Cruises to Acapulco

241 Reviews
Acapulco (Photo:Anton_Ivanov/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Acapulco

Acapulco may not be the Hollywood celebrity magnet it once was, but with its glorious beaches, jumping main drag and pulsating night life, this holiday resort still packs a punch. If the city has an iconic signature, it's the La Quebrada cliff divers, who thrill onlookers today just as they did decades ago when jetsetters like Frank Sinatra, John Wayne, Rita Hayworth and David Niven helped put Acapulco on the map.



With a population of 1.6 million people, Acapulco has been relentlessly developed, and there is little hint of its early origins. Longtime visitors may grumble that the area has lost its charm, but with its lovely, natural setting, rising from the blue bay up into the Sierra Madre mountains that frame it, Acapulco remains an undeniable scene-stealer.

  • More about Acapulco

  • Why Cruise to Acapulco?

  • Acapulco Cruise Port Facilities?

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Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade

25 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,043 Reviews
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Norwegian Jade
Norwegian Jade

14 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

2,043 Reviews
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Norwegian Encore
Norwegian Encore (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

21 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

424 Reviews
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Norwegian Joy
Norwegian Joy (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line)

15 Night
Panama Canal - Miami

495 Reviews
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16 Night
Panama Canal - Miami

495 Reviews
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23 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

495 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

154 Night
154 Night World Cruise

392 Reviews
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16 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

495 Reviews
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Cruise Critic Favorite

18 Night
Panama Canal Cruise

392 Reviews
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90 Night
World Cruise

82 Reviews
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16 Night
Panama Canal Cruise

82 Reviews
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22 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

424 Reviews
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16 Night
Panama Canal Cruise

399 Reviews
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16 Night
Panama Canal Cruise

82 Reviews
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15 Night
Repo - Panama Canal

424 Reviews
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More about Acapulco

Why Cruise to Acapulco?

Pros:

Watch the famous La Quebrada cliff divers

Cons:

Crime is a concern here. Don't wander to deserted areas alone, especially after dark

Bottom Line:

Lovely beaches and a kinetic nightlife draw travelers to this resort destination

Acapulco Cruise Port Facilities?

The marine terminal, which, overall, is quite unimpressive, has restrooms, a few trinket shops, an Internet station and kiosks offering guided tours. Basically, it's a walk-through.

Good to Know?

With Mexican drug crime a staple in the news today, it's no wonder that security is a cause for concern. What most foreign visitors don't realize, until they sample a place like Acapulco for themselves, is that tourist districts are under heavy guard -- and have been for years. Armed police are a huge (and, frankly, comforting) presence on the street, at the pier and in patrol boats that stand sentry over cruise ships while they are in port. That's not to say you shouldn't take the same precautions you would in any other city: don't wear flashy jewelry or watches or carry excessive amounts of cash, and steer clear of deserted beaches or streets after dark.

Getting Around?

The best thing about the cruise ship pier is that you can soak up a lot of scenery on foot. The fort, the old town and the beaches along Costera Miguel Aleman are all walkable -- 15 minutes at most. But, there's still a lot that is not -- the site of the cliff divers; the gorgeous hotels and beaches in the Diamante, or Diamond, district; and the far reaches of the bay are among those that are not stroll-worthy. The good news is that there's a public bus that runs the length of the strip for just a few dollars. And taxis, many of them Volkswagen Beetles, are everywhere -- and they are pretty affordable. A ride from downtown to a Diamante hotel should cost $15 to $20. Tip: Establish the price first. There are a number of so-called "authorized" taxi vendors at the marine terminal, but their prices tend to be higher than those you could negotiate by hailing a cab yourself. Also worth considering: You can hire a private, air-conditioned SUV for six people with an English-speaking guide for $60 -- $10 per person, per hour -- at the marine terminal.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

Mexico's currency is the peso. ATM's are plentiful and tend to be the cheapest way to acquire pesos. However, most taxis and vendors will accept U.S. dollars or euros, and guides are happy to be tipped that way. Credit cards are not generally accepted in small family restaurants or tiny shops. To be on the safe side, ask first.

Language?

Spanish. Surprisingly, little English is spoken, except in the finer hotels, restaurants and shops in the tourist district. Many eateries do, however, have English translations on the menu.

Where You're Docked?

Cruise ships tie up at a pier in Old Acapulco -- just below the Fort of San Diego -- which was built in the 1600's. It's a terrific location; the center of Old Acapulco is a few blocks to the west, and the bay beachfront is just steps away to the east. An interesting factoid: Our ship rolled more at this dock than at almost any other time during our cruise of Mexico's Pacific coast. (It was gentle, though still quite noticeable.) You may not see them, but deep swells and impressive tides are characteristic of this magnificent harbor.


Acapulco Cruise Reviews
The Botanical Garden and Tropical Aviary was a mixed experience. The boat ride through the mangroves to see many different birds, including three kinds of herons was a nice escape from the heat and the Botanical GardRead More
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disudds
The sea turtle release excursion was the highlight of our cruise and a MUST DO for anyone visiting Acapulco. Every participant got the chance to hold a baby sea turtle and release it into the ocean. These turtles werRead More
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Haitwun
Acapulco has lots to offer - many opportunities off the ship for tours, etc. City guides are available for free (tip expected) to show you the sights. The Cliff Divers are simply not too be missed -the ticket is inRead More
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TimJansen
Didn't take any excursions. Walked the main blvd for about 1 mile, then headed back to the ship. There was still lots of Hurricane Hillary destruction ( many boats still sunk in the harbor)Read More
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9tee2Sea

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