Cruises. That word brings visions of sun, fun, food and maybe a hint of decadence. Now consider Mexico cruises... and add in the exotic, tropical, and a sense of the old world.

Mexico cruises come in a variety of shapes, forms and sizes. You can cruise the Pacific side of the country, or the Gulf of Mexico side. You can find cruise that stops at nearly every possible port or only at a select few. Some cruise itineraries may offer an extended stay in port that allows you to explore the countryside.

But are Mexico cruises all fun in the sun? That answer is a qualified yes - as long as you do your homework.

The first thing to do is comparison shop. There are several major and a few small cruise lines that offer Mexico cruises. But, do any of them offer airfare included in the price? How many days and nights are the trips? Where exactly do they go?

Your quest for Mexico cruises will require research. Try http://www.mexico-si.com if you’re booking yourself online. Think ahead, do you need a passport, birth certificate or just a driver’s license? Laws governing this type of question have changed significantly in the last few years, so be sure to understand the ins and outs before leaving home turf.

When you do make port, Mexico cruises generally arrive in the early hours of the morning and leave sometime before midnight. Plan your on-shore adventures early, understanding that it may take a few hours to disembark all the passengers leaving the ship to explore.

If you’ve decided that going ashore is a good idea, you may want to walk on the

Some of the Mexico cruises offer packages that give you more time in port to explore the cities, the culture and the ruins that are testament to Mexico’s rich history. The opportunity to see something left by ancient civilizations definitely gives you something to write home about.

Perhaps you’re more interested in the ship’s amenities. Mexico cruises offer a variety of activities, dependent upon the package and the cruise line. Some activities that you may find are gambling, swimming, dancing, organized games, and lavish Vegas-style shows. Some lines are kid-friendly and offer opportunities for mom and dad to have some time alone.

Of course, don’t forget the food, both on the ship and off. You will have the chance to sample a wide variety of food that is native to Mexico and/or considered haute cuisine. Like most cruises, Mexico cruises offer an abundance of delicious dining. There is one warning....

Watch out for Montezuma’s Revenge. While the ship’s water should be fine, it is a good idea to drink only bottled water, especially when you’re ashore. All water has bacteria, and you don’t want to learn that you’re sensitive to the local strains of bacteria in the middle of your cruise. Be careful and none of your potentially many Mexico cruises will be ruined with an upset tummy. It will be all fun in the sun!

Karen Larsen is a writer and traveler. You can find this and other articles by Karen at http://www.mexico-si.com and http://www.logonsailing.com

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