Cruisers can breathe a sigh of temporary relief in regards to a new tax that would have gone into effect soon.

The Mexican government approved a new tax last week that would target cruise ship passengers visiting the country. 

However, there's been a temporary reprieve.

Thanks to pressure applied by a number of cruise lines through the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the new tax won't go into effect as quickly.

According to a statement issued by the FCCA, a meeting on Friday resulted in Mexican officials delaying the implementation of its new Federal Law of Rights tax on cruise passengers from January 1 until July 1, 2025.

The new tax will add a $42 per person to enter the country. That's per sailing, not per port.

Mexico is a major country with many ports of calls that attract cruise ships. Over 10 million passengers are expected in 2025 alone.

When the new tax is added, it would increase the fees cruise passengers pay by 213% more than the average cost at Caribbean ports. The FCCA says it raises,  "serious questions about the competitiveness of Mexican destinations in the global cruise market."

Moreover, it's an unfair tax because of how it targets cruise ship passengers that are in the country for a few hours. 

"A family of four visiting a Mexican cruise port having to pay an additional $168 in fees for just a few hours ashore, while tourists crossing the border by land who visit for seven days or less remain exempt from this tax, will have far reaching impacts."

Historically, cruise ship passengers were exempt from tourism taxes, as guests sleep onboard the ship and some choose not to disembark in the ports of call. Under the new policy, all cruise guests would be charged the $42 fee regardless of whether they go ashore or not.

Not only would the tax be enormous, but it would largely be used to fund Mexico's military, rather than benefiting the ports or people nearby.

'Ripple effects'

This new tax has major implications beyond simply making a cruise more expensive.

The FCCA warns such a hefty tax could deter visitors, alter cruise itineraries, and create economic ripple effects in communities that heavily rely on cruise tourism.

If just 15% of cruise ships dropped calls to Mexico, the result would be a negative economical impact that could undermine the intended purpose of the tax to begin with.

"Even a minimal decrease in cruise traffic would result in millions of dollars in lost revenue for local businesses, tours, and services – offsetting or even surpassing the total tax revenue projected from the measure," the FCCA explained.

By making Mexico one of the most expensive cruise destinations in the world, it could make the country unattractive to lines from stopping there and that could lead to less income, fewer jobs and lower tax revenues for the government.

"The impact of this tax on Mexican tourist destinations will be disastrous," stated the Mexican Association of Cruises. "If implemented, we expect to see a progressive drop in arrivals, which will significantly affect employment for taxi drivers, tour guides, artisans, waiters, restaurateurs, craft store owners, pharmacies, and more.

Michele Paige, CEO of FCCA, emphasized the importance of addressing long-term concerns despite the temporary delay. "We thank the Mexican government for listening to our concerns and proposing a delay in the implementation of the tax that will fall mainly on American citizens.

"However, the removal of the in-transit tax exemption – which was provided to our industry over a decade ago for valid reasons that still apply today – was done without our prior input and after the legislation was passed. It is ironic that until this law was abruptly announced the industry was looking to grow business in Mexico, and now the opposite will occur."

It’s about to become more expensive to cruise to Mexico thanks to a newly approved tax that will target cruise ship passengers visiting the country. 

Mexico continues to be one of the most commonly visited cruise ports not only in the Caribbean, but also in the world. In fact, the Port of Cozumel, Mexico is the third busiest cruise port by passenger volume with over four million cruisers visiting each year. 

However, the country might also become one of the most expensive cruise destinations to visit with a newly approved immigration fee. Under the new policy, all cruise ship passengers would be charged a hefty $42 per person to enter the country and would take effect in 2025.

The new tax would be considered a “Non-Resident Fee”, which would go into effect for cruises starting in 2025. Moreover, the funds from the immigration tax would mainly support the country’s military rather than improving port facilities and tourism infrastructure. Critics state this undermines the intent of the tax, which is meant to support tourism development in the country.

Historically, cruise ship passengers were exempt from tourism taxes, as guests sleep onboard the ship and some choose not to disembark in the ports of call. Under the new policy, all cruise guests would be charged the $42 fee regardless of whether they go ashore or not.

This $42 tourist fee will be added on top of existing taxes and docking fees. For example, the country already approved a new $5 tax for the National Disaster Prevention Fund, which will apply to cruise passengers visiting Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico. The new fee could go into effect in 2025. However, the funds raised by this tax will mostly support tourism infrastructure, along recovery needed from potential hurricanes and other damaging storms.

Cruise Industry’s Response

As anticipated, the new tourist tax is causing uproar in the maritime community with many industry leaders fearing tourism revenue will plummet. For instance, the Mexican Association of Shipping Agents strongly opposes the new tax, stating the new fee could make Mexico uncompetitive for cruise ship tourism in the future.

“If this measure is implemented, it would make Mexican ports of call among the most expensive in the world, severely affecting their competitiveness with other Caribbean destinations,” the association said in a statement.

In addition, the not-for-profit trade organization known as Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), which represents 23 different cruise lines, has requested Mexico’s government reconsider the proposed tax. The association wrote a letter to Mexico's president expressing concerns with the new tourism tax. 

In the letter, the organization states it represents North America’s major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. Each cruise line offers a multitude of itineraries to Mexico year round.

Based on a report by the Reportur, the association stated that cruise lines are already considering revising planned itineraries because of anticipated cost increase due to the tourism tax. The FCCA states that the immigration law could deter more 10 million passengers scheduled to visit the country should the change go into effect as planned. 

Future Developments at Risk

Given Mexico’s reliance on tourism, opponents of the tax also warn it could have far-reaching implications, jeopardizing one of the nation’s most critical revenue sources. Along with impacting scheduled cruise itineraries in the future, the association warns that scheduled development investments could be impacted by the decision.

The association advised in the letter (translated from English to Spanish via Google Translate): “This proposed tax could also jeopardize the cruise industry's investments in the country, including billions in planned developments and other projects, intended to help rebuild Acapulco and cultivate new Mexican tourist destinations.”

One notable project is Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Perfect Day Mexico, which is set to be developed in Costa Maya, Mexico. Announced last month, the project is expected to be completed by 2027 and offer an unparalleled experience for cruisers. As such, this new private destination will build on the cruise line’s success with its other “Perfect Day” locations.

Royal Caribbean announced, “Along with Royal Beach Club Cozumel, the recently announced beach experience in Cozumel, Mexico, that opens in 2026, Perfect Day Mexico will be a hallmark of Royal Caribbean vacations that introduces new adventures in the western Caribbean.”

"In 2027, vacationers can set their sights on Mexico’s popular Caribbean coast in Mahahual for what will be a slice of paradise that combines Royal Caribbean’s adrenaline-pumping thrills and ways to chill with the vibrancy and beauty of Mexico,” continued the cruise line.

Ready for that cruise to Mexico, but not sure what you'll need to wear during the trip?

Between the places in Mexico you'll visit, plus the events onboard your cruise ship, there's a need for different clothing.

While you can count on warm weather in Mexico, you'll need to plan to bring clothes needed onboard and in port.  Not to mention if your ship will visit more than one port in Mexico, you may need additional outfits.

Cover-ups, swimsuits, tshirts, shorts, are the sort of thing to bring for your visits around Mexico.  

You'll also want to prepare for onboard activities—whether you're looking forward to surfing or ice skating, you'll need to bring the right attire.

To make sure you're fully prepared on embarkation day, we've compiled this guide of the 9 most important cruise outfits you'll need.

Beach day

Looking forward to enjoying the clear beaches of Cozumel and Costa Maya?

You'll need to properly prepare for a beach day by packing a swimsuit, swimsuit cover-ups and shorts, and comfortable, waterproof shoes.

To get to the beach from the cruise ship, you'll need to exit the cruise ship, and find transportation or begin walking to the nearest beach.

A swimsuit cover-up will help you stay comfortable until you get to the water.

Don't forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen! You can easily get sunburned under that hot, tropical sun at any time of year.

Tropical night

Royal Caribbean cruises have themed nights on each night of the sailing. Caribbean cruises will often have a "tropical night," where guests can wear tropical-casual in recognition of the destinations the ship is visiting.

For tropical night, the dress code is casual. Be sure to wear fun patterns, tropical prints, and pastel colors. Outfit basics can be linen shirts, Bermuda shorts, or sundresses.

Complete the outfit with a hat, sunglasses, or beachy sandals for a classic tropical cruise look.

Read more: Caribbean tourist traps to avoid on a cruise

Touring Mayan ruins

One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of a Mexican cruise is the opportunity to visit and tour ancient Mayan ruins.

Whether it's the Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Kohunlich, Chacchoben, or Chichen Itza, you're able to purchase tours of these thousand-year-old palaces.

Your visit will involve riding on a bus as well as walking in heat and sun. Start with a pair of strong, comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty.

I recommend wearing a T-shirt and shorts, and bring along a jacket; the AC can get cold on the buses.

Don't forget your hat, cameras, sunscreen, water, and sunglasses.

Casual dress code

It's time to unwind on the ship during a sea day, and the dress code is casual.

You're on a cruise vacation, so relax!

Bring along a swimsuit so you can visit the vessel's pools and hot tubs.

Feel free to kick back in golf shirts and Bermuda shorts at breakfast and lunch, or jeans and polos at dinnertime.

Pair these with T-shirts, blouses, or sundresses. You can wear simple, open-toed shoes like flip-flops and sandals.

However, remember that you should keep swimwear to the pool deck only.

Shopping and chocolate-tasting

All the cruise ports in Mexico are near to tourist-marketed shopping areas, selling tequila, hand-crafted sculptures, and other unique souvenirs.

Tours with companies like the Mayan Cacao Company can also teach you about the history of chocolate in the nation, complete with a tasting session and the opportunity to buy some to take home.

A calm shopping day is the perfect opportunity to wear flowing skirts, linen skirts, or long sundresses.

Don't pack too many items—you can purchase hats, sunglasses, and clothing at market stalls.

Formal night 

Royal Caribbean cruises feature a popular formal night, most often celebrated for dinner in the Main Dining Room.

This is your opportunity to go all out. Fancy, black-tie looks like suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses, or evening gowns are acceptable.

Formal night is a great chance to take family photos, so it's common for cruisers to take the dress code seriously.

However, if you want to dress a little less formally, that's fine too. You'll see many guests wearing cocktail dresses or button-up shirts.  Formal night and Dress Your Best night are essentially the same.

White night

Some Caribbean cruises that are 7 nights or longer have a white theme night. During "white night," you can wear any clothing that is all white!

For dinner at a more formal venue, bring a white dress or slacks.

For meals at a more casual venue, like the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh, you can stick to sundresses, white skirts, or white button-up shirts.

Not everyone participates in these theme nights, but they're a fun opportunity to dress up.

Meeting dolphins

Some Caribbean shore excursions bring guests to interact with dolphins, taking photos and even petting them.

Read more: Viral TikTok warns cruisers to avoid these three Caribbean shore excursions

You should wear non-slip shoes, sunglasses, hats, and swimwear or beach attire (I recommend swim shorts or athletic, waterproof clothing).

Depending on the area in which you purchase this tour, sunscreen could be forbidden. The National Marine Park of Cozumel, for example, forbids the use of chemical sun protection.

Check your shore excursion information, and if this is the case, pack a rash guard to protect from the sun.

"RED" nightclub experience

Some sailings have a special "RED" nightclub experience—a special evening where the nightclub takes over Studio B and a resident DJ plays special techno-dance mixes.

The night of this event can be found in your Cruise Compass or on the Royal Caribbean app.

This experience is the perfect opportunity to whip out these fancy cocktails dresses and heels, or cute clubbing outfits.

Wear dressy shoes and accessories, but pair them with a stylish jacket. Studio B also functions as the ice skating rink, and the RED nightclub experience can get chilly!

It will now be more expensive to visit Cozumel's Mayan ruins, beaches, and restaurants as the country is adding a Natural Disaster Prevention Fund of $5 per cruise ship passenger.

As first reported by PorEsto, the new tax would apply to guests visiting a port in either Cozumel, Mexico or Costa Maya, Mexico and will be a single payment, regardless of which port they enter first.

It would apply to cruise ship passengers only, and not crew members.

It's not yet clear how the new tax would be implemented in regards to those that already have a 2025 cruise booked.

The goal of the tax is to improve tourism infrastructure. “Seventy percent of the income will be used to improve the tourist infrastructure and the remaining 30 percent will be used to create a Natural Disaster Fund for when storms, rain, and hurricanes impact the area.

The new tax could become a reality in 2025.

From January to October of this year, 3,260,568 passengers have arrived at the three piers of Cozumel, which represents a growth of 16.5 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

The island of Cozumel is the third-busiest cruise ship port in the world, and is visited by about 1,250 cruise ships each year.

Quintana Roo is located on the eastern portion of the Yucatan peninsula, and two popular cruise ports are within the state.  The other port in Eastern Mexico that Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit, Progreso, is in the state of Yucatan.

Port fees and other extra cruise costs

Port fees and taxes, such as this new tax, are levied on top of the base cruise fare. Royal Caribbean recently made a change to how it advertises its cruise prices by including fees and taxes in their pricing.

As an example, port fees and taxes for a 7-night cruise on Wonder of the Seas in 2025 amounted to $325.18, or $162.59 per person.

There's no getting around these fees, as it's levied by the countries ships visit and cruise lines simply pass it onto the passenger.

While the fare you pay for a cruise vacation includes the basics, there are other costs you'll need to account for in the total vacation cost.

Some of the extra charges are what you probably expect, such as souvenirs, a spa treatment, or a shore excursion not being included.

However, there are extra costs that take some cruisers by surprise when they discover them, especially first time cruisers.

Internet access is not included with your cruise fare, and if you want to use Royal Caribbean's WiFi, you'll need to pay $27.99 per day for one device a at a time when purchased on the ship.

You could save a little bit of money off the cost if you pre-paid it before the cruise, as well as if you opted for a multi-device plan.

Another extra cost is room service, which Royal Caribbean began charging for in 2017.

A single $7.95 per order fee is added to any room service order, regardless of how much you order.

An 18% gratuity is added on top of the $7.95 fee for a total cost of around $9.40.

Another common extra cost you'll run into are drinks.

Royal Caribbean includes basic beverages with your cruise fare, you'll need to pay extra if you want a soda, beer, wine, cocktail, or latte. 

You can pay for each drink individually, with a can of soda costing $3.50 each, or a beer at $7.99 each.

Read more: Royal Caribbean drink prices list

Gratuities are another extra cost you're going to run into on any cruise.

Each passenger pays a daily gratuity that covers the services of the crew members they interact with the most, and this daily rate is charged automatically unless the guest pre-pays it prior to the cruise.

Royal Caribbean charges $18.00 per day, per person for guests staying in a Junior Suite or below, and $20.50 per day per person for guests staying in a suite.

On a typical seven-night cruise, that's around $500 in fees for a family of four.

I travel for food, and I’ve just found the best Caribbean cruise port for foodies: Cozumel, Mexico.

Mexican food is among the world’s most popular cuisines for a reason: it’s fresh, flavorful, diverse, and spicy. After all, who doesn’t love chips, guacamole, and tacos?

And although Cozumel is best known for its beaches and world-renowned scuba diving, I decided to plan a self-guided food tour on my recent cruise ship port day.

The plan was simple: find the most delicious, authentic Mexican restaurants in Cozumel for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Yet with only 8 hours in port before my cruise ship would depart the island, I knew I had to strategize to find the best food in such a short amount of time.

Follow me on a self-guided food tour in Cozumel, which will surely inspire you to eat your way around Mexico on your next Caribbean cruise. I hope you’re hungry!

Getting to downtown Cozumel

If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise, there are two main cruise terminals: the Langosta pier, located right downtown, and the International Cruise Terminal, located three miles south of downtown.

Royal Caribbean ships dock at the International terminal, so we paid $8 one-way for a taxi from the port to downtown. For convenience, I had the taxi driver drop us off at Parque Benito Juárez, the main square in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel.

From here, countless restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance, and the square is a relaxing place to spend time throughout the day.

After a brief walk around the square, it was time to check off our first item of the day: breakfast.

Breakfast

Tacos and enchiladas may get all the attention when it comes to Mexican cuisine, but Mexican breakfast is severely underrated. Whether sweet pastries or hearty plates of eggs, tortillas, and salsa, you can’t go wrong with breakfast in Mexico.

Here are some of the best breakfast dishes to try when you visit Cozumel:

• Chilaquiles: tortilla chips simmered in a red or green sauce, often served with eggs or chicken
• Huevos rancheros: fried eggs placed over crispy corn tortillas and topped with a red salsa
• Huevos divorciados: a form of huevos rancheros drenched in green salsa on one side and red on the other
• Huevos motuleños: A Yucatán specialty of fried eggs on tortillas served with black beans, cheese, ham, and peas
• Concha: a sweet, fluffy bread topped with a crackly crust that resembles a seashell

Mexican breakfast is, by far, my favorite type of food to eat in Mexico. There are countless restaurants offering breakfast downtown, but I settled on La Candela, a breakfast and lunch restaurant located just a few blocks from the city center.

The ambiance of the restaurant was charming, with a palapa-style roof and open-air patio. I ordered the chilaquiles—my favorite Mexican dish—while my dad ordered huevos divorciados.

Both dishes far exceeded my expectations. In fact, the chilaquiles were the best, most flavorful chilaquiles I’ve ever had. I'm still dreaming about them a week later!

Of course, you can’t enjoy breakfast without a fresh-squeezed jugo de naranja (orange juice).

In total, we spent 300 pesos ($16 USD) on breakfast.

Food markets

After breakfast, we wanted to continue checking out Cozumel’s food scene, so we headed to the Mercado Municipal, just an 8 minute walk from Parque Benito Juárez.

From the incredible aroma of barbecued beef and chili peppers to the more... unpleasant odor in the raw meat aisles, Cozumel’s main food market immediately ignites all of your senses.

Although not the biggest open-air market I’ve been to in Mexico, the Mercado Municipal boasts restaurants, produce and meat stalls, a candy shop, and aisles of convenience stores.

Walking through the market can be an excellent way to learn more about daily life in Cozumel while sampling various dishes, candies, and fruits.

We couldn’t pass up the chance to try Mexican candies, and purchased a few for 60 pesos ($3 USD).

We walked back to Cozumel’s waterfront and enjoyed the candies with an ocean view. This is an excellent place for people watching and enjoying the sea breeze in between your Cozumel food tour.

Lunch

Despite our goals of trying as much food as possible during our 8 hour port day, we faced one problem: we were still full from breakfast! To pass the time, we headed to the Museo de Cozumel, a museum with artifacts and information on the island’s history, geography, and culture.

The entrance fee was only $7 USD per person, and I was impressed by the museum’s exhibits and technology, which gave me a new understanding and appreciation of the island. Of course, the air conditioning was a nice touch, too!

Hungry once again, we were back on Cozumel’s streets in search of lunch. On our way to the market earlier in the morning, we passed many small, unassuming restaurants and decided to head that way again.

A quick Google Maps search led me to Las Flamitas, a local spot just a few blocks from the Mercado Municipal. The first thing I noticed as I approached the restaurant was a nonchalant chalkboard with a list of daily specials, and I took that as a good sign.

Our waiters were exceptionally friendly at Las Flamitas, and we started the meal with a refreshing bottle of Fresca soda followed by a comforting bowl of chicken soup, which came included with our meal.

For our main courses, I ordered enchiladas with green salsa and my dad ordered chicken fajitas. Just as we hoped, both dishes were flavorful, fresh, and satisfying, although we found it a bit funny that the fajitas were served with a side of spaghetti!

In total, we spent 280 pesos on lunch, or $15 USD, and I’d definitely come back to Las Flamitas again.

Bakeries

In the mood for something sweet? Cozumel has you covered, and the moment I stumbled upon La Cozumeleña bakery, I knew I had to pick up some pan dulce.

Like Mexican breakfast, Mexican bakeries are highly underrated, but once you try the diverse assortment of baked goods—from savory empanadas to fruit-filled cakes—it’s easy to become addicted.

I settled on three items: a coconut empanada, guava and cheese empanada, and oatmeal-cinnamon cookie. The coconut empanada was the clear winner, but you can’t go wrong with any Mexican bakery item!

Street food stalls

Our final stop of the day was back to Parque Benito Juárez, where we had one final goal: street food.

If there’s anything that gets me excited about tasting new cuisines, it’s street food, but I was disappointed to see only a few street food stalls during my day in town. I may have been in the wrong area or perhaps the street food scene is more active at night, but I expected to see more food carts around downtown.

Nonetheless, my plan was to find a street food stall selling marquesitas, a dessert native to Mexico’s Yucatán state. These sweet snacks are made by rolling a thin crepe like a taco and filling it with caramel, condensed milk, edam cheese, and other optional ingredients like fresh fruits or jam.

Unfortunately, my search for marquesitas in downtown Cozumel left me empty handed, as most of the street stalls I saw were not open.

I was still determined to grab dessert from one of Cozumel’s food stands, though, so I continued walking around the park looking for something to eat.

This is when I made perhaps the best discovery of the day: a machacado de frutas.

In a corner of Parque Benito Juárez, in front of the Fat Tuesday bar, I noticed an older gentleman attending to his food cart (attached to a tricycle, might I add), and I was immediately intrigued.

The cart was stacked with bananas and a variety of colorful syrups along with cans of condensed milk and jars of cinnamon. Even with these context clues, I had no idea what this local man sold at his cart, so I decided to ask.

“¿Qué tipo de comida es esta?” What type of food is this?

“Machacado,” he responded kindly.

His answer left me even more confused. I had never heard of this dessert before (was it even a dessert?). Unlike churros, flan, and tres leches cake, the word 'machacado' had never appeared in any Spanish textbook, YouTube video, or articles I’ve seen about Mexican food.

Needless to say, l couldn’t say no to my curiosity, and he began preparing me the best dessert I’ve ever tasted in Mexico.

First came the mashing of two bananas, which were placed in the bottom of a large plastic cup. Next was a generous scooping of crushed ice, followed by a layer of creamy sweetened condensed milk. The dessert was topped with a drizzle of vanilla syrup, which soaked into the ice below, and a liberal dash of cinnamon.

I handed the gentlemen 30 pesos (roughly $1.60 USD) and I was on my way.

I had never tasted anything quite like this dessert before. It felt as if I were eating a homemade cinnamon roll coated in a thick layer of icing and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It was everything I could have ever dreamed of in a dessert, and even my dad, who had just proclaimed he ‘couldn’t eat another bite of food,’ kept sipping away at his machacado.

My tips on planning a food tour in Cozumel

If you’re a foodie who’s interested in discovering Mexican cuisine, I can’t recommend planning a food tour enough. Cozumel certainly has gorgeous beaches, but walking the colorful streets downtown and trying a variety of local restaurants was, by far, the best day I’ve had on the island yet.

Here are my top tips for planning your own food tour in Cozumel:

Self-guided versus with a guide

I planned a self-guided tour in Cozumel because I value the flexibility of exploring without a schedule and choosing the restaurants myself. However, if you’re more comfortable with a local guide, you can book guided food tours on websites such as Tripadvisor and Viator.

A guided tour will likely provide you with more knowledge about Cozumel’s cuisine and take you to areas you might otherwise not visit yourself. On the downside, these tours will be more expensive than planning the day on your own.

Cozumel 4 You Facebook Page

A valuable resource I used when planning this tour was the Cozumel 4 You Facebook Page. This page is a hub of information on Cozumel with restaurant recommendations and ideas on how to spend your day on the island.

What to do in between eating on your food tour

An unexpected problem we encountered during our day-long food tour was not feeling hungry. If you’re planning a full day of eating in Cozumel, you’ll run into the same problem, so it’s helpful to know what to do in between meals.

I recommend visiting the Museo de Cozumel, sitting by the waterfront, and walking around various shops downtown to pass the time.

A variety of coffee shops are located throughout downtown as well, including the popular Aqui + Ahora Coffee Bar, and this can be a nice way to spend time throughout the day.

Download offline maps

While Cozumel’s downtown is walkable, having Google Maps on your phone can help you better navigate to your destination.

If you don’t have international cell phone coverage in Mexico, be sure to download an offline version of downtown Cozumel in Google Maps to allow for easy access when your phone is on airplane mode.

Pay with Mexican pesos instead of US dollars

While most places in Cozumel will accept US dollars, it's easier to pay with pesos, especially if you're eating at restaurants further away from the main tourist area.

There are several banks located downtown with ATMs depositing pesos, and having pesos on hand will make your life much easier throughout the day. Plus, you can ensure you are getting the best rate when paying in local currency.

Mexico is one of the world’s most common places to visit on a cruise ship, and odds are if you cruise enough, you’ll find yourself visiting the country at one point or another.

Royal Caribbean offers cruises to Mexico year-round on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the country, with itineraries between 4-7+ nights on both big and small cruise ships.

In this guide, we’ll review the top tips & tricks to know before your Mexico cruise to help you plan the best cruise vacation possible.

In this guide:

• Why go on a cruise to Mexico
• Caribbean Mexico vs Mexican Riviera
• Mexico cruise ports
• Best time of year for a Mexico cruise
• What to do on a cruise to Mexico
• Which Royal Caribbean ships sail to Mexico?
• How much does a cruise to Mexico cost?
• What to bring on a Mexico cruise

Why go on a cruise to Mexico

Ancient history

History lovers will relish the opportunity to visit Mayan ruins in Mexico’s Caribbean ports. The Yucatán Peninsula is home to around 200 public ruins, including the well-preserved Chichén Itzá ruins.

Amazing cuisine

One of the first things that comes to mind when planning a cruise to Mexico is the food. Whether tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, guacamole, salsas, or churros, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied in Mexico.

Diverse Nature

Regardless of whether you’re cruising the Caribbean side of Mexico or the Mexican Riviera, you’ll find plenty of nature to discover. From cenotes to jungles, lagoons, and coral reefs, Mexico offers plenty of natural beauty to enjoy on a cruise vacation.

Established tourism

Mexico is no stranger to tourism, and the influx of both land-based and cruise tourists every year means that the country is well-acquainted with catering to tourists.

You surely won’t have trouble finding tour operators, day passes at resorts, and cultural opportunities to seek out during your day in port.

Caribbean Mexico vs Mexican Riviera

Royal Caribbean offers cruises to two distinct areas of Mexico: the Caribbean side of Mexico and the Mexican Riviera.

Caribbean Mexico

Most cruises to Mexico visit the country’s Caribbean coastline along the Yucatán Peninsula. When you picture a vacation to Mexico, you’re likely picturing the turquoise water and resort-lined beaches of the Caribbean, and that’s exactly what you can find on a cruise to Mexico’s Caribbean coast.

Mexican Riviera

The Mexican Riviera refers to cruise ports on the western coast of Mexico along the Pacific ocean. This side of Mexico is drier and more mountainous than the Caribbean side and is home to many of Mexico’s most popular resort towns like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Cruises to the Mexican Riviera depart from the Port of Los Angeles on Navigator of the Seas. Some repositioning cruises will also make stops at Mexican Riviera cruise ports.

Related: Mexican Riviera cruse guide

Mexico cruise ports

Cozumel

Cozumel is an island located off the eastern coast of the Yucatán peninsula known for its tropical, lush environment, beaches, and water recreation (scuba diving and snorkeling).

Cozumel is regarded as one of the premiere scuba diving locations in the world, as it’s located near the Mesoamerican reef system, the second-largest reef on Earth.

Visitors to Cozumel will find no shortage of tours taking guests to nearby resorts, coral reefs, and beaches.

Costa Maya

Costa Maya is another commonly visited port on Mexico’s Caribbean cruise itineraries and offers a classic Mexican vacation experience: beaches, Mayan ruins, tasty cuisine, and all-inclusive day passes are at your fingertips.

The immediate port area of Costa Maya is well-developed and has a complimentary swimming pool, restaurants, bars, cafe, ice cream, and shopping opportunities.

Outside the port of Costa Maya is the small town of Mahahual. Visitors hoping to get a more local feel for Mexico’s culture should make the short trip to Mahahual and walk the town’s boardwalk, where they’ll find locally owned and operated beach resorts, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Yucatán (Progreso)

The port of Progreso is located on the northern side of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Like other ports on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, Progreso offers beaches and Mayan culture mixed with the chance to discover the country's modern culture and cuisine. 

Progreso offers the easiest access to the world-famous Chichén Itzá ruins, so many visitors book a tour to visit this Wonder of the World while in port. Other activities in Progreso include visiting cenotes, taking a cooking class, and tasting local spirits and beers.

Ensenada

Located just 2 hours driving distance from San Diego, Ensenada is located on the coast of Baja California and is a common stop on short, 3 and 4-night cruises from Los Angeles.

Ensenada is arid and mountainous and is located a short distance away from Valle de Guadalupe, known as the “Napa Valley of Mexico”. Other than wine tastings, visitors to Ensenada can walk around the city streets, take a tour to La Bufadora blowhole, go horseback riding on the beach, and taste local cuisine.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Ensenada, Mexico

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is located at the southernmost point of Baja California and is an extremely popular tourist destination known for its party atmosphere.

The most famous landmark in Cabo San Lucas is Land’s End, a rock formation marking the point at which the Pacific Ocean meets the Gulf of California. The port is also known for fantastic whale watching opportunities.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Cabo San Lucas

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of the busiest resort towns in Mexico and offers a mix of calm beaches and historic city streets. The town is known for its Zona Romántica neighborhood, a charming area of the city with bars, restaurants, and shopping.

Most visitors will opt for a beach day in Puerto Vallarta, whether by spending the day at an all-inclusive resort or booking a catamaran tour in the Bay of Banderas.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Puerto Vallarta

Mazatlan

Mazatlán is home to 500,000 people, making it the largest port visited on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Mazatlán’s Old Town is a main attraction for visitors, and the walkable, cobblestoned neighborhood boasts museums, restaurants, cathedrals, and plazas to discover.

Beach days are common in Mazatlán, too, and many visitors choose to take a trip to nearby Stone Island to soak in the sun. If you’re feeling active, consider a stroll down Mazatlán’s boardwalk, which spans around 13 miles on the waterfront.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Mazatlán

Other Mexico cruise ports

Royal Caribbean ships occasionally make port visits to other towns along the Mexican Riviera, such as Huatulco and Manzanillo, but these are infrequent.

Best time of year for a Mexico cruise

Caribbean ports

Mexico’s Caribbean cruise ports stay warm year-round, so you can have a perfect beach day whether it’s January or August. However, there are a few considerations to make before picking the date of your cruise.

More comfortable, drier weather can be found from October to April as opposed to the higher, more humid conditions found in the summer months. You may still encounter rain, but it will be less frequent. These are generally considered the best months for a cruise to Mexico.

Related: The best time to go on a Caribbean cruise

Additionally, cruising during the fall and winter months can be better for those passengers planning to explore Mayan ruins or have other active adventures while in port, as the temperatures won’t be as uncomfortably hot as in the summer.

Cruising to Mexico’s Caribbean ports during the summer season (May to September) will still offer a fantastic cruise experience, but be prepared for higher temperatures and more rain.

Mexican Riviera ports

Mexico’s Pacific coast can encounter more varying temperatures compared to the Caribbean coast.

Expect temperatures with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s in ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta during the winter months. This is also the dry season, running from November through June.

Springtime and summer bring temperatures in the mid 80s, although temperatures can occasionally rise to the low 90s in Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán. Expect more rain from late July through October, with most rainfall in August and September.

Mornings and evenings can feel crisp onboard when sailing through the Pacific ocean on a Mexican Riviera cruise at any time of year.

Related: When is the best time to cruise the Mexican Riviera?

What to do on a cruise to Mexico

All-inclusive day passes to resorts

One of the most raved about activities on a cruise to Mexico is spending the day at an all-inclusive beach club or resort.

These all-inclusive packages are found throughout Mexico’s cruise ports and typically include unlimited food, beverages (including alcoholic beverages), beach chairs and umbrellas, and beach access. Some resorts may also have a swimming pool available whereas others may rent water sport equipment to visitors.

Check out our top recommendations and reviews for day passes in Mexico:

• Maya Chan Beach in Costa Maya
• Nachi Cocom in Cozumel
• Cozumel’s Del Mar Latino Beach Club day pass review
• Mr Sanchos Beach Club Cozumel review
• Paradise Beach Cozumel 2021 shore excursion review

Visit Mayan ruins

Cruising to Mexico offers the perfect opportunity to visit Mayan Ruins. Both Royal Caribbean and independent tour operators offer excursions to various archaeological sites accessible from the ports of Cozumel, Progreso, and Costa Maya.

Costa Maya is located only an hour away from the Chachobben Mayan ruins and 2 hours from the Kohunlich and Dzibanche Mayan ruins, making visiting these impressive archaeological sites a popular activity for visitors.

Related: Excursion Focus: Chacchoben Ruins in Costa Maya

Immerse in local cuisine

While tasting local cuisine will surely be delightful, there are a few tours offered in Mexico where you can immerse yourself in the country’s culinary traditions.

Many cruisers rave about the “Salsa, Salsa, and Margaritas” shore excursion, during which you learn how to make various types of salsas, guacamole, and margaritas.

If you have a sweet tooth, consider a visit to the Mayan Cacao Company, where you’ll be able to learn more about the history and process of making chocolate and indulge in some artisanal chocolate yourself!

If booking a tour doesn’t interest you, you’ll find plenty of other ways to explore Mexico’s culinary scene, from chic restaurants to street food.

Scuba diving (or snorkeling)

Mexico’s Caribbean coast is known for having some of the best scuba diving in the world. Anyone interested in exploring the underwater world up close will have plenty of opportunities to do so on a cruise to Mexico.

If you don’t have a scuba diving certification, consider a Snuba or Discover Scuba excursion. These diving excursions are beginner-friendly yet you’ll still be able to explore coral reefs and other marine life.

Related: Excursion Focus: Discover Scuba Diving experience

Visit Pueblos Mágicos

Located throughout Mexico are 132 pueblos mágicos (magic towns), which are small towns admired for their intricate architecture, natural beauty, history, and traditions.

Several pueblos mágicos are located near cruise ports like Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for a unique experience far from the hustle and bustle of a busy port, consider a day tour that visits small towns like San Jose del Cabo and Sayulita for a relaxing and culturally enriching experience.

Shop at local markets

One of the most fun activities to do on a cruise to Mexico is also one of the most budget-friendly: shopping at local markets.

Many Mexican cruise ports will have a local market nearby where residents can purchase produce, meats, cheeses, home goods, and more. Walking through a market in Mexico will ignite all your senses, from the savory smell of tacos at a food stand to sweet breads from a pastry shop.

Which Royal Caribbean ships sail to Mexico?

Because Mexico is such a common country to visit on a cruise, the majority of Royal Caribbean’s fleet visits Mexico at one point or another during the year.

You’ll find everything from Royal Caribbean’s smallest Vision Class cruise ships to the largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas, sailing to the Caribbean side of Mexico.

Navigator of the Seas is the only ship offering cruises to the Mexican Riviera from Los Angeles.

If you’re planning a cruise to Mexico and struggling to decide which cruise ship to book, check out our helpful guides on picking the best ship for your vacation:

• 8 questions to ask yourself before picking a cruise ship
• Here are the absolute best cruises for families
• Which is the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship?
• Royal Caribbean ship classes guide & explanation

How much does a cruise to Mexico cost?

You'll find a wide range of Mexico cruise itineraries, from short 4-night sailings to week-long cruises and repositioning itineraries. Prices vary greatly, but there is a Mexico cruise to fit any budget.

If you’re schedule is flexible and you can travel during the off-season (anytime kids are in school), you can find some great cruise deals to Mexico.

Here are a few sample prices for what you may pay during the off-season. These prices are for 2 adults in an interior stateroom, including taxes and fees:

• Navigator of the Seas - 3 night Ensenada cruise: $481 total
• Adventure of the Seas - 5 night Western Caribbean cruise: $673 total
• Oasis of the Seas - 7 night Western Caribbean cruise: $1367 total

Expect prices to be several hundred dollars more expensive during peak times of year, especially if you’re planning a cruise during the holiday season.

7-night Western Caribbean cruises on an Oasis Class ship during the summer months, for example, can be over $2300 for two adults in an interior stateroom.

Related: Which family cruise can you book for $2000?

Outside of cruise fare, you’ll want to budget for the following additional costs:

• Gratuities ($16 per person, per day in interior, ocean view, or balcony staterooms)
• Transportation (airfare or gas, parking, etc.)
• Hotel the night before your cruise
• Shore excursions
• Cruise add-ons (drink packages, dining packages, etc.)

Do I need to bring pesos on a Mexico cruise?

The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXP). While visiting the country on a cruise, you'll find that USD is universally accepted, although you will typically receive change back in pesos.

There's no need to take Mexican Pesos out of an ATM or currency exchange prior to a Mexico cruise. While you might not always receive the standard exchange rate when paying in USD, saving a few dollars here and there is usually not worth the hassle of bringing pesos.

What to bring on a Mexico cruise

Packing for a Mexico cruise to the Caribbean means bringing your favorite summer clothes: shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, sandals, a swimsuit, and a sun hat. 

You’ll also want to pack clothes to wear onboard your cruise ship, including nicer outfits for formal night and other evening activities, along with pajamas and loungewear.

Related: What to wear on a cruise formal night

While rare on the Caribbean side of Mexico, it can get chilly on a Mexican Riviera cruise. Be sure to pack a few clothing items to keep you warm, like a pair of jeans and light jacket.

For more in-depth packing information for your Mexico cruise, read our article on the Ultimate Cruise Packing List.

Planning a cruise? Check out our other Ultimate Guides to some of the world’s best cruising destinations:

• Ultimate Greek Isles cruise guide
• Ultimate Hawaii cruise guide
• Ultimate Alaska cruise guide

One state in Mexico has announced it will increase its tourist tax, which may have an impact on cruise ship guests.

The Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which is where the popular ports of Couzmel and Costa Maya are located, announced new $10 tourist tax on foreigners. This news was first reported by the Riviera Maya Times and does not mention cruise ships in the article.

There are no details yet on how the tax will be collected, nor if it applies to cruise ship visitors or not. Typically, cruise lines pay the port a per-passenger tax already when ships visit a port.

The new tourist tax would go into effect beginning April 1, 2021, and is intended to help make up the deficit the area has seen as a result of fewer tourists visiting in 2020 due to the global health crisis.

The tourism industry in Quintana Roo have said they are against this new tax, because they fear it will lead to less tourists willing to visit and opting to go elsewhere.

A letter signed by the country manager of IATA Mexico, and Luis Noriega Benet, president of Canaero,

In a document signed by Cuitláhuac Gutiérrez Martínez, country manager of IATA Mexico, and Luis Noriega Benet, president of National Air Transport Chamber (Canaero), asked to reconsider this proposal contemplated in the 2021 tax package.

Quintana Roo is located on the eastern portion of the Yucatan peninsula, and two popular cruise ports are within the state.  The other port in Mexico that Royal Caribbean cruise ships visit, Progreso, is in the state of Yucatan.

The number of cruise passengers that visited Cozumel has steadily grown over the last few years, and saw 4.57 million passengers in 2019. 

The island is the third-busiest cruise ship port in the world, and is visited by about 1,250 cruise ships each year.

Read more: Things to do in Cozumel on your Royal Caribbean cruise

In November 2019, Cozumel announced its first tax on cruise ship passengers with a 65 cent per passenger tax to pay for security, environmental and civil defense projects.

Royal Caribbean has cancelled all shore excursions requiring a ferry ride in Mexico today, following a safety warning issued by the U.S. State Department.

Guests aboard Liberty of the Seas and Allure of the Seas recieved notices that their shore excursions scheduled to take place on Friday, March 2 in Cozumel were cancelled. 

Royal Caribbean informed guests of the new State Department warning, which discouraged travel on tourist ferries in Cozumel.

The letter adds, "The U.S. State Department remains confident of the Mexican government's efforts to ensure the safety of all tourists in the country.  However, in an abundance of caution we are cancelling sponsored shore excursions that involve tourist ferries.  We also discourage guests from taking part in independent excursions that involve ferry travel."

Letter to guests on Allure of the Seas. Photo by Gears

Letter to guests on Liberty of the Seas. Photo by Twangster

We reached out to Royal Caribbean to get a sense if this cancellation of shore excursions involving tourist ferries will extend to other scheduled stops in Cozumel, but have not received a response.

At least 12 tourists have died in a bus crash in eastern Mexico today, when the bus carying them flipped over on a highway early on Tuesday.

Royal Caribbean has confirmed 27 cruise ship passengers were on the bus that suffered the accident, which were sailing on Serenade of the Seas and Celebrity Equinox.

The news from Costa Maya about a bus accident involving #CelebrityEquinox & #SerenadeoftheSeas guests is heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to all those involved. We are doing all we can to care for our guests, including assisting with medical care and transportation.

— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) December 19, 2017

Our 27 guests were on a bus tour to the Chacchoben Ruins. We are working with the local authorities to learn more about the accident. We are doing all we can to help our guests.

— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) December 19, 2017

Seven Americans and two citizens of Sweden are among the injured, according to Quintana Roo state Civil Defense spokesman Vicente Martin. 

Martin said the crash occurred as the bus was on its way to the ruins at Chacchoben, about 110 miles (175 kilometers) south of Tulum.

Royal Caribbean announced it will skip a scheduled stop in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico today for Jewel of the Seas due to violence in the area.

Royal Caribbean director of global corporate communications commented on the change, "The call to Puerto Vallarta was canceled due to the recently experienced episodes of violent civil unrest, stemming from criminal gangs that have engaged in armed conflict with local authorities.  We also canceled Celebrity Infinity's call on Sunday. We will continue to monitor the situation in Puerto Vallarta."

Criminal violence in Mexico has been a primary reason why Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines have avoided offering more cruises on the west coast of the United States.