S.W. Black Travel Blog

Cruise the Best of Mexico & Pacific Coast with Holland America Line

Written by Shane Black | 4 March 2025 11:00:00 PM

When you think of cruising Mexico or the Pacific Coast, it’s easy to imagine sandy beaches and sunsets. But Holland America Line’s just-released 2026–2027 Mexico and Pacific Coast itineraries bring far more than the usual postcard scenes. The new season embraces longer sailings, hard-to-reach gems, and in-depth cultural immersion designed to help travellers form real connections with these regions. Whether you’re after jungle hikes and ancient ruins in Baja or spirit bear sightings in British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, this collection of voyages offers something unforgettable.

Mexico Cruises That Go Beyond the Usual Riviera Run

Holland America Line is making San Diego the starting point for a series of immersive voyages down the Mexican coastline, aboard Koningsdam and Zaandam. Across 16 departures on itineraries ranging from 7 to 12 days, guests will explore not just familiar favourites like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, but also lesser-known ports such as Loreto, La Paz and even Topolobampo.

What sets these voyages apart is how thoughtfully they’ve been crafted. You can snorkel secluded coves like Majahuitas, wander historic colonial villages in the Sierra Madre, or kayak through the Sea of Cortez. Some itineraries also feature late-night stays in Loreto, giving guests more time to soak in the tranquil charm of the town’s waterfront, shops and historic mission. These are voyages that match Mexico’s warmth with an equally rich onboard experience – think locally inspired cuisine, expert enrichment talks, and gracious service from the Holland America crew.

From Fjords to Forests: Pacific Coast Cruising with a Twist

Beyond the beaches, Holland America Line is also shining a spotlight on the scenic and often underrated Pacific Coast. From San Diego to Seattle to Vancouver, the 2026–2027 collection includes 11 itineraries ranging from short 1-day tasters to 7-day deep dives.

Among the standouts is the return of the 7-Day Great Bear Rainforest cruise aboard Noordam, offered in both April and October. This rare itinerary travels through the Inside Passage, Bella Bella, and Grenville Channel, offering a rare glimpse into Canada’s pristine coastal ecosystems. It’s one of the few mainstream cruise options where you could realistically spot whales, eagles and the elusive white-furred Kermode bear.

There are also several shorter getaways that blend coastal cities with natural escapes. Think Avalon and Santa Barbara paired with Pacific Northwest classics like Astoria and Victoria. Overnight stays in San Francisco add another layer, perfect for wine tasting, historic explorations or just enjoying the city lights from the Embarcadero.

A Cruise Season for Every Traveller

Whether you’re seeking a deep dive into Baja’s cultural heritage or a breezy weekend escape along the Californian coast, Holland America’s 2026–2027 sailings provide flexible options. Five ships – Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Zaandam – will sail these waters, offering both roundtrip and one-way voyages.

Itineraries like the 12-Day "Historic Baja Peninsula" visit eight ports, including late-night calls in Loreto and Topolobampo. Meanwhile, the "7-Day Pacific Coast & Wine Country" voyage sails from San Diego to Vancouver, calling at Avalon, Santa Barbara and Astoria for a delicious cross-section of cuisine and culture. These are opportunities to travel deeper, not just farther.

With cruises now open for booking into 2027, it’s a great time to begin planning your next voyage. The Holland America Line Mexico and Pacific Coast season offers itineraries that blend exploration with ease, and adventure with comfort. Whether you're dreaming of breaching whales in Alaska, forested islands in British Columbia or spicy ceviche in Puerto Vallarta, there's an itinerary to match.

Visit our Cruise Finder to browse the full selection of Holland America sailings for this season.

Book Your Sunshine-to-Rainforest Adventure Today

With the added perks of the "Have It All" Early Booking Bonus—including shore excursions, specialty dining, and premium Wi-Fi—these itineraries won’t stay secret for long. Plus, Mariner Society loyalty members can receive up to  USD $400 (AUD $612) onboard credit per stateroom when booked by 28 May 2025.

Reach out to us at S.W. Black Travel to explore your options, secure your preferred stateroom, and enjoy a seamless planning experience from start to sail. Let’s make your next cruise one that truly savours the journey. Contact us today to get started.