Stunning white-sand beaches, lively art, exciting nightlife, exuberant energy, and wondrous architecture and archaeological structures such as the many Mayan ruins all contribute to Mexico's popularity with cruise vacationers. Open-air markets with hand-made crafts, jewelry and straw items abound in Mexico, as do excellent restaurants and festive bars.

A day visit to a Mexican port can be an opportunity to sunbathe and sip margaritas on one of Mexico's 440 beaches, explore some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots in the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea, climb the steps of Chichen Itza; or go shopping for outstanding values on silver, gemstones and souvenir items.