Recap of our Mexican Riviera holiday cruise
Jean Ahn
It’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of 2022! For Christmas this year we switched things up and planned a Mexican Riviera cruise and it was an absolute dream! My family and I have done a handful of cruises in the past but this one was the first one I went on as an adult!
It was our first time aboard Celebrity Cruises and the ship was a perfect balance of activities, relaxation and it was not crowded which made it more comfortable. Our itinerary consisted of boarding in LA cruising to Puerto Vallarta then to Cabo and then to Ensenada back to LA.
*This post is not sponsored and opinions are my own.
Outfit details linked here
Cruise traveling is a bit different than visiting a city for a week, I have compiled some tips and lessons I learned from this trip.
Aim to travel with carry on luggage, I know this is really difficult but this saved an immense amount of time and headache trying to time picking up your bags at the airport and having cruise personnel pick it up according to their schedule.
Bring sweatshirts and fall like outfits because it is chilly and air conditioned throughout the entire ship. I made the mistake of bringing mostly sun dresses and summer clothing so I was always cold!
If the departure port is within adequate driving distance book a rental car to head home. Due to flight timing we ended up having to spend a full day at the airport because our flight didn’t leave till much later. In hindsight we should have booked a rental car to drive home from LA and we would have gotten home much quicker than flying.
Booking flights can be a little tricky since you have to time it right to have ample time to board which could potentially take a few hours depending on the number of people boarding at the same time. Make sure to book a flight with ample time and take into account possible delays. If possible travel a day early to where you will board the ship and spend an extra day so you are relaxed and not stressing with flight delays.
Once you are aboard, you will be provided a card that twill serve as your room key and ‘credit card’ for onboard purchases. Keep the key in safe place so you don’t misplace it. They may charge you a fee for making you another one.
Be sure to always ask for water bottles every time you head to their restaurants and bars. Water bottles are included with all drink packages but they are not readily available and you have to always ask for them.
Wifi is spotty especially the days at sea, which makes it tough to communicate with your group. Most cruise lines should have an app, Celebrity had an app with updates of activities and you could message with passengers through the app!
Outfit details linked here
8. Be sure to pack some dressy outfits, dinner is a bit more formal as it usually is in the main dining room.
9. Select the option to pre pay gratuities when you book! It was so much easier having gratuities paid for already and not having to worry about it on the trip.
10. Bring cash with you when you arrive at the ports. Mexico accepts USD and credit cards but the small shops only accepts cash. Also be aware of pushy sellers trying to have you purchase tours or items.
Hope these tips help you if you are planning a cruise vacay! 🚢
