This is the time of year we start thinking about planning our escape to warm weather. Cruises to Mexico have gained popularity among our readers this year and below is a sampling of something for everyone...a surprisingly comfortable new ship, cruises for every budget and a way to combine giving back with your vacation.

Cruise West – Specialty Mexico Cruises

Cruse West’s Whales & Wildlife speciality sailings aboard the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown include a new, optional post-cruise excursion to benefit the La Paz Children’s Home in Baja, Mexico. Other itineraries include John Steinbeck-inspired cruises with literary experts onboard, a PENTAX photography cruise with professional photographers, and two holiday itineraries.

For travelers who want to combine leisure with giving back, after experiencing seven days of exotic wildlife and idyllic beaches, guests aboard the March 7, 2009 sailing can opt to disembark in La Paz to assist in a “work party” at the La Paz Children’s Home. Volunteers will spend two nights in La Paz with one full day spent working at the children’s home. Click here for more information on these speciality cruises and all of Cruise West's Mexico cruises.

Royal Caribbean – 4-night Baja Mexico Cruises or 7-night Mexican Riviera Cruises

A 4-night Royal Caribean Baja Cruise is an inexpensive and quick get-away – with prices as low as $429/person. After departing from Los Angeles, passengers will sail to Catalina Island and Ensenada, Mexico before returning to Los Angeles. At this point, it may be tough to find a 2008 sailing so plan ahead for 2009. Royal Caribbean also has special offers currently on their web site for their 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises – starting as low as $499 per person. Ports of Call include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Princess Cruises – Mexican Riviera, Panama Canal and More

Princess Cruises offers several longer cruises for a different take on cruising Mexico. The Grand Panama Canal - Fort Lauderdale to Seattle is a 17-day sailing that visits 19 ports of call – including Acapulco and Huatulco, Mexico before going through the Panama Canal. There is also a Pacific Panama Canal cruise round trip from Los Angeles – with ports of call including Puntarenas, Costa Rica; the Panama Canal; Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua; and Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala before making its way to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and then returning to Los Angeles. Princess also offers a wide variety of Mexican Riviera cruises departing from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

There is a new ship that will be sailing the Mexican Riviera next year and it may surprise some cruise enthusiasts – the brand new CARNIVAL SPLENDOR will feature 40,000-square-foot Cloud 9 spa and spa accommodations and an adult relaxation area. This is Carnival's most innovative ship to date and should appeal to adults and families. Other features will include a spectacular 21,000 sq foot, two-level spa and gym facility, 5,500-square-foot children's playroom and a mid-ship pool covered with a two-deck-high Sliding Sky Dome.