5 Cruise Ship Mexican Eateries Not To Be Missed

What better way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year than by drooling over restaurants we can’t enjoy right now? Kidding! (sort of). But seriously, we decided that we would look towards a brighter future when we are back on the ships, eating and drinking to our heart’s content. Sort of like what we are doing at home, but with an ocean view and better service. To feel festive, we’ve put together some onboard restaurants  serving up a favorite cuisine for cruisers and non-cruisers alike: Mexican food. 

1. Los Lobos — Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian recently debuted their specialty restaurant Los Lobos, where tables sport multicolored placemats and bold dinnerware to get the fiesta started. Diners might start off their meal with queso fondue, tortilla soup, or guacamole prepared tableside, then dive into fish tacos, chicken enchiladas, grilled skirt steak, or a spiced shrimp skewer. Of course, the restaurant also specializes in a variety of tantalizing margaritas. Once everyone is pleasantly plump, it’s time for chocolate flan, tres leches cake, or housemade ice cream. And don’t forget to order a Mexican coffee with dessert!

Pricing: A la carte

Ships: Norwegian Encore, Bliss, Sun and Dawn

2. BlueIguana Cantina — Carnival Cruise Line

If you’ve been on a Carnival cruise in the last several years, you know BlueIguana Cantina. The casual walk-up counter sits poolside, opposite Guy’s Burger Joint on the lido deck. Just tell the crew member behind the counter whether you want a burrito or taco, what protein to use, and then carry your snack over to the toppings and salsa bar to pile it high with your favorites. We recommend trying the watermelon salsa! And don’t forget that BlueIguana Cantina is open for breakfast, where you can nosh on some of the best breakfast burritos around. 

Pricing: Complimentary

Ships: All Carnival ships

3. El Loco Fresh — Royal Caribbean

In our opinion, El Loco Fresh is Royal Caribbean’s answer to Carnival’s BlueIguana Cantina, and we have to say that we love this one too! Walk up and order everything from quesadillas, and tacos to nachos, and even salads. Stop by the toppings bar to load up before finding a seat at one of the many tables surrounding this open-air eatery. El Loco Fresh is the perfect place to get your quick Mexican food fix in between activities and enjoying everything the ship has to offer.

Pricing: Complimentary

Ships: Navigator, Symphony, Oasis, and Allure of the Seas

4. Pink Agave — Virgin Voyages

When Virgin Voyages’ first ship finally debuts to paying passengers (or sailors as the line calls them), they’ll be treated to a modern, upscale Mexican restaurant called Pink Agave. The dining experience has been designed so that patrons can share dishes with each other, which is sure to be a hit since there are so many delectable bites to choose from including memelas, tortas, esquites, and tamales. Pink Agave also offers up an impressive collection of Mezcals to choose from, as well as signature cocktails like the Fresca Spiked, Oaxaca In Fashion, and Loca Flaca. 

Pricing: Complimentary

Ship: Scarlet Lady

5. Sabor Modern Mexican — Royal Caribbean

The cuisine at Sabor Modern Mexican lives up to its name; sabor means “flavor” in Spanish. There’s an abundance of flavors served up in the traditional Mexican dishes, including burritos, ceviches, flautas, and quesadillas. Each entree is given a modern twist at Sabor, and all are made using the freshest ingredients. For proof (and to set your taste buds tingling), try ordering the guacamole or a featured margarita — they’re made by hand right at the table.

Pricing: Prix Fixe

Ships: Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Navigator, Freedom, and Liberty of the Seas

Looking for dishes from the cruise lines to make at home? Check out our article 12 Cruise Ship Recipes You Can Make at Home!