11-day Mexican Riviera & sea of Cortez

Your voyage begins in San Diego, California. Known as a place of infinite beauty, affectionate locals and endless sunshine, San Diego has become one of America's favorite cities. Located in the southwest corner of California, close to the border of Mexico, San Diego has a distinct cross-cultural feel, part sun-drenched Mediterranean atmosphere, part south-of-the-border zest and part quintessential California beach town.The history of San Diego is rooted in its Spanish and Mexican past. San Diego was declared the capital of upper and lower Baja only four years after Mexico gained its independence in 1821. Less than thirty years later, the United States declared war on Mexico and within two years the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo was signed creating the current borders between Mexico and the United States.The city continues to prosper with a population exceeding one million. World-renowned attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, the Salk Institute, Sea World, La Jolla and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge have created a strong tourism industry for the area. But undoubtedly what attracts visitors from around the world is the city's breathtaking natural beauty, superb coastline and near-perfect weather.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Koningsdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Continue your voyage aboard Koningsdam with a leisurely day at sea.

Manzanillo's history as a resort on the Mexican Riviera is brief. But the port's history is as old as the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Cortes first espied the harbour in 1522, when he chose the bay as the site for a shipyard. The city's maritime heritage continues to this day: Manzanillo is the largest commercial port on Mexico's Pacific Coast. What draws travellers, however, is the bay's scenic beauty: jungle-laden mountains rise above rocky coves and golden-sand beaches. The offshore waters offer superb diving - and some of the finest fishing in the world.For decades, Manzanillo has been a secret destination for fishermen. The offshore waters teem with 70 species of game fish. One can fish for sailfish and dorado year-round.

Puerto Vallarta was sleepy no more; its transformation into an international resort had begun. Then director John Huston chose the village as the location for his film "Night of the Iguana," starring Richard Burton. Today, the city has its own "Gringo Gulch," a haunt of the rich and famous. Travelers are also drawn by its climate, its excellent shopping - which offers great values on leather goods, jewelry, and handicrafts - and mile after mile of palm-lined beaches.

A second day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - time to explore at your own pace.

Lying just below the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlan boasts a superb year-round climate. Mazatlan, a name that means "Place of the Deer," sits on a peninsula at the feet of the rugged Sierra Madre, and the Cerro de Neveria - "Ice Box Hill" - divides the area's rocky Pacific beaches from the broad, white-sand beaches beloved by visitors. The climate, the beaches, and the world-class sportfishing have turned this commercial fishing port into one of the world's top resort destinations. Yet while visitors flock to the markets, bathe in the sun, or marvel at the airborne ballet of the famed Papantla dancers, Mazatlan remains one of Mexico's major Pacific ports - the city exports over 40 million pounds of shrimp every year.

Another day at sea to explore the ship at your own pace.

When Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes sailed into this quiet little bay in 1535, he tried to establish a colony called Santa Cruz. He later abandoned it but, luckily, Sebastian Vizcaino arrived in 1596, renamed it La Paz and the colony has flourished ever since. Here, you'll find a playground of activities that Cortes couldn't even dream of. From a festive downtown full of attractions to sun-drenched beaches, renowned for their soft, golden sand, to warm, inviting water teeming with marine life, La Paz offers a little bit of everything for everybody. And isn't that what vacations are all about!?

Millennia ago, Cabo San Lucas was part of the Mexican mainland. Then a massive rupture of the San Andreas Fault sent the waters of the Pacific crashing into the newly formed depression, creating the Sea of Cortez and the Baja Peninsula. Lying at the very tip of Baja, where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez, Cabo San Lucas - or "Cabo" - is one of the premier resort destinations in the Western Hemisphere. Swim in the transparent waters, marvel at the wealth of marine life, relax on one of the white-sand beaches or try your hand at some of the finest sportfishing in the world.Note: Your ship will anchor in Cabo San Lucas and use launches to transport all passengers ashore.

A full day at sea - time to enjoy Koningsdam's restaurants, pools and entertainment.

Your voyage concludes in San Diego, California.