Holland America Line’s 2017-18 Mexico Cruise Season to Feature a Second Vista-Class Ship Visiting Three Iconic Ports
ms Oosterdam and
ms Westerdam to
offer seven-day cruises from San Diego
Seattle, Wash., May 18, 2017 —
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 115-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 currently
has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms
Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle
Class ship, ms Nieuw
Statendam, due for delivery in December 2018. A third
Pinnacle Class ship, due for delivery in 2021, recently was announced.
The company recently announced $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 onboard at an America's Test Kitchen show; Explorations Café, powered
by The New York Times and 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.
CONTACT: |
Sally Andrews |
PHONE: |
800-637-5029 |
EMAIL: |