Cruise Guide: Plan a Memorable Anniversary or Birthday Cruise to Mexico

Hey Family! I can’t believe how much time has passed since my last blog post! I hope all of you are doing AMAZING!

So much has happened in the last year! I am ecstatic to announce, Bre and I celebrated our 6th anniversary and I turned 33!! To celebrate we went on a 7-night cruise to the Mexican Riviera! It was a truly amazing experience. This was our first time cruising alone! We had a blast, it felt like we had this enormous moving city all to ourselves.

A birthday and an anniversary are special occasions that call for a celebration beyond the ordinary. Imagine commemorating your special day aboard a luxurious cruise ship, surrounded by the turquoise waters and vibrant culture of Mexico.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of planning a memorable anniversary/birthday cruise to Mexico, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

1. Choose the Perfect Cruise Line and Ship: Research various cruise lines and ships that offer itineraries to Mexico. Consider factors such as the ship’s amenities, dining options, entertainment, and onboard activities. Look for a ship that suits your preferences, whether you desire a family-friendly atmosphere, a romantic ambiance, or a lively party atmosphere.

We chose Royal Caribbean, the Navigator of the Seas that sailed out of the Port of LA. This ship was stunning, it offered the perfect balance of shows, food, and activities, and it even had an adults-only pool area! When choosing your cruise, keep your port of call location in mind & plan how you will get there.
*Pro tip: Do not book your flight to land the same day your ship is scheduled to depart. Airlines are super unpredictable and you will get left.

2. Select an Exciting Itinerary: Mexico offers a myriad of breathtaking destinations to explore. Select an itinerary that aligns with your interests and preferences. Whether it’s the vibrant beaches of Cancun, the rich history of Cozumel, or the cultural charm of Puerto Vallarta, choose ports of call that will make either of your events truly extraordinary.

Keep in mind, you do not always have to leave the ship on port days. We celebrated my 30th birthday in Puerto Vallarta a few years back, so we decided to enjoy the ship the day we were there. We nearly had the ship to ourselves, the pool wasn’t crowded, lunch spots were open & no lines to the waterslides!

3. Plan Unique Onboard Celebrations: Coordinate with the cruise line to plan special celebrations onboard. Many cruise lines offer personalized services, such as decorating your cabin with balloons and streamers, having romantic champagne & strawberries in cabin or even arranging a birthday cake during dinner. Explore options for private dining experiences, spa treatments, or even a surprise birthday party with friends and family.

The Royal Caribbean had so many activities planned, including dance parties on the infamous Promenade. Ranging from the ’70s to 80’s parties to pool deck mayhem. There were plenty of ways to celebrate!

4. Shore Excursions for Unforgettable Experiences: Research exciting shore excursions available at each port of call. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to exploring ancient ruins or indulging in local cuisine, Mexico offers a wide range of activities and experiences. Customize your special cruise by choosing unforgettable excursions that align with your interests and create lifelong memories.

We booked both of our cruise excursions through Royal Caribbean. On port days you can take offers from local tour guides and vendors when you get off the ship. We decided to play it safe & go through the cruise line to avoid any hiccups. Please remember, the cruise line will leave passengers who are not back to the ship in time.

In Cabo San Lucas, we chose to charter a catamaran to snorkel in Chileno Bay. The crew was attentive and safety-focused. The trip offered unlimited alcohol & snacks after everyone was done with their water activities. We knew we were in good hands.

In Mazatlan, we explored the port area a bit before we headed to our Salsa, Salsa, and Margaritas activity! This excursion was the highlight of our trip. We were taught how to make margaritas (bottomless), cook 7 different salsas & how to dance the salsa at a beachfront resort! The group was huge and lively, the instructors were hilarious and engaging.

The best experience in Mexico, by far. Not to mention after the activity, we were allowed to enjoy the resort amenities, including the swimming pools, beachfront access, and lounge chairs. Our tour guide took us back to the ship on a scenic route through Mazatlan to show us some unforgettable sites. I highly recommend trying this excursion out!

5. Celebratory Dining Experiences: Indulge in exceptional dining experiences throughout your cruise. Treat yourself to romantic gourmet meals at specialty restaurants, enjoy birthday breakfast in bed with room service, or book a private dining experience to celebrate your special day in style. Inform the cruise line in advance about your anniversary or birthday to enhance the dining experience.

We were blessed to be seated with the most amazing couples for our main dining experience. We celebrated my birthday together with a toast of champagne & a delicious meal. Of course, every day on vacation was my birthday, and by the end of the week, everyone was celebrating with us!

6. Capture Memories: Document your cruise with photographs and videos to cherish the memories for years to come. Remember to capture the stunning landscapes, onboard festivities, and joyous moments spent with loved ones. Most cruise lines have professional photographers available & you can purchase your photos right onboard.

7. Pamper Yourself at the Onboard Spa: Take time to pamper yourself during your special cruise by indulging in the ship’s spa and wellness facilities. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage, facial, or other spa treatments. Relaxing at the spa will enhance your overall experience and leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

This trip was one for the books for the two of us, one of my favorite trips we’ve had thus far. We even took a mini detour to Disneyland on our way back home.

An anniversary or birthday cruise to Mexico offers the perfect blend of celebration, adventure, and relaxation. By carefully planning your itinerary, onboard celebrations, and shore excursions, you can ensure a truly memorable experience. Set sail to Mexico’s enchanting destinations, make new memories, and celebrate your special day in style aboard a luxurious cruise ship. No matter what the celebration is, enjoy, be safe & bon voyage!

Let me know if you want a detailed outline of our trip, I’d be happy to share!

Resources I used to plan our cruise:

https://refer.princess.com/Brittney
https://www.royalcaribbean.com
https://www.youtube.com/@RoyalCaribbeanBlog
https://www.youtube.com/@LifeWellCruised