Thanks to word of mouth and favorable reviews from travelers, Holland America Line’s cruise line has grown significantly over the years. And now, the company is expanding its service to Mexico and Hawaii. The company has announced that it will operate a weekly cruise between San Diego, California and Honolulu, Hawaii from July 1, 2022, and a new seven-day cruise will offer itineraries in Mexico from February 1, 2022.
The company’s “cruises to new places” – and that’s exactly what they are – have addressed customers’ desire to experience new cultures and destinations. For example, the Holland America cruise line’s “Makah Pearl” started in Hawaii 2015, and then this past May, the company launched in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with the “Isla Mujeres” voyage.
WHY? During the 2022-23 season, Holland America guests traveling from San Diego, California, will call at one of two vibrant tropical destinations for five to 18 days (or combine the two!). The Mexican Riviera itinerary calls at the famous ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, while the Circle of Hawaii cruise offers passengers the chance to explore the beauty of Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Navalili, Kona, Hawaii and Ensenada, Mexico. – Lori Baratti, editorial assistant. Hawaii and Mexico, with their deeply rooted cultures, colorful traditions and endless sunshine, are a feast for the senses on this award-winning Holland America Line cruise. Travelers will be able to explore both regions with return flights from San Diego, California, aboard the Koningsdam-class liner Pinnacle for the 2022-2023 season, for which reservations are already open. From October 2022 to March 2023, guests can take a five- to 18-day trip to the Mexican Riviera or Hawaii County. Two consecutive itineraries can be combined into a 24 or 25 day group trip between Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera for the perfect tropical getaway. Both regions are known for their rich cultural experiences, their immersion in nature and their special cuisine. Current trend Highlights of the 2022-23 sailing season in Mexico: All cruises to Mexico are round trip from San Diego. All seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises include three stops in Mexico: Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. A special five-day cruise departs on December 17, calling at Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico. The nine-day holiday cruise, departing on the 29th. December, explores the Sea of Cortez and calls at the Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, Pichilingue (La Paz) and Loreto. Hawaii 2022-23 cruise season highlights: Hawaii cruises depart from San Diego and return, with the exception of two round trips from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Roundtrips to Hawaii take between 16 and 18 days: – A 16 and 18 day cruise from Vancouver with stops in Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (overnight) and Nawiliwili. The 18-day itinerary also stops in Kona. – 17-day cruises to Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Navilili and Kona, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico. – 18-day trips to Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu (with overnight stay), Nawiliwili, Kona and Ensenada, Mexico. -An overnight stay in Honolulu offers guests the opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor, relax on Waikiki Beach, enjoy the breathtaking views from Diamond Head Monument or spend an evening enjoying traditional Hawaiian food and an authentic luau. Mexico and Hawaii itineraries can be combined to maximize the experience of both regions. The 24-day Circle Hawaii and Mexican Riviera collector’s tour departs on the 7th. January 2023 from San Diego and calls at Lahaina, Hilo, Honolulu, Navilili, Kona, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, with an additional stop in San Diego during the cruise. The 25-day option, which expires on 31. Launching in January 2023, offers an extra night in Honolulu. Awards and Recognitions Holland America Line received the Editor’s Choice Award for Best Flights to Hawaii at the 2020 TravelAge West Wave Awards. In 2019, the line was named the best company on the Mexican Riviera by Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards, solidifying the cruise line’s position as the top choice for vacations in the region. Holland America Line’s excursion program has won the Porthole Cruise magazine Readers’ Choice Award for 11 consecutive years, most recently in 2020. Explorations Central showcases local cultures aboard Throughout the cruise, Explorations Central showcases the local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences of Hawaii and Mexico. As part of the EXC meetings, guests can enjoy a performance by a mariachi band or a hula dancing class on board. Those interested in learning more about the destinations can participate in the EXC Talk or attend a port-to-port cooking demonstration or themed mixology class featuring local foods. The Lido’s dining room and market will also feature regional flavors, and the bars will offer a variety of local ingredients. Pricing for the Koningsdam’s seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises begins with the premium Have it All package for $899 per person based on a double room, which includes four premium extras: a shore excursion, a beverage package, signature dishes at Pinnacle Grill or Tamarind Pan Asian Restaurant and a Surf Wi-Fi package that keeps you connected throughout the cruise. Prices start at $619 per person based on double occupancy. Circle Hawaii cruises start at $2,499 per person with the premium Have it All package. The cost of the cruise alone starts at $1,859 per person. Taxes, customs duties and port charges must be paid separately. For more information, visit hollandamerica.com. SOURCE: Press release from Holland America Line.