Holland America Mexico Cruise Itineraries Take on Topolobampo, Copper Canyon
September 15, 2005
Popularity in Western Mexico travel has increased enormously in the past couple of years with the entrance of several new ships to the west coast cruising territory. Though a much more modest market, Western Mexico's growth rate is largely outpacing that of the Caribbean market.
It used to be just regional west coast travelers that were interested in Mexican cruises for quick, accessible vacation getaways. Now, the new ships and new itineraries are appealing to cruisers nationwide, seeking something a little different from the usual Caribbean cruise.
Leading the pack, you might say, of cruise lines in the "newest and best" category is the Holland America Mexico cruise. Eight Holland America Mexico cruise itineraries are hitting the new port of Topolobampo this year and more are planned for 2006.
Topolobampo is Mexico's gateway to Copper Canyon, one of the greatest scenic and cultural journeys in the Western Hemisphere. Sculpted by a natural, ongoing erosion process (60 million years in the making), Copper Canyon is best experienced by train.
The Holland America Mexico cruise offers a rugged, full-day adventure aboard a privately chartered train through the magnificent Sierra Madre Mountain range. Only accessible by rail, this scenic chasm is four times the size of the Grand Canyon. Though it may appear to be a simple trek from the city of Chihuahua to the city of Los Mochis, it is in fact an exploration of some of the world's most remarkable scenery, holding the most primitive aboriginal culture left in North America.
"It's something that's really different from what others are offering," said Rick Meadows, HAL's senior vice president of sales and marketing.
But Topolobampo is not the only thing different about a Holland America Mexico cruise. Holland America Line has also come up with a series of 10-day Baja California cruises that include Topolobampo as well as stops in Pichilingue (near La Paz) and Loreto, both gorgeous vacations ports perfect for outdoor adventure activities like snorkeling, biking, horseback riding and visiting various cultural attractions.
The ms Ryndam, on return from a summer in Alaska, will be sailing the eight Holland America Mexico cruise itineraries this fall. The Ryndam's 10-day Mexican Riviera/Sea of Cortez round-trip cruise out of San Diego, CA stops in the Mexican ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Topolobampo, Loreto, Pichilingue/La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas. In 2006, the ms Zaandam will be in service for Holland America Mexico cruise itineraries.
Both ships have recently received all the special enhancements that come along with the cruise line's "Signature of Excellence" initiative.
For more information on these or other cruises, or to book a Holland America Mexico cruise, please call one of our Cruise Specialists at 888-267-1232.
Sources:
www.travelweekly.com
