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It looks like at least one cruise line is giving our south-of-the-border friends another look. While some other cruise lines have cut back on sailings to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas because of concerns about passengers' safety, Holland America Line has gone in the other direction and announced 20 new cruises along that once popular itinerary.
I'm glad to hear it. For years I cruised out of Los Angeles on Princess and other lines on a relaxing, sunny Mexican Riviera cruise. Now other travelers can take advantage, too.
The line is offering 20 cruises spaced out on ms Oosterdam, Eurodam and Maasdam running from October 2019 into 2020. Each of the regular-season trips will sail round-trip from San Diego and stop at Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas and overnight in Puerto Vallarta. Each of those ports are pretty but Puerto Vallarta is enchiladas-down the best. My own take: San Lucas is overcrowded, but there’s lots to do there. Mazatlan offers too few options, but the air and ocean will be warm for swimming and other water sports. Plus, there are lots of activities and shore excursions from which to choose.
Oosterdam heads south on Oct . 6, 2019, on its seven-day itinerary. She will make two Christmas/holiday cruises on Dec. 21 and 28. Eurodam will sail the same itinerary starting Oct. 19 and again on Nov. 2 and Nov 9. If you prefer longer sailings, you can extend Eurodam’s Oct. 19 voyage by boarding four days sooner in Vancouver, B.C., with a stop in Santa Barbara on the way back to San Diego.
Seafarers can dig deeper into Mexico with Maasdam’s 12-day EXC in-Depth Voyage that sails on April 3 and April 15, 2020. This one hits seven ports along the Sea of Cortez along with Los Cabos, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Passengers will get to explore La Paz, Loreto, Guaymas and Topolobrampo. You can also extend this journey to 18 days.
Holland America is a mainstream cruise company with a fleet of midsize ships that appeal overwhelmingly to adult travelers. Its Pinnacle Grill dining room is considered one of the best at sea.
If you're interested in a cruise on Holland America to the Mexican Riviera or elsewhere, contact a Cruiseable travel advocate by email or by phoning 1-877-322-3773. A travel advocate will work with you to find the ideal itinerary at the best price at no cost to you.
