Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Tuesday 10 November 2026
Tucson 

We will be visiting seven ports on this 12-day cruise after spending two days in San Diego. I have previously spent time in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta and Ensenada; Will has been to Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta--so most of the ports will be new to both of us.

Cabo San Lucas--January 2007

Mazatlan--January 2007


Puerto Vallarta

January 1997

March 1984

Ensenada--November 2024


San Diego

June 1991
November 2007
 November 2013                                                                                                     

November 2019

Planned Shore Excursions  


Cabo San Lucas 

Discover Todos Santos--Join your knowledgeable English-speaking guide and board an air-conditioned coach for a trip back in time. Just north of Los Cabos, you'll find a sparsely populated region that's striking in appearance, ranging from arid desert and white-sand coves to swaying palm trees and deep blue sea. Some of the best surfing breaks in all of Mexico are found here.
    Driving north, you'll admire the contrasting coastal scenery: on one side is the Pacific Ocean; on the other is a cacti forest as far as the eye can see.
    Your destination is Todos Santos — a small village at the heart of the Cape Region, perched peacefully on the Pacific Ocean. This oasis, where surfers, fishermen, artists, and aging hippies happily coexist, is well worth the detour from Los Cabos.
    You will have time to walk through the old Jesuit mission, explore the small boutiques, glance through one of the many excellent art galleries and have lunch at a location near the famous Hotel California. Legend has it that this hotel inspired the Eagles to write their iconic song back in 1969. Wander through its moody halls and don't miss a taste of its outstanding margaritas. But be careful — it's been said that you can check out, but you can never leave.


Topolobampo

Los Mochis On Your Own--This transfer may suit you if you would like to explore on your own. It consists of a motorcoach ride from the ship to Los Mochis. You will be dropped off at a central location, and the coach escort will advise you of the pick-up time for the return journey. You will have approximately three hours to explore independently.

 

Pichilingue (La Paz)

Highlights of La Paz--Depart from Pichilingue and, as you travel to La Paz, you will see the surrounding desert as an intriguing, extremely beautiful ecosystem full of endless surprises. Over centuries, its flora and fauna have evolved endemic characteristics due to its relative isolation. Strange-looking valleys contain cardon and pitaya cacti, elephant trees and thorny chollas forming a spiny green carpet on the sandy earth. Hawks, wrens, woodpeckers, roadrunners and Xantus hummingbirds live here, as well as desert bighorn, foxes, coyotes, pumas, desert mice and squirrels.

    In La Paz (the City of Peace), follow the beautiful boardwalk to admire the sculptures that have come to symbolize the region's history and cultural treasures.

    You will also visit the Museum of Anthropology & History to see exhibits from the Sea of Cortez pearl industry and Baja California.

    Explore with your guide the lovely Cathedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz, built in 1861 atop the ruins of a 140-year-old Jesuit Mission. The cathedral's interior boasts beautiful stained-glass windows.

    At a family-owned pottery factory, browse for handmade decorative items, glazed tiles, and tableware. 


Mazatlan

Nautical Heritage by Land and Sea--A one-hour catamaran boat ride is your chance to learn about the majestic offshore islands of Mazatlán. View the lighthouse that claims to rest on the highest elevation of all the lighthouses in the world. This is where the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet--a fascinating place to explore the area's biodiversity. Enjoy unlimited beverages (soda, bottled water, margaritas and beer) onboard the catamaran as you take in the beautiful views. Admire the wildlife, as you are among pelicans, cormorants, frigate birds and sea lions.

Back on land, an air-conditioned motorcoach offers a brief orientation drive through the city of Mazatlán. See the downtown area and cultural highlights, including the cathedral, City Hall, Republic Square, and the local "shrimp ladies" lined up on the street selling their wares.

        Don't miss the cliff divers--their art is an astonishing feat of timing and is quite memorable.
    Continue along the spectacular malecón to the glamorous Golden Zone, which offers the spectacular scenery of Mazatlán's beaches and islands. You will have approximately 40 minutes of free time to find the perfect souvenir before you return to the ship


Ensenada

Ensenada Sightseeing Express by Open-Top Bus--Take this 45-minute sightseeing tour by open-air double-decker bus for a sky view of Ensenada. It's a convenient way to see some of Ensenada's most important historical buildings and monuments representing Mexico's history. 
        Pause at a lookout point and at the Ensenada sign for photos.
        You'll pass through the Old Town to catch a glimpse of some of its oldest buildings, dating to the late 1800s and early 1900s. 
        Enjoy an additional hour of free time for shopping on 1st Street before transferring back to the ship.
        Time permitting, guests wishing to stay in town to shop or explore independently are welcome to do so, but must make their own way back to the ship (a short walk).

San Diego

Debarkation Tour: San Diego Highlights and Airport Transfer--Explore the beautiful coastal landscapes, lush gardens and iconic architecture of sun-drenched San Diego.
        Traveling by motorcoach, you'll head out along the waterfront Embarcadero and through the historic downtown area. Watch for the Victorian façades of the Gas Lamp Quarter.
        Next, enjoy a walk through Balboa Park--the gem of San Diego--to take in its diverse flora, fauna, and beautifully-preserved architecture. This is the nation's largest urban cultural park and is home to museums, gardens and the San Diego Zoo.
        Heading north, you'll come to the seaside village of La Jolla (pronounced la-hoya)--a genuine treasure with its quaint small-town atmosphere, picturesque coastline and sea lion rookeries.
        You'll return to San Diego and head straight to the Old Town. This area is known as the birthplace of California. Some free time here allows you to wander among the historical architecture, artisan shops and intriguing craft galleries.
    Your morning concludes with a transfer to San Diego International Airport.