Cruising to Mexico

If you're cruising to Mexico, you've got two options: east or west? To the east you have Cozumel and Cancun, both of which you might be tempted to dismiss for their bad raps as spring break destinations. You'd have a point, but the eastern shores of Mexico also house ancient Mayan sites, desolate, romantic beaches and festive town centers. To the west is the Baja peninsula, where you can go deep-sea marlin fishing in the Pacific and find perfect surfing.

Eastern Cruises: Cancun and Cozumel have seen more than their share of spring breakers partying it up but neither is just a place for college kids anymore. Cancun has plenty of white sand beaches, while Cozumel claims some of the top diving and snorkeling in the world. If you're on a Regent Seven Seas Cruises (www.rssc.com) adventure, board a yacht for their three reef snorkeling excursion. Or travel inland for a tour of Mayan ruins or a day trip through the lush Mexican wilderness.

Western Cruises: Cruising to the Mexican Riviera is a lesson in luxury—at half the price. A stop in Ensenada may feel more like California than Mexico, but you probably won't mind: Strolling the city's wineries, jewelry and clothing shops is sheer, sun-kissed bliss. Make a stop in Hussong's Cantina—the oldest on the Baja peninsula, dating to 1892—for a margarita. Just don't miss La Bufadora on a Silversea Cruise Line adventure (www.silversea.com), where the ocean sprays high in an awesome spectacle after smashing into an underwater crevice. Once you hit Cabo San Lucas, at the tip of the Baja peninsula, those on a Royal Caribbean cruise (www.royalcaribbean.com) can go on a paddling excursion across San Lucas Bay to Los Arcos and Lovers Beach. In Puerto Vallarta, it's all about dolphins. Crystal Cruises (www.crystalcruises.com) gets you up close as you help trainers feed, pet and play with these amazing mammals. Finally, while in Acapulco, take a break from onboard food and sample California-influenced Mexican food. The local cuisine is exquisite and cheap: You can find fresh, traditional food for a just a few pesos all over the city. And who says cold beers are just for the college set?