Visiting Mexico While On
A Cruise Ship
Going on vacation on a cruise ship is still a very popular
choice for many travelers. Quite a few cruise ships make embarkations
in Mexico on both coasts. This type of vacation combines the
luxury of a floating resort with excitement of exploring a
different culture with day excursions. There are some great
shore excursions available for cruise guests that range from
swimming with dolphins to exploring ancient Mayan ruins. But,
what considerations should be made when deciding on whether
to take a cruise ship to Mexico?
To begin with, as of January 1, 2008 all United States citizens
will need to have a valid passport for any travel to an international
destination, including Mexico. You will need to present your
passport to your cruise ship when checking in. Whenever you
disembark for a shore excursion in Mexico you will need to
show your passport as well.
Staying healthy on a cruise ship has never been more important
with the rash of food poisonings and disease outbreaks aboard
several ships in recent years. Make sure you are in good health
before you travel and ask your physician if you might need
any preventative medication, especially if you are older than
65, have had acute or chronic illnesses, or are pregnant.
Good sanitary practices, such as frequent hand washing and
the use of antibacterial soap, will also help reduce the risk
of illness. If you begin to feel ill, inform the medical staff
on board right away and avoid contact with the general population
to lessen the risk of spreading a disease.
Packing light and leaving valuables at home are advised.
Anything that you can't afford to lose would be best placed
in an in-room safe. Avoid bringing large amounts of cash or
more than a couple of credit cards. On the ship, you can have
most purchases charged to your room and once on shore, most
purchases can be done with Pesos acquired from a currency
exchange. Also avoid using a handbag, fanny pack, or outside
pockets for your currency. If you need a larger amount of
money consider using a money belt.
When you go ashore you should ask questions of your ships
tourist counselor about any unsafe areas of the port of call
that you should avoid. They will have suggestions for what
to avoid as well as where the more common tourist areas are
located. Staying close to those confines will help to keep
you safe.
There are so many choices of cruise ship companies, Mexican
destinations, and shore excursions to choose from. Making
that choice should be the hardest part of your vacation experience,
while keeping these tips in mind will make the rest of it
easier. Vacationing on a cruise ship combines a luxury hotel
experience with ports of call that are hundreds of miles apart.
Cruising can provide a safe and secure feeling of traveling
in a guided fashion with the ability to range far a field
and experience the culture and history of the country. Taking
a cruise ship to Mexico can give you a very satisfying vacation
experience.
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