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Families interested in a taste of Mexican culture, beach time, and not having to worry about packing and unpacking, should try this cruise.

(Editor's Note: For the 2008, 2009 and 2010 seasons, the Golden Princess will not be sailing to Mexico.  Instead, the ship's tropical itineraries will highlight Hawaii.  The following members of the Princess fleet will be traveling to the Mexico Riviera instead: Coral, Island, Sapphire, Sea and Star. Visit Princess Cruises or call 800-PRINCESS for more details).

When the cooler months approach, cruise ships sailing north to Alaska turn and head south. Some of these ships relocate to California to cruise the sunny Mexican Riviera, as is the case of Princess Cruises’ elegant Golden Princess.

Every Saturday, from the end of September to the end of April, the Golden Princess offers a roundtrip, seven-day cruise from Los Angeles. There are two full days at sea where you can partake of the many activities before arriving in your first port of Puerto Vallarta. The next day finds you in Mazatlán, and the following day you stop in Cabo San Lucas, the luxurious vacation Mecca for many of Hollywood’s stars.

Activities for the Whole Family

The Golden Princess accommodates 2,600 passengers with over 700 balcony staterooms and boasts of an entire deck of mini-suites -- perfect when bringing the family. On board there are plenty of places to spend your time. For the energetic there are four pools (most with adjoining hot tubs), the Lotus Spa with its gym and fitness center, a nine-hole putting course, jogging track, shuffleboard, digital golf simulators and more.

The ship also offers a library, an Internet Café, lots of duty free shopping (often with better prices than on land), a card room and even a Wedding Chapel where the ship’s Captain performs ceremonies. This chapel is also used for religious services.

Activities on the ship range from arts-n-crafts, cocktail and food demonstrations, art auctions, trivia contests, movies, Bingo, bridge, Spanish lessons, tournaments, and a passenger talent show called Princess Idol, where talented adults and children alike can show off their vocal prowess.

Kids of all ages are accommodated under the watch of well-trained staff in two venues: the Fun Zone for youth and Remix for the teens. There’s also a video arcade, a teen hot tub and splash pool.

Not to be missed is the hilarious Culinary Cooking Show on the last full sea day. The show stars Italian Maitre D’ Mario Propato, Executive Chef Paolo Merio and a cast of characters from the galley and dining rooms that rival a Roberto Benigni comedy film.

In the evenings you can be entertained at the Princess Theater and Vista Show Lounge, check out the Atlantis Casino, or saddle up to the bar at one of four lounges. Night owls can disco the night away and stargaze at the same time at Skywalkers Nightclub, located way up on Sky Deck 18. Babysitting on the ship can be arranged.

The Golden Princess offers traditional dining at a set time in the Caneletto dining room, or anytime dining in either Bernini’s or Donatello’s. Specialty dining is available at Sterling Steakhouse, at the Desert Rose and Sabatini’s, an Italian restaurant offering a feast guaranteed to show around your waistline the next day. There are plenty of casual dining spots, too, including the 24-hour Horizon Court, and room service is offered night and day. The services in the dining rooms and throughout the ship are impeccable. Warning: Coming home and fending for yourself will cause fatigue.