holland america mexican riviera cruise excursions

• Work with Us
• Destinations

Holland America Mexican Riviera Cruise Review

On the first morning of our Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise husband Rob and I were thrilled as our ship slowly cruised within sight of the famous Land’s End rock formations near Cabo San Lucas at the southern point of the Baja Peninsula.

We wanted a North American destination close to our Arizona home. Holland America Line ’s Mexican Riviera round trip from San Diego fit the bill.

The Mexican Riviera cruise season runs October through April when temperatures are moderate. The 7-night cruise on the Oosterdam called on Cabo San Lucas as well as Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta on the Mexican mainland.

Cabo San Lucas lies where the Pacific Ocean meets Sea of Cortes. Massive granite arches beckon cruise ships to this colorful port.

In Cabo, we rode an excursion boat for a closer view of Land’s End arch rocks, followed by a bus ride to a scenic location for photo ops. The local tour guide shared interesting history and area information.

At Mazatlan, Rob thoroughly enjoyed the estuaries and bird watching expedition down mangrove and palm waterways to see brown pelicans, sea hawks, blue heron and other exotic waterfowl.

Mazatlan celebrates its Aztec culture. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception’s majestic twin towers dominates the narrow cobblestone streets that are typical of Mexican cities. In contrast, the more contemporary section of this city of 500,000 has wider streets, plus breweries, a casino and resorts. Newer hotels, chain stores and fast-food restaurants welcome tourists and winter residents.

As the Oosterdam docked in Puerto Vallarta, we immediately noticed a different look. This thriving tourist town has spiffed up the port area to spur tourism development with familiar American stores and eateries. Crew members appreciate the nearby Walmart.

Shore excursions in the three ports include city, shopping, cultural and whale-watching tours. Beach excursions, as well as tequila and beer tastings, are popular options. Adventuresome guests can ride horses, snorkel, zip line, parasail, or go sport fishing.

My Mazatlan city tour did a quick take on cliff divers in an area surrounded by vendors. We spent about 15 minutes visiting the Cathedral. The main attraction was a professionally choreographed Mexican Folkloric show. The tour ended with free time for lunch or shopping.

After a short shared cab ride in Puerto Vallarta, we climbed the steep steps to Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral. The beautiful interior was worth the effort. After browsing the vendors in front of the church, we strolled along the malecón, an oceanfront promenade with sculptures, street performers, shops and cantinas.

Despite news reports of violence in some parts of Mexico, we felt secure on the ship’s organized tours as well as on our own. Tour guides, bus/cab drivers and merchants were polite and treated us with respect in all three ports. Taxis were plentiful and affordable.

Fabulous food – dining aboard Oosterdam

Holland America is known for great food, and this voyage raised the bar. At the upscale Pinnacle Grill ($35 dinner, $10 lunch on sea days) our tender, juicy steaks and vegetables were cooked to perfection. A subtle light show that played on the jellyfish shapes on the ceiling enhanced the elegant atmosphere.

The bi-level main dining room offers fixed times or open dining. It boasts an extensive menu with five-course meals elegantly presented. The maître’s deftly orchestrate seating guests quickly to avoid a long entrance line. Guests also can order room service. Our complimentary room service breakfasts arrived hot and on time.

In the Lido buffet, the smiling and eager-to-please crew created a happy dining environment for guests to meet and mingle. This carried through the entire ship. The Lido buffet salad bar boasts an extensive array of fresh greens chosen by guests and served by a gloved crew member. We enjoyed starting lunch with a large bowl of our favorite healthy greens.

Holland America ships consistently receive high health inspection scores, and hand sanitation stations throughout the ship facilitate staying healthy.

On the third day of the cruise guests received simple survey forms asking what they liked, what they disliked, and what would they wanted to change. Management listed and took appropriate action.

Ample onboard activities

Formal nights—now called gala nights–have a more relaxed dress code. Wall-mounted TVs enable guests to get ship and shore excursion information in their cabins. Guests can get Internet help by taking their device to the front desk.

During the cruise guests had ample opportunities to learn about Mexican culture, heritage and cuisine. A lively Mariachi band played Mexican music, and colorful Folkloric dancers created a fiesta atmosphere.

In addition to typical spa treatments, Evergreen Spa offered a 7-day pass to its relaxing warm hydro pool with many jets to sooth aching joints and tired muscles. Spa guests in the thermal suite could also use a steam room and relax on a heated ceramic lounger with soft music and an ocean view ($149).

A Microsoft instructor taught software classes in the Digital Workshop. Guests attended exercise and craft classes, improved their cooking skills in America’s test kitchen and worshiped at daily Catholic Mass. Bridge, bingo, trivia and other games were popular pastimes. Throughout the cruise observant guests saw numerous migrating whales and playful porpoises.

Read next:  12 Things I Like About Holland America’s Koningsdam

Live music venues.

The Oosterdam offered a plethora of music from a string quartet playing recognizable classical pieces to show tunes and contemporary sounds. B.B. King’s Blues Club was a popular venue and packed for each of their three performances. Arrive early for the dueling pianos and sing-along. Aside from music, comedians, dancers and other entertainers performed every night.

Today’s cruise lines want to attract younger guests, singles and families while retaining veteran cruisers. During our voyage, generations from all backgrounds blended together. Congenial, well-trained smiling international crew members were eager to serve.

In an era of mass shootings and abrasive discourse, this cruise was a model of civility and respect. The congenial mix of guests and crew was as beautiful as the warm sunny weather.

My lasting memory was returning from the Cabo San Lucas shore excursion. Just as the tender moved in position to transfer guests back onto the ship, wave intensity increased quickly. Four skilled crew members lifted a woman in a wheelchair safely to the ship platform from the bobbing tender. We all applauded the heroic crew.

When you go

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes to navigate Mexico’s cobblestone streets, steep stairs and high curbs.

Visit: Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise for more info.

All photos: Pat Woods unless otherwise noted.

You’ll Also Love

To Europe and Beyond 2018 – Day 2 Aboard Koningsdam

Holland America Raises Gratuities…But Not Too Much

Best Things About a Cunard Queen Mary 2 Cruise

Holland America’s New Koningsdam Solo Staterooms are Here!

To Europe and Beyond 2018 – Day 7: Pinnacle Grill and a Rainbow

Carnival sunshine review and at home in port canaveral, what are you looking for.

Updated on February 25, 2019 by Sherry Laskin

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Already Booked?
• My Favorites
• 1.800.377.9383
• Email Deals
• Personal Quote

• Advanced Search

• Featured Cruise Deals

• Deals by Destination

• Deals by Cruise Line

• Deals by Departure Port

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Holiday Cruise Deals

Military Cruise Deals

• Family Cruise Deals

Popular Destinations

Australia/New Zealand

• Canada / New England

Popular Int'l Departure Ports

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Barcelona, Spain

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Reykjavik, Iceland

Southampton, England

Stockholm, Sweden

Sydney, Australia

Vancouver, British Columbia

Venice, Italy

Popular U.S. Departure Ports

Baltimore, Maryland

Boston, Massachusetts

Cape Liberty (Bayonne), New Jersey

Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida

Los Angeles, California

Miami, Florida

New York, New York

Port Canaveral, Florida

San Francisco, California

Seattle, Washington

Popular Lines

Luxury Lines

River Lines

AmaWaterways

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Avalon Waterways River Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Holland America Line

MSC Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line

Oceania Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Royal Caribbean International

Seabourn Cruise Line

Silversea Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises

Viking Expeditions

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Land Vacations

• Cosmos Tours
• Globus Journeys
• Kensington Tours
• Tauck Tours

All-Inclusive Resorts

Cruising 101

• Free Consultation

Why Cruise?

Shore Excursions

Cruising Tips

Future Cruise Credits

Photo Galleries

Specialty Cruises

Group Cruises

Business / Incentive Cruises

Events & Meetings at Sea

Private Charters

Theme Cruises

• River Cruises

Cruise Tours

Wedding Cruises

Hosted Cruises

Family Cruises

Senior Living at Sea

News & Media

Press & News

Testimonials

Social Media

Pre-registration

Passports / Visas

Travel Protection

Why Cruise Web?

Our Approach

Low Price Guarantee

Gift Certificates

Customer Service

Not sure where to start?

Talk to a travel consultant.

Expert guidance with no booking fees!

Holland America: Included Drinks, Tours, Specia...

Holland America Mexican Riviera cruises from $1,019*

Holland America Holiday cruises from $399*

• Departure Ports
• Photo Gallery

Holland America Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

Choose a vacation full of historical attractions, each focused on a different culture or ancient civilization when you cruise to Mexico with Holland America Line. Environments teeming with unique wildlife and gorgeous natural scenery can be found at just about every port. You can take an exclusive swim with friendly dolphins or learn authentic Mexican dance with some salsa in Cabo. Or, swing through the canopies in Puerto Vallarta like a monkey with a jungle zip line. Cathedrals, cuisine, and maybe a little ‘Cucaracha’—that’s the way Holland America cruises to Mexico.

View Holland America Cruises to Mexican Riviera

Things to Do on a Mexican Riviera Cruise with Holland America Line

Cruise to the vibrant cities and towns of Mexico with Holland America for a memorable vacation. Here you can learn the salsa, horseback ride through a village and learn about the Mayo tribe and their traditional crafts.

• Cabo Art and Culture (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) Visit the Art District in San Jose del Cabo. Here you’ll find several galleries where you can meet the artists and see their work. This town attracts artists from all over the world. Then get insights into the art of beer making at the Baja Brewing Company where you’ll learn about beer brewing, and you’ll learn how to taste beer and then practice your skills with three samples from the brewery.  

• Dolphin Swim and Sea Lion Show (Guymas, Mexico) Get to meet a dolphin face to face. With a trainer by your side, you’ll learn about these creatures and you’ll also learn about the difference between sea lions and seals. Then the sea lions take center stage and show off their tricks to your delight.  

• Salsa and Salsa (Mazatlan, Mexico) Just admit it, sometimes when you’re in the kitchen listening to music you do a little twist or shimmy. We’ll that’s what this salsa experience is all about! You’ll learn to make seven kinds of salsa and a margarita and then you’ll learn the steps to dancing the salsa. After the dance lesson you can feast on your creations accompanied by quesadillas, taquitos and corn chips.  

• Hidden Beaches by Sea and Horseback (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico) Explore the shores of Puerto Vallarta on an inflatable speedboat to get to the small villages of Quimixto and Pizota. Once at Quimixto you’ll hop on a horse and head out to the nearby waterfalls in Pizota. Next you’ll hit the beach where you can unwind by snorkeling or kayaking in the quiet waters.  

• Land of Zorro and Native Culture (Topolobampo, Mexico) Visit with members of the Mayo tribe as they demonstrate their traditional crafts, including pottery. Then sit back as the tribe’s people perform ancient dances for you. Then embark on a walking tour of the colonial city of El Fuerte before visiting the Hotel Posada del Hidalgo, the legendary birthplace of Zorro.  

• Los Islotes – Certified Two-Tank Scuba Dive (Pichilingue, Mexico) Snorkel or dive in the Sea of Cortez where there is a huge variety of sea life, including the Cortez angelfish, dolphins and parrotfish. During this fun excursion you’ll also take a boat ride to the sea lion colony in Los Islotes.  

Top 10 Holland America Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

• Koningsdam 14-day Mexican Riviera & Classic California Coast Departing From San Diego, California (Nov 2024 - Nov 2024)
• Koningsdam 7-day Mexican Riviera Departing From San Diego, California (Nov 2024 - Mar 2025)
• Koningsdam 14-day Classic California Coast & Baja Peninsula Departing From San Diego, California (Nov 2024)
• Koningsdam 7-day Baja Peninsula Departing From San Diego, California (Nov 2024 - Jan 2025)
• Koningsdam 10-day Mexican Riviera & Sea Of Cortez Departing From San Diego, California (Nov 2024)
• Zaandam 11-day Mexican Riviera & Sea Of Cortez Departing From San Diego, California (Dec 2024 - Apr 2026)
• Koningsdam 11-day Mexican Riviera & Sea Of Cortez Departing From San Diego, California (Dec 2024)
• Koningsdam 7-day Mexican Riviera Holiday Departing From San Diego, California (Dec 2024 - Dec 2024)
• Koningsdam 14-day Mexican Riviera & Baja Peninsula Holiday Departing From San Diego, California (Dec 2024)
• Koningsdam 14-day Mexican Riviera Wine Country & Pacific Northwest Departing From San Diego, California (Mar 2025)

Holland America Line Mexican Riviera Departure Ports

Learn more about your potential departure ports for a Mexican Riviera cruise with Holland America. Your Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise could begin in any of the following cities:

San Diego, California

Situated on the Pacific Ocean, San Diego is known for its near perfect weather, beautiful beaches and abundance of activities.

Whether it’s your cruise destination or a launching point, Vancouver is a beautiful destination in itself with a sophisticated downtown and lots of natural elements to explore.

Photo Gallery for Holland America Line Mexican Riviera Cruises

Browse our photo gallery of Mexican Riviera cruising photos from Holland America. Keep in mind, this is only a small preview of the many sights waiting for you on a Holland America Mexican Riviera cruise vacation.

Dancing in traditional costumes

Dolphin ride excursion

Horse riding along the beach in Los Cabos

Locally crafted Mexican bowls

Silhouettes of scuba divers

Los Arcos Amphitheater in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

We Make Vacation Planning Easy

With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money.

Expert guidance. No booking fees.

Find a cruise.

• All Cruise Types
• Popular Cruises
• Luxury Cruises

Vacation Deals

Destinations & ports.

• All Destinations

Cruise Lines

• Popular Cruise Lines
• Luxury Cruise Lines
• River Cruise Lines
• All Cruise Lines
• All About Cruising
• Already Booked

Follow our social media and blog for the latest cruise and travel news, including our best vacation deals.

• Monthly Newsletter

• Holland America Line

Mexican Riviera excursions

By Cruzmama , November 8, 2021 in Holland America Line

Recommended Posts

Two weeks away from our cruise!  Normally, we would book our own excursions in port, but since cruising is a bit different now should we stick to ship excursions?   For those who have recently cruised, is it safe to book a catamaran port excursion or take a water taxi on our own?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

3 hours ago, Cruzmama said: Two weeks away from our cruise!  Normally, we would book our own excursions in port, but since cruising is a bit different now should we stick to ship excursions?   For those who have recently cruised, is it safe to book a catamaran port excursion or take a water taxi on our own?

I hope you have a fantastic cruise! I am going in 1 week and am doing all ship excursions, but we usually do that. Right now especially I like the idea of having a bubble with people from the ship, though I know some of the boat tours combine with other cruise lines at times. I am sure there will be vendors selling tours in all of the ports. I will try to report back week after next when I am onboard. 

Thank you.  Have a great cruise.  Would love to hear all about it.  Please write a review if you have time.

2 hours ago, Cruzmama said: Thank you.  Have a great cruise.  Would love to hear all about it.  Please write a review if you have time.

I will be be doing a live from thread! 

12 hours ago, Cruzmama said: Two weeks away from our cruise!  Normally, we would book our own excursions in port, but since cruising is a bit different now should we stick to ship excursions?   For those who have recently cruised, is it safe to book a catamaran port excursion or take a water taxi on our own?

@Cruzmama  are you looking for suggestions?  We did the Mexican Riviera in March 2020, and in Puerto Vallarta did the excursion to San Sebastian.  I see it is still offered post-COVID, and I can highly recommend it.  When we did the tour, it was a small group of around 12 people, all from our cruise.  We stopped at a local tequila distillery, had lunch, stopped at a coffee plantation, and then to San Sebastian.  We had a great time, and would highly recommend it.

1 hour ago, leerathje said:   @Cruzmama  are you looking for suggestions?  We did the Mexican Riviera in March 2020, and in Puerto Vallarta did the excursion to San Sebastian.  I see it is still offered post-COVID, and I can highly recommend it.  When we did the tour, it was a small group of around 12 people, all from our cruise.  We stopped at a local tequila distillery, had lunch, stopped at a coffee plantation, and then to San Sebastian.  We had a great time, and would highly recommend it.   L.

Thank you.  Sounds fun!

Have been to Puerto Vallarta multiple times and IMO San Sebastian stands above any other excursion you might take.  You will, however, need to walk a short distance over uneven cobblestone streets.  

Florida_gal_50

I loved the excursion I took.  I believe it was called rare spirits in Puerto vallarta 

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Special Event: Q&A with Laura Hodges Bethge, President Celebrity Cruises
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com Summer 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 04:08 AM

LauraS · Started Friday at 10:14 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 01:31 AM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 06:04 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 09:38 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

10 of the Best Mexico Cruises to Book Right Now

Travel experts share their picks for the 10 best cruises to Mexico in 2024 and 2025.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruises

Mexico is an exciting and varied destination with white-sand beaches, dense jungles, modern cities, and ancient ruins. The large country offers coasts on the Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and the Sea of Cortez bordering Baja, along with many fascinating places to visit. A stay at one of Mexico’s luxurious resorts is one way to experience the country, but for those who want to see more than one destination, a cruise might be the way to go.

With a cruise, you can visit a variety of ports and enjoy the onboard amenities on your way to somewhere new each day. Most ships offer pools, spas, fitness centers, several dining options, and entertainment and enrichment activities — and, when you're in port, organized excursions offer a range of options, from lazy beach days to exciting adventures. Mexican cruises allow you to experience all these offerings and a laundry list of destinations with no worries about changing hotels, packing up, or getting yourself from place to place.

Pam Jacobs, a cruise specialist with TravelStore in Palos Verdes, California, points out that there's also a wide range of cruise lines available. “Depending on who is going on the cruise — whether it’s a family, couple, friends, multigenerational group — I’ll recommend a specific cruise line. Options vary from adults-only cruises to cruise ships with water parks and kids clubs.”

Meet the Expert

• Pam Jacobs is a California-based travel advisor at TravelStore, specializing in all types of cruises and rail vacations.
• Rob Clabbers is a T+L A-List travel advisor specializing in cruises and the founder of Q Cruise + Travel.
• Mary Curry is a T+L A-List travel advisor and small ship specialist with Adventure Life Journeys.

Here’s a selection of Mexico cruises showing the variety of styles, amenities, and locations available to enjoy on land and on the sea.

National Geographic Expeditions

Nano Calvo/VWPics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

With small groups of 100 or fewer guests, the Mexican cruises offered by National Geographic Expeditions are perfect for travelers who want to become immersed in the destinations they choose. The ships' small size allows them to access narrow inlets and areas close to shore, and their expansive decks offer opportunities for photographing and observing wildlife. “Non-cruisers and those who prefer nature rather than nightlife and entertainment enjoy small ship expeditions,” says Rob Clabbers.

Onboard, a team of experts ranging from naturalists to historians provide background on the wildlife, local culture, and environment. The ships offer comfortable cabins and serve fresh cuisine with ingredients inspired by and sourced from the destinations. Guests can choose daily activities of light to moderate physical impact, with options for walking, hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or biking depending on the destination. For young guests, the National Geographic Global Explorers program includes hands-on activities onboard the ship and in the field that focus on everything from observation skills to photography and maps.

The Itinerary: The Baja California: Among the Great Whales cruise boards at San Carlos on Baja’s Pacific Coast for two days in Bahía Magdalena, one of the main breeding and calving sites for gray whales, where cruisers can kayak, paddleboard, or take a Zodiac to explore. Heading south, the ship passes the southern tip of Baja before arriving at Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park with an opportunity to snorkel among the coral reefs and marine life. As the ship heads north in the Gulf of California, guests can explore birds and tropical fish among uninhabited islands before disembarking in Loreto on day eight.

UnCruise Adventures

Courtesy of UnCruise

Mary Curry tells Travel + Leisure , “For an active experience, consider a small ship cruise off the coast of Baja. Several small ship lines offer yachts under 100 passengers that include a menu of excursions — kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, paddleboarding, whale watching, and more.” Curry mentioned UnCruise Adventures as an example. “For travelers who want to truly immerse themselves in the outdoor world, a small ship Baja cruise is the only way to go!”

Both of UnCruise's current Mexican offerings take place on the Safari Voyager , which holds 66 guests. The ship was built for ease of navigating and for the humidity and heat of the tropics, with an air-conditioned lounge featuring big windows for 270-degree views. Onboard, there’s an EZ Dock kayak launch platform, a bow-mounted underwater camera, inflatable skiffs, hiking poles, snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddleboards. Guests also have access to fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a library.

The Itinerary: The round-trip Baja California’s Whales & Sealife cruise offers seven nights aboard the Safari Voyager . From the embarkation point in La Paz, guests cruise to Isla San Francisco, where they can snorkel, hike, kayak, or paddleboard to experience the rugged island. At Bahía Agua Verde, looking for birds, seals, dolphins, and whales is on the agenda along with a mule ride and visit with a local ranchero. The remaining days include more secluded islands and plenty of wildlife viewing — depending on the season, guests can see gray, fin, blue, orca, and sperm whales, along with hundreds of dolphins and many species of birds.

Royal Caribbean International

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

“For family cruises to Mexico, I often recommend Royal Caribbean," Pam Jacobs of TravelStore tells T + L. "There’s so much to do on the ships, like water slides, entertainment, and many dining options, so there’s something for all ages to enjoy." This makes Royal Caribbean great for multigenerational groups, she says, noting that their ships tend to include both adults-only areas and youth entertainment.

Navigator of the Seas , a ship that sails exclusively from Los Angeles to Mexico’s west coast, features pools, a splash pad, a surf simulator, and water slides like the Blaster aqua coaster and Riptide headfirst mat racer. Entertainment includes an ice skating show, original productions, outdoor movie nights, pool parties, live music, and an arcade. Adults have their places to relax too, like the Solarium, a pool, whirlpool, and lounge area for guests over the age of 18.

The Itinerary: Departing from Los Angeles, the Seven Night Cabo, Vallarta & Mazatlán cruise spends a day at sea before arriving in Cabo San Lucas, where guests can spend time on the beach, take a boat ride along the shore, explore the art gallery district, or sample the local cuisine. In Mazatlán, there’s the beachfront malecón , traditional old town, and shopping at the Arts & Crafts Center. Puerto Vallarta features beaches, boutiques, street food, and the Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site. After a final day at sea, the ship returns to Los Angeles.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

“Princess Cruises is obviously a longtime regular in the Mexican Riviera. We all remember the ‘Welcome to Acapulco’ announcements whenever the Love Boat docked for another adventure!” Rob Clabbers says. “They still visit there regularly, but with much more modern ships, more amenities, and more options at the destinations.”

The Discovery Princess , the third vessel designed from the ground up with Princess Medallion Class conveniences, is one of those modern ships. The Medallion, a quarter-sized wearable device, provides for touch-free boarding, keyless stateroom entry, Wi-Fi, ordering food and beverages to your location, onboard directions, and ease of finding and messaging friends on the ship.

The Itinerary: The Mexico cruises on Princess depart from either San Francisco or Los Angeles. The Seven-Day Mexican Riviera journey embarks in Los Angeles and spends the next day at sea before arriving at Cabo San Lucas, where guests can choose from 22 excursions with activity levels from easy to strenuous. Options range widely, from shopping and sailing to horseback riding, ziplining, and snorkeling. The next port is Mazatlán with similar excursions for a full day, then the ship sails on to Puerto Vallarta and spends two final days at sea before disembarking back in LA.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America

The Koningsdam , Holland America Line’s first Pinnacle Class cruise ship, specializes in the North American West Coast. The 2,650-passenger ship boasts a huge roster of amenities, including a music lounge and trivia center affiliated with Billboard and an at-sea outpost of the performance venue chain, B.B. King's Blues Club. For days at sea, there are pickleball courts (complete with tournaments and complimentary lessons), a fitness center, a casino, and activities for kids ages 3-17. Dining options include a poolside grill, a pizza restaurant, the casual Lido Market, a French brasserie, an Italian restaurant, and the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse.

The Itinerary: The Seven-Day Baja Peninsula cruise boards in San Diego and spends a day at sea before arriving in Cabo San Lucas, where guests can take a catamaran cruise, ride a horse along the beach, snorkel, or explore the shopping and arts district. The next port is La Paz, with a palm-lined malecón to stroll along and whale-watching and fishing expeditions to choose from. In Loreto, one of Mexico’s oldest cities, guests can explore the town, visit a mission or museum, snorkel, or hike in a nearby canyon. After two last days at sea, the ship returns to San Diego.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

“The Caribbean side of Mexico is often included in Western Caribbean itineraries departing from Florida or Galveston," says Rob Clabbers. "The island of Cozumel is one of the most frequently visited ports of call, so there are often a lot of ships — and cruise travelers in port. Costa Maya (near Mahahual) is on the mainland and provides convenient access to beautiful beaches and Mayan ruins."

Sailings on Celebrity ships like the Constellation offer just what Clabbers describes. The 2,184-passenger vessel splits its time between the Caribbean and the Mediterranean and offers a range of amenities, including a casino, a fitness center, an art gallery, a rooftop terrace, and a basketball court. Kids will enjoy the "Camp at Sea" program, while grown-ups can take to the adults-only solarium, featuring a pool and hot tub. Guests can also upgrade to The Retreat for an exclusive lounge, private restaurant, and spacious suite, or to Concierge Class for special amenities and services.

The Itinerary: The seven-night Grand Cayman & Mexico Cruise boards in Tampa and arrives in Costa Maya after a day at sea. There, guests can spend time on a Caribbean beach, snorkel, shop, or explore Mayan ruins. The next port is George Town on Grand Cayman, where designer boutiques, a catamaran cruise, and a snorkeling adventure are on offer. Then there’s a full day in Cozumel for exploring the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere, relaxing on the beach, shopping in San Miguel, or venturing out to the city of Tulum. The ship then returns to Tampa after a day at sea.

Courtesy of Silversea

“The Mexican Riviera is often included on Panama Canal sailings," Rob Clabbers tells T+L. "Operated by both mainstream and more luxury lines like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas, these longer trans-canal sailings between Florida and Southern California offer the advantage of the canal experience combined with a few days in the Caribbean and Mexico.”

The Silver Shadow is one of the Silversea vessels that sails this enticing route. Its continent-crossing voyages provide a variety of experiences, including the thrill of passing through the Panama Canal; port days in Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica; and the spacious suites and exceptional service of this Shadow Class luxury ship. Four restaurants, the plush Panorama Lounge, the Observation Library, a pool, a casino, cocktail lounges, a fitness center, boutiques, and a salon provide many ways to spend time during days at sea. Suites range from the 287-square-foot Vista Suite to the two-bedroom Owner’s Suite at more than 1,200 square feet, including verandas.

The Itinerary: The 18-day Cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles begins with two days at sea before the first stop in Cartagena, Colombia. Guests can explore the Old Town and enjoy the lively, historic city before another day at sea and arrival at the Panama Canal. After the memorable experience of passing through the locks for the 51-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean, passengers spend a day in Panama City. From there, it's on to Puntarenas, Costa Rica, where guests can choose between excursions like a half-day trek in a cloud forest or a jungle cruise. Four days at sea take the ship to Cabo San Lucas for a day, and the journey concludes with a day in San Diego and disembarkation in Los Angeles.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers a special perk for many of its Mexico-bound Caribbean cruises: an embarkation point in the cruise line's own Terminal V. The three-story terminal on the northwestern corner of PortMiami is an exciting place to begin a cruise, with skyline views of downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay, and Edgewater. All of Virgin's ships have some itineraries including Caribbean Mexico, but the Scarlet Lady is particularly popular in the region, since Terminal V is its year-round home port. Pam Jacobs, who has experienced Virgin Voyages cruises, notes that the line's adults-only policy is especially appealing "for groups of friends, couples, and just about anyone" — if they're 18 or older.

Onboard, guests can choose from more than 20 eateries, multiple cocktail lounges, a pool, a spa, a casino, a fitness center, and a slate of entertainment that includes live music, circus performances, karaoke, and dance parties. Cabins range from economical Insider and Sea View staterooms to RockStar and Mega RockStar quarters with marble bathrooms, terrace hammocks, in-room bars, and more. Guests who book suites have exclusive access to the Richard’s Rooftop outdoor space and a VIP entrance at the terminal.

The Itinerary: The Western Caribbean Charm Cruise begins in Miami aboard Scarlet Lady and arrives at Roatán, Honduras, after a day at sea. Guests can explore the island on an ATV tour, take a zipline adventure, ride a horse along the beach, or relax on the sandy shore. In Costa Maya the next day, options include a snorkel and glass-bottom boat tour, a kayak excursion, off-roading, or a guided visit to Mayan ruins. After a day at sea, the ship arrives in Bimini in the western Bahamas for snorkeling, diving, swimming with stingrays, or relaxing in a Bimini Beach Club cabana before returning to Miami.

Oceania Cruises

Nick Tortajada/Oceania Cruises

I cruised to Mexico on Oceania's Vista earlier this year, leaving Los Angeles for a short introductory voyage to Mazatlán — and the experience had me instantly wanting to try it again. The opulent ship has a host of beautiful spaces, including a fabulous pool deck, hot tubs, cabanas, and plenty of plush lounges.

The staterooms are comfortably furnished with minibars, spacious closets, large windows, and convenient lighting. In the 2,400-square-foot Owner’s Suite, where I was lucky enough to attend a cocktail party, it’s easy to forget you’re not in a penthouse apartment — except when you step outside to see you’re surrounded by the ocean. The suite's full-sized bar, huge walk-in closet, enormous bathtub, and lavish bathroom would make most guests want to stay in their room. But more than a dozen restaurants and cocktail lounges beckon, and, for quiet time, there’s the library. My favorite part of the cruise was an evening in the lounge named Martinis, listening to piano music and sipping (what else?) a perfect martini.

The Itinerary: The 17-Day Los Angeles to Miami Cruise aboard the Vista offers four ports in Mexico, plus five other stops and a journey through the Panama Canal. The trip starts with a day at sea after leaving Los Angeles, then explores the Mexican west coast with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanilla, and Acapulco. At those ports, guests can swim, snorkel, shop, and explore the towns and beaches. Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Corinto, Nicaragua; and Puntarenas, Costa Rica, are the next ports, with a day in each for exploring or relaxing on the beach. The thrilling passage through the Panama Canal takes the ship to Cartagena, Colombia, and then, after a day at sea, to George Town, Cayman Islands, before returning to Miami.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Pam Jacobs of TravelStore prefers the Caribbean Coast for Mexico cruises, and she pointed out that people traveling from the American East Coast have many options for boarding such voyages, including in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa, Florida; Galveston, Texas; and New Orleans. “This saves transportation dollars since they can choose the most economical departure point,” she explains. Norwegian Cruise Line offers Mexican cruises from nearly all of these locations.

Cruise aboard the Norwegian Getaway to experience the megaship life on your next trip south. A 3,903-passenger craft that was remodeled in 2020, the Getaway features five water slides, two pools, four hot tubs, a spa, a casino, and a salon. For young cruisers, there’s Entourage (for teens), Guppies Open Play (for toddlers), and a Kids Aqua Park. The variety of cuisines served onboard includes Brazilian, Japanese, Italian, French, and Chinese, and there's also a seafood restaurant, a raw bar, and several casual options. Staterooms range from economical Inside and Studio rooms to expansive Haven suites.

The Itinerary: The Seven-Day Caribbean Cruise departs from New Orleans and, after a day at sea, arrives in Costa Maya. Guests can visit a water park, explore the Kohunlich Mayan Ruins, swim with dolphins, or ride a dune buggy along the shore to the fishing village of Mahahual. The next day on Harvest Caye in Belize, options include parasailing, ziplining, fishing, or exploring on a glass-bottom boat trip. In Roatán, one of the Bay Islands of Honduras, guests can tour a wildlife preserve, learn about the Garifuna culture, relax in an overwater bungalow, or sample chocolate and local rum. The last port before a day at sea and a return to New Orleans is Cozumel, where guests can swim in a cenote, go snorkeling, enjoy some beach time, or hop on a trolley to see downtown Cozumel.

Related Articles

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Ports
• Hawaii - Mexico - Panama Canal Cruise Ports

Puerto Quetzal (Guatemala)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Hawaii - Mexico - Panama Canal

Local Time 2024-07-14 00:25

Port Puerto Quetzal cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Puerto Quetzal is the largest Pacific Ocean port of Guatemala. It is important both as a stop-off point for cruise liners and for cargo traffic. Puerto Quetzal is located in Escuintla department, alongside Puerto San Jose city, which it replaced as a port in importance to country's maritime traffic during 20th century.

After disembarkation in Puerto Quetzal , cruise ship tourists usually embark on different shore excursions and tours to Escuintla (Auto Safari Chapin zoo), La Reunion Golf Resort, and mostly to La Antigua City (Guatemala Kingdom's capital, approx 90 min bus drive). The nearest town is San Jose (approx 1 ml / 2 km to the west). For security reasons is recommended booking only cruise line organized excursions.

The port's operation hours are 8 am - 10 pm (Monday to Friday) and 8 am - 2 pm (Saturday). The port authority company is APM Terminals Quetzal - joint venture between APM Terminals (85%) and International Finance Corporation (IFC, 15%). APM Terminals invested around USD 180 million in a new container terminal, which increased the port's annual  containership cargo capacity to 340,000 TEUs (containers). In 2016, all Guatemalan cargo ports handled a combined cargo of 1,57 million TEUs, ranking the country as Central America's second (after Panama, with 2016 handled cargo of 6,25 million TEUs).

Puerto Quetzal cruise terminal

At the cruise terminal there is a market (jade museum) and vendor stalls selling locally-made souvenirs and traditional crafts.

At the cruise port there are also cafe bars, a restaurant, live music band performances.

MSC Explora Journeys introduces American itineraries (Latin America, USA & Canada Pacific Coast...

Explora Journeys, the new luxury travel brand of MSC Group (world's largest container shipping company) has unveiled its latest Destination...

Oceania Cruises launches 100 sailings in the Caribbean & Tahiti 2024-2025

Oceania Cruises has revealed its plans for the 2024-2025 season, which will include 100 voyages in the Caribbean and the Pacific. These cruises will...

Swan Hellenic launches new Antarctica and America cruises

The expedition cruise line Swan Hellenic launched 10 new itineraries for its 2022 inaugural season in response to Australia-New Zealand’s...

Celebrity Cruises returns to the Mexican Riviera in Fall 2022

Following an 8-year absence, the Royal Caribbean-owned company Celebrity Cruises returns to the Mexican Riviera with 7- and 8-night voyages...

7 Holland America Ships to Transit the Panama Canal in 2019-2020

Travelers who wish to book an affordable Panama Canal transition cruise can now choose from a total of 32 Holland America Line itineraries...

•   show more news

Protect Your Trip »

10 top christmas cruises for 2024 & 2025.

Set sail for the holidays on your next cruise vacation.

Top Christmas Cruises

Courtesy of Azamara

If you're ready for a break from holiday traditions and family gatherings at home, consider booking a Christmas cruise. What makes a better present than the chance to leave all the planning, cooking, cleaning and decorating behind – and celebrate the holidays in beautiful destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean or other countries around the world?

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can book a festivity-filled river cruise along Europe's iconic waterways and bundle up in your winter gear to explore the Christmas markets in the snow. If you prefer sunshine and warm temperatures, celebrate the holidays in an exotic locale in the South Pacific Ocean, sailing crystal-clear turquoise waters and relaxing on white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees.

Whether you prefer to stay close to home or jet off for a bucket list adventure, one of these cruises may just be the perfect gift to celebrate your holidays in style.

Find your perfect cruise

Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise

Getty Images

Put your name on the waiting list for November 2024 if you want to set sail on what Hallmark touts as the "jolliest vacation ever." The Hallmark Channel – known for its year-round holiday-themed programming with Christmas in July, Countdown to Christmas and Christmas Fridays – will host the first-ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise sailings in November 2024 from Miami to the Bahamas . Lucky fans of the television channel will travel with their favorite Hallmark stars on one of two four-night cruises on Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem during the 2024 holiday season.

Highlights of the Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise include photo opportunities and panels to meet the stars. Attend Christmas craft workshops or tastings with Hallmark's winemaker – the wines have names like Jingle (cabernet sauvignon) and Joy (sauvignon blanc). Guests can also look forward to "carol-oke" singalongs, cookie decorating, an ugly sweater contest and a world premiere viewing of the new Hallmark Channel Christmas movie "Countdown to Christmas."

AmaWaterways

Courtesy of AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways offers more than a dozen itineraries to visit the Christmas markets in 2024 and 2025 along the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube and Rhone rivers – and to see the holiday splendor of Europe's grand cities, such as Vienna , Budapest, Amsterdam and Prague. Travelers can stroll through snow-dusted medieval squares and fairytale markets. Enjoy the chalet-inspired stalls, thousands of colorful lights, festive decorations, ice skating rinks, whimsical handmade gifts, Christmas carolers, carousels and more.

The river cruise line's seven-night Iconic Christmas Markets itinerary sails from Nuremberg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary , along the Danube. It features a visit to Nuremberg's Christkindlesmarkt – one of the world's oldest and most famous Christmas markets. Sip hot mulled wine or feuerzangenbowle (a red wine and rum punch) and sample savory specialties like Nuremberg bratwurst, flammkuchen (pizza) and kartoffelpuffer (fried potato pancakes). Be sure to save room for sweet delights like schaumkuss (also known as schokokuss), a chocolate-covered marshmallow, or lebkuchen, a traditional spiced cookie.

While on board the ship, guests can participate in festivities like tree-trimming, cookie decorating, caroling and "Shoes for St. Nick." This European tradition encourages passengers to leave their slippers outside their stateroom door before bed. In the morning, they wake up to slippers filled with tasty treats like children in Europe find on Saint Nicholas Day.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrate Christmas Day at sea in the South Pacific Ocean during Celebrity's 2024 New Zealand Holiday cruise on board Celebrity Edge. This round-trip 13-night itinerary embarks on Dec. 20, 2024, from Sydney . It includes seven ports of call and five sea days. After ringing in the new year sailing between the Bay of Islands, New Zealand and Sydney, guests will disembark the ship on Jan. 2, 2025.

If you'd prefer to travel to the Canary Islands to celebrate Christmas and usher in the new year on the Mediterranean Sea in 2025, then reserve a stateroom or suite for Celebrity Cruises ' Canaries, Morocco & Spain itinerary. The 12-night voyage sails round-trip from Barcelona , embarking a few days before Christmas 2025 on Celebrity Infinity. The festive voyage features eight ports of call, including island of Gibraltar; the Moroccan cities of Casablanca and Tangier; three destinations in the Canary Islands; and Malaga, Spain.

On the ships, guests can revel in the joyous spirit of the season with festive Christmas trees, traditional holiday meals created by a Michelin-starred chef, themed shows and pop-ups, carolers, gingerbread winter villages, and even a visit from Santa. The onboard bars serve up holiday-inspired cocktails along with other seasonal favorites, including spiked apple cider and classic mulled wine. On New Year's Eve, plan to join in the merriment with fellow cruisers during the big countdown bash.

If you want to cross South Africa off your list of must-visit destinations , consider spending Christmas and New Year's Eve sailing round-trip from Cape Town on Azamara 's 15-night South Africa Intensive Voyage. The 2024 voyage departs Dec. 20 on Azamara Quest and includes stops in Port Elizabeth, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world, and Richards Bay, which is teeming with exotic wildlife and stunning landscapes. For a once-in-lifetime experience, reserve a spot on the Safari 4X4 Hippo Cruise in the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park. This protected park is a white rhino sanctuary, home to South Africa's "big five": lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and leopards.

If the Land Down Under is at the top of your list of places to visit, plan ahead for next year to spend the holidays aboard Azamara Pursuit in 2025. The line's 21-night Australia Intensive Voyage will set sail on Dec. 14, 2025, from Singapore . This extended sailing features 10 ports of call in three countries, with two overnight stays, before travelers disembark in Melbourne, Australia , on Jan. 4, 2026.

Guests on board the holiday cruises will be treated to Christmas performances, including singalongs and carols performed by the crew. There will be special menus in the restaurants, holiday-themed buffets, religious services and a tree-trimming party. Festive treats like hot chocolate, cookies and snacks are provided throughout the cruise. The New Year's Eve White Night party, where all the guests don their best white attire, will take place throughout the ships and on the pool deck with entertainment, music and light bites.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 12-day Christmas on the Main & Moselle cruise sails between Paris and Prague in 2024 and 2025. The adults-only sailing affords passengers 18 and older the opportunity to visit four European countries: France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic. In addition to browsing the chic boutiques in Paris and a variety of Christmas markets in Germany, you'll want to explore iconic landmarks like Reims Cathedral in France and the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Don't miss the famed wines produced in the regions, including Champagne, Moselle, riesling, Müller-Thurgau and gewürztraminer. In Cochem, Germany, you'll want to sample white mulled wine and regional delicacies produced from the red vineyard peach.

The holiday spirit continues on board the ships with Christmas-themed cooking demonstrations in addition to festive decorations with garland, lights and gingerbread houses. Guests will also taste regional cuisine, enjoy cultural performances on board the ship and ashore and learn about the history of the Christmas markets and local holiday traditions.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Disney Cruise Line

Kent Phillips | Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line offers dozens of Christmas-themed cruises from November through December in 2024. Cruisers looking to celebrate the holidays with Disney's cast of characters can book a Very Merrytime cruise as short as a three-night sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Bahamas . For a weeklong getaway, consider the line's seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage on board Disney Fantasy that sails round-trip from Port Canaveral. Ports of call on the itinerary include Tortola in the British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and the cruise line's private island , Disney Castaway Cay.

On the first evening of every sailing, guests can gather around the 24-foot-tall Christmas tree for the tree lighting ceremony, a holiday singalong and the introduction of Santa Claus. Other festivities on Disney Cruise Line include the fun-filled Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party, themed Very Merrytime activities for children of all ages, carol singers, and Christmas-inspired food and beverages. Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be sporting jolly new holiday attire during the special voyages.

Windstar Cruises

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Celebrate the holidays with a bucket list getaway to the sun-drenched islands of Tahiti . On this voyage, you'll set sail a few days before Christmas 2024 aboard the 312-passenger, all-suite yacht Star Breeze for Windstar's seven-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise. The round-trip sailing from Papeete, Tahiti, includes stops in the islands of Moorea, Raiatea, Motu Mahea (Tahaa), Bora Bora and Huahine. In Bora Bora, guests will be treated to a special evening Windstar Destination Discovery Event with dinner under the stars and traditional Polynesian fire dancing.

For an extended European holiday in 2025, the line's Star Collector: Winter in Spain and the Rivieras cruise sails from Malaga, Spain, to Rome on Dec. 13 aboard the intimate Star Legend. The 14-day itinerary includes ports of call in Spain, France, Italy and Gibraltar. During the cruise, you can visit must-see attractions like Michelangelo's sculpture of David in Florence and explore the historic Roman theater ruins in Cartagena, Spain. Cruisegoers will also have a chance to sample wines from the famed appellations of Tuscany in Italy and Andalusia in Spain, and taste culinary specialties like bouillabaisse in France.

On board the ships, guests can join in the holiday spirit with festive Christmas trees and decorations as well as holiday-inspired cocktails and treats. Special programming for the voyages includes a Christmas movie, a gala tea, an interdenominational Christmas service and a Christmas Eve dinner. Christmas morning brings more celebrations throughout the day, with holiday meals, a Yuletide afternoon tea and a Christmas dinner followed by a variety show in the evening.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Grab the swimsuit, flip-flops and sunglasses – and check the Panama Canal off your must-visit list – for a tropical holiday aboard Norwegian Cruise Line 's Norwegian Gem. The line's 11-day cruisetour begins Dec. 9, 2024, and includes three days to see the canal that some consider the "eighth wonder of the world" and visit vibrant Panama City. After embarking on Dec. 11, you'll transit the canal and then sail to ports in Costa Rica; Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico; and Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, before disembarking in Miami on Dec. 20.

Plan ahead to Christmas 2025 by reserving accommodations on Norwegian's newest vessel – and the first in the Prima Plus class – Norwegian Aqua. The seven-day Caribbean round-trip voyage from Miami on the new ship (scheduled to launch in April 2025) will set sail on Dec. 21, 2025. The cruise includes tropical ports of call in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay. For a special celebration, splurge on luxurious suite accommodations in The Haven. The ship-within-a-ship retreat features a private restaurant, a lounge, a sundeck, a concierge desk and 24-hour butler service.

Holiday-themed activities on Norwegian's vessels vary by itinerary and ship. Still, guests will find plenty of festive fun on board, including traditional holiday fare and holiday-inspired musical sets, trivia, and family and youth programming. Guests are invited to offer interdenominational services for fellow passengers during the sailing. You'll also find Hanukkah services listed in the Freestyle Daily Program.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Celebrate the Christmas holidays in Hawaii during Holland America Line 's round-trip Circle Hawaii Holiday voyage from San Diego on the ship Zaandam, embarking on Dec. 18, 2024. Guests aboard this voyage will sail to Honolulu, Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii as well as Kahului, Maui . You'll also get to enjoy scenic cruising at the Kilauea Volcano; visit Ensenada, Mexico; and join in the holiday festivities on the ship during relaxing days at sea.

If you've been dreaming of visiting far-flung destinations in Asia, such as Halong Bay, Vietnam, or Bangkok, Thailand – or seeing Komodo dragons in the wild in Indonesia – the 28-day Far East & Indonesian Holiday Collector itinerary will be an adventure of a lifetime. The voyage on board Westerdam embarks in Hong Kong on Dec. 7, 2025, with exotic ports of call in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. On Christmas Day, guests will visit the picturesque port town of Probolinggo on the coast of East Java in Indonesia. On New Year's Eve, the ship docks in Semarang, Indonesia; here, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Borobudur, home to an impressive Buddhist temple site dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries.

Back on board the ships, holiday celebrations include a Christmas tree lighting, Santa's arrival, a midnight mass, a Christmas concert, special menus for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and a New Year's Eve Party and countdown. There are Hanukkah festivities with candle lightings and latkes served in the Lido. Guests will also enjoy viewing the holiday villages around the ship created by Holland America's culinary team.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

For a life-changing experience and the merriest Christmas of all, spend the holiday with several species of waddling penguins, giant seals and majestic whales while visiting the ice-covered shores of the White Continent. The 10-day round-trip expedition from Puerto Williams, Chile, on Silversea 's Silver Cloud sets sail a week before Christmas in 2024 for the Antarctica Peninsula. Five days of excursions allow travelers on this Antarctica cruise to explore this surreal and magical part of the world. Weather permitting, guests will even take a Zodiac cruise with the expedition team in the South Shetland Islands the day after Christmas.

If you're planning ahead to 2025, consider a longer adventure where you'd fly the infamous Drake Passage one way from Puerto Williams (saving two days at sea) and land on King George Island in Antarctica. This 15-day expedition aboard Silver Cloud begins on Dec. 21, 2025, and features four days of excursions in Antarctica and three days in the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. You'll also spend three days in the Falkland Islands, where you'll have more chances for unforgettable wildlife encounters with black-browed albatrosses, fur seals, Commerson's dolphins, imperial cormorants, and adorable rockhopper and Magellanic penguins.

Festive touches on the ship include Christmas trees and lights, gingerbread houses, holiday arts and crafts, caroling, religious services, and musical performances by the crew and professional entertainers. Guests will also enjoy a traditional holiday dinner on Christmas Day.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts, expedition vessels, and river ships in Europe and on the Mekong River. She used her extensive knowledge and experience with the cruise industry to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Cruises on Small Ships
• The Best Themed Cruises
• The Best Christmas Lights Displays in the U.S.
• The Best Christmas Vacations

Tags: Travel , Cruises , Winter Vacations , Christmas

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Vacation packing list.

Rachael Hood July 12, 2024

Top Things to Do in Las Vegas With Kids

Holly Johnson and Amanda Norcross July 12, 2024

Top African Safari Vacations

Christine Smith and Timothy J. Forster July 9, 2024

The 5 Best Memphis Tours

Gwen Pratesi July 8, 2024

The Best Fanny Packs and Belt Bags

Marisa Méndez July 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Montana

Ben Luthi and Kelsey J. Lawrence July 3, 2024

The 4 Best Temecula Wine Tours

John Rodwan and Nicola Wood July 2, 2024

The Best Puerto Rico Tours

John Rodwan July 2, 2024

Amazon Prime Day Luggage Deals

Amanda Norcross July 2, 2024

Best Monterey Whale Watching Tours

John Rodwan and Ann Henson July 1, 2024

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Elektrostal, visit elektrostal, check elektrostal hotel availability, popular places to visit.

• Electrostal History and Art Museum

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Electrostal History and Art Museum in Elektrostal. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

• Cities near Elektrostal

• Places of interest
• Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center
• Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino
• Peter the Great Military Academy
• Bykovo Manor
• Balashikha Arena
• Malenky Puppet Theater
• Balashikha Museum of History and Local Lore
• Pekhorka Park
• Orekhovo Zuevsky City Exhibition Hall
• Ramenskii History and Art Museum
• Noginsk Museum and Exhibition Center
• Saturn Stadium

Current time by city

For example, New York

Current time by country

For example, Japan

Time difference

For example, London

For example, Dubai

Coordinates

For example, Hong Kong

For example, Delhi

For example, Sydney

Time difference between Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

Puerto vallarta, mexico, elektrostal, russia.