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 Travel & Outdoors | July 2005 
Holland America Line Turns Up the Sun On Cruises To Mexico
 TravelVideo.tv
From whale watching near Cabo San Lucas to discovering the famous Copper Canyon from Topolobampo, Holland America Line explores the natural wonders of the Mexican Riviera on 32 cruises in 2006. Offering more departures than any other premium line in the region, the Oosterdam and ms Zaandam feature seven- and ten-day cruises traveling roundtrip from the San Diego cruise port, which is just minutes from the city's airport.
The line's impressive Mexico collection is anchored by the 1,848-passenger Oosterdam's 29 seven-day itineraries. The 1,440-passenger Zaandam offers three 10-day journeys allowing for more in-depth exploration. Two seven-day holiday voyages provide an ideal escape for families and friends wishing to spend the holidays at sea. In addition, acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson, of Aquavit and Riingo in New York City, will sail on the October 22, 2006, cruise to conduct recipe demonstrations in the innovative Culinary Arts Center.
"Holland America Line's Mexico cruises combine our experience in the region, our sporting and eco-adventures ashore, and the refined elegance found aboard each of our ships," said Rick Meadows, CTC, the line's senior vice president, marketing and sales. "Guests are rewarded with an enriching vacation at a tremendous value and sailing from a convenient homeport."
Mexican Riviera: 7-day Cruises
Departing San Diego every Saturday from January 7 to April 22, 2006; and again from October 7 to December 16, 2006; the Oosterdam's 29 week-long itineraries feature full days in Cabo San Lucas with snorkeling, sea kayaking and diving; Mazatlán, renowned for its sporting adventures and golden beaches; and, Puerto Vallarta, regarded for its superb shopping and old-world charm. Cruise fares start at US$699 per person, double occupancy.
Sea of Cortez & Mexican Riviera: 10-day Adventures
Showcasing the soft adventure of the Sea of Cortez or the flair of the Riviera, 10-day journeys aboard the Zaandam allow for greater exploration of Mexico on three longer departures.
The vast marine wonders of the Sea of Cortez are revealed on two 10-day adventures aboard the Zaandam on October 22 and December 11. The rich itinerary calls at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Toplolobampo - where guests can embark on a day tour of Mexico's spectacular Copper Canyon. The journey continues to Loreto, site of the first Jesuit mission in 1697, past the scenic Sierra de la Giganta, and on to Pichilingue and Cabo San Lucas.
Travelers may also choose to explore the Mexican Riviera on November 16 on a cruise to the ports of Manzanillo, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. Cruise fares for 10-day cruises start at US$999 per person, double occupancy.
Acclaimed Chef Sails on October Cruise
The Culinary Arts Program presented by Food & Wine magazine will host star chef Marcus Samuelsson on the October 22, 2006, Zaandam cruise. Chef Samuelsson is the executive chef at the New York City's famed Aquavit restaurant. Named the James Beard Foundation's Best Chef New York City, 2003, Samuelsson recently opened trendy Riingo, which offers inventive versions of American and Japanese classics.
Mexican Holiday Cruises
Mexico's sunny and spirited personality provides the ideal backdrop for a holiday voyage with family and friends, and the line's Friends and Family Program offers generous amenities and special group pricing. The Oosterdam offers two 7-day holiday cruises on December 23 and 30.
Each holiday voyage features clergy to conduct Catholic, Protestant and Jewish services. Holland America Line's on-board festivities for the entire family include special movie showings and entertainment, traditional dinner and decorations, a visit for the kids from Santa, and Club HAL kids program activities. The line also holds a New Year's Eve Gala and arranges to broadcast some college bowl games on board the ship.
About Holland America Line
The award-winning premium cruise leader's fleet of 12 ships offers nearly 500 cruises from 27 homeports and excels at providing gracious and attentive service. It's renowned "Tradition of Excellence" includes Signature of Excellence, a $225 million initiative targeting product and service enhancements in stateroom accommodations, dining, service, enrichment programs and activities, and worldwide itineraries. Six ships are completed with the rest to be finished by the end of 2006. For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com
World's Leading Cruise Lines
The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. |
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