| How to find Mexico Cruise Deals and Important tips | Day of Departure, Parking and Boarding | Inside the Ship and Events | Ensenada Experience | Cruise Pictures !! |
Overview (Mexico Cruise planning and how to find good deals)
This an unbiased review of my recent cruise ship experience to Ensenada
Mexico in the year 2007. This was my first cruise ship experience and one
of the most memorable experiences of my life. Food was great, lot of variety, it
was easy to gain a few pounds in these 3-5 days.
I will start with the complete step by step process that I followed right from
planning, booking, actual cruise experience and things I did in Ensenada Mexico.
Planning and Booking
I am a practical budget traveler and planning a trip in a way to get the most for my money was my motive. I had to do some research to find best Mexico Cruise Deals.
EIGHT Important things to consider are:
1. How soon should I book:
You can get some great last minute bargains (3 to 7 days before departure), if the cruise ship you want to go is not full, at the same time if the ships are about full then the cost go quite high. But I like to plan things in advance therefore for shorter duration cruise trips (3-5 days), I figured that booking about 2-3 months in advance is a good enough option.
( IMPORTANT - Passport Rule: There have been recent changes, American tourists now require a valid passport to visit Mexico. Go to the official government site to verify this http://travel.state.gov/passport/ . Also call a toll free number of an online travel agency, tell them that you are planning a cruise trip and ask them about passport requirements. The official government site and travel agencies can give you an estimate time it takes to get a passport. If they say that it takes 3 months to get it, give yourself at least that time, plus an additional 1 month in case there is more delay after you file your application. Start this process early.
I think U.S. permanent residents/Green card holders need to carry both the passport of their country of origin and green card. They do not need a visa, but call your closest Mexican consulate to verify this.)
2. Where to book:
I personally liked these websites for Mexico cruise deals - Travelzoo.com, Expedia.com and Cruise.com. Especially keep checking Travelzoo.com as they check different cruise sites and give you the best deals at one place. I paid $425 per ticket for an ocean view window room ( don't confuse it with less expensive ocean view pinhole or more expensive balcony), our room/cabin was close to the main deck. In my observation the price keeps fluctuating, 2 days after I booked my tickets, the price jumped to $475 another 3 days later it became $450, so I suggest keep watching. Most cruises have a small cancellation fee (sometimes none) if you cancel within certain number of days in advance. Many cruises typically add small mandatory tips and service fee.
I prefer ocean view over interior. Other than the premium rooms, all the rooms are small, all luggage goes inside the closet, there is a safety deposit box, TV and few other basic amenities. Other than sleeping we spent 75% of the time outside the room for activities, eating, drinking etc .. so do not stress much on the type of room.
• Book your room away from elevators and other busy spots, as these things and people using them can add considerable noise to your room.
• While making the reservation, the ship deck and cabin arrangement diagram must be in front of you. Some people claim that booking at a much lower level or towards the back of the ship could mean higher engine noise. Keeping this in mind I had booked the cabin in the middle of the ship.
4. Medication, Currency, Other things to carry:
• Call your credit card company and inform them about your cruise to Mexico so that they don't block your credit card for suspicious activity.
• Make sure you have enough cash too for your shopping in Mexico. Also make sure that you have enough smaller bills.
• Make sure you are carrying basic medicines, if any prescription medicines are needed then take your prescription to be safe. Keep your medical records if possible. Carry medicines like Dramamine or Sea Bands to protect you from motion or sea sickness.
• Carry enough digital media like camera roll, or large memory stick and batteries.
• Carry sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.
• Plan ahead if you will need services like child care and pet care.
• Call the cruise company and inquire about their luggage limit.
5. Weather:
The last thing you want to happen during your cruise trip is rain, therefore check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Also avoid peak summer months otherwise you will not be able to enjoy outdoor activities like swimming pool, Jacuzzi, outdoor games, outdoor events, sitting in the sun and watching the ocean etc...
6. Holidays:
Tickets can be expensive during public holidays.
7. Clothing
• You can keep casual clothes and comfort wear for most of the time.
• Keep your swimwear, towels are available on the ship.
• You will need at least 1 or 2 formal dresses for 'captains night party' and 'formal night' dinners.
8. Carrying Alcohol
Carrying alcohol is mostly not permitted. Some ships allow limited quantities of mild alcohols like wine, but might charge you for doing so.
Mexico cruise deals are should be researched thoroughly on the internet and you can often your favorite travel agent to beat the lowest price you found, which they will often do.
