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Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez

Holland America Line

Join Holland America Line for a 11-night cruise departing from San Diego, California, visiting Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Mazatlan, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Manzanillo. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.

Departure date

07 April 2026

Cabins

Inside from

2,218pp

Outside from

2,407pp

Suite from

4,177pp

Prices do not include flights.
Call us to add flights, hotels and transfers.

Quote Reference number: 356316-2149126

All prices are subject to availability

Your Holiday Summary

Departure - Arrival
07 Apr 2026 - 18 Apr 2026
Duration
12 days, 11 nights
Sailing
4 sea days
Departure Port
San Diego, California
Call us to quote and add flights

Travelling Itinerary

Day 1
San Diego, California

Departure: at 17:00

Welcome aboard! Today marks the beginning of your unforgettable cruise holiday. Take time to explore the ship, unwind, and soak in the excitement of what’s to come. Your holiday starts now.

Day 2
At Sea

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 3
Bahia Magdalena

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 4
Cabo San Lucas

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Los Cabos doesn't exude the same kind of charm as many other areas of inland Mexico do, but its twin towns—San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas—don't seem to mind, and neither do visitors who take a cruise to Cabo, who are more or less drawn here less for traditional Mexican culture than for the sun, the sand and the opportunity to just slow down and relax. Los Cabos—or the Capes—sits at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, a narrow strip of land whose varied geography, both above and underwater, makes for plenty of interesting activities and some unusual ones, too. Did you ever think you'd ride a camel in Mexico? You can do that here, or enjoy more predictable pursuits including fishing, golfing and whale-watching. Want something still more laid-back? On your Cabo cruise you can visit picture-perfect El Arco, an arch that may look familiar thanks to its cameo on postcards and tourism advertisements. North of the capes, you can drop by the famed Hotel California. And if you've worked up an appetite on your Cabo cruise, you won't be disappointed: Los Cabos offers plenty to enjoy at the table as well, with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and, of course, seafood being the mainstays here. Regardless, Holland America Line makes sure that our Cabo cruises have plenty of new and traditional things for our guest to enjoy and experience.

Day 5
Pichilingue (La Paz)

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

A tranquil way of life abounds in La Paz, which means "peace." Among its simple pleasures: strolling the palm-shaded malecón, lazing on the beautiful beaches of nearby Pichilingue Peninsula, snorkeling sapphire seas at lovely Los Islotes, home to a colony of inquisitive sea lions. Sample shore excursions: Snorkeling at Los Islotes; Highlights of La Paz; Discover Todos Santos; Blandra Bay Snorkel.

Day 6
Loreto

Arrival: at 07:00
Departure: at 15:00

This peaceful seaside community, founded in 1697 by Jesuit priest and explorer Juan Maria Salvatierra, was the first European settlement in the Californias. Stroll the cobbled plaza to the Mision Nuestra Se ora de Loreta, burnished with years of devotion; commune with nature as you snorkel the crystal-clear lagoons of Isla Coronados. Sample shore excursions: Loreto Walking Tour; San Javier Mission; Snorkeling at Isla Coronados.

Day 7
Mazatlan, Mexico

Arrival: at 11:00
Departure: at 17:00

Book a Mexico Cruise with Holland America Line and sail to the port city of Mazatlán, where the best of traditional Mexican architecture, food and culture is found alongside contemporary conveniences, amenities and attractions. There's a reason why Americans and Canadians flock here, particularly in winter: It's a warm and welcoming place with plenty to keep visitors entertained for a vacation getaway. Cruise to Mazatlán and explore an array of activities on a Mazatlán shore excursion. There really is something for everyone here, from golfing, fishing and zip lining to sampling agave-based spirits on a distillery tour or learning more about local history at the archaeological museum. There are plenty of cultural opportunities, too, from performances at the Teatro Ángela Peralta to witnessing death-defying cliff dives that will make you hold your breath until divers resurface from the churning surf. On a cruise to Mazatlán don’t forgot to taste some local cuisine. Mazatlán keeps visitors' appetites sated; thanks to the city's coastal location, seafood is freshly caught, and shrimp-based dishes are a particular specialty in local restaurants. And if you can't head home without a souvenir, there's locally made liquor or handmade crafts that can fit neatly into your luggage.

Day 8
Puerto Vallarta

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 17:00

Unique compared to Acapulco, Cancún, Zihuatanejo and several other coastal resort towns in Mexico—many of which were created by the government as planned communities—Puerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), on the Pacific Ocean, retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, topped with an ornate crown and overlooking the port, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. While on your Puerto Vallarta cruise, we take you alongside these echoes of the past are more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruise to Puerto Vallarta.

Day 9
Manzanillo

Arrival: at 08:00
Departure: at 16:00

Like the movie that was filmed here, Manzanillo scores a perfect "10" for the beauty of its beaches and the charm of its town. Farther afield: the Pyramids of La Campana, dating back to the first century, and the charming colonial towns of Colima and Comala, where tropical gardens and the sounds of mariachi bands make for a muy tranquilo afternoon. Sample shore excursions: Colima & Comala with Lunch; Manzanillo City & Shopping; Magic Pueblas; Deep-sea fishing; Resort Getaway.

Day 10
At Sea

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 11
At Sea

Arrival:
Departure:

Day 12
San Diego, California

Arrival: at 07:00

As your cruise comes to an end, why not extend the magic? Our team can arrange extra hotel nights for you so you can continue exploring and make even more unforgettable memories before heading home.

Zaandam

Designed to carry fewer guests while offering greater space, Zaandam is elegant and comfortable. Her décor is inspired by music and features musical instruments including signed guitars from Queen, Iggy Pop, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones and a Baroque-style pipe organ. While on-board, enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table. Rejuvenate at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. Indulge at any of our fine dining venues.

General characteristics

Ship name: Zaandam
Length: 238.05 m (781 ft)
Capacity: 1,432 passengers
Total cabins: 716
Tonnage: 61,396 GT

Zaandam

What’s on Board

Entertainment
Relaxation
Fitness
Food and Drink
Recreational
Other
Decks
entertainment

Entertainment

  • Crow's Nest
  • Dance Floor
  • Explorers Lounge
  • Mondriaan Show Lounge
  • Neptune Lounge
  • Photo Gallery
  • Theatre
relaxation

Relaxation

  • Beauty Salon
  • Greenhouse Spa & Salon
  • Lido Pool
  • Massage
  • Sauna
  • Spa
  • Steam Room
  • Thermal Suite
  • Whirlpool
fitness

Fitness

  • Aerobics
  • Basketball
  • Fitness Center
  • Gym
  • Pickleball
  • Tennis Court
food-and-drink

Food and Drink

  • Canaletto Restaurant
  • Explorations Cafe
  • Lido Bar
  • Lido Casual Restaurant
  • Piano Bar
  • Pinnacle Grill
  • Queens Room
  • Rotterdam Dining Room
  • The Atrium
  • The Verandah
recreational

Recreational

  • Card Room
  • Club HAL
  • Golf Simulator
  • Indoor Pool
  • Outdoor Pool
  • The Loft and The Oasis

Decks

Dolphin Deck Dolphin
Main Deck Main Deck
Lower Promenade Deck Lower Promenade
Promenade Deck Promenade
Upper Promenade Deck Upper Promenade
Verandah Deck Verandah Deck
Navigation Deck Navigation Deck
Lido Deck Lido Deck
Sports Deck Sports Deck
Sky Deck Sky Deck
recreational

Other

  • Art Gallery
  • Atrium
  • Culinary Arts Center
  • Duty-free shop
  • Future Cruise Sales
  • Laundry Service
  • On Board Doctor
  • Photo Gallery
  • Photo Shop
  • Reception
  • Shops
  • Shore Excursion Office

Staff Tips

  • Astrid Bell

    Explore the ship, plan your nights and learn where the restaurants are. It still amazes me how huge cruise ships are. It’s crazy! I think it’s a great idea to take a tour of the ship or go out exploring on your own, to learn where everything is.

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Amanda O'Brien

    For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, swimsuit, exercise clothes and any medications you may need. That way you don't have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.

    Amanda O'BrienPersonal Travel Planner
  • Kristin Skinner

    Get to know the staff early in the cruise. They can give you some wonderful inside information regarding the ports of call, excursions, activities, and so on.

    Kristin SkinnerPersonal Travel Planner
  • Astrid Bell

    It’s always worth having a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses on arrival at your destination and for any purchases you make at your ports of call. We also recommend you carry a major credit or charge card (American Express®, MasterCard® or Visa®), or sufficient funds in U.S.$ travellers cheques which can be cashed on board.

    Astrid BellCruise Product Manager
  • Tracy Crowley

    There will be a laundry service on board all ships; the service is not “self service” and prices vary by garment type

    Tracy CrowleyPersonal Travel Planner

Talk to our team of experts