From Southern California, it’s a short haul by sea to the storied western shores of Mexico. Leaving Los Angeles and San Diego, cruise ships ply the gentle Pacific along the same routes as the gray whales that make their annual migratory journeys between Alaska and the lagoons of Baja California. Yes, you will likely see whales on your Mexican Riviera cruise, particularly if you sail during the peak winter months. And you’ll have ample opportunity on and off the ship: Whale-watching excursions are offered throughout the region. Read more...(396 words, 1 image, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)
From San Diego and Los Angeles, it’s a short journey by sea to the storied cities and sites along Mexico’s western shore.
A Mexico cruise is where Tecate (one of the national beers) and tequila meet marine life and cacti — and where seven- and 10-day sailings expose travelers not only to marine wonders but also to Mexican culture. Mixed among such shoreside activities as swimming with dolphins and sport-fishing are cooking classes where participants learn to make six types of salsa before being instructed in salsa dancing. Read more...(307 words, 1 image, estimated 1:14 mins reading time)
Silver Spirit, the newest ultra-luxury ship from Silversea Cruses, will make her maiden voyage next January a memorable one. The 91-day Grand Voyage will certainly be special, as any maiden voyage is, but to celebrate the arrival of its new ship, Silversea is lining up an array of celebrity guest speakers for onboard presentations, complimentary excursions and other exclusive onshore events designed to showcase local cultures as well as entertain guests. Read more...(697 words, estimated 2:47 mins reading time)
Peripheral expenses during a summer voyage with Disney Cruise Line just went down substantially as the line has announced a spending credit for guests booking a veranda stateroom. Also, leveraging its relationship with the Disney Channel, the cruise line is bringing some of its popular young stars on board for several summer sailings on the Disney Wonder. Read more...(349 words, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)
Swine-flu fears and the threat of epidemic have subsided sufficiently that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lifted an advisory warning against nonessential travel to Mexico. During the past few weeks, more than three dozen ships rearranged their schedules to avoid Mexico, which points to the flexibility of a cruise vacation, where the ship can avoid regional problems that may crop up. For instance, the Disney Magic canceled calls to Cozumel in May and replaced them with visits to the Bahamas. Disney Magic’s next scheduled call to Cozumel is two weeks off, and Disney, which is certainly monitoring health news as well as pulic perception, has not indicated any changes in its plans. Read more...(257 words, estimated 1:02 mins reading time)
Don’t forget your passport, even if you are an American cruising to your friendly neighbors in Canada, the Caribbean or Mexico. New rules require passports, and your border crossings are likely to go smoother, too. It may sound counterintuitive, but officials say that border crossings actually move along faster when passports are required, and as of June 1, passports – or the new passport ID card – will be required for returning Carribean, Mexico and Canada cruise passengers, even U.S. citizens.
Good news for family cruising as shipyard construction continues in Germany on two new ships for Disney Cruise Line, and the first pieces of steel — including a mouse silhouette, appropriately enough — have been cut and are being assembled. Read more...(233 words, 1 image, estimated 56 secs reading time)
I’ve been corresponding with Bonnie Childs while on Regent Seven Seas Mariner. Many of you know Bonnie. She’s one of the extremely dedicated cruise consultants for Cruise Specialists. She’s also a dedicated grandmother, and she knows a thing or two about cruising with families, as she’s cruised with her own family. Yesterday, Bonnie shared this cute story with me about cruising with her grandsons. Read more...(498 words, 1 image, estimated 1:60 mins reading time)
Fifteen nautical miles off the coast of Baja California, Holland America Line’s Oosterdam is making 21 knots toward San Diego. For the more than 1,800 passengers on board, seven days of ocean cruising ends tomorrow. The excitement on the last full day at sea, however, is as palpable as it has been on preceding days. Dolphin and whale sightings send spectators scurrying to the over-sized windows in Windstar Cafe, the ship’s coffee and pastry shop. Each time a whale blows its spray, a chorus of oohs and aahs competes against the steamy hiss of the espresso machine. Read more...(306 words, estimated 1:13 mins reading time)
