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The building features stunning architecture with ornate detailing on its impressive woodwork and beautiful tiles. Here, you’ll find the Museum of History, which houses a number of significant artwork and artifacts. You can learn more about the history on display and the building itself on a docent-led tour through the museum. The center is also home to an adjacent garden where visitors can walk around. The second-largest commercial port in Mexico is found here, which connects to over 68 ports in dozens of countries around the world.
Related Cruises
Not only does this ship visit stunning destinations, but features incredible onboard spaces inspired by elements of fantasy. Escape from reality as you take in a show at the Phantom Lounge or a dance at Dr. Frankenstein's Lab. You'll find great food all over the place, from the casual fare of Horatio's to the artful eats of the Bacchus and Ariadne dining rooms... While walking the main street in downtown Ensenada, you’ll come across an unassuming street food stall that will very likely have a line of hungry customers. If you’ve cruised to ports on the Caribbean side of Mexico, you’ll undoubtedly notice a change in scenery when docking in Ensenada. Baja California has a dry, almost Mediterranean climate with a rocky and mountainous landscape.
Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Ensenada Cruise Port
In Ensenada, you’ll find Aztec art, superb beaches, and some of the best wine and vineyards in all of Mexico. Take a wine tasting and vineyard tour at the Bodegas de Santo Tomas, Baja’s oldest winery. Finish your day with a delightful stroll around the Parque de la Bandera, where you’ll see dancing fountains lit in rainbow colors and choreographed to music for an outdoor show that’s sure to entertain. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. Thanks to its stunning coastline, Ensenada will give you plenty of postcard-worthy moments…, and it couldn’t be easier to get there.
Life Onboard Navigator of the Seas
Rosarito is known for its party atmosphere and large beach, making it a nice option for those who don’t mind the one hour drive to town. You’re unlikely to find many other tourists at the market, offering you a glimpse of local life and culture that will be harder to encounter on Ensenada’s main tourist streets. Tasting local cuisine is a must while at the market, and there are a variety of casual food stalls offering dishes like chilaquiles, stuffed chilis, seafood dishes, and gorditas. The Valle de Guadalupe is the premiere wine region in Mexico, producing around 80% of Mexican wine. This region is around 30 miles from Ensenada’s port, making visiting the valley a popular activity to do while docked in Ensenada. With just one day to spend in Ensenada, you’ll want to make the most of it.
Due to the valley’s abundance of wineries, some tours may include a wine tasting paired with local food products. The nearby Guadalupe Valley is quickly becoming one of the hottest wine destinations in the world for wine connoisseurs to visit. The region’s unique blends are gaining international attention, and a tour around the valley to its various wine tasting rooms provides you with an unpretentious wine experience. You’ll learn about how wine is made in the Guadalupe Valley, which varietals are the most popular, and how they taste, all while soaking in gorgeous vineyard views. Excursions to the valley typically include tours of local wineries and a wine tasting. Some excursions may also include a three course meal at a winery overlooking scenic views of vineyards and the Mexican countryside.
Explore the Breathtaking Beauty of the Pacific Coastline
The origins of Ensenada are traced back to the Yuman People, who inhabited the area when Spanish settlers arrived in the mid-1500s.The city was originally called San Mateo by the settlers. Today, Ensenada is a bustling, vibrant city that continues to evolve into more than just a quick getaway for cruisers and those visiting from north of the border. It was added to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in 2015, mostly due to a local food scene brimming with delicious cuisine that incorporates innovative approaches to sustainability and intercultural elements. The nearby fisheries and wineries also contribute to the food culture in Ensenada as well as to the economy. 90% of Mexico’s wine production occurs in Ensenada, and the region is home to over 50 wineries encompassing over 500 wine labels.
Onboard Activities
From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. A yacht tour is offered by Royal Caribbean on the “Bay Cruise on a Yacht and Wine Tasting” excursion. This 2 hour 30 minute tour also includes a wine tasting with wines from the Valle de Guadalupe as well as a guide giving information on the nature and history of Ensenada’s coastline. The beach nearest to the port is Playa Hermosa, although it is a 45 minute walk from the cruise ship dock to the beach.
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Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Ensenada - Royal Caribbean Blog
Navigator of the Seas Live Blog - Day 2 - Ensenada.
Posted: Fri, 19 Nov 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]
In addition to being a major maritime hub, Ensenada is also home to the largest production of wine in Mexico, thanks to its proximity to the Guadalupe Valley. Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals. If you’re looking for a day spent on the water, consider a yacht cruise along Ensenada Bay. The bay is home to wildlife including dolphins, sea lions, and whales, as well as picturesque rugged mountain scenery. Royal Caribbean offers excursions to Rosarito Beach, which offers more of a beach town atmosphere compared to Ensenada.
Uber service is available and convenient in Ensenada, though, so traveling to the beach via car should not be a problem. While Ensenada may not be known for an abundance of local beaches, there are still several ways to enjoy a beach day while visiting this Baja California port. Ensenada is a cruise port on Mexico’s Baja California coast most commonly visited on 3 and 4-night cruises departing from Los Angeles on Navigator of the Seas. You might've just gotten off a ship, but the sea is a sizable source of enchantment in Ensenada. Book a whale watching trip to ride out into the Pacific, where whales migrate down the coast to Baja California during certain months of the year. Or, for a less season-dependent ocean tourism experience, watch La Bufadora blowhole shoot water high into the sky.
ATV or road buggy tours are popular excursions in many cruise ports due to the adventurous nature of driving these vehicles, which can take you far away from busy tourist streets and into nature. Ensenada is no different, with plenty of ATV and road buggy tours offered throughout the surrounding area. Due to its rugged landscape and sunny, dry weather, you’ll find an abundance of outdoor adventures to enjoy in Ensenada, from wine tasting to hiking and off-roading.
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Suspend Cruises to Ensenada Due to Threats and Violence by Mexican Drug Cartel - Cruise Law News
Carnival and Royal Caribbean Suspend Cruises to Ensenada Due to Threats and Violence by Mexican Drug Cartel.
Posted: Wed, 17 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
And up in SkyBox™ Sports Bar, we've combined luxury-box comfort with the up-close view from the 50-yard line. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean offers the “El Salto Canyon Hiking Tour & Craft Beer” excursion, which first takes guests on a guided hike of the canyon, where they’ll traverse Baja California’s hills. The hike ends at an ocean-front brewery, where cold beers and snacks will be well-appreciated after a day in the mountains. Before getting back onboard, be sure to head to one of Ensenada’s food stalls for fresh churros with your choice of dulce de leche or chocolate filling. One of the top things to try in Ensenada is the Baja fish taco, which consists of deep-fried fish placed within a corn tortilla and topped with a tangy white sauce and a heap of cabbage.
Jenna DeLaurentis enjoys exploring new ports of call around the world on a cruise ship, learning about new cultures, discovering beautiful landscapes, and trying diverse cuisine. She loves to get active while at port, whether cycling through mountains in the Caribbean or scuba diving under the sea. Located northwest of Ensenada is El Salto Natural Park, home to the El Salto Canyon, hiking trails, and a waterfall. A drastic difference from the lush jungle you’ll find in Mexico’s Caribbean cruise ports, a visit to El Salto Canyon will bring you through rocky, steep, and dry landscapes.
