HOLLAND AMERICA ADDS SECOND SHIP TO MEXICAN RIVIERA FOR WINTER 2017-18

In a move that has taken much of the cruise industry by surprise, Holland America Line has added a second ship to the Mexican Riviera run out of San Diego this coming winter season. Effective as of September 30th, the 1,920 passenger Oosterdam will join her sister ship, Westerdam, to offer seven day cruises out of the Californian coastal port.

It marks the first time that two such large, well regarded resort style ships have sailed from San Diego on the same itinerary, and points to the continued, steady resurgence of the Mexican Riviera market after many years in the doldrums. Crime problems meant that many lines- including Holland America- abandoned just such sailings for several years.

The Mexican authorties have worked hard to address the local problems, and the result has been a gradual trickle of ships returning to the once popular, seven night run. Typically, ships sail from California down to the sights of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on a week long circuit between October and April. Only Carnival at present maintains year round sailings in the region.

Basing the two Holland America ships in San Diego rather than LA makes sense on a number of levels. For UK passengers, there are now direct flights to the California city on British Airways, and the ease of access from city centre to cruise port is famous- the ships literally dock at the bottom of the street. Plus, San Diego itself- the southermost city on the mainland USA- has a very Mediterranean style vibe, and a feel good factor that makes it an extremely attractive place to visit in its own right.

The 92,000 ton Oosterdam herself offers the space, grace, and extraordinary cuisine and service that has made the Holland America Line one of the legends of ocean travel for well over a century. While the Mexican Riviera cruise has often been seen as a kind of party run, the more refined vibe and style offered on both Oosterdam and Westerdam makes them the obvious choice for anyone seeking a more upscale alternative to the normal options.

These new cruises present something that offer a true, viable alternative to the usual winter 'go to' cruises in the Caribbean and Bahamas, plus the chance to enjoy some of the most amazing sunsets on earth out in the sparkling Pacific. And, if cabin comfort means a lot to you, Oosterdam has some of the most lavish and expansive standard balcony cabins of any ship in her class. Enjoy.