The Hottest Cruises to Mexico

Cozumel

This charming island located just south of Cancun is a laid-back tropical playground offering excellent snorkeling and diving, jungle-clad Mayan ruins dedicated to Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and the charming town of San Pedro. Many cruises that stop in Cozumel also call on other fun ports such as Florida’s Key West, Jamaica and Grand Cayman.

Liberty of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas: If you’re short on time or budget, but love jungle-meets-reef adventure, consider a four-night getaway from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel on the 3,634-passenger Liberty of the Seas. The newly renovated Royal Caribbean ship sails this itinerary from November to April and features more than a dozen restaurants, 22 bars and lounges, 10 whirlpools, a 3D theater, rock-climbing wall and ice-skating rink. Or if you have a full week and love the 24/7 vibe of Las Vegas, sail the world’s biggest ships, the 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Both sail seven-night Western Caribbean cruises year-round from Fort Lauderdale, with calls on Labadee (Royal Caribbean’s private island), Jamaica and Cozumel.

You’ll sample three islands and have plenty of time onboard to enjoy the ship’s seven "neighborhoods," 25 restaurants (14 included in the fare and 11, such as Rita’s Cantina serving Mexican cuisine, at an additional fee), four pools and 10 hot tubs, plus such amenities as FlowRider surf simulators and the Broadway musicals Chicago and Hairspray (stateroom rates start at $384 per person for a four-night sailing; royalcaribbean.com).

Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Carnival Breeze: Another affordable fun-in-the-sun itinerary is a six-night cruise on 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze. The line’s newest and most pop-culture-centric ship, it sails from Miami to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Carnival Breeze features 16 restaurants and bars (some eateries requiring a surcharge), among them Guy’s Burger Joint (by Food Network star Guy Fieri), the RedFrog Rum Bar and the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, as well as the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by funny man George Lopez (stateroom rates start at $379 per person for a six-night sailing; carnival.com).

Photos courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

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