Holland America Line, a leader in cruising in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, has announced the opening of its 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast seasons. The seasons will run from August 2025 to May 2026, offering a range of cruises from one day to a 29-day Collectors’ Voyage.
The season’s highlight is the new seven-day “Great Bear Rainforest” itinerary, a rarely cruised route that reveals the beauty of British Columbia, Canada. This itinerary, which hasn’t been offered in decades, showcases a distinct take on cruising in this region.
Departing on 5 October 2025 and 19 April 2026 aboard Noordam, travellers seeking a more intimate experience can become immersed in the culture, nature, and rare wildlife of Ketchikan, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Victoria, British Columbia.
“This in-depth exploration of the Pacific Northwest takes guests through the historic Inside Passage, sailing through some of the most confined waters our ships have ever sailed,” said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and revenue planning for Holland America Line. “This is the true Inside Passage, the storied route between Seattle and Alaska that ships have been sailing since as far back as the gold rush era. It is a first for our company to plan a sailing focused on this fjord-like waterway that maximizes daylight transit to allow the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.”
The “Great Bear Rainforest” itinerary calls at Ketchikan before heading south to explore ports in British Columbia thoroughly. The ship overnights in Prince Rupert before scenic cruising in Greenville Channel, past the First Nation’s village of Bella Bella, Johnstone Strait, and Seymour Narrows. While cruising, guests can view wildlife like whales, eagles, and the rare Kermode bear — also known as the spirit bear. A maiden call to Nanaimo and a visit to famous Victoria allow guests to deeply explore many different communities in British Columbia.
Holland America Line’s Mexico season provides the perfect escape for those seeking fun under the sun. Cruises are roundtrip from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver, taking travellers to Mexico’s iconic ports like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta while also granting access to even more of the Sea of Cortez with calls at Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, Mexico.
“Our Mexico cruises are favourites among many guests due to the incredible weather and beautiful landscapes, with ports boasting on average 300 days of sunshine a year,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “And there’s so much more to experience beyond the scenery. Guests can delve deep into the region’s culinary delights through shore excursions while enjoying local fresh fish like yellowfin tuna on board.”
The 2025-2026 Pacific Coast Season will feature cruises on Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, and Zaandam. Itineraries are roundtrip Vancouver, Seattle or San Diego, and between Seattle or San Diego and Vancouver. Several one-day “Pacific Northwest” getaways between Vancouver and Seattle offer a quick taste of Holland America Line. “Pacific Coastal” itineraries are four, five, and six days and sail between San Diego and Vancouver.
The “Pacific Coastal” itineraries will sail between San Diego and Vancouver, ranging from four to six days. The four-day itinerary features a call at Avalon or Santa Barbara, while the five-day itinerary visits San Francisco. The six-day itinerary includes an overnight stay in San Francisco.
The seven-day “Great Bear Rainforest” itinerary is a roundtrip from Seattle, calling at Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo (maiden call), and Victoria. This unique itinerary offers travellers an intimate experience with these regions’ culture, nature, and rare wildlife.
For those seeking a quick getaway, a four-day “California Retreat” sails roundtrip from San Diego, departing on 21 October 2025, and calls at Ensenada, Avalon, and Santa Barbara. Another four-day itinerary, departing from Vancouver on 29 April 2026, calls at Astoria and Victoria.
The “Wine Country and Pacific Northwest” itinerary sails from San Diego to Vancouver. The six-day cruise includes Victoria and an overnight stay in San Francisco. The seven-day itinerary adds Avalon and Astoria and extends the call in Victoria to a late-night departure.
The 2025-2026 Mexico Season will be offered on Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam ships. Cruises are roundtrip from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver. The seven-day “Mexican Riviera” cruises feature Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cabo San Lucas. The seven-day “Baja Peninsula” itinerary visits La Paz, Loreto, and Cabo San Lucas.
The 10-day “Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez” itinerary includes all five ports on the seven-day itinerary and features a late-night call-in Loreto. The 11-day itinerary adds Manzanillo, Mexico, and the 12-day itinerary adds scenic cruising in Bahia Magdalena.
For a limited time, guests who book select 2025-2026 Pacific Coast and Mexico cruises with the “Have It All” premium package will receive standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package, and Surf Wi-Fi. They will also enjoy the added perk of free prepaid Crew Appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi.
With these diverse itineraries, Holland America Line offers travellers unforgettable experiences, whether they’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.
The post Holland America Line Unveils 2025-2026 Mexico and Pacific Coast Seasons first appeared on Stray Nomad Travel News.
