Most Pacific Coast cruises depart from either Los Angeles, Long Beach, or San Diego, California, stopping at Mexican ports along the way. Those stopping at Playa del Carmen, the coast south of Cancún, and the island of Cozumel depart from Miami, Port Canaveral, and Tampa, Florida, and Galveston, Texas. All, for the most part, are roundtrip sailings, returning in four to seven days to the port of departure. Some cruises last as long as ten days, but these aren't really suitable for families, because of both the time and cost involved.

Cruise Line Flights Versus Reserving Your Own

Unless you live near the departure port city, you'll most likely fly to your cruise departure point. You have the option of letting the cruise line book your plane reservation using the blocked seats that they have for this purpose, or you can book your own flights. Both offer advantages.

If you let the cruise line book your flights, you'll receive complimentary round-trip shuttle transfers between the airport and your ship. But you won't have a choice of flights. If mechanical problems delay your flight, the cruise line will try to get you to the first port of call to join the cruise, but they often don't do this when bad weather causes delays.

By reserving your own flights, you have a choice of flights and can use any bonus miles if you choose. However, you'll have to find your own way to the ship from the airport. And if the flight is delayed due to mechanical problems, the cruise line isn't obligated to help you get to the cruise.

Considering Your Shore Excursions

The amount of time your cruise ship stays in port varies from seven to ten hours. If you're going to explore on your own, you need to ask when the ship will be leaving port and be sure to be onboard at least an hour before so as not to miss it.

If you decide to explore on your own, be careful of booking a day-trip with anyone other than a company recommended by the ship. You could end up on a deserted beach with your wallet missing and no way to get back to the ship.