Skip to main content

Mexican Riviera

5-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise Itinerary

5 nights · 3 ports · Best October, November, December

Duration 5 nightsRegion Mexican RivieraFrom $300-$550 per personPeak Season December through March

About This Itinerary

A Mexican Riviera cruise sails the Pacific coast of Mexico, visiting resort towns like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas. Departing from Los Angeles, Long Beach, or San Diego, these cruises offer warm weather, beautiful beaches, authentic Mexican cuisine, and affordable port experiences.

Typical Ports of Call

1
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Iconic arch, whale watching, and beach clubs

2
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Charming old town, art scene, and beach resorts

3
Mazatlán, Mexico

Historic centro, golden zone beaches, and cliff divers

Day-by-Day Schedule

1Los Angeles / Long BeachEmbarkation
2At SeaSea Day
3Cabo San Lucas, MexicoPort Day
4Mazatlan, MexicoPort Day
5Puerto Vallarta, MexicoPort Day
6Los Angeles / Long BeachDisembarkation
EmbarkationPort DaySea DayDisembarkation

Cruise Lines on This Route

Carnival

Departing: Long Beach

Carnival PanoramaCarnival Radiance
Princess

Departing: Los Angeles

Discovery PrincessRoyal Princess
Norwegian

Departing: Los Angeles

Norwegian BlissNorwegian Joy
Holland America

Departing: San Diego

Koningsdam

Typical Pricing (Per Person)

Interior

$300-$550 per person

Balcony

$500-$900 per person

Suite

$1,000-$2,500 per person

Prices shown are approximate starting points and may vary. Ask CruiseGPT for current pricing

Why Choose This Itinerary

Convenient West Coast departure ports
Authentic Mexican culture and cuisine at every port
Whale watching season (December through April) in Cabo
Very affordable port experiences
Beautiful Pacific Ocean sunsets

Tips for This Route

  • Cabo San Lucas is a tender port so book early excursions or be first in line for tenders
  • The whale watching in Cabo (December to April) is world-class
  • Puerto Vallarta's Malecon boardwalk is walkable from the ship and wonderful
  • Mazatlán's historic centre is a hidden gem with excellent food and fewer tourists
  • Bargaining is expected at markets but be respectful
  • Try the local street food as it is safe and delicious at the tourist-area stands

Still deciding on 5-Night Mexican Riviera cruise itineraries?

Get instant answers from CruiseGPT, your AI cruise advisor. Try Pro free for 7 days.

Ask CruiseGPT

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Mexican Riviera safe for cruise passengers?

Yes. The tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán are safe and well-patrolled. Stick to tourist zones and organised excursions. The cruise ports and surrounding areas are specifically designed for visitor safety.

What is the best Mexican Riviera cruise line?

Carnival offers the most sailings and best value from Long Beach. Princess and Norwegian sail from Los Angeles with larger ships. Holland America's sailings from San Diego add a premium feel. All offer similar itineraries at different price points.

Is a 5-night Mexican Riviera cruise long enough?

Five nights gives you two port days and one sea day, which is a nice taste of the Mexican Riviera. For more ports and a more relaxed pace, consider a 7-night sailing that adds a third port and extra sea day.