West coast cruisers will finally get the chance to experience a new port on Mexican Riviera itineraries. Holland America Line (HAL) is introducing the new port of Santa Cruise Huatulco, Oaxaca, and scenic cruising through Bahia Magdalena on select 2009 cruises. A breeding ground for migrating gray whales, Bahia Magdelena highlights the seven-day Mexican Riviera itineraries while Santa Cruz Huatulco is featured on new 12-day Pacific Mexico cruises sailing round trip from San Diego. These, and Hal’s 9- and 10-day Sea of Cortez voyages, feature optional shore excursions to Mexico’s Copper Canyon.

In 2009, the cruise line’s Mexico itineraries range from seven to 15-day duration on Ryndam and Oosterdam, most departing from San Diego.

Seven-day Mexican Riviera Sailings with Bahia Magdalena

In 2009 the 1848-passenger Oosterdam begins with one week Mexican Riviera sailings departing Saturday between Jan. 3 and Feb. 21, 2008. Sailing round-trip from San Diego, ports of call include Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta plus scenic cruising through Bahia Magdalena. From Oct. 10 through Nov. 21, 2009, Ryndam sails the same itinerary. Per person, double occupancy fares for the seven night voyages start at $599 excluding taxes and fuel supplement.

Sea of Cortez Cruises plus Copper Canyon

Sailing on ten-day voyages, the Ryndam showcases the Sea of Cortez from Feb. 3 to April 24, 2009. Sailing round-trip from San Diego, the ship visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Topolobampo, Loreto, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. Ryndam also sails on a nine-day Sea of Cortez itinerary in the fall from Oct. 24 and Nov. 28 on the same itinerary except La Paz.

Ryndam also offers two Sea of Cortez cruises between San Diego and Vancouver, both of which call at the new port of Guaymas on the Sonoran coast; a 14-day voyage departs San Diego on April 24 and a 15-day cruise sails from Vancouver on Sept. 25, 2009. Both itineraries include ports featured on the ten-day cruises plus Guaymas, the San Jose de Juaymas Mission and “El Sahuaral”, a giant cactus area.

In the fall, Ryndam makes a 12-day Pacific Mexico voyage from San Diego between Nov. 2 and Dec. 7. Ports of call are Manzanillo, Acapulco, Santa Cruz Huatulco, Zihuatanejo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

Visit Holland America’s web site for additional information.