This time, I’d like to share my experience of a vacation trip to Mexico on a cruise. Once you arrive in the US and get your Green Card, going on a cruise is one of the things you should definitely try. It’s one of the best experiences. In some countries, it’s not easy to have the opportunity to go on a cruise whenever you want, so I highly recommend it. On a regular trip, you have to plan your own meals, but on a cruise, everything is taken care of. From the moment you board, you have access to meals and relaxation, so you barely notice when you arrive in Mexico. If you want a truly relaxing trip, I suggest going on a cruise.

The well-known cruise lines in the US are:

• Royal Caribbean International

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Disney Cruise Line

• Celebrity Cruise Line

• Princess Cruise

There are other cruise lines as well, but I’ve mentioned just five to keep it short. Most cruises depart from Florida, but other states with ports include California, New York, Texas, Alaska, Louisiana, and Maryland. Since I live in Houston, I boarded at Galveston Beach, which is just over an hour’s drive away. I didn’t have to fly; I just drove there, parked the car, and boarded the ship. This is very convenient since there’s no luggage weight limit, unlike flying, so you can bring as much as you can carry. Therefore, for those living in Houston, this is a must-try trip.

To plan a cruise trip, you need a valid Green Card or a US Citizen Passport. While those with Multiple Entries Visa can also join, it’s best not to risk it due to possible complications when re-entering the US. When buying a cruise ticket, there are various prices depending on the type of cabin and the time of booking. It’s advisable to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to get the best rates.

The cabin types and their approximate prices are:

• Interior Cabin: $500-$600 per person

• Oceanview Cabin: $600-$800 per person

• Balcony Cabin: $900-$1100 per person

• Luxury Balcony Cabin: $1300-$1600 per person

The prices vary based on the destinations and the duration of the trip. These prices are based on a 5-night, 6-day trip to Mexico with Royal Caribbean. Some trips can last up to 7 or even 16 nights. Prices are higher during peak times like Christmas and New Year, so it’s better to avoid those periods for lower rates. I booked my ticket three months in advance to get the best price and chose a balcony cabin since it was my first cruise, and I was worried about seasickness.

Onboard, meals are provided with buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In the evenings, you can choose between the buffet and fine dining. If you opt for fine dining, you need to tip the server, but the food is free. Daily housekeeping is also provided, so having some change for tips is handy.

On my cruise to Mexico, the ship stopped at two locations: Cozumel and Costa Maya. When the ship docked, you could explore on your own, but since I don’t speak Spanish and wanted to avoid risks like getting lost or not making it back to the ship on time, I opted for the tours arranged by the cruise line. In Costa Maya, I visited ancient Mayan ruins, and in Cozumel, I took a bus tour around the town and shopped at duty-free stores.

The cruise took two days to sail to Mexico, two days to explore, and two days to return to Houston. While at sea, there were plenty of activities onboard to keep from getting bored, like parties, movies, shows, pool activities, and more. For those who prefer relaxation, there were spas and salons (additional fees apply). You could also play sports like basketball and table tennis, or even try your luck at the onboard casino, which felt like being in Las Vegas. There were also play areas and game rooms for children.

The six-day cruise went by so quickly that I didn’t even notice the time. It was an unforgettable trip, and I highly recommend planning a cruise if you are living in the US and looking for a great vacation.

P.S. – As a bonus, I’m sharing some photos I took during the trip. Enjoy!

🌸 H-Town Diaries By Si 🌸