4 minute read

When most people think of the Mexican Riviera, they picture long stretches of golden beaches, bustling port cities, and maybe a margarita or two. But for Princess Cruises, celebrating 60 years of sailing this storied coastline, the future of the Riviera looks far richer—and far more immersive.

For the 2025–26 season, the line is rolling out 13 brand-new excursions that push far beyond the typical bus tour. Think wine tasting at the first vineyard in Todos Santos, diving into the traditions of a Mazatlán taco fiesta, or joining a fishing family in La Paz to harvest scallops the way it’s been done for generations. Each experience is designed to connect travelers more deeply with Mexico’s food, culture, and landscapes, while still delivering those classic “you’re on vacation” moments—glass-bottom boat rides past El Arco, horseback treks to Pacific beaches, and lazy afternoons at private clubs where piña coladas flow on repeat.

It’s a refreshing shift that signals where cruise travel is headed: away from mass-produced port calls and into authentic encounters. With departures from Los Angeles and San Francisco aboard Emerald Princess, Royal Princess, and Ruby Princess, the season promises more than just sun and sand—it promises stories you’ll actually want to tell when you get back home.

Food & Drink Experiences Worth the Sailing

  • Todos Santos Wine Experience (Cabo San Lucas) – A Princess-exclusive that puts you inside Viñedo Las Tinajas, the region’s pioneering vineyard. Guests sip whites, rosés, and reds paired with bruschetta, before wandering the colorful streets of Todos Santos.
  • Heritage Taco Fiesta (Mazatlán) – Step into a hacienda-style home to learn tortilla-making traditions, then dig into tacos with assorted fillings while folkloric music sets the backdrop.
  • Real Mexico & Chocolate Experience (Puerto Vallarta) – A trip to Pitillal and a family-run cacao plantation delivers an education in coffee, chocolate, and tequila—all in one day.

Food isn’t just an add-on here. These tours showcase Mexico as a culinary destination, blending flavors with culture in a way that sticks.

Nature & Wildlife Encounters

  • Transparent Boat Adventure (Cabo San Lucas) – Explore Land’s End and El Arco from a glass-bottom boat, spotting rays, turtles, and tropical fish as you cruise by.
  • Baja Ocean Wonders & Scalloping Experience (La Paz) – Join a local fishing family to harvest scallops the traditional way, followed by fresh ceviche on the beach.
  • Cuyutlán Turtle Sanctuary (Manzanillo) – Visit Mexico’s largest turtle sanctuary and see conservation in action, paired with a stop at the quirky Salt Museum.

These excursions hit the sweet spot for travelers who crave adventure but also want to feel good about where their dollars are going—directly into local communities and conservation.

Adventure & Active Escapes

  • Horseback Riding at Cerritos Beach (Mazatlán) – A 90-minute ride through coastal trails that ends with panoramic views of the Pacific.
  • Old Mazatlán Trolley Tour – An open-air ride through the city’s Cathedral Basilica, cobblestone streets, and the famous Malecón.
  • Best of Baja (Cabo San Lucas) – A mix of desert drives, pearl farms, tequila tastings, and a stop at the legendary Hotel California.

If lounging isn’t your thing, these active experiences deliver plenty of “I can’t believe I did that” moments.

Beach Days, Upgraded

  • Daydream in Baja Beach Escape (La Paz) – A boutique hotel with private beach access, turquoise waters, and beers included. Simple, but perfect.
  • Shekinah Beach Club with Lunch (Mazatlán) – Infinity pools, cabanas, margaritas, and even a turf volleyball court if you’re feeling competitive.

Sometimes the best excursion is no excursion at all—just a chance to soak up Mexico’s coastline without crowds.

Why This Matters

Princess Cruises has been sailing the Mexican Riviera since 1965, and with 31 departures planned for the 2025–26 season, they’re making it clear: these aren’t cookie-cutter port calls anymore. The focus is on local immersion, authenticity, and choice. Whether you want to eat your way through tacos and chocolate, support turtle conservation, or sip wine where you’d least expect it, there’s a tour here that adds a real story to your vacation.

For anyone booked—or thinking about booking—these Mexican Riviera itineraries, Princess is sweetening the deal with a limited-time 20% discount on select excursions booked between September 10–16, 2025.

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