WATERFRONT MEXICAN MAGNETISM

Cruise to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta — or simply Vallarta, as the locals call it — is a romantic's dream, with its cobblestone lanes, beachfront eateries and an old city center filled to the brim with charming boutiques. Jump onboard a Puerto Vallarta cruise and head to the shimmering waters of Yelapa beach for a dream-like escapade, or pop into Cafe des Artistes for a romantic meal in a candlelit garden. Then check out the landmark Los Arcos, a set of Roman-style arches by the waterfront, for a perfect photo of Vallarta's official symbol. For a break from the city life, head to Jardin Botanico Vallarta and enjoy the delightful scents of orchids and bromeliads and the refreshing waters of a boulder-filled river.

National Language Spanish

Currency Accepted Mexican Peso (MXN)

Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Coastal Town Yelapa

Laze in the Sun

Kick back and enjoy the crystalline waters of Yelapa Beach, a seemingly undiscovered stretch of sand in Puerto Vallarta's Bahia de Banderas, only accessible by boat. Don't leave without heading to a street vendor for freshly baked beach pies (coconut is quite popular), which go for just $2 per slice.

Ancient relief art on pyramid in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Afternoon With the Ancients

Just outside the village La Chloe is the Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site, a 3,000-year-old site is believed to have been a cultural ceremonial center used by different tribes, including the Aztecs, Toltecs, Zapotecas and Olmecs. Here, you can see a wealth of ancient artifacts, including vases, figurines and jewelry.

Fragment of street view in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Romance in the Air

Visit Vallarta's Zona Romantica, also known as Old Vallarta, famous for ancient streets dotted with beautiful, candle-lit restaurants, bars and cafes like Cafe de Artistes, all under colorful garlands hanging from colonial balconies. Cruise to Puerto Vallarta and shop the local markets, bookstores and galleries in the zone, and take a piece of romance with you.

Grilled fish and tortillas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Local Cuisine

Puerto Vallarta's cuisine is deeply rooted in the traditions of Jalisco, the state where Vallarta is located. Try pescado embarazado, charcoal-grilled fish marinated in lemon and slathered with salsa huichol, a distinctive sauce made with cascabel chili peppers, cumin, salt and vinegar. Or fill up on birria, a traditional stew of tender, slow-cooked goat meat spiced with guajillo chiles. And don't forget to sip some Jalisco tequila or mezcal.

Mexican pottery in bold earthy colors and patterns at artisan market in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Shopping

Puerto Vallarta is renowned for its hand-blown glass, earthy pottery and chunky silver jewelry. Head to the town's markets of Mercado Municipal Rio Cuale or Pueblo Viejo Mercado de Artesanias, where you'll find shops brimming with the famous pottery and jewelry. Pick up your own handmade serape (shawl) or some traditional toys and masks before going back to the ship.