MS Zaandam
December 7, 2024

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, offers docking at Honolulu Port. Travelers explore Pearl Harbor and Waikiki Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic memorials and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like aloha crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Honolulu’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and scenic beaches, making Honolulu an engaging destination for exploration.

Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, offers docking at Kahului Port. Travelers explore Haleakalā National Park and Iao Valley. Excursions include snorkeling at Molokini Crater. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic craters and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes kalua pork, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like macadamia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance park hikes. Kahului’s natural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and marine adventures, making Kahului an engaging destination.

Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii, no docking; ships anchor offshore with zodiacs to Big Island coast. Travelers view lava flows from zodiacs. Helicopter tours spot active craters. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season year-round; eruptions variable. Photography captures red lava. Dining onboard features poke. Souvenirs, like lava rocks, in ship shops. Briefings on safety. Sun protection essential. Kilauea’s ongoing eruptions offer dynamic volcanic spectacle.

Hilo, Hawaii, offers docking at Hilo Port. Travelers explore Rainbow Falls and Volcanoes National Park. Excursions include snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures lava fields and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like macadamia crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance volcano hikes. Hilo’s natural charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of volcanic landscapes and marine adventures, making Hilo an engaging destination for exploration.

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, offers docking at Kailua-Kona Port. Travelers explore Hulihe‘e Palace and Kona Coffee farms. Excursions include snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay. Local markets sell poke. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures volcanic beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes loco moco, a Hawaiian favorite. Souvenirs, like Kona coffee crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Kailua-Kona’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Hawaiian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural heritage and scenic beaches, making Kailua-Kona an engaging destination.

Ensenada, Mexico, offers docking at Ensenada Port. Travelers explore La Bufadora and Riviera Cultural Center. Excursions include wine-tasting in Valle de Guadalupe. Local markets sell fish tacos. The peak season, November to April, brings mild weather for coastal tours. Photography captures blowholes and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes ceviche, a Mexican favorite. Souvenirs, like pottery crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Baja history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance winery walks. Ensenada’s coastal charm offers a vibrant Mexican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and wine culture, making Ensenada an engaging destination for exploration.

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