7 Day Family and Budget Friendly Cruise to Mexico

Let me start by saying: we’re not cruise people. Our ideal vacation usually involves avoiding crowds and exploring local gems... so booking a cruise wasn't something I was looking forward to. I was mainly doing it for my kids, because I knew they would love it! They were all obsessed with the idea after hearing about a Bahamas cruise their friends went on, so when I came across Royal Caribbean’s "Kids Sail 'Free' " deal, I knew I couldn’t pass it up.

We’re a family of five, so my main concern when booking was having to pay for two separate rooms. Thankfully, Royal Caribbean had a family suite with two little bedrooms! While it had no balcony, it definitely made up for it with plenty of space. The total cost came out to $3,500 for all of us, which was way cheaper than it would normally be. With a payment plan, it was so much more manageable.

Since we live in California, the options for cruises leaving directly from the state are pretty limited. Nearly all the 'cool' trips --- such as Rome, The Bahamas, Alaska, The Mediterranean, or Europe --- left from places like Canada, Texas, Greece, and the Middle East. That means we would've had to pay for airplane tickets on top of everything else. Luckily, a lot of Mexican cruises leave from Southern California, so we ended up choosing the Baja Mexico 7-day cruise. This one would supposedly give us a perfect balance between time on the ship and time on the shore. I was super excited for the opportunity to take the kids to experience the joys of travel, while simultaneously getting a taste of different areas in Mexico and seeing where we’d like to go back.

After I booked the cruise, I scoured the internet, looking for a blog about how to enjoy a cruise without shore excursions. When I couldn't find that, I looked for a blog about a cruise from a family perspective, and there still wasn't anything. So, if you're planning to go on a cruise soon, consider this your go-to guide.

Flashback time! About a week before the cruise, my children and their friends desperately wanted to watch Titanic together. After lots of begging, I finally said yes. Can someone please tell me why?! My 10 year old daughter, Raya, and 5 year old son, Hasan, loved it --- in other words, they were crying during that scene --- but my newly minted teenager, Layal, didn't seem to care. I thought that meant she wouldn't care about going on a cruise just like the Titanic, but boy, was I wrong.

Days 1 and 2: First Days at Sea

On January 10th, the first day of the cruise, we drove from the Bay Area all the way to San Pedro. The kids were 100% convinced we were catching a flight to a tropical island, which was just hilarious to my husband and I. As we neared the port, the realization hit that we were going on a ship. My ten-year-old daughter Raya and my five-year-old son Hasan screamed with excitement, but Layal? She was insanely anxious, and wasn’t excited at all. She didn't even want to board. Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for, but we powered through.

Once we boarded, the first order of business was to obviously explore the ship. The sheer size of it was jaw-dropping! Not only did it have 15 floors, it had:

✅ Water slides

✅ A surf simulator (yes, with actual water and actual surfboards!)

✅ Basketball & pickleball courts

✅ Rock climbing

✅ Ice skating

✅ Adventure Club for kids

✅ A movie theater

✅ Outdoor movie nights

✅ Three pools and two jacuzzis

✅ Teen Lounge

✅ Spa & Gym

✅ Mini golf

✅ And way, way, way more!

After the kids finally had their fill of exploring everything the ship had to offer, we settled down for some Mexican food and unlimited soft-serve ice cream by the pool. The kids were so excited about swimming, so we got changed and hit the pool right after we ate. Surprisingly, they only swam for about an hour. When they finished, we went up a few levels to play mini-golf.

Our family suite totally exceeded expectations. It was a spacious, well-laid out 2-bedroom suite, the perfect size for a family of five. Here’s a quick room tour video if you want a sneak peek.

Excluding the Mexican food by the pool, there are a couple other options for complimentary meals. First, the Royal Dining Room, which is a sit-down 'restaurant' where you're served an amazing five course meal. They have the most unique food options, such as the fried snails my husband tried, but it honestly wasn't that great. My kids loved everything, but I was not a fan. The food was flavorless, and the meat was chewy. Still, the seating and general layout of this spot was absolutely stunning, and it reminded me of the fancy dining rooms on the Titanic.

Second, the Windjammer, which is a more casual buffet. It has so many different sections --- like Middle Eastern food, Indian food, and even Japanese food --- and there's a million options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food here tasted better, but it still didn't meet my expectations. Both are solid options, so it mainly depends on what you’re in the mood for. But no matter what you choose, expect the absolute best staff to address all your needs. (Shoutout to WashyWashy for reminding everyone to wash their hands before entering the Windjammer! You're awesome!) The menu changes daily at both spots, and covers cuisine from all over the world, so whatever your heart is craving, you’re bound to experience it during the length of the trip. If you’re in the mood for something quick, there’s also a perfect small cafe, the Cafe Promenade, at the indoors mall. Which, by the way, is also free!

When you're not busy eating, the schedule is packed with phenomenal entertainment options. From comedy shows to ballroom dancing to ice-skating performances, you won't even have time to breathe! The good kind of not breathing.

Day 3: Cabo San Lucas

After two full days at sea, we finally arrived at Cabo San Lucas. Unlike most ports, Cabo doesn’t have a cruise terminal. So instead, the ship anchors offshore, and small boats, named tenders, take you to land instead. The ride is short and beautiful, about 10 minutes long, with gorgeous views of El Arco and Lover’s Beach.

The moment you step off the tender, insane amounts of vendors swarm you, trying to sell tours and souvenirs. A few even offer unique hairdos, tattoos, and music. It can be super overwhelming, but if you act confident, you’ll be fine. It doesn't matter if you have no clue what you're doing, don't fall into the tourist traps. We just kept saying, “We’re meeting someone, thanks!” and hurried away.

We didn’t have a set plan of what to do, unlike usual, but I knew that I wanted to have lunch at El Toroguero. They're known for their amazing seafood options, so, using Google Maps, we made our way there. Instead of taking an Uber or a bus, we decided to explore on foot. It was nice to see the culture and homes, but it did take up huge chunk of our time. At the moment, we wished we had taken an Uber, but we didn't want to miss out on the local shops and vendors along the way, even though we didn't buy anything and our feet were super sore.

(Sidenote: Ubers were super cheap compared to US prices, we so don't be afraid to book them wherever you need to go.)

When we got there, we ordered oysters, shrimp cocktail, tostadas, grilled octopus tacos, carne asada tacos, and tamarind, mango, & strawberry smoothies. The food here was absolutely amazing! Super flavorful, and it tasted like divine Mexican cuisine. There were also zero tourists there, only locals, which was a definite sign that we were in the right place.

Next, we took an Uber to The Glass Factory, which is a must-visit for families. You can watch artisans create hand-blown glass art, which was mesmerizing. It was amazing watching them work; they truly had talent. There’s also a shop with stunning jewelry and decorative pieces, with pretty reasonable prices. We happened to get there just in time for a presentation, so we 'snuck' in, and it was perfect! The kids were fascinated, and we picked up some beautiful souvenirs.

After the presentation, we spoke to the tour guide and asked him about what to do next. He suggested we skip all the main beaches and go to his favorite instead, Chileno Bay. We took his advice, called an Uber, and headed there. Again, once we arrived, all we saw were locals! It wasn’t as busy, and it had stunning clear waters. This beach was known for its wonderful snorkeling, and I wish we'd had enough time to snorkel there! We spent hours playing, swimming, and soaking in the beauty while enjoying the sunset, before finally heading back to the ship.

On the way back, we stopped at Taqueria El Paisa, which was a highly rated taco spot, and it was right next to the marina! The hibiscus drinks and horchata were refreshing, so definitely grab a drink if you’re just walking through the town. We couldn't really enjoy it, though, because we had to rush back to the ship. We also had to eat all the food we were hoping to enjoy later, because they wouldn’t let us take any food with us; a total bummer! We had never eaten so fast in our lives, and we were already so stuffed.

Once back on the ship, we hit the pool and water slides before heading back to our rooms to shower and change. After we got ready, we headed to the Windjammer for dinner, followed by an ice skating show which totally blew us away! Honestly, it was the best show on the ship! Highly, highly recommend this one if you’re crushing with Royal. It was a perfect first day on land, and we were so excited to explore Mazatlan the next day!

Day 4: Mazatlán – The Hidden Gem of Our Cruise

As soon as we pulled into Mazatlan, I knew this place was my vibe. Unlike Cabo, which felt more polished and touristy, Mazatlán had an authentic charm with fewer crowds, a more laid-back atmosphere, and a stunning coastline with El Faro Lighthouse standing proudly on top of a hill in the distance. Naturally, my first thought was, we’re climbing that!

Once we left the ship (no tenders this time!), we immediately started walking. The Malecón (one of the longest beaches in the world) stretches 13 miles along the coast. It's filled with ocean views, colorful street art, and authentic local life.

For our first stop, we set up walking directions to Playa Olas Altas, which is a gorgeous beach. We grabbed coffee and breakfast at Rico’s Café & Bar, where the coffee was strong, the fresh juices were perfect, and the dishes were flavorful. Instead of sitting inside, we took our food with us to a beautiful little courtyard with a fountain. It was perfect, soaking in the cultural vibes while we ate.

Further down the Malecón, we stumbled upon another one of Mazatlán’s hidden gems: a natural ocean-fed pool, complete with a built-in waterslide! To get to the pool, you climb down a spiral staircase carved into the rocks, and it leads to the most stunning crystal-clear water. I wish we had time to swim here, but we pinned it for our next trip because how often do you get to slide into a pool right next to the Pacific Ocean?!

After we dragged ourselves away from the pool and slide, we continued our walk toward Centro Histórico, passing colorful colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and vibrant street art. One of the most random but coolest things we came across was a Beatles-themed art display. We had no idea why it was there, but we weren’t complaining. Who doesn’t love an unexpected Beatles moment?

Eventually, we found ourselves at the Cathedral of Mazatlán, a breathtaking yellow-hued church with gorgeous architecture. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth a visit, just to take in the details. After all that walking, we had worked up an appetite. So...it was time for tacos! We headed to Taquería Los Portillos, a local favorite. Let me tell you, these tacos were next level. Super fresh, ridiculously flavorful, and dirt cheap.

We also did some shopping nearby. We bought some Mexican candy and candied nuts, and I even found a place to make my own perfume. I love doing this when traveling to other countries. It’s such a fun, inexpensive way to bring a memory home.

With full stomachs and happy hearts, we caught an Uber to the El Faro Lighthouse trailhead. I was so excited to climb the mountain I had seen earlier that day! This 2-mile hike is all uphill, with a lot of stairs, but it was SO worth it. Once at the top, we were rewarded for our sore feet with breathtaking panoramic views of the entire coastline. There’s also a glass-bottom walkway (for a small fee), and even a zipline you can do all the way to the bottom of the mountain! However, be sure to get there before 2 PM if you want to try it, since it closes pretty early.

We could’ve stayed forever, but we had one more stop before heading back to the ship. After a quick 10-minute Uber, we arrived at the docks to take a water taxi to Stone Island. This was hands-down the highlight of the day. You seriously cannot miss visiting this place if you’re in Mazatlan! Imagine clear, warm waters, soft golden sand, and endless rows of palm trees. It truly felt like we were in a secluded tropical paradise.

After marveling at the views, we found a beachside restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood, coconuts, and smoothies, while the kids played in the sand. We ended our time on the island by walking along the beach and taking a dip in the ocean. As sunset approached, we witnessed local fishermen directing a boat to drop a net to catch fish, and reeling in their fresh catch. Watching their excitement made us appreciate the simple joys of island life.

Leaving was SO hard because Mazatlán truly stole a piece of my heart, and I already can’t wait to go back. We barely made it onto the ship five minutes before departure, but hey, it all worked out!

Day 5: Puerto Vallarta

After walking over 20 miles in the past two days, we were exhausted. I wasn’t sure how we’d survive Puerto Vallarta, but the moment I saw it from the ship, my excitement took over. I knew we were going to have so much fun.

As soon as we got off the ship, we were hounded by aggressive taxi drivers. This was probably the worst stop, simply because of the haggling and questions. Some even got mad when we refused, calling after us and yelling how their taxis were the best we'd find. We continued to firmly say “we already have plans,” until we were able to escape to the nearest gas station, where we called an Uber instead. Uber is the BEST way to get around. It’s cheaper, faster, and way, way less stressful.

We started off the day in Zona Romántica, a charming area full of shops, restaurants, vendors, and colorful streets. We had no clue where we were going, but luckily, we stumbled upon Eulo’s Bakery, home to the most amazing custard-filled donuts and banana bread. This place quickly became a favorite.

Nearby, we found Xocodiva Chocolates, where we bought tons of adorable chocolates. My personal favorite was the passion fruit truffle, which was absolutely divine. You can even watch the chocolate-making process a few streets down, through a window which was a pretty fun stop for the kids. I wish we brought some more of those for later; we finished them in record time. Right away, I realized Mazatlan is a place I will be coming back to.

After our 'tour' of downtown Mazatlan, we took an Uber to the start of Mirador de la Cruz, a steep uphill hike that rewards you with 360° views of Puerto Vallarta. The climb was literally just stairs all the way to the top, and we saw a few locals getting in a good workout. We enjoyed spending time here and soaking in the views from all angles.

On our way back down, we met a local artist sketching butterflies in ink. My daughter, Raya, who loves art, wanted a piece signed by him. It was so special watching them bond over the painting. It honestly made for one of the most special moments of the trip. She got her beautiful mariposa (butterfly) signed by him, and we continued on our way.

We spent the rest of the day wandering the Malecón, admiring beachfront restaurants, street performers, and stunning sculptures.

For lunch, we headed to Los Abuelos, where we devoured grilled fish tacos, shrimp tostadas, carne asada tacos, and some of the most fresh guacamole I've ever had, all right on the sand. It was one of the best meals of the trip, and for a family of five, we spent less than $100! The whole experience was just amazing. Afterwards, we had to walk off all that food, so we could make more room to enjoy the rest of the street foods! We explored the shops, hoping to try Julio’s Churros, a famous street cart. We finally found it and rushed over at 5 PM, thinking we'd made it just in time! ....Only to find out he doesn’t open until 6. Sadly, we couldn’t wait, because we had to be back at the ship by 5:30. I hope to make it back and taste these yummy churros I’ve heard so many people rave about!

Days 6 and 7: Last Days at Sea

After three days of exploring Mexico, it was time to enjoy the ship for the last stretch of our cruise. We spent our final sea days relaxing by the pool, playing mini golf, hitting the ice skating rink, watching all the shows possible, and soaking in every last moment. The kids made the most of the adventure club and teen center, while my husband and I took advantage of the spa and gym. It was nice to see the kids with their friends, they seemed to enjoy the clubs a lot.

Both my daughters had the freedom to explore the ship with their friends, and they were practically MIA for the last few days. We ended up giving both girls curfews, and they exploited them to the best of their abilities.

We also attended a few more shows, including a jaw-dropping acrobatics performance and a hilarious game show where passengers competed in various challenges. Honestly, the entertainment on Royal Caribbean was top-notch, and we were blown away by the talent!

Would We Do It Again?

Honestly the cruise was an incredible experience for our kids, and they absolutely loved it. As parents, we enjoyed the itinerary and the ease of hopping between destinations without the hassle of flying or constantly packing/unpacking. It was also nice to get a taste of the different stops and see where we’d want to return to.

However, we also realized that we’re just not “cruise people.” While the ship had everything you could need for a fun vacation, we missed the freedom and authenticity of exploring places on our own terms. At least, us parents did. According to the kids, they would absolutely do it again, but I personally missed exploring without feeling like a tourist. So, if you’re someone who enjoys a more structured vacation with plenty of entertainment, fun activities, and an easy way to visit multiple destinations, then this cruise is a fantastic option. If you're like us and love to explore freely and immerse yourselves in the culture, then the cruise can be a good option to explore the possible destinations and come back to them later.

Final Tips for Future Cruisers:

• Book a Family Suite: If you’re traveling with kids, the family suite is a great option. No balcony, but plenty of space!

• Download Uber: It made exploring Mexico so much easier and was much cheaper than taxis. Plus, we didn't have to go through the screaming hassle more than necessary.

• Bring snacks and drinks: If you’re a foodie, and even if you're not, pack some backup snacks to hold you over between meals and drinks, so you don’t have to buy the drink package.

• Don’t Overplan: Winging it worked out great for us! Have a rough idea of what you want to do, but stay flexible.

• Make Sure Your Kids Do The Kids Club: While our kids were hesitant at the beginning, it ended up being the highlight of the trip for them.

• Skip the Expensive Excursions: You can do almost everything for a fraction of the cost by planning your own adventures.

• Take Advantage of the Entertainment: The shows were honestly one of the best parts of the cruise. Don’t miss them!

  
  

Overall, this cruise gave us some amazing family memories, and Mexico completely stole our hearts. The food wasn't the highlight, or even remotely close to a highlight, but it was fun and exciting! We can't want to return to Mexico and have the time of our lives all over again.

Hope this helps anyone planning a family cruise. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Safe travels and have fun!