Myself (Agent Karen Nunn) and Agent Anne Cook had the chance to experience the Mexican Riviera Itinerary first hand aboard the Disney Wonder out of Los Angeles, California. Although we both have sailed with Disney many times with our families and children, this was one of the first "adult" cruises that we have experienced. We really wanted to see the adult side of the Disney Cruise Line as well as the new ports on the Mexican Riviera.

Disney Cruise Line offers magical cruises to the Mexican Riviera, with stops—depending on itinerary—at the sun-kissed ports of Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Puntarenas. Set sail from Los Angeles, California and embark on a voyage of a lifetime. Travel down the scenic Baja California peninsula to colorful beach towns with miles of pristine beaches. Frolic amid the hidden cove at Cabo San Lucas's Playa del Amor or bargain hunt for local treasures in the open markets and shops of Mazatlán.

The Mexican Riviera itinerary on the Disney Wonder is a fantastic opportunity for an adult getaway, whether you’re celebrating a special anniversary, you’re newlyweds on your honeymoon, or even a group of girlfriends getting away from it all. One surprising perk of this cruise is the two sea days at the beginning and one at the end during which you can really unwind and relax. Disney offers many ways to accomplish such as Wine Tasting, Mojito & Martini Tasting as well as many spa classes, massage opportunities, games and music.

Wine Tasting – Cadillac Lounge

Martini Tasting – Diversions Pub

One of our favorite ways to pass the days away during this cruise was at the Rainforest Spa. This is an adults only, paid area where you can really relax by lounging in the heated tile lounges, sitting in the different steam rooms and taking a rainforest shower with the provided Elemis products. There are also some very relaxing Yoga classes offered during the cruise, which combined with the Rainforest Spa and an Elemis shower equates to total relaxation!

The adult Pool Area is very nice including a large fresh water pool with two adjacent hot tubs. There is a bar located a few steps away – everything an adult might need for a few hours of perfected pool time!

Although gambling is not offered on the Disney Cruise, you can try to win some cash playing BINGO. Adults can also partake in the many Trivia challenges around the ship during these sea days such as Disney Movie Trivia, DCL Trivia, 70’s Music Trivia, etc… Always challenging but a fun way to pass a relaxing day at sea.

There are two absolutely NOT to miss meal opportunities for adults on the Disney Wonder. One is Palo Brunch (offered on Sea Days only) and the other is Palo Dinner (offered all nights). The charge for each is $20 although Platinum Castaway Club Members do receive one “on the house” for each adult in their stateroom. Either meal is amazing, delicious and a not to be missed event that will leave you pampered, relaxed and full for hours.

Each evening after the main show in the Walt Disney Theatre, the adult area (Route 66 on the Wonder) comes alive with Live Music. The current live band on the Wonder is Speaker Box, a band of 5 chaps from England who artfully cover everything from the 50s, R&B, disco to Train. The lead singer has a fantastic voice and can sing songs from

Luther Vandross to Cyndi Lauper (and very effectively!) The band typically starts out each evening in Wavebands as the lead in to the various game shows, cabaret shows and theme parties that last until well past midnight.

The current ports on the Mexican Riviera Itinerary are Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. Both ports are beautiful and offer many different Port Adventure opportunities ranging from ATV adventures, Snorkeling, Beach Time, Resort Time, Dolphin Encounters and Fishing excursions.

In Puerta Vallarta, Anne and I chose the Mexican Cooking Class that was geared towards adults. Here, we traveled to an outside poolside restaurant where we made our own Salsa, Guacamole, Stuffed Pablano Peppers and Refried Beans. The lunch included all of our own “creations” as well as a freshly made Margarita or glass bottle Coke.

Puerto Vallarta – Sunrise at Port

Magnificent Frigatebird soaring over the ship.

Outdoor restaurant poolside in Puerto Vallarta

Cabo San Lucas is a fun “party port” which also offers some of the best scenery and snorkeling on the west coast. The Harbor Cruise around Land’s End offered a fun and beautiful scenic tour of the famous Lover’s Beach and Arch. Another fun adventure is lunch and a drink at Sammy Haggar's famous Cabo Wabo Cantina!

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas - Arch

Cabo San Lucas – Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez

Also, not to be missed is the sleepy town of Cabo San Jose, located 20 minutes up the highway from San Lucas. Here, the stores are more laid back, prices are better and the architecture is more classic southwest and less touristy. The road to Cabo San Jose is very scenic with quite a few PGA golf courses, a few even by Jack Nicklaus.

Mission Church - Founded in 1730 – Cabo San Jose

Glass Blowing Demonstration – Cabo San Lucas

The Mexican Riviera 7 night Cruise on the Disney Wonder is a hidden gem for those anxious to try something different than the Eastern & Western Caribbean Cruises Disney has been sailing for years. The scenery alone is something that you just won’t find in the Caribbean. Step outside of your comfort zone and experience a beautiful, scenic, relaxing cruise that you will never forget.

Disney Wonder – Cabo San Lucas

Sunrise – Puerto Vallarta 

Sunrise – Cabo San Lucas

Contact Agent Karen@smallworldvacations.com or Anne@smallworldvacations for assistance with a Disney Cruise to the Mexican Riviera.