When the morning headlines read “Winter Blast Freezes Much of the US,” the melodic sounds of the marimba band and the fragrance of coconut laced suntan lotion being splashed about by those around the pool, paint quite a different picture. 

Boarding Holland America’s Luxury Cruise Ship Oosterdam in San Diego, we set sail on a Mexican Riviera cruise that was laced with more fun opportunities than we could possibly take advantage of. 

Offering luxury accommodations, 5-Star dining, top-notch shipboard entertainment, activities and excellent shore excursions, had we elected to try and do all that was being offered we surely would have put ourselves down for the count.  But that’s the beauty of a seven or ten day Holland America Mexican Riviera Cruise.  You can tailor your immersion into the world of total excess in the way that works best for you.  And let’s not forget the unbelievable round-the-clock gourmet dining that includes 24-hour room service.

The adventure each Holland America Cruise holds is balanced by a practical side.  They will pick you up at the airport, or you can park at the water’s edge, board your luxury floating home-away-from-home and several days later be returned to the same location.  Either way, the entire process  a natural fit.  And approaching Mexico from the high seas, your port stops can include Acapulco, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

This is as much a foreign adventure as anything else but in this case all of the planning that’s associated with international travel is taken out of your hands and after unpacking in your luxury stateroom you won’t have to pack or unpack again until the cruise is over.  And equally important for those who are used to traveling in the United States, cruise ships departing from U.S. coastal waters eliminate most concerns about personal safety and security.   Holland America is always there!

Many who know and practice “winter avoidance” will appreciate the opportunities that exist on the Mexican Riviera.   These cruises cover thousands of nautical miles (roundtrip) and at each port excursions are offered that can include sport fishing, snorkeling, folkloric festivals, parasailing, unbelievable shopping, excellent dining, guided tours and visits to Old Spanish and Mexican Colonial village and missions.

A good example of the excellent shore excursions Holland American offers is one that can be enjoyed while in Mazatlan .  First, you head east to the Old Colonial town of Concordia where you stop at a centuries old cathedral, pay a visit to a tortilla factory and stroll through the many Mexican shops that line village square.   Next you will visit the old silver mining town of Copala in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains.  There will be no doubt in your mind that you have been put in a time machine and transplanted back to another century. 

Copala is where the Humphrey Bogart movie Sierra Madre was filmed and its streets are as quaint and picturesque today as they are in the Bogart movie.  Here you’re treated to a Mexican feast in the shade of a restaurant patio, while Mexican troubadours serenade.  After lunch, a stop is made at a furniture factory, followed by a stop to watch adobe bricks being made and fired.  And on the way back to the ship you are treated to quality shopping in the Golden Zone in Mazatlan.  Sipping a Tequila Sunrise in the Crow’s Nest Lounge as you sail west into the sunset, you will probably already be recalling the day’s events as the marimba band once again plays exotic sounding tunes from far away places. 

In Acapulco you can join excursions that take you to watch the world famous Cliff Divers, or do a dolphin adventure or a historical tour.  In Puerto Vallarta you can take a guided 4-wheeling adventure into the jungle, followed by a feast on the beach and a beach party.  In Cabo San Lucas you may simply elect to sample the excellent Mexican cervesas (beers), but a ride out to Los Arcos (the arches at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula) in a glass bottom boat, or one of the other exciting adventures offered, are also possible. And in Ixtapa, with its slick high-rise resort hotels that are popular with the many that come seeking the surf and sand, you may simply want to spend your time ashore in the charming old fishing village of Zihuantanejo, where the tender boats from the ship dock.  Growing more tan and mellow with each passing day, your evenings will be occupied by 5-Star dining, Las Vegas style shows and the ship’s casino.     

Considering that your transportation, lodging, food and entertainment are all included for about $100 a day (per person), this sojourn along Mexico’s Pacific Coast pencils out in every way.  Should this kind of value and adventure peak your interest, visit the Holland America website to find out more.  It’s a delightful and cost effective way to experience a unique and exotic venue.  Happy traveling!