Most cruises to Mexico stop by the region that the cruise industry calls the “Mexican Riviera,” so nicknamed for its colorful oceanfront towns and long stretches of golden, glistening coastline. Whether your cruise ports include Baja California, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel or Ensenada, the destinations possibilities are endless.

Itineraries are split, naturally, by the two oceans. To experience the Gulf of Mexico on the east coast, join a cruise through the Caribbean and stop at Grand Cayman on your way to Costa Maya. The Mexican Riviera is compact enough for short journeys, with 3-night cruises available from Long Beach and San Diego that journey along Baja California. Other west coast departure ports such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver offer 4-, 5-, 7-, or 12+ night sailings to Mexico. A longer cruise to Mexico will give you more time in some of the best ports and may take you up into the Sea of Cortez too.

Mexico cruises offer a sunny getaway year-round, with August and September offering some of the best Mexico cruise deals, due to the hot weather.