How does the Mexican Riviera compare to the Caribbean?

Question

I am planning a cruise and wondering how the two compare. I've been on one cruise before to Key West, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. Which is more exotic or tropical? Which is more fun? The cruise I'm looking at goes to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

Answer 1

I've done about a dozen cruises in the Caribbean.  Last year we went on a Celebrity 10-night Mexican Riviera Cruise from San Diego that went to Cabo, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Ixtapa and Manzanillo.

It was a great cruise and we really enjoyed ourselves.  The one thing that we noticed immediately at our first port, was that we were in Pacific water - not Caribbean water.  It was a little rougher, the sand a little courser, and certainly not as crystal blue as we were used to in the Caribbean.  It did not stop us from enjoying it every time we jumped in - which was quite often!  If that's going to bother you, then I'm glad that I'm telling you now, so that it doesn't spoil your vacation.

Another factor to consider is that all your ports are really mainland North America - no islands here!  You're stopping at all Mexican cities.  Not that there's anything wrong with that - at all - as each has their own personality.

We really didn't enjoy Acapulco as much as the other ports.  It was loud and dirty.  The best stop we made was in Ixtapa, actually it's Zihuatanejo, (pronounced zee-wha-tan-a-ho), a lovely little picturesque fishing village, with great shops along the beach walk and for several blocks inland, with wonderful restaurants and warm, friendly people.

You asked which is more exotic or tropical.  The answer is that there's absolutely nothing exotic or tropical about Key West, Cozumel, or Costa Maya.  Maybe Cabo a little.

I suggest that if you're traveling any distance to get to the West coast, that you try to take a 7-night Mexican Riviera cruise.

I hope this information was helpful - which ever way you go, I hope you enjoy your cruise - it's the best way to vacation.  Bon voyage.

Answer 2

We did a Mexico cruise out of Long Beach, Ca a couple years ago to Cabo, Puerta Vallarta, and Acapulco.  We were to stop in another port, but a hurricane near Acapulco altered our cruise.  Of the three ports I liked CAbo the best.  It is not as built up as the others and has great beaches and is very scenic on the beaches.  I thought Puerto Vallarta is over rated and did not like it at all.  It's beaches did not look very inviting to me at all.  Acapulco was interesting but it is very built up and touristy but the tourist stuff is mixed in with the regular city stuff.  If I wanted to go to Mexico again I would go to Cancun rather than any place on the West coast, except CAbo.

In the Caribbean you need to know what each island has to offer to help decide which is better.  Cozumel is a snorkel and scube place, plus a little shopping.  There is nothing else on the island worth taking a tour to see.  If you want to do a tour on a stop in Cozumel, take one that goes to the main land to Chichen Itza or Xcarat.  If you go to Gran Cayman, go to the 7-mile beach.  You can take a taxi or van right from the pier; no need to book a ship tour because its just a few miles from the pier (too far to walk).  There are some other attractions in Gran Cayman like a turtle farm and a butterfly farm, but I always skip them for beach stuff.  If you got to Ocho Rios or Montego Bay, try to go to Dunn's River Falls and/or the Martha Brae river raft trip.

I personally prefer the Caribbean beaches to the West coast MExico beaches.  MY recommendation:  Book the Royal Caribbean ships  the Freedom of the Seas, or the Liberty of the Seas which will start service in May

Answer 3

We've cruised the southern, western and eastern caribbean six times and the Mexican riveria once.  We are planning two more cruises to the caribbean within the year.  

Cabo was very picturesque and worth visiting once.

Answer 4

i loved them both!  Cozu,el had the Mayan Ruins while the other side does not.

Answer 5

In fact Mexican Riviera is part of the Caribbean, is mexican caribbean sea.

Answer 6

Take the Western Caribbean cruise over the Mexican Riveria.  The ports are lots better.

Cozumel is a fun place with lots of snorkeling available and great beaches.  Key West is a funky town that has lots of bars and sightseeing.  Costa Maya is also great for beaches.

Cabo San Lucas is very pretty but the beaches have large waves and strong riptides.  The rocks around Cabo are facinating to see.

Overall, I would pick the Caribbean but in either place you will have fun.

Pick a good cruiseline.  I recommend Celebrity.

Answer 7

The Caribbean to me is warmer and I think that some of the places are more exotic and tropical. I think that the Mexican Cruises would be fun as well as they kind of seem like you can do some more partying and have more culture to look at. I think that any cruise you choose you will have a great time and have tons and tons of fun!!!!