If you're dreaming of exploring the stunning coastlines of Mexico and the Pacific Northwest, Holland America Line has just announced their 2026-2027 cruise lineup that deserves your immediate attention. As west coast cruise enthusiasts, we're particularly excited about these new itineraries that blend popular destinations with rarely-visited gems along our favorite coastlines.
Questions
What West Coast Cruises Have You Been On?
Let's Book A Cruise!
Key Points
Holland America's 2026-2027 Mexico and Pacific Coast cruises offer unmatched access to rare wildlife habitats, hidden Mexican coves, and pristine rainforests with expertly crafted itineraries that showcase the best of West Coast destinations.
- Sail through British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest to spot the elusive white Kermode "spirit bear" on Holland America's 7-day roundtrip voyages from Seattle.
- Experience extended port stays including late-night calls in Loreto and unique visits to rarely-accessed Mexican ports like Santa Rosalia, Guaymas, and Topolobampo.
- Choose from 11 Pacific Coast itineraries ranging from quick one-day getaways to full week adventures aboard five premium ships, with many featuring an overnight in San Francisco.
- Take advantage of early booking bonuses including up to $400 onboard credit for Mariner Society members when booking by May 28, 2025.
Mexico Beyond the Ordinary
Holland America's expanded Mexico season introduces longer cruises (up to 12 days!) sailing from San Diego aboard the Koningsdam and Zaandam. With 16 departures spread across eight different itineraries, these voyages go beyond typical Mexican Riviera stops to explore the Baja Peninsula and the stunning Sea of Cortez.
What caught our eye is the inclusion of Loreto, Mexico in several itineraries - a charming coastal town that's often overlooked by larger cruise ships. The expanded 10-day "Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez" itinerary even features a late-night call in Loreto, giving guests ample time to explore this historic mission town.
Shore excursion highlights include:
- Full-day tours to Colonial Villages of the Sierra Madre from Mazatlan
- Catamaran snorkeling at the secluded Majahuitas Cove (accessible only by sea!)
- Hiking to Cola de Caballo waterfall from the fishing village of Yelapa
For those seeking an extended journey, the 12-day "Historic Baja Peninsula" itinerary visits eight ports including lesser-known gems like Santa Rosalia, Guaymas, and Topolobampo.
Pacific Coast Treasures
The Pacific Coast offerings include 11 distinct itineraries ranging from quick one-day getaways to week-long adventures aboard five different ships. These cruises sail from key west coast hubs - San Diego, Seattle, and Vancouver - with calls at beloved coastal towns like Astoria, Oregon; Santa Barbara, California; and select voyages featuring overnight stays in San Francisco.
Great Bear Rainforest: The Crown Jewel
Without question, the most intriguing offering is the 7-Day Great Bear Rainforest voyage aboard Noordam, sailing roundtrip from Seattle. While we've done inside passage cruises to Alaska in the past, I've always looked at the shoreline and wondered what it would be like to stop and explore this unique and unexploited part of Canada. Well now we can. This remarkable itinerary includes:
- Sailing through British Columbia's fjord-like waterways
- Opportunities to spot rare wildlife, including the elusive white Kermode "spirit" bear
- Navigation through the historic Inside Passage, including Bella Bella and Grenville Channel
- Calls at Ketchikan, Alaska and several charming British Columbia ports
This particular cruise, offered in October and April, provides access to one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in the world - an experience typically reserved for much smaller expedition vessels.
Pacific Coast Season Highlights
- Ships: Sail aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam or Zaandam
- Departure Points: Choose from roundtrip Seattle or San Diego; or one-way between Seattle or San Diego and Vancouver
- Quick Getaways: Several one-day "Pacific Northwest" cruises between Vancouver and Seattle offer a perfect taste of Holland America's experience
- "Pacific Coast" Voyages: 4-6 day cruises between San Diego and Vancouver calling at destinations like Victoria, San Francisco, Avalon, and Santa Barbara
- Wine Country Experience: The 7-day "Pacific Coast and Wine Country" itinerary from San Diego to Vancouver includes Victoria, Avalon, Santa Barbara, California and Astoria, Oregon
- California Coastal: The 7-day "Classic California Coast" sails roundtrip from San Diego with calls at Avalon, an overnight in San Francisco, and a visit to Ensenada
Mexico Season Highlights
- Ships: Two vessels serve the Mexico routes - Koningsdam and Zaandam
- Departure Options: Cruises operate roundtrip from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver
- Mexican Riviera Classic: 7-day itineraries featuring the golden trio of Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Mazatlan, Mexico
- Baja Peninsula Exploration: 7-day voyages with stops in Pichilingue (La Paz), Loreto and Cabo San Lucas
- Extended Discoveries: The 10-day "Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez" combines all ports from both 7-day itineraries with a late-night stay in Loreto
- Hybrid Itineraries: An 11-day "Mexican Riviera and Pacific Coast" cruise connects San Diego and Vancouver via Mexico's best ports and California coastal gems
- Ultimate Mexico: The 12-day "Historic Baja Peninsula" features eight ports including unique calls at Santa Rosalia, Guaymas, and late-night stays in both Loreto and Topolobampo, Mexico
Early Booking Offers
For those looking to secure their spot, Holland America is offering some compelling early booking incentives:
- Their "Have It All" premium package temporarily includes free prepaid crew appreciation and upgrades to Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi
- Mariner Society loyalty members can receive up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when booking by May 28, 2025
Are You Ready To Explore The West Coast With Holland America Line?
As dedicated West Coast cruise enthusiasts, we're thrilled to see Holland America leveraging its regional expertise to craft these unique itineraries. The combination of extended port stays, lesser-visited destinations, and passage through spectacular waterways like the Great Bear Rainforest demonstrates why Holland America continues to be a top choice for exploring our magnificent coastlines.
Whether you're drawn to the sun-drenched beaches of Mexico's Sea of Cortez or the misty rainforests of British Columbia, these new itineraries offer something truly special for west coast cruise lovers.
For more information about these cruises, please complete our cruise form or contact Heather Hills from Flow Voyages, our preferred Travel Advisor partner. Heather can help you book one of these exciting West Coast cruise itineraries and ensure you get the best possible experience.
Thanks for reading. We hope this was helpful!
Why stop now?
Participate In Our Polls | Ask or Answer A Cruise Question | Contact Heather to Book Your Next Cruise!
