13-day historical Baja peninsula
13-night Mexico cruise from San Diego, California to San Diego, California aboard Zaandam.
Calling at Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Guaymas, Topolobampo, La Paz, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Ensenada, with 3 days at sea. 10 ports of call across California and Mexico.
Zaandam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 2000, carrying around 1,430 guests. Music-themed throughout — her collection includes instruments signed by Queen and the Rolling Stones — she is one of the fleet’s smaller ships, well suited to longer voyages.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Vista Suite.
- 04 Apr 2027 – 17 Apr 2027
from $2,269 pp twin share *
Additional Pricing Information
- Interior from $2,269 pp twin share
- Ocean View from $2,579 pp twin share
- Vista Suite from $5,219 pp twin share
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – San Diego, California
Departs 03:00 pm.
Known as a place of infinite beauty, affectionate locals and endless sunshine, San Diego has become one of America’s favorite cities. Located in the southwest corner of California, close to the border of Mexico, San Diego has a distinct cross-cultural feel, part sun-drenched Mediterranean atmosphere, part south-of-the-border zest and part quintessential California beach town.The history of San Diego is rooted in its Spanish and Mexican past. San Diego was declared the capital of upper and lower Baja only four years after Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Less than thirty years later, the United States declared war on Mexico and within two years the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo was signed creating the current borders between Mexico and the United States.The city continues to prosper with a population exceeding one million. World-renowned attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, the Salk Institute, Sea World, La Jolla and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge have created a strong tourism industry for the area. But undoubtedly what attracts visitors from around the world is the city’s breathtaking natural beauty, superb coastline and near-perfect weather.
Day 2 – At Sea
Day 3 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Arrives 11:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Millennia ago, Cabo San Lucas was part of the Mexican mainland. Then a massive rupture of the San Andreas Fault sent the waters of the Pacific crashing into the newly formed depression, creating the Sea of Cortez and the Baja Peninsula. Lying at the very tip of Baja, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas – or “Cabo” – is one of the premier resort destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Swim in the transparent waters, marvel at the wealth of marine life, relax on one of the white-sand beaches or try your hand at some of the finest sportfishing in the world.Note: Your ship will anchor in Cabo San Lucas and use launches to transport all passengers ashore.
Day 4 – Loreto, Mexico
Arrives 10:00 am, departs 07:00 pm.
Day 5 – Guaymas, Mexico
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 03:00 pm.
A land of endless surprises, Guaymas is a laid-back charmer and a quieter alternative to other towns along the Sonoran coast. Variety is a way of life here and so are the activities. With the Sea of Cortex at its doorstep, it’s easy to cruise into its welcoming waters in search of marine life or to lounge on the beach in nearby San Carlos. There’s plenty to do beyond the beach, too. Weave your way through Guaymas’s less-trodden streets, step back in time as you tour the neoclassic San Fernando Church and the Moorish 13 de Julio Plaza in the historic town center, visit a world class pearl farm or journey to magical Las Barajitas Canyon, a pristine area of beach, desert and mountains. Guaymas offers a little bit of everything you’re looking for and isn’t that what vacation’s all about?
Day 6 – Topolobampo, Mexico
Arrives 04:00 am, departs 11:00 pm.
Day 7 – La Paz, Mexico
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
When Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes sailed into this quiet little bay in 1535, he tried to establish a colony called Santa Cruz. He later abandoned it but, luckily, Sebastian Vizcaino arrived in 1596, renamed it La Paz and the colony has flourished ever since. Here, you’ll find a playground of activities that Cortes couldn’t even dream of. From a festive downtown full of attractions to sun-drenched beaches, renowned for their soft, golden sand, to warm, inviting water teeming with marine life, La Paz offers a little bit of everything for everybody. And isn’t that what vacations are all about!?
Day 8 – Mazatlan, Mexico
Arrives 10:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Lying just below the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan boasts a superb year-round climate. Mazatlan, a name that means “Place of the Deer,” sits on a peninsula at the feet of the rugged Sierra Madre, and the Cerro de Neveria – “Ice Box Hill” – divides the area’s rocky Pacific beaches from the broad, white-sand beaches beloved by visitors. The climate, the beaches, and the world-class sportfishing have turned this commercial fishing port into one of the world’s top resort destinations. Yet while visitors flock to the markets, bathe in the sun, or marvel at the airborne ballet of the famed Papantla dancers, Mazatlan remains one of Mexico’s major Pacific ports – the city exports over 40 million pounds of shrimp every year.
Day 9 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 06:00 pm.
Puerto Vallarta was sleepy no more; its transformation into an international resort had begun. Then director John Huston chose the village as the location for his film “Night of the Iguana,” starring Richard Burton. Today, the city has its own “Gringo Gulch,” a haunt of the rich and famous. Travelers are also drawn by its climate, its excellent shopping – which offers great values on leather goods, jewelry, and handicrafts – and mile after mile of palm-lined beaches.
Day 10 – Manzanillo, Mexico
Arrives 08:00 am, departs 05:00 pm.
Manzanillo’s history as a resort on the Mexican Riviera is brief. But the port’s history is as old as the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Cortes first espied the harbour in 1522, when he chose the bay as the site for a shipyard. The city’s maritime heritage continues to this day: Manzanillo is the largest commercial port on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. What draws travellers, however, is the bay’s scenic beauty: jungle-laden mountains rise above rocky coves and golden-sand beaches. The offshore waters offer superb diving – and some of the finest fishing in the world.For decades, Manzanillo has been a secret destination for fishermen. The offshore waters teem with 70 species of game fish. One can fish for sailfish and dorado year-round.
Day 11 – At Sea
Day 12 – At Sea
Day 13 – Ensenada, Mexico
Arrives 10:00 am, departs 09:00 pm.
Ensenada is located 70 miles south of the international border and only a 90-minute drive from San Diego. Visitors are drawn to Ensenada’s warm Mediterranean climate, friendly atmosphere and easy access by land, air, and sea. Ensenada has become Mexico’s second most visited port of call for major cruise lines and pleasure boats.
Day 14 – San Diego, California
Arrives 07:00 am.
Known as a place of infinite beauty, affectionate locals and endless sunshine, San Diego has become one of America’s favorite cities. Located in the southwest corner of California, close to the border of Mexico, San Diego has a distinct cross-cultural feel, part sun-drenched Mediterranean atmosphere, part south-of-the-border zest and part quintessential California beach town.The history of San Diego is rooted in its Spanish and Mexican past. San Diego was declared the capital of upper and lower Baja only four years after Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Less than thirty years later, the United States declared war on Mexico and within two years the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo was signed creating the current borders between Mexico and the United States.The city continues to prosper with a population exceeding one million. World-renowned attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, the Salk Institute, Sea World, La Jolla and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge have created a strong tourism industry for the area. But undoubtedly what attracts visitors from around the world is the city’s breathtaking natural beauty, superb coastline and near-perfect weather.
Highlights
- Cruise along the Baja Peninsula’s stunning coastline
- Experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Mexico
- Relax and unwind on the ship’s amenities and facilities
13-night Mexico cruise from San Diego, California to San Diego, California aboard Zaandam.
Calling at Cabo San Lucas, Loreto, Guaymas, Topolobampo, La Paz, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Ensenada, with 3 days at sea. 10 ports of call across California and Mexico.
Zaandam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 2000, carrying around 1,430 guests. Music-themed throughout — her collection includes instruments signed by Queen and the Rolling Stones — she is one of the fleet’s smaller ships, well suited to longer voyages.
Stateroom categories range from Interior to Vista Suite.
Inclusions
- Dining in the main Dining Room and casual venues
- Live music venues and nightly entertainment
- Fitness centre and swimming pools
- Enrichment programme and port talks
FAQs
Zaandam is a Holland America Line ship that entered service in 2000, carrying around 1,430 guests. Music-themed throughout — her collection includes instruments signed by Queen and the Rolling Stones — she is one of the fleet’s smaller ships, well suited to longer voyages.
Stateroom categories available on this sailing: Vista Suite, Ocean View and Interior.
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 14 days and 13 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 04 Apr 2027 and 17 Apr 2027, subject to live availability.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Holland America LineFine Print
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