Mexico is home to some of the best cruising spots in the world – from Cancun to Los Cabos to Cozumel down to Loreto Bay. These scenic coasts feature breathtaking sights and allow you to explore the history and culture of this beautiful country. But before you can relax with a margarita on one of these coastlines, let’s figure out what you need to embark on this amazing adventure:
Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise to Mexico?
Do I need a passport to cruise to Mexico? There are two ways to cruise Mexico; they both feature different entry requirements. Which are they?
- A closed-loop cruise, or
- The standard cruise.
A closed-loop cruise starts and ends at the same U.S. port. Moreover, the itineraries comprise contiguous territories of the U.S. In this case, you will not need to have a valid U.S. passport and can use your state-issued ID card or your original birth certificate instead. Even so, it is always advisable to have a passport as this can help you enter various ports of call while on the cruise and venture beyond the port towns.
If you’re embarking on a standard cruise where you will visit various ports of call in Mexico, which do not count as contiguous territories of the U.S., you must have a valid passport. Also, some cruise lines may require a valid passport before starting the cruise. That’s because unexpected flights can occur, and you cannot travel by air without a valid passport book.
What Documents Do I Need for a Cruise to Mexico?
Key documents will facilitate your cruise to Mexico. These are:
- A valid passport: You must have a valid passport at the time of entry to Mexico, which should be in good condition and should have at least one blank page per stamp. Please note that people aboard closed-loop cruises can use other forms of ID, such as state-issued IDs and original birth certificates. However, that curtails them from venturing beyond the port towns. So, if you wish to explore more, it’s advisable to carry a passport with you, which can either be a book or a card.
- A visa: You do not have to get a Mexican visa. However, not having one will restrict you from exploring more than the surrounding area around the ship. U.S. citizens can easily acquire a visitor permit at the first port of call.
Always check with your cruise line regarding what you should carry before leaving the U.S.
When Is the Best Time to Cruise to Mexico?
Mexico is known for its warm weather. But did you know that it also has a rainy season? The best time to cruise Mexico is when the temperatures are not too high. Spring and fall are the best seasons, lasting from March to September before the hurricane season. The seas are calm, the water is still cool enough for swimming, and you won’t have the scorching sun beating down on you.
The high season would be the best time to cruise if you want to travel and meet other people. It starts in December and ends around April. Travelers who wish to travel when fewer people are cruising can do so in the low season, which starts after April and continues to November. Of course, you will save money when traveling in the low season!
What to Bring on a Cruise to Mexico?
Besides a passport and visa (optional depending on your cruise type), it also helps to pack essentials like warm weather clothes, casual and formal wear, sneakers for excursions, sandals, sunscreen, aloe vera for sunburns, toiletries, medications, chargers, etc.
