Holland America Cruise Line is relocating one of its Vista-class ships to the Mexican Riviera with stops in Puerto Vallarta from October 2016 – February 2017. The 1,916 passenger ship will set sail on a series of 13 seven-day roundtrips from San Diego.
“We’re looking forward to the 2016-2017 Mexico cruise season, and with increased sailings and a larger ship we’ll have the opportunity to show more of our guests what makes Mexico such a vibrant destination,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line.
“Mexico has it all, and with convenient roundtrip San Diego cruises, we know that these itineraries are going to attract a lot of cruisers looking for a unique warm weather vacation.”
The Westerdam will kick off the season October 18 with an 11-day Mexican Riviera departure from Vancouver to San Diego, California.
The ship will visit Santa Barbara before calling at San Diego and the Mexican ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
Guests can also take a shorter, seven-day cruise by embarking in San Diego on October 22.
For the rest of the season, Westerdam will operate 13 seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises roundtrip from San Diego until 7 February. The itinerary includes calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, and three days at sea.
Guests will be able to take part in watersports, sport fishing and historical tours in Mazatlán, or enjoy eco-tours and market visits in Puerto Vallarta.
HAL will also offer its onboard ‘On Location’ programe to immerse guests in Mexico’s local culture and cuisine. Guests will be able to watch mariachi band performances throughout the voyage, try Mexican dishes at the Lido Deck barbeque, attend a destination presentation or head to the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food and Wine magazine, for a cooking demonstration, class or themed mixology class featuring local ingreditents. Plus, Westerdam’s main dining room and Lido Market will showcase the Mexican food.