Talk to Me about the Mexican Riviera

[DisBabe94]

Hello DIS friends!

I am looking for some information about cruising the Mexican Riviera, and more specifically about choosing the right cruise line for my group!

A little bit about us: Four young 20-somethings (two couples) with the possibility of a third couple that has a 1 yo daughter. We like food, drinks, sunshine, pampering (for the girls), architecture, sights, parties, etc. Typical 20-somethings I would say! We are first-time cruisers.

We all live in Los Angeles so that is the major factor in choosing to cruise the Mexican Riviera (save $$$ on flights).

So on to the details - we are looking to cruise in the fall of this year most likely September or October. Looking at a 7 night cruise that stops in Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallerta. I have done a fair amount of searching online and it seems our best options will be either Princess (Ruby or Emerald) or the Carnival Miracle! (I so so wish we could do DCL out of San Diego but just not in the budget this time)

Which cruise line in your opinion is best suited to us? I am very very tempted by Carnival (the older demographic of Princess is scaring me, we don't want a "sleepy" cruise, but is the demographic of Carnival too young.. i.e. lots of young kids?) Another thing that is holding me back from Carnival are the horrible food reviews I have read for the Miracle. People say it's bland, menu doesn't change, not enough options for people with food restrictions, etc. Also, Is 7 nights too long for first-timers?

I'm open to any and all information, guidance, advice, and anecdotes you might like to share!! And Thank you!!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello DIS friends!

I am looking for some information about cruising the Mexican Riviera, and more specifically about choosing the right cruise line for my group!

A little bit about us: Four young 20-somethings (two couples) with the possibility of a third couple that has a 1 yo daughter. We like food, drinks, sunshine, pampering (for the girls), architecture, sights, parties, etc. Typical 20-somethings I would say! We are first-time cruisers.

We all live in Los Angeles so that is the major factor in choosing to cruise the Mexican Riviera (save $$$ on flights).

So on to the details - we are looking to cruise in the fall of this year most likely September or October. Looking at a 7 night cruise that stops in Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallerta. I have done a fair amount of searching online and it seems our best options will be either Princess (Ruby or Emerald) or the Carnival Miracle! (I so so wish we could do DCL out of San Diego but just not in the budget this time)

Which cruise line in your opinion is best suited to us? I am very very tempted by Carnival (the older demographic of Princess is scaring me, we don't want a "sleepy" cruise, but is the demographic of Carnival too young.. i.e. lots of young kids?) Another thing that is holding me back from Carnival are the horrible food reviews I have read for the Miracle. People say it's bland, menu doesn't change, not enough options for people with food restrictions, etc. Also, Is 7 nights too long for first-timers?

I'm open to any and all information, guidance, advice, and anecdotes you might like to share!! And Thank you!!

Just my personal take - I'd go with Princess. We did a Baja cruise on Carnival. While I'm glad we did it, the typical Carnival cruiser is not the group that I'm comfortable with. Now, you may be - they're younger and more into partying than we are.

We recently did a Princess Baja/Sea of Cortez cruise. Absolutely loved it. But it's not as "young" a crowd as Carnival. But, certainly not a "sleepy" group. There were lots of activities going on.

As to cruise length - only you can answer that. I prefer long cruises. Our first cruise was 15 nights.

 

[DisBabe94]

Just my personal take - I'd go with Princess. We did a Baja cruise on Carnival. While I'm glad we did it, the typical Carnival cruiser is not the group that I'm comfortable with. Now, you may be - they're younger and more into partying than we are.

We recently did a Princess Baja/Sea of Cortez cruise. Absolutely loved it. But it's not as "young" a crowd as Carnival. But, certainly not a "sleepy" group. There were lots of activities going on.

As to cruise length - only you can answer that. I prefer long cruises. Our first cruise was 15 nights.

You've touched on something that is worrying me about Carnival, and that is their typical cruiser. Although we are young and do like to party, we like to think of ourselves as pretty "classy" people. That said, is the typical Carnival cruiser more of a...... non-classy person? I think we may feel uncomfortable aboard if our fellow cruisers are of the less refined variety, if you know what I'm saying...

How did you find the dining for Carnival vs. Princess?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

You've touched on something that is worrying me about Carnival, and that is their typical cruiser. Although we are young and do like to party, we like to think of ourselves as pretty "classy" people. That said, is the typical Carnival cruiser more of a...... non-classy person? I think we may feel uncomfortable aboard if our fellow cruisers are of the less refined variety, if you know what I'm saying...

How did you find the dining for Carnival vs. Princess?

Well, it's hard to define. We've only done the one Carnival cruse, and it's one that's typically called a "booze cruise" - 4 night out of Los Angeles to Catalina and Ensenada. That being said, we didn't find it to be that overrun with hardy partyers. Since the cruise we took departed on a Sunday it was more of a weekday group than a weekend group. BUT, they did have the hairy chest contest at poolside a couple of times. And the music level in the pool area was sooooo loud conversations were impossible. We also like piano bars. But, the type of piano bar where you go to relax, enjoy good music and a soothing atmosphere. The piano bar on our cruise, while the piano player was good, I didn't care for. The piano player catered to the raunchy group drinking themselves silly in there and modified the lyrics on many songs to be somewhat more than suggestive.

All that being said, we did enjoy the cruise, for what it was - a quick getaway. And we do plan to take another Carnival cruise in the future. But it'll be a longer one on one of the newer ships. I've read that the crowd on those cruises is a bit less "let's party!!!!!" types.

I thought the food on Carnival was pretty bad. And I hate the American Table concept. The food on Princess, while better, was not very imaginative. Basically italian food (pastas, and some sort of chicken or beef with sauces for the most part). Not a whole lot of variation. But I found the service on Princess better than Carnival. The buffet on Carnival wins over Princess, however. Princess had a bit more selection, but they serve the same items for 3 days before changing out the lunch and dinner options. Carnival buffet was pretty good.

 

[DisBabe94]

Well, it's hard to define. We've only done the one Carnival cruse, and it's one that's typically called a "booze cruise" - 4 night out of Los Angeles to Catalina and Ensenada. That being said, we didn't find it to be that overrun with hardy partyers. Since the cruise we took departed on a Sunday it was more of a weekday group than a weekend group. BUT, they did have the hairy chest contest at poolside a couple of times. And the music level in the pool area was sooooo loud conversations were impossible. We also like piano bars. But, the type of piano bar where you go to relax, enjoy good music and a soothing atmosphere. The piano bar on our cruise, while the piano player was good, I didn't care for. The piano player catered to the raunchy group drinking themselves silly in there and modified the lyrics on many songs to be somewhat more than suggestive.

All that being said, we did enjoy the cruise, for what it was - a quick getaway. And we do plan to take another Carnival cruise in the future. But it'll be a longer one on one of the newer ships. I've read that the crowd on those cruises is a bit less "let's party!!!!!" types.

I thought the food on Carnival was pretty bad. And I hate the American Table concept. The food on Princess, while better, was not very imaginative. Basically italian food (pastas, and some sort of chicken or beef with sauces for the most part). Not a whole lot of variation. But I found the service on Princess better than Carnival. The buffet on Carnival wins over Princess, however. Princess had a bit more selection, but they serve the same items for 3 days before changing out the lunch and dinner options. Carnival buffet was pretty good.

Okay so maybe it won't be as much of an issue since it's a week-long sailing, not really a "booze cruise". Since we are going in the Fall, I'm hoping that that will minimize the number of kids aboard as well!

Gosh, I'm still feeling torn. Anything you particularly loved on Princess that was missing from your Carnival experience? Anything about the ships in general that you liked more?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Okay so maybe it won't be as much of an issue since it's a week-long sailing, not really a "booze cruise". Since we are going in the Fall, I'm hoping that that will minimize the number of kids aboard as well!

Gosh, I'm still feeling torn. Anything you particularly loved on Princess that was missing from your Carnival experience? Anything about the ships in general that you liked more?

I feel like the Princess ships I've been on were much more "classy" in their design than the one Carnival ship I've been on. The Carnival ship just seemed cheap. Very "neon lights & aluminum" feel about it. Princess is more classic, with more understated decor.

 

[DisBabe94]

I feel like the Princess ships I've been on were much more "classy" in their design than the one Carnival ship I've been on. The Carnival ship just seemed cheap. Very "neon lights & aluminum" feel about it. Princess is more classic, with more understated decor.

Oh yes! I noticed this in the pictures. The dining room's hot pink accents... It is very loud.

Thank you so much for all of your help Ms Shmoo

 

[cadien]

We did a 7-day spring break Mexican Riviera cruise on NCL and it was all families. No raucous boozing. Something like 30% kids. Although that was before NCL's new open bar plans. Our 3.5 year old loved it but DH hated the Vegas feel of the ship. Which is why we're now booked on DCL.

 

[DisBabe94]

Oh yes I forgot NCL does the Mexican Riviera as well, that was our third option. Can you talk more about the "Vegas feel" ? Is it in your face advertising everywhere? Or is it just the bright colors and drinks everywhere?

 

[3fish]

Hi there,

We've done the Princess Mexican riviera three times, two 7/day and one 10/day. This fall, 24/September we are cruising the Riviera on the Disney/Wonder. I highly recommend Princess over Carnival. The have a very nice clean children's program (baby sitting for the 1 year old), several specialty dining options are a nice change in addition to the MDR and there's pretty decent entertainment. There is a casino if you're into that sort of thing. Excursions are pretty decently priced too. Camel back and horseback riding, zip-lining, golf (all three ports) tequila distilleries, shopping and other water sports. It's a fun cruise over all, you'll have a good time!

 

[DisBabe94]

We did a 7-day spring break Mexican Riviera cruise on NCL and it was all families. No raucous boozing. Something like 30% kids. Although that was before NCL's new open bar plans. Our 3.5 year old loved it but DH hated the Vegas feel of the ship. Which is why we're now booked on DCL.

Whoops my post above (#9) was responding to you!

 

[DisBabe94]

Hi there,

We've done the Princess Mexican riviera three times, two 7/day and one 10/day. This fall, 24/September we are cruising the Riviera on the Disney/Wonder. I highly recommend Princess over Carnival. The have a very nice clean children's program (baby sitting for the 1 year old), several specialty dining options are a nice change in addition to the MDR and there's pretty decent entertainment. There is a casino if you're into that sort of thing. Excursions are pretty decently priced too. Camel back and horseback riding, zip-lining, golf (all three ports) tequila distilleries, shopping and other water sports. It's a fun cruise over all, you'll have a good time!

That really sounds sooo fun!! I am so excited, I mean zip-lining sign me up!
Thanks so much for your input. Can you tell me about "adult" activities on board? You mentioned the casino, is there a comedy club, pub trivia, karaoke, something like that? Mixology?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

That really sounds sooo fun!! I am so excited, I mean zip-lining sign me up!
Thanks so much for your input. Can you tell me about "adult" activities on board? You mentioned the casino, is there a comedy club, pub trivia, karaoke, something like that? Mixology?

Our Princess cruises (not just Mexican Riviera) had a comedian onboard who did the "main theater" show one night and a lounge show a different night. Lots of trivia - be aware it's harder than DCL trivia, mostly because it can encompass any subject. Not sure about karaoke and/or mixology classes.

 

[cadien]

Oh yes I forgot NCL does the Mexican Riviera as well, that was our third option. Can you talk more about the "Vegas feel" ? Is it in your face advertising everywhere? Or is it just the bright colors and drinks everywhere?

There definitely wasn't in-our-face advertising. They had some pretty tacky tables frequently set up in the atrium with gold by the inch and t-shirts, but there wasn't blatant selling elsewhere. I didn't even notice that many announcements. It was more that it felt like the hotels in Vegas. Lots of shops. CZ jewelry sales. Needing to walk through the casino to get to dinner. (Not everyone has to but it just worked out that way for us most nights.) Poker tournaments. Mediocre bar singers covering Billy Joel and Neil Diamond. Thomas Kinkade exhibits. But DH just also doesn't ever like a 'party' vibe in general, so he's going to be critical. I didn't notice it as much. We were on the cruise with family rather than choosing it ourselves.

I assume I can't post the daily schedules here, which I'd scanned for my review over on CC, but there was a lot happening for adults. Live music in multiple venues. Game shows like the Newlywed (And Not So) Game and Deal or No Deal. Dance clubs with DJs. Karaoke. Wine tastings. Martini tastings. Pilates. Cigar club. White Hot Dance Party, where everyone wears white and they hand out glow sticks and turn on the black lights. Magicians. Comedians.

 

[cmph]

My TA friend says that Princess is really upping their game in regard to kids. You might check and see if the infant room on the ship you were considering has been renovated yet. The newest Carnival ships are very kid-friendly, but the Mexican Riviera has the older ships... I wonder if you'd potentially be going on the same ship I went on years ago! When I was about 18, we did the 7-day there. I believe my parents chose it just b/c of the ports, something different than the Caribbean (and we'd done Alaska a few years prior). A blanket from Puerto Vallarta is in my car to this very day! I'm afraid my parents are still very prejudiced against Carnival. Some things I won't comment on, as things like food change so much over the years. It was ok, from my teenage perspective, but I guess offered a less-than-favorable experience compared to the Princess cruise... and the cabins were teensy. I very specifically remember how mortified I felt during the evening show, featuring a very raunchy comedian, as I sat with my parents. Not an issue with a baby, of course, but it wasn't something that happened on Princess or other lines the next few years (Royal, HAL).

Having said all that, I would totally go on another one with DH and just plan to drink by the pool and enjoy the ports. I just won't take my kids. I'd happily take them on the newer Carnival ships, just not the older ones. DD has practically Victorian sensibilities, for one thing, but also the cabin size, eek. if they were old enough to do their own cabin, ok, but 4 of us in one of those, nope! I think you adults will be fine either way, but maybe figure out if the couple with the baby are going before deciding.

 

[ChicosWife]

My DH and I went on the RC Mexican Riviera cruise for our honeymoon, but that was over a decade ago and we just did the bare minimum at the ports. Now, we are looking at the 2018 DCL itinerary and want to know how everyone's experiences have been.

 

[3fish]

That really sounds sooo fun!! I am so excited, I mean zip-lining sign me up!
Thanks so much for your input. Can you tell me about "adult" activities on board? You mentioned the casino, is there a comedy club, pub trivia, karaoke, something like that? Mixology?

Hi, Sorry for responding late.

There is adult entertainment. Marrieds couples games (really fun). Bingo, daily trivia, High tea, ultimate balcony dining, shopping trivia, library trivia, art auction, adult crafts. There is a lot to do. You will have fun. I would zipline in PV, beach activity in Mazatlan and camel back ride in Cabo. Eat authentic regional food.

Note to self: Do not drink the water. Always have bottle water or a beer from a bottle not tap. No salads, friut or any drinks like a margarita.

 

[Carrie in AZ]

One thing to keep in mind for October, many schools in Arizona and Utah have Fall Break and many families will be cruising during October.

 

[DisBabe94]

Hi, Sorry for responding late.

There is adult entertainment. Marrieds couples games (really fun). Bingo, daily trivia, High tea, ultimate balcony dining, shopping trivia, library trivia, art auction, adult crafts. There is a lot to do. You will have fun. I would zipline in PV, beach activity in Mazatlan and camel back ride in Cabo. Eat authentic regional food.

Note to self: Do not drink the water. Always have bottle water or a beer from a bottle not tap. No salads, friut or any drinks like a margarita.

Oh my gosh, thanks so much for the tip! So when off the boat, basically no fresh produce whatsoever? I hadn't heard that before! Which city do you think has the best architecture? I'm wanting to do a historical city tour in one of the ports but not sure which one!
Wow all the activities sound so amazing!! That list is for Princess, right?

 

[DisBabe94]

One thing to keep in mind for October, many schools in Arizona and Utah have Fall Break and many families will be cruising during October.

Ooh thank you for the heads up!