Embarking on a magnificent 7-day Mexico Cruise from the convenient port of Long Beach, California, is an experience not to be missed. Our recent adventure aboard the Carnival Panorama solidified Long Beach as an ideal departure point for exploring the vibrant wonders of the Mexican Riviera. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through every aspect of planning and enjoying your cruise, from seamless embarkation to unforgettable ports of call, ensuring your journey is as smooth as the Pacific waters.
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Your Ultimate 7-Day Mexico Cruise from Long Beach
A 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the stunning Pacific coastline of Baja, Mexico, before venturing into the heart of its most beloved port cities. This incredible journey promises a perfect blend of world-class dining, captivating entertainment, and the chance to discover the rich culture and natural beauty of Mexico. Cruising is, without a doubt, one of our favorite ways to unwind and create lasting memories, and a Mexican cruise holds a special place in our hearts for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic beauty.
We had the privilege of sailing as guests of Carnival Cruise Line for this particular itinerary and are incredibly grateful for the experience. The opinions expressed throughout this guide are entirely our own, born from a genuine love for cruising and the unique charm of Mexico.
An Exciting Cruise Itinerary
Prepare for an unforgettable week as your Mexican Riviera adventure unfolds:
- Day 1: Embarkation in Long Beach, California – The excitement begins as you board the ship and settle into your home for the next week.
- Day 2: Day at Sea – A full day to explore the ship’s amenities, relax by the pool, or indulge in fine dining.
- Day 3: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – Discover the iconic Arch, pristine beaches, and vibrant marina life.
- Day 4: Mazatlan, Mexico – Explore the historic city center, enjoy local cuisine, or simply relax on board.
- Day 5: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Wander the charming Malecon, visit unique shops, and soak in the authentic Mexican atmosphere.
- Day 6: Day at Sea – Another opportunity to enjoy everything your cruise ship has to offer.
- Day 7: Day at Sea – A final day of relaxation and fun before returning to port.
- Day 8: Disembarkation in Long Beach – Bid farewell to your cruise ship, filled with incredible memories.
Navigating the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal serves as the exclusive gateway for Carnival Cruise Line passengers. This remarkable terminal is housed within the world’s largest free-span geodesic dome, an architectural marvel that once famously sheltered Howard Hughes’ legendary Spruce Goose seaplane. In 2018, Carnival Cruise Line invested millions in renovations, transforming the terminal into an even more efficient and welcoming space for cruisers.
To ensure a smooth embarkation, it is absolutely essential to select an arrival time when completing your Carnival Cruise documentation. Trust us when we say that strict adherence to your scheduled appointment is enforced. The gatekeepers are diligent and will not permit early entry, even by a mere ten minutes. While there is a designated waiting area inside the Long Beach Port Terminal, complete with benches and engaging art, you might find yourself waiting outside if you arrive too early, as we did, enjoying the California sun for about 30 minutes before our slot.
The importance of your arrival appointment cannot be overstated; every boarding pass is meticulously checked. If you’re eager to board as early as possible, consider exploring the Carnival Faster to the Fun program, which offers expedited boarding and other perks. Once your designated arrival time arrives, ensure every member of your party has their boarding pass and photo identification ready. After passing the gatekeepers, the embarkation process itself is remarkably swift.
You’ll proceed through a short line to a Carnival representative who will verify your boarding pass, scan your passport, and collect any necessary medical forms. Once cleared, a straightforward walk leads you directly to the ship. It’s worth noting that the walk to the cruise ship involves navigating a couple of ramps and crossing a bridge. If anyone in your group has mobility challenges, we highly recommend requesting assistance for boarding to ensure their comfort and safety.
Getting to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal with Ease
Planning your arrival at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal is crucial for a stress-free start to your vacation. We opted for a late-night flight into LAX, staying at a nearby hotel to relax before taking an Uber directly to the port terminal after a leisurely morning. This method offered a remarkably calm and pleasant beginning to our cruise adventure.
The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is conveniently situated adjacent to the iconic Queen Mary.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal Address – 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) – The Closest Option
For those seeking the utmost convenience, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is an excellent choice. Serving nearly three million commercial airline passengers annually, LGB offers direct flights to numerous destinations across the United States, with easy connections for both domestic and international travelers. Airlines like Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Allegiant, and Frontier provide service to major cities including New York, Washington D.C., Austin, San Francisco, Seattle, Oakland, and Las Vegas. Its proximity makes it a top recommendation for cruisers.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – A Major Hub
Long Beach Cruise Terminal is typically between 25-60 minutes from LAX, though traffic in Los Angeles can be unpredictable. Factor in potential delays, especially during peak hours. Taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft, and dedicated shuttle services are readily available from LAX and numerous Los Angeles hotels, providing flexible options for reaching the cruise ship.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County’s Gateway
Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) is another viable option, located approximately 25 minutes from the cruise terminal. This smaller, more manageable airport can often provide a less hectic travel experience compared to LAX, making it an appealing choice for many travelers.
Parking at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
On-site parking is available at the cruise terminal for approximately $23 per day, though rates are subject to change. For those being dropped off, there is no charge to enter the terminal area. A critical detail for drivers: the parking garage has a height limit of 7’0″! Vehicles requiring more than one standard space will not be accommodated within the main parking structure. An adjacent overflow lot may be available for oversized vehicles, but it’s always best to confirm in advance. Many hotels in the Long Beach area also offer attractive “stay and cruise” parking packages, which can be a convenient alternative.
Dining Options at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
It’s important to note that there are no restaurants located within the Long Beach Cruise Terminal itself. We hope your embarkation process is efficient enough that you won’t need to spend extensive time in the terminal and can swiftly board your cruise ship to enjoy the myriad dining options available on board.
Discover the World’s Largest Mural by Wyland
As you gaze out from your cruise ship in Long Beach, keep an eye out for a truly unique local landmark: the world’s largest mural, painted by the renowned marine artist Wyland. Completed in 1993 on the Long Beach Arena, “Planet Ocean” was certified by the Guinness Book of World Records for its monumental scale. It took four weeks and an astonishing 3,000 gallons of paint to bring this vibrant depiction of marine life to fruition, a stunning tribute to ocean conservation visible right from the port.
The Majestic Queen Mary
The historic RMS Queen Mary is permanently docked right next to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, offering a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. You even have the unique option of staying overnight on the Queen Mary before or after your cruise, transforming your trip into an even grander experience.
When she embarked on her maiden voyage in 1936, the RMS Queen Mary was hailed as the largest, fastest, and most elegant ocean liner in the world. With a gross tonnage of 81,237 and an impressive length of 1,018.5 feet, it’s hard to imagine such a colossal vessel moving with speed. Yet, from 1936 to 1952, the Queen Mary proudly held the Trans-Atlantic speed record between New York and Southampton. Today, visitors can experience a piece of this grand history by staying in one of its 360 converted first-class staterooms, dining in the ship’s exquisite restaurants, and exploring the shops on the Promenade Deck. Guided and self-guided walking tours further illuminate the ship’s illustrious past.
Encountering Whales from Long Beach
As your cruise ship departs from Long Beach, keep a watchful eye on the horizon for incredible whale sightings! From June through October, the waters off Long Beach are frequented by magnificent Blue Whales, the largest animals ever to have lived on our planet. Then, from December through mid-May, you’ll have the chance to witness the annual migration of California Gray Whales as they journey past Long Beach on their incredible route from the Bering Sea in Alaska down to Baja California, Mexico. It’s a truly spectacular natural phenomenon to behold.
Mexico Ports of Call: A Detailed Look
Here’s a closer look at the vibrant ports we explored on our 7-day Mexico Cruise from Long Beach aboard the Carnival Panorama:
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Time in Port: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cabo San Lucas is a tender port, meaning you’ll transfer from the cruise ship to shore via smaller boats called tenders. Being prepared is key to maximizing your time here. If you’ve booked a shore excursion through the cruise line, your tender time will be pre-assigned with your excursion details. For independent exploration, you’ll need to secure a tender ticket the night before. If you aim to be among the first ashore, consult the Carnival Hub App or the FunTimes daily program to learn when tender tickets will be distributed. Without a ticket, especially during the initial hours, boarding a tender will not be possible.
However, if an early start isn’t a priority, we recommend a more relaxed approach: sleep in a bit, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and avoid the bustling main elevators leading to Deck 0. Let the initial rush subside, then head to the tender launch point. During our cruise, the first water shuttle to Cabo was scheduled for 10:30 AM, but always remember that this timing can fluctuate based on the ship’s clearance with Mexican customs. Once clearance is granted, the cruise director will announce tender ticket numbers over the main ship intercom. These announcements aren’t always broadcast in staterooms, so position yourself in an area where you can easily hear them.
Passengers using motorized scooters or wheelchairs should consult with the crew to ascertain the appropriate boarding area for accessible water shuttles. Once on shore, Cabo San Lucas offers easy exploration of the town or access to your pre-booked excursions. Don’t miss the fresh churro cart in the port area – an absolute treat! If you have a shore excursion planned, you’re welcome to explore town beforehand, just be mindful of your excursion’s departure time from the port area. We advise catching a water shuttle approximately 45 minutes before your excursion is scheduled to leave, providing ample buffer time.
A crucial detail: the ship may operate on “ship time” rather than local Cabo San Lucas time. On our cruise, we maintained ship time, so when our phones automatically updated to local time, we had to remember to adjust for the onboard clock. For an in-depth exploration, refer to our dedicated Cabo by Cruise Ship Guide.
Popular Cabo San Lucas Excursion Options:
- Sail and Snorkel Excursion – Explore the underwater world.
- Cabo Whale Watching – An incredible opportunity to see majestic marine life.
- Cabo Wabo – While not an excursion, this iconic nightclub offers a lively stop in town.
Mazatlan, Mexico
Time in Port: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
During our 7-day Mexico cruise, we made the conscious decision to stay on board the ship in Mazatlan. The ship docks in an industrial area, necessitating a shuttle ride to the main port area, from where taxis can take you into the city center. Given our desire to fully explore the magnificent Carnival Panorama and ensure we were well-rested for the bustling delights of Puerto Vallarta, a “chill day” on board felt like the perfect choice. While we missed Mazatlan’s historic district and famous cliff divers, we thoroughly enjoyed the ship’s amenities without the crowds.
Mazatlan Excursion Options:
For those eager to disembark, Mazatlan offers a variety of excursions. One popular option is the Salsa & Salsa excursion, a fun and interactive experience we previously enjoyed in Cozumel, and it’s equally delightful here.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Time in Port: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Puerto Vallarta holds a special place as one of our favorite cities in the world, and we were absolutely thrilled that our 7-day Mexico Cruise included this vibrant port! The ship conveniently docks approximately 20 minutes from the bustling heart of Puerto Vallarta and its famous Malecon boardwalk. Taxis and Uber services are readily available from the port, making it incredibly easy to spend a full day immersing yourself in the town’s charm. The newly opened Puerto Mágico shopping center at the port terminal is a fantastic addition, with its chocolate shop being an absolute must-visit!
For a comprehensive guide to maximizing your time in this beautiful city, check out our Puerto Vallarta by Cruise Ship Guide.
Puerto Vallarta Excursion Options:
- Give Back with Purpose Community Tour Excursion – An enriching experience supporting local communities.
- Top Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta – A curated list of popular attractions and activities.
What to Pack for Your Mexico Cruise
To ensure you’re fully prepared for your Mexican adventure, we’ve compiled a detailed Mexico Cruise Packing Guide. However, a few essentials always stand out: light clothing for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes for port days, swimwear, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and a reusable water bottle. Don’t forget any medications, charging cables, and a camera to capture all your incredible memories!
Smooth Debarkation in Long Beach
When it’s time for debarkation from your Mexico Cruise in Long Beach, you have two primary options for handling your luggage. You can choose to carry all your bags off the ship yourself, or you can opt to have the crew move your luggage to the port terminal. Your choice largely depends on the amount of luggage you have and your ability to manage it independently.
If you prefer to carry your own bags, be prepared to manage them through the gangway and terminal. All staterooms must be vacated by 8:30 AM. You can still enjoy a final breakfast in the buffet dining room during designated times. Deck numbers will be called over the loudspeaker, indicating when each section of the ship can disembark. If you have an early flight, inquire with guest services about the designated area for expedited self-assist debarkation. If you choose this option, ensure all your bags remain with you. Lastly, and crucially, do NOT pack your Sail & Sign card – you will need it to exit the ship!
Carnival Cruise Line also offers fantastic west coast Mexico cruises departing from other California ports, including San Diego and San Francisco, providing even more options for your next Pacific adventure.