MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE ??

[drumming cruisers]

Been thinking of going on a Mexican Riviera cruise, but kind of nervous about it. Have read on CC about  dirty ports. Lots of drugs, etc. 

Even some posts about federales  with machine guns in some ports. 

If you have been lately can you please give me some feedback of you trip?

Do people go on cruises and not get off in the ports?

 

 

[Sweetnspicy]

I went in January on the Gem and saw none of those things. We had a beautiful trip. We had some of the best food I have ever had in Mazatlan and had the best and most fun shore excursion in Puerto Vallarta. The tourist areas are very safe and the locals keep it that way so the money keeps flowing in. With any place just be aware of your surroundings. 

[Msmojo66]

We were a family cruise of 13 in October 2017 on NCL Jewel and had a blast!!!    We did see military/police with machine guns while on our tour of Mazatlán, but in no port did we ever feel unsafe!!    We didn't book any excursions through ship, made deals when got off ship due to who or how many of us wanted to go that day...and we all had a blast!!!  Ask away if you have any questions!!!!

[don't-use-real-name]

The typical three ports -

 

Puerto Vallarta - big city - pier is near shopping mall and Wal*Mart for restocking essentials lot of safe

stuff to do - take a cheap inexpensive NCL tour and you will be taken well care of.

 

Mazatlan - really gives you the willies with all that machine gun police activity at the port - reason your

ship docks at a military warehouse pier therefore the guards - you will be escorted by shuttle to the

exit and back to the ship same way - stay with an organize group - outa the back alleys as noted the

local citizens keep the drug cartel activity at bay to preserve their income.

 

Cabo San Lucas - the real real Mexican Rivera - you will see it right away as your ship anchors off

the bay and needs to tender to the port. Major shopping plaza at the port ***

*** Beware of pick-pockets guard your ID Key card and whatever is in your wallet.

Taking a NCL shore excursion you will be guided and taken care of.

Most interesting photo opt sites of the Mexican Riviera with the prominent arch at the end of the

California/Baja peninsula.

 

All three just take a little care of yourself and avoid panhandlers - stay with guided groups for the best results !

 

Major drug cartel problems further south at Zihuatanejo and Acapulco but those are difference cruise trips.

 

Pay attention to the US Government travel reports of threatening gang/drug activities.

[LaCal]

Taken the Mexican Rivera Cruise 6 times as we live in LA so it’s cheap to do with no airfare or hotels needed 

 

Had a blast every time and never felt unsafe...going again in December 

 

You might see police w a Assault rifle but no need to get freaked out about it 

[tallnthensome]

If you’re too scared to get off the ship then don’t go. Everyone else will get off the ship and be fine and have a good time. Stop worrying. I was there in April and never felt unsafe for a second.

[newmexicoNita]

It has been awhile since we last did the Mexican Riv but we were not particularly nervous at all did we like the ports? Not really overall but if the price is right I wouldn't hesitate to go on another one 

[Son of a son of a ...]

Look on the bright side ... as a non-national, it is more likely you will be kidnapped than killed.  

[FranknBeans]

We have been going to Mexico for 30 years and have never ran into problems and we usually stay 1 to 3 months. NO PROBLEMS

Cruise lines would not be stopping at these ports if there were issues.

Lastly if your looking for trouble you'll find it just like where you live.