MS Volendam
December 22, 2023

San Diego, California, offers docking at San Diego Port. Travelers explore Balboa Park and Gaslamp Quarter. Excursions visit La Jolla’s sea lions. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, May to September, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Spanish architecture and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes carne asada, a Californian favorite. Souvenirs, like surf-themed crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Kumeyaay history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance park walks. San Diego’s urban charm offers a vibrant American stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural parks and scenic coasts, making San Diego an engaging destination.

Cruise Bahia Magdalena, anchors offshore with zodiacs to the lagoon. Travelers spot gray whales and calves. Kayaking explores mangroves. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season January to April; whale migration. Photography captures breaching whales. Dining limited to ship. Souvenirs include whale postcards.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, offers docking at Cabo San Lucas Port. Travelers explore El Arco and Lover’s Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Santa Maria Cove. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures rock formations and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like silver crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Baja history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Cabo San Lucas’ coastal allure offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of iconic landmarks and marine adventures, making Cabo an engaging destination.

Pichilingue (La Paz), Mexico, offers docking at Pichilingue Port. Travelers explore Balandra Beach and La Paz’s Malecón. Excursions include snorkeling at Espiritu Santo Island. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures turquoise bays and desert landscapes. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like silver jewelry, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Baja’s marine history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate, while snorkeling gear enhances island exploration. Pichilingue’s coastal beauty offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches, marine life, and seaside charm, making Pichilingue an engaging destination for exploring Mexico’s Baja California Sur.

Loreto, Mexico, has docking at Loreto Port. Travelers explore San Javier Mission and Loreto’s historic plaza. Excursions snorkel Coronado Island’s reefs. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather. Photography captures desert landscapes and Sea of Cortez views. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Baja history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the arid climate. Snorkeling gear enhances reef exploration. Loreto’s coastal charm offers a serene Mexican stop, blending history with marine beauty.

Mazatlan, Mexico, offers docking at Mazatlan Port. Travelers explore Old Town and El Faro Lighthouse. Excursions include snorkeling at Deer Island. Local markets sell shrimp tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial plazas and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes aguachile, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like pottery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Sinaloa history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Mazatlan’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic districts and scenic beaches, making Mazatlan an engaging destination for exploration.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers docking at Puerto Vallarta Port. Travelers explore Malecón and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Excursions include snorkeling at Los Arcos. Local markets sell pozole. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colorful boardwalks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes birria, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like huichol crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Jalisco history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Puerto Vallarta’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and marine adventures, making Puerto Vallarta an engaging destination for exploration.

Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Mexico, offers docking at Zihuatanejo Port. Travelers explore Playa La Ropa and Ixtapa’s marina. Excursions include snorkeling at Los Morros. Local markets sell pozole. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures fishing villages and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like huipil crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Guerrero history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Zihuatanejo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of pristine beaches and cultural villages, making Zihuatanejo an engaging destination for exploration.

Manzanillo, Mexico, offers docking at Manzanillo Port. Travelers explore Playa La Audiencia and Jardín Álvaro Obregón. Excursions include snorkeling at Carrizalillo Bay. Local markets sell ceviche. The peak season, November to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sandy beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes birria, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like pottery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Colima history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Manzanillo’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and cultural plazas, making Manzanillo an engaging destination for exploration.

Returning to San Diego — see Day 1 above for port info.