January 14, 2007
I found a press release from Holland America (http://www.hollandamerica.com/) announcing an increase in Sea of Cortez sailings, with stops in Loreto:
Janelle with Holland America's ms Oosterdam
in the background. Nassau, Bahamas, 12/2004.
Holland America Line highlights Mexico's Sea of Cortez in 2008 by increasing to 15 the number of 10-day cruises it offers aboard the ms Ryndam through this spectacular area -- four more than in 2007. These cruises combine exceptional wildlife viewing and pristine natural beauty with the opportunity for shore excursions to such scenic treasures as Mexico's famed Copper Canyon.The Ryndam also will sail three Mexican Riviera cruises of varying lengths in 2008, while the ms Oosterdam will continue its popular, seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises, sailing a total of 28 in 2008. Total, Holland America Line will offer 46 Mexico cruises sailing roundtrip from the convenient homeport of San Diego in 2008.
"We provide our guests with an incomparable Mexico cruise experience," said Richard D, Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Whether guests choose sailing the Mexican Riviera with its exciting ports or 10 days exploring the Sea of Cortez and Baja California, they will enjoy an enriching vacation filled with new experiences and discoveries. Holland America Line offers an extraordinary number of shore excursions, sporting adventures and eco-tours so that guests can truly experience Mexico."
In December 2004 Janelle and I took a trip to the Bahamas on one of Holland America's boats, the ms Oosterdam. It is a strange coincidence that the Oosterdam is now used in the Sea of Cortez and Baja.
This is also a great deal for Loreto Bay. As the cruise ships stop in Loreto many will go on shore and learn about Loreto Bay. Once a few shops are built, it wouldn't surprise me if a specific excursion was a visit to the "Villages of Loreto Bay". I wouldn't be surprised if a few folks then purchased condos and houses.
Click here to see pictures of Janelle and I on the Oosterdam in Ft. Lauderdale, St. Martin, Nassau and Tortola. Note: you will need a username and password to access the pictures. If you are a friend or family, you should already have it. If you don't, shoot me an email.
I copy the full press release below.
Holland America Line Increases Sea of Cortez Sailings
Features 46 Total Mexico Cruises in 2008
December 2006, Link
SEATTLE, Dec. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line highlights Mexico's Sea of Cortez in 2008 by increasing to 15 the number of 10-day cruises it offers aboard the ms Ryndam through this spectacular area -- four more than in 2007. These cruises combine exceptional wildlife viewing and pristine natural beauty with the opportunity for shore excursions to such scenic treasures as Mexico's famed Copper Canyon.
The Ryndam also will sail three Mexican Riviera cruises of varying lengths in 2008, while the ms Oosterdam will continue its popular, seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises, sailing a total of 28 in 2008. Total, Holland America Line will offer 46 Mexico cruises sailing roundtrip from the convenient homeport of San Diego in 2008.
"We provide our guests with an incomparable Mexico cruise experience," said Richard D, Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. "Whether guests choose sailing the Mexican Riviera with its exciting ports or 10 days exploring the Sea of Cortez and Baja California, they will enjoy an enriching vacation filled with new experiences and discoveries. Holland America Line offers an extraordinary number of shore excursions, sporting adventures and eco-tours so that guests can truly experience Mexico."
Meadows also notes that the San Diego departure pier is just minutes from the city's airport and close to the downtown shopping and old town areas, allowing guests to explore the city on embarkation day or chose one of Holland America Line's pre- or post-cruise hotel options.
10-day Sea of Cortez Cruises
The 1,258-guest Ryndam features 10-day itineraries to the Sea of Cortez in both spring and fall 2008, when the best wildlife-watching opportunities occur. The ship sails eight cruises from February 5 to April 15 and seven cruises October 12 to December 11. Guests visit the ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Topolobampo, Loreto, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.
Holland America Line continues to be the only premium cruise line sailing the Sea of Cortez and the only line visiting Loreto and Topolobampo. Loreto features the historic San Javier Mission, founded in 1697 as Mexico's first Jesuit mission, and Topolobampo offers an exclusive, full-day excursion to Mexico's magnificent Copper Canyon. Only accessible by train, Copper Canyon's scenic rail journey is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular in the world and climbs from the sea to 7,200 feet above sea level and includes lunch at the Posada Barrancas.
Other intriguing shore excursions range 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$999 per person, double occupancy.
Seven-day Mexican Riviera Sailings
In 2008 the 1,848-guest Oosterdam offers seven-day Mexican Riviera cruises departing Saturdays January 5 through April 19 and October 4 through December 27, including two holiday sailings. Guests have a full day in each port of call: Cabo San Lucas with its sea kayaking, whale-watching and snorkeling/diving opportunities; Mazatlan, famed for its beautiful beaches and resort flair; and Puerto Vallarta, where bustling markets and fine shops complement colonial charm.
Guests also enjoy three relaxing days at sea when they 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$649 per person, double occupancy.
More Mexican Riviera Sailings
In addition, the Ryndam sails three Mexican Riviera cruises. The ship features a 12-day sailing April 25, 2008 from San Diego to Vancouver, BC, which calls at Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas before cruising up the West Coast. Cruise fares start at US$1,299 per person, double occupancy.
On September 24, the Ryndam sails the reverse itinerary from Vancouver to San Diego on an 11-day Mexican Riviera cruise, calling at the same ports except La Paz. Cruise fares start at US$1,099 per person, double occupancy.
The Ryndam then offers one seven-day day Mexican Riviera cruise on Oct. 5, 2008, which highlights Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, before beginning its 10-day, fall Sea of Cortez sailings. Cruise fares start at US$749 per person, double occupancy.
For the holidays, the Ryndam will sail a 14-day cruise Dec. 21, 2008 and visits Manzanillo, Acapulco, Santa Cruz (Huatulco), Puerto Chiapas, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Loreto, and Cabo San Lucas
For more information, consult a travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL - News and CUK - News)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to more than 320 ports. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.
In the 2006 Portrait of Affluent Travelers survey by Yesawich, Pepperdine, Brown and Russell, Holland America Line topped the list of cruise lines sought after by affluent leisure travelers. Its recently completed $225 million fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements added features such as the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes -- Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.
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.
Contact: Rose Abello
Phone: 206/301-5318;
206-313-7673 cell phone
Fax: 206/262-5934
E-mail: pr@hollandamerica.com