help me decide: Mexican Riviera or Alaska

[traveln4fun]

We've cruised both and for your first time I would say Mexican Riviera. I loved Alaska, that was on my bucket list. For the other 3 in my family, they don't care to go again. My family watches a lot of tunnel vision and on the Alaskan cruise, they stop playing movies for the majority of the cruise due to noise restrictions. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. My son is special needs so seldom does he get off the ship and in Alaska he could sit on the veranda and watch the wildlife which included eagles flying by. I would wait until your youngest is a little older so that he can appreciate the beauty in Alaska, plus its cold, which I don't mind.

The Mexican Riviera was a favorite for all of my family. It's warm, the waters are calm and the ports are nice. It would be a great cruise for your young ones because it is warm, but not humid like Caribbean cruises. Your kids will be able to swim and enjoy the water activities without freezing and sitting on the deck on the back of the ship having lunch is a great thing to do in that weather watching the waters split as the ship sails thru. Plus, you can get some great pictures in those ports.

Have a great trip with whichever you choose : )

 

[jdb in AZ]

We've done both five times. Alaska wins hands down, but we aren't beach people. Just love to relax and enjoy the scenery. The little port towns in Alaska are quaint and fun to explore. The ports in Mexico are larger cities. Both Mexico and Alaska have whale watching. We enjoyed swimming with the dolphins in Mexico. Our favorite shore excursion in Alaska was flight seeing in a float plane.

 

[xlxo]

never cruised before.
looking at a 7 night cruise...mexican riviera or alaska

Perhaps I should ask.... which month are you looking at cruising? May to July gets strong Alaskan votes from me because of statistically dry weather. August gets wet and September is best for storm chasers.

 

[northshoremama]

Perhaps I should ask.... which month are you looking at cruising? May to July gets strong Alaskan votes from me because of statistically dry weather. August gets wet and September is best for storm chasers.

looking at either mid-late august next year for alaska (because it's cheaper than june/july).....or september of next year for mexican riviera

 

[northshoremama]

I'm in the Pacific Northwest also and we just did our first DCL last year (and are booked for 2 more, lol!) If you decide you want warm weather I personally think it might be worth flying to Florida since you are getting on a plane anyway. From what I've heard about the Mexico cruises they can be pretty rocky at sea. I also like the ports a little better in the Caribbean - all that crystal clear water and white sand that the Pacific does not have . . . Also, while the Mexican cruises are cheaper than the Alaska cruises I'm pretty sure they are still more expensive than the Caribbean cruises just due to there being so few of them.

We've personally decided it's worth hopping on a direct Alaska flight to Florida all three cruises. It's about the same flight length as to Hawaii from here. We also have a 4, almost 5 year old so long flights are no laughing matter!

just curious, how much is your airfare from the PNW to FL? that was my other factor in choosing to stay close. i priced out flights from SEA to MCO and it was over $2k for our family of 5...yikes! i figured seattle to vancouver or seattle to san diego would be easier on the pockets.

 

[xlxo]

looking at either mid-late august next year for alaska (because it's cheaper than june/july).....

Just understand it's cheap for a reason.... Alaskan rain.

Try to push for the first week of August for that dryer weather. Then again... that first August weekend can be popular with pre-cruise fireworks and pride events.

 

[China Expat]

Have cruised Alaska 7 times now!

 

[ludari]

I've done both and my vote is definitely for Alaska. I just love nature and the wildlife that I witnessed on both the land and sea was truly amazing! There was also plenty to do at the ports in Alaska and the ports didn't seem as crowded as some other ports I've visited on my numerous other cruises. I also did not feel pressured to purchase anything like you do at some ports and I definitely felt safer. Personally I feel they are only two benefits I see for taking the Mexican Rivera cruise... The first is the price of the cruise which I am sure is less expensive than the Alaskan cruise and two the warmer weather which is perfect for beach visits and other water activities at the various ports if that's your thing.

 

[bethy]

just curious, how much is your airfare from the PNW to FL? that was my other factor in choosing to stay close. i priced out flights from SEA to MCO and it was over $2k for our family of 5...yikes! i figured seattle to vancouver or seattle to san diego would be easier on the pockets.

Yes the airfare is about double. We have a family of five too and make very good use of our frequent flier miles and companion fairs to bring the price down. When I've looked in the past to total was still greater for the west coast cruises even with the difference in air fare. It could be different now.

Also, this might sound terrible but take the glowing Alaskan cruise reviews with a tiny grain of salt. It is surely still absolutely fabulous but for us in the PNW the wow factor might not be *quite* as high as for someone in a landlocked Midwestern state with hot humid weather. Of course Alaska is breathtaking but it's not as different from the PNW as it is compared to other areas of the country. We also have many of the same wildlife.

 

[CamColt]

I would choose Mexico as I am of the camp that a cruise should be tropical and in hot weather. I have no interest in seeing ice and snow on a regular day, especially not on a cruise. That's just a personal preference though.

 

[crossfitmama]

I live in Vancouver so know your weather very very well. I vote for warmer weather, warmer water and sandy beaches any chance i get . But thats juts me