HAL increases Mexico sailings and adds 3rd ship

[Jason]

Holland America Line Increases Mexico Sailings, Adds Third Ship And More Sea Of Cortez Cruises In 2007

Seattle, WA, October 25, 2005 – Holland America Line is expanding its sun-splashed cruises to Mexico in 2007 by offering more wildlife-abundant Sea of Cortez sailings and adding a third ship featuring Mexican Riviera cruises. The ms Zaandam returns to the Mexican Riviera to join the ms Oosterdam and ms Ryndam in 2007 to offer a total of 42 Mexico cruises – 10 more than in 2006 – sailing roundtrip from the convenient homeport of San Diego.

In 2007 Holland America Line will continue to be the only major cruise line sailing the pristine Sea of Cortez on 10-day, roundtrip San Diego cruises. The Ryndam will feature 11 such departures in winter/spring and fall, providing a wide range of dates. The Oosterdam continues to sail the popular seven-day Mexican Riviera itinerary, offering 28 cruises. The Zaandam will add two 10-day Mexican Riviera cruises – and the Ryndam will sail one – in the fall for guests who have more time to explore as far south as Acapulco.

“From vibrant Mexican Riviera ports to amazing wildlife in the Sea of Cortez, and with several hundreds of exciting shore activities to choose from, Holland America Line continues to offer more diverse premium cruise choices for Mexico travelers,” said Richard D, Meadows, CTC, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “In addition, Holland America Line’s Mexico cruises offer the convenience of sailing from San Diego’s cruise port, just minutes from the city’s airport, and a popular city for pre- and post-cruise options.”

Seven-day Mexican Riviera Cruises

The 1,848-guest Oosterdam features 28 Mexican Riviera cruises with Saturday departures from Jan. 6 to Apr. 21 and Sept. 29 to Dec. 15, 2007. These seven-day sailings visit the popular Mexican Riviera ports of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, providing a full day in each port for guests to explore. Cabo offers sea kayaking, whale-watching and snorkeling/diving opportunities;Mazatlán is renowned for its golden beaches and cosmopolitan resort flavor; and Puerto Vallarta provides a mix of colonial charm, bustling markets and superb shopping.

The itinerary also includes three relaxing days at sea when guests can pamper themselves at the Oosterdam’s Greenhouse Spa and Salon and laze in the sun around the ship’s two outdoor swimming pools. The ship accommodates families well with its comprehensive Youth Program including Club HAL for kids ages 3 to 12 and The Loft, a teens-only lounge. Cruise fares start at US$749 per person, double occupancy.

10-day Sea of Cortez Adventures

The 1,258-guest Ryndam showcases the Sea of Cortez with seven spring cruises from Feb. 21 to Apr. 22 and four fall sailings from Oct. 11 to Nov. 10, 2007. These 10-day itineraries combine a taste of Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán with highlights of the Sea of Cortez including Topolobampo and Loreto, an exclusive Holland America Line port call.

From Topolobampo, guests can opt for the full-day excursion to Mexico’s spectacular Copper Canyon, and in Loreto they can visit historic San Javier Mission, founded in 1697 as Mexico’s first Jesuit mission. Then they enjoy scenic cruising past the Sierra de la Giganta mountains to call at La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. Exciting shore excursions are offered in each port, from snorkeling at Los Islotes (home to a sea lion colony) near La Paz to sport-fishing for tuna, marlin and billfish in Cabo San Lucas. Cruise fares start at US$1,049 per person, double occupancy.

10-day Mexican Riviera Sailings

For guests seeking more than seven days on the Mexican Riviera, the 1,432-passenger Zaandam offers two cruises departing Oct. 1 and 26 and the Ryndam features one cruise departing December 13, 2007. These leisurely 10-day sailings call at Manzanillo, a perfect “10” (like the movie filmed here) for its flawless beaches; Acapulco, international glamour magnet; Zihuatanejo, tranquil fishing village just five miles from modern resort Ixtapa; Puerto Vallarta; Mazatlán; and Cabo San Lucas. En route, guests enjoy three full days at sea to relax and enjoy all the shipboard amenities and services. Cruise fares start at US$1,049 per person.

Source: Holland America Line Inc.

[Lisa63]

Thanks, Jason. I'll have to look into the Sea of Cortez cruises. That's been on my list for awhile.

[JoeyandDavid]

Lisa, The Sea of Cortez IS INDEED a must do!