ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam to offer seven-day cruises from San Diego
SEATTLE, May 18, 2017 /CNW/ -- For the 2017-18 Mexico cruise season, Holland America Line's ms Oosterdam is joining ms Westerdam on roundtrip itineraries from San Diego, California. From September 2017 through February 2018, the 1,964-guest ships will sail 11 seven-day cruises calling at Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Boasting sun-kissed skies, golden beaches and azure seas, the Mexican Riviera is an ideal getaway for travelers looking to visit a vibrant destination that's rich in culture, color and cuisine. On board, Explorations Central programming brings the country to life through local entertainment, regional dishes, destination presentations and more.
"Holland America Line's last season in Mexico was very popular so we are adding capacity for the next season so that more of our guests can enjoy these itineraries that truly showcase the allure of the destination," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "Our Mexico cruises offer convenience and ease, especially for a multigenerational family looking for a unique vacation. By calling at three ports, we're able to fully immerse our guests in the culture, history, entertainment, recreation and cuisine of the country."
Seven-Day Mexican Riviera Sailings Roundtrip from San Diego
During the Mexican Riviera cruises both ships will call at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, giving guests a great feel for the country and all it has to offer. Three days at sea provide plenty of time to relax and explore the abundance of amenities offered on board.
To kick off the season, Oosterdam departs on Sept. 30 with two back-to-back seven-day sailings. Westerdam departs Nov. 24, 2017, on the first of two seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises. The ship's other cruise departs Dec. 1. Oosterdam follows up with two similar Holiday sailings Dec. 20 and 27 and then departs on the same Mexican Riviera itinerary Jan. 3 and 10 and Feb. 4, 11 and 25.
Popular Ports Highlight the Itinerary
During the sail into San Diego, guests are treated to scenic cruising past Coronado Island, Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma. The ships conveniently dock near downtown, so guests can walk on Coronado Island's sandy beach, take in the Old Town or have a wild time at the famous San Diego Zoo, time permitting.
At the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is one of Mexico's most recognizable ports of call thanks to its unique rock arch formation. Whether lounging on a golden beach, exploring on a four-wheel-drive adventure or taking to the sea in search of gray whales, guests will find Cabo offers something for every type of traveler.
Mazatlán, known as the "Pearl of the Pacific," is where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet, making it an alluring coastal city. It's a haven for water sports, historic sites and nature, as well as incredible sport-fishing.
Puerto Vallarta has it all — from gorgeous beaches and activities galore to chic shops and stylish restaurants. The quaint Old Town greets visitors with an enticing mix of red-tiled buildings, cobbled streets and bustling open markets, while eco-adventures show off Mexico's flora and fauna in this paradise on Earth.
Explorations Central Brings Mexican Culture On Board
Throughout the voyages, EXC programming brings Mexico's local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life onboard. Through EXC Encounters, local cultural ambassadors teach local crafts, language and dance lessons throughout the voyage and a mariachi band performs for guests at one of the ports of call. Guests who want to learn more about the country can attend an EXC Talk by an EXC Guide or head to America's Test Kitchen for a cooking demonstration, cooking class or themed mixology class featuring local fare.
The main dining room and Lido Market also will showcase the flavors of Mexico, while bars will offer a variety of Mexican liquors and ingredients. The ships' ambiance will be enhanced by Mexican floral varieties, and guests will be delighted in their staterooms with Mexican towel creations.
The EXC Team will provide further customized guidance for the Mexican calls, and online EXC Port Planners using tips and information from AFAR Media provide exclusive handbooks for each destination. For guests who enjoy exploring on their own, on-line and printable EXC Maps present a simple view of the best each port has to offer. The in-stateroom EXC Channel will feature a selection of curated films, documentaries and TV shows exploring destinations on the ship's itinerary.
For more information, contact a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.
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About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 113-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line welcomed ms Koningsdam in 2016 and has a second Pinnacle Class ship, ms Nieuw Statendam, to be delivered in December 2018. A third Pinnacle-class ship, due for delivery in 2021, recently was announced.
The company is undergoing $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge through an exclusive partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine; during an America's Test Kitchen show; at Explorations Café presented by The New York Times; and by taking a Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.
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SOURCE Holland America Line
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