Holland America Line's 2025-2026 to Explore Mexico, Pacific Coast

Caribbean News…
17 March 2024 6:47pm
Holland America

Holland America Line opened its 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons, including longer calls at unique ports like Mexico's Loreto and Topolobampo, and a new seven-day Great Bear Rainforest itinerary — a rarely cruised route that reveals the beauty of British Columbia, Canada. Cruises run from August 2025 to May 2026 and range from one day up to a 29-day Collectors' Voyage.

Holland America Line has long been known as a leader in cruising in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, and a seven-day "Great Bear Rainforest" itinerary that hasn't been offered in decades showcases a distinct take on cruising in this region. Departing Oct. 5, 2025, and April 19, 2026, aboard Noordam, travelers seeking a more intimate experience can become immersed in the culture, nature and rare wildlife of Ketchikan, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, Nanaimo and Victoria, British Columbia.

"This in-depth exploration of the PNW takes guests through the historic Inside Passage, sailing through some of the most confined waters our ships have ever sailed, said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line.  "This is the true Inside Passage, the storied route between Seattle and Alaska that ships have been sailing since as far back as the gold rush era.  It is a first for our company to plan a sailing focused on this fjord-like waterway that maximizes a daylight transit to allow best opportunities for wildlife sightings," added Grigsby.

The roundtrip from Seattle, Washington, "Great Bear Rainforest" itinerary calls at Ketchikan before heading south to thoroughly explore ports in British Columbia. The ship overnights in Prince Rupert before scenic cruising in Greenville Channel, past the first nation's village of Bella Bella, Johnstone Strait and Seymour Narrows. While cruising, guests can view wildlife like whales, eagles and the rare Kermode bear — also known as the spirit bear. A maiden call at Nanaimo and visit to popular Victoria give guests the opportunity to deeply explore many different communities in British Columbia.

Ten additional itineraries along the Pacific Coast highlight the region's stunning scenery and sail from San Diego, California, to Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Cruises call at popular ports like Astoria, Oregon; Santa Barbara, California; and Ensenada, Mexico; and select itineraries feature an overnight in San Francisco, California.

For those seeking some fun under the sun, Holland America Line's Mexico season provides the perfect escape. Cruises are roundtrip from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver, taking travelers to Mexico's iconic ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, while also granting access to even more of the Sea of Cortez with calls at Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, Mexico. Late-night calls on select itineraries allow guests to discover historic sites in Loreto and take in Topolobampo's dramatic scenery.

"Our Mexico cruises are favorites among many guests due to the incredible weather and beautiful landscapes, with ports boasting on average 300 days of sunshine a year," said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. "And there's so much more to experience beyond the scenery. Guests can delve deep into the culinary delights of the region through shore excursions, while also enjoying local fresh fish like yellowfin tuna on board."

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Pacific Coast Season

  • Cruises on Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Zaandam.
  • Itineraries are roundtrip Vancouver, Seattle or San Diego; and between Seattle or San Diego and Vancouver.
  • Several one-day "Pacific Northwest" getaways between Vancouver and Seattle offer a quick taste of Holland America Line.
  • "Pacific Coastal" itineraries are fourfive and six days and sail between San Diego and Vancouver. The four-day features a call at Avalon or Santa Barbara and the five-day visits San Francisco; the six-day overnights in San Francisco.
  • "Great Bear Rainforest" is seven days roundtrip from Seattle and calls at Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo (maiden call), and Victoria.
  • A four-day "California Retreat" sails roundtrip San Diego departing Oct. 21, 2025, and calls at Ensenada, Avalon and Santa Barbara.
  • A four-day itinerary roundtrip from Vancouver departing April 29, 2026, calls at Astoria and Victoria.
  • "Wine Country and Pacific Northwest" is from San Diego to Vancouver. The six-day cruise includes Victoria and San Francisco (overnight); the seven-day adds Avalon and Astoria, and extends the call in Victoria to a late-night departure.
  • "Classic California Coast" is seven days roundtrip from San Diego and calls at Avalon, San Francisco (overnight) and Ensenada.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 Mexico Season

  • Two ships offer Mexico itineraries: Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam.
  • Cruises are roundtrip from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver.
  • Seven-day "Mexican Riviera" cruises feature Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas.
  • The seven-day "Baja Peninsula" itinerary visits La Paz, Loreto and Cabo San Lucas.
  • The 10-day "Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez" itinerary includes all five of the ports on the seven-day itineraries and features a late-night call in Loreto; the 11-day adds Manzanillo, Mexico; the 12-day adds scenic cruising Bahia Magdalena.
  • The 11-day "Mexican Riviera and Pacific Coast" cruise departs San Diego, calling at Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan before heading north, calling at Avalon and ending at Vancouver.
  • The 12-day "Historic Baja Peninsula" includes eight ports: Santa Rosalia, Guaymas, Loreto (late-night call), Topolobampo (late-night call), La Paz, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.
Back to top