The country is also bordered by sea with the Caribbean to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Where the Caribbean Sea meets the Yucatan Peninsula, the oceans are alive with coral reefs and sea creatures, attracting elephant seals and spectacular grey whales, which breed in Mexico each year.

This rich eco-system is also seen in the country’s flora and fauna; considered a ‘megadiverse’ country, Mexico is home to jaguars, bears, racoons and monkeys to name just a few of the native animals as well as many types of whale, dolphins, seals and sea lions.

In addition to its rich natural environment, Mexico is steeped in ancient history, dating back to the Aztec and Mayan periods in 300 AD. Mexican food, too, is renowned worldwide and snacks and dishes such as tortillas and guacamole, burritos and nachos, refried beans and salsa, ceviche and chile will make it hard to wait until lunchtime to visit the nearest restaurant!

MSC cruise liners travel to Mexico along our Caribbean cruise itineraries, and our ships call at the bustling port town of Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean coast. Here, like everywhere else, the common language is Spanish, and if you wish to purchase souvenirs and indulge in a spot of shopping, the national currency is pesos, although US dollars are widely accepted here.