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego terminals fills on busy days; compare options at Free Cruise Parking.
Shore days: see our Riviera ports guide.
Mexican Riviera Questions
Which ports are on a typical Mexican Riviera week?
Most seven-night sailings call at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, with sea days between California and the first port and on the way home.
Are Mexican Riviera cruises available all year?
Short Baja trips run year-round, but many week-long Riviera sailings are scheduled from autumn to spring, because several West Coast ships move to Alaska for the summer.
Do I need a passport?
A round trip from a U.S. port is a closed-loop cruise, which has simpler ID rules for U.S. citizens. A passport is still the safest choice. See our documents page.
Picking Your Week
- Port hours matter. Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán are usually full days; check whether Cabo is a morning or afternoon call.
- Whale season runs roughly mid-December to March or April; see when to go.
- Holiday weeks fill early, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break.
- Shorter on time? Five- and six-night sailings reach Cabo with less time at sea.
Book a Mexican Riviera Cruise
Tell us your departure city and dates. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will compare Mexican Riviera sailings from Los Angeles, Long Beach and San Diego and send free quotes.
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