Six of the best cruises to Mexico

Number one

Puerto Vallarta

In the foothills of the lush Sierra Madre mountains, this historic port offers cobbled streets lined with elegant colonial buildings, galleries and cafes.

But the main attraction is the stunning beaches – don’t miss the chance to spend a couple of hours at Playa de los Muertos.

Get onboard
Royal Caribbean seven-night ‘Cabo, Vallarta & Mazatlan’ cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas, round trip from Los Angeles via Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, departs November 28, 2022, from £511.

Number two

Merida

Accessed from the port of Progreso, this magnificent city is crammed with impressive colonial architecture, and with live music on every corner it’s a pleasure to spend the day here.

- READ MORE: Discover South America: A cruise lover's dream location -

You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding area, including the Mayan ruins at nearby Uxmal.

Get onboard
Carnival five-night ‘Western Caribbean’ cruise aboard Carnival Breeze, round trip from Galveston via Cozumel and Progreso, departing November 26, 2022, from £188.

Number three

Cabo San Lucas

At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is known as a party town but it also has amazing beaches.

- READ MORE: Princess Cruises offers up-to $500 onboard spending money -

And take a boat trip to see El Arco, Cabo’s famous landmark – a natural rock formation in the shape of an arch.

Get onboard
Princess Cruises seven-night ‘Baja Peninsula & Sea of Cortez’ cruise aboard Diamond Princess, round trip from San Diego via Loreto, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas, departs September 11 2022, from £529.

Number four

Acapulco

In its 1950s heyday, Acapulco was a playground for Hollywood stars. The glamour may have faded a little but Acapulco’s huge crescent-moon bay still packs a punch.

- READ MORE: Three of the best cruises for Elvis Presley fans -

There’s brilliant snorkelling, and don’t forget to call in for cocktails at the legendary Hotel Los Flamingos, perched on a 450ft clifftop.

Get onboard
NCL 12-night ‘Panama Canal’ cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel, from Los Angeles to Colon via Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco and Puerto Caldera, departs November 12, 2022, from £920.

Number five

Cozumel

This island off the Yucatan Peninsula is where cruise ships dock for Playa del Carmen, Cancun and a wealth of nearby attractions, from Mayan ruins to wildlife reserves.

- READ MORE: Discover themed cruising: Travel through you passions -

If you’re short of time, Cozumel itself offers excellent shopping (and powerfully authentic margaritas).

Get onboard
P&O Cruises 35-night ‘USA & Caribbean’ cruise aboard Ventura, round trip from Southampton via Bermuda, Cozumel, Roatan, Belize, New Orleans, Key West, Miami, Port Canaveral and Ponta Delgarda, departs March 2, 2023, from £2,499.

Number six

Manzanillo

On Mexico’s Pacific coast, lively Manzanillo offers pristine white beaches, rambling mango plantations and great seafood restaurants.

- READ MORE: Why now is the time to set sail with Princess Cruises -

It’s also one of the world’s best destinations to go sport fishing for marlin, red snapper and tuna.

Get onboard
Princess Cruises 10-night ‘Mexican Riviera’ cruise aboard Ruby Princess, round trip from San Francisco via Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, departs November 22, 2022, from £619.