Tall ships and cruise ships line the port of San Diego, as Travelweek and fellow cruise passengers swiftly make their way through Terminal B to board Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam, to sail south to Mexico, on an itinerary circling the Baja Peninsula.

As one of the Holland America’s Culinary Ambassador cruises, this seven-day sailing features Holland America culinary ambassador Ivy Mix, entrepreneur, bartender and author of ‘Spirits of Latin America’, hosting seminars and tastings throughout this cruise.

All aboard 

Transfers from San Diego International Airport to the cruise port are about 15 minutes, with the port adjacent to downtown.

Recommendations for cruise clients arriving early in San Diego? Visit recently restored Hotel del Coronado, which opened all the way back in 1888. Wander the popular San Diego Zoo. Or head to the Little Italy neighbourhood for its dining and shopping.

Passengers are welcomed to Nieuw Amsterdam’s staterooms with amenities including twice daily housekeeping (keep an eye out for cute towel creatures at bedtime), two spacious closets, bathroom with tub and shower, mini-fridge and Elemis bath amenities.

For VIP clients, suggest an upgrade to The Retreat, available on seven Holland America ships including Nieuw Amsterdam, which can be added for the day or a week-long pass. This exclusive outdoor area includes private cabanas, dedicated staff, breakfast, lunch and impromptu perks throughout the day including chilled water, fresh fruit, sparkling wine and ice cream.

Port days with Holland America´s Travel Guides 

With numerous tours for off-ship exploring, there’s a new resource clients can access onboard: Holland America’s Travel Guide, a position reintroduced this fall as a destination expert for passengers.

Travelweek connected with Travel Guide, Emryn Hogue, a naturalist and science writer, for an informative chat.

“I have a really fun job — I’m arming people with the kind of information they need while they’re out enjoying the ports,” explained Hogue.

She has insights for cruise daytrippers on a range of subjects, from visiting hours at a historic church, reminding guests about using electrolytes for hydration to details on the shore birds they may have spotted.

Hogue provided several complimentary onboard info options for passengers, including …

• Q&A sessions – A group session hosted for questions and answers about the itinerary and planning options for the next port
• Port talks – Compiled with multiple sources reflecting the itinerary, there are also ‘up close’ talks and multimedia lectures. On the Baja itinerary, there was a history of cliff diving and pearl diving and Ancient Empires, focused on Indigenous, Aztec and Inca peoples.
• Desk hours – One-on-one chats to help passengers with specific questions for each port, ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to ask their question in a group setting, or who are looking for a more detailed discussion. On the sailing, desk hours were hosted in the Crow’s Nest, the deck 11 lounge which includes the games room, art studio and Shore Excursions desk.
• Assistance – Working with the Cruise Director and fellow crew, Hogue is on hand for Sail Away, Orange Party and other on-board festivities.

They also asked Hogue for her tips for Baja exploring …

• Cabo San Lucas – Go snorkelling or scuba diving, visit the famous arch and have lunch in San Jose del Cabo
• Pichinlingue/La Paz – Choose a tour on pearl farming, visit Isla Espiritu Santo, wander the Archeological and Whale Museums and walk the Malecon
• Loreto – Explore the town’s main street’s restaurants and shops, head off to a local beach or tour to nearby islands Isla Danzante or Isla Carmen

Onboard distractions 

There’s a long list of amenities on this Signature Class ship: eight dining options, five bars, live music venues including the Rolling Stone Lounge and Billboard Onboard, multiple pools, the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, outdoor games, tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, just to name a few.

The Crow’s Nest is a highlight for quiet mornings and lively happy hours, providing extensive seating for passengers to read, play board games or watch sports. The Art Studio offers a wide range of art classes from calligraphy to origami. Specific to Mexican itineraries are the Mexican Ambassadors,  showing passengers how to make papel picado, colourful Mexican banners or a pinata, a decorated paper animal, as well as share history, tradition and culture through onboard lectures.

Culinary offerings a la Mexicana 

On the sailing, the elegant two-level Dining Room showcased a Mexican brunch and an afternoon tea, featuring Mexican faves such as chilaquiles and churros. Fast casual eats from Lido Market on this sailing included daily specials such as a taco stand and a seafood boil. Good to know: the popular ‘Cake Me Away’ event offers multiple cake options during a sea day for a sweet afternoon.

Nieuw Amsterdam includes four upscale dining options with reservations required and an additional charge: Pinnacle Grill (steakhouse) Tamarind (Asian), Morimoto by Sea (Japanese) and Canaletto (Italian). Two much-loved fast casual options are New York Pizza, and Dive-In.

Shaking things up with Ivy Mix 

Holland America culinary ambassador Ivy Mix has been creating cocktails for Holland America’s Latin American itineraries for the past two years, featured in the Pinnacle Bar and Ocean Bar. Sharing her knowledge about tequila and mezcal production during tasting classes, Mix regaled the crowd with stories and tips while she and the ship’s bartenders shook up cocktails in unison.

Having lived in Latin America and as the current owner of NYC’s Whoopsie Daisy and Fiasco! Wine & Spirits, Mix’s consummate knowledge of flavours and ingredients were invaluable for a highlight dining moment on this cruise: a collaboration with Pinnacle Grill chefs for a one night only five course tasting menu paired with cocktails, reflecting distinct ingredients and palate-pleasing flavours of Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Peru.

With itineraries showcasing onboard and on-shore opportunities to be happily immersed in Mexican culture, food and traditions, Holland America is offering passengers more ways to enjoy and learn while on vacation.

Onboard Holland America’s Volendam this year, three portions of the vessel’s 2026 Grand World Voyage feature three of the cruise line’s culinary ambassadors: Master Tea Blender Steven Schwartz, Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Chef Ethan Stowell.

Holland America’s 2026-2027 schedules in Mexico include: 16 departures, with eight itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days featuring Koningsdam and Zaandam and sailing roundtrip from San Diego or open jaw between San Diego and Vancouver. The seven day Baja itinerary includes Cabo San Lucas (a booming destination from the Canadian market), Pichilingue/La Paz and Loreto.

Recommendations from the crew 

Ever wondered what spots on the ship are favourites for the Holland America crew?

Here’s a list of insider tips from the dedicated team onboard Nieuw Amsterdam …

• F&B Director, Ronny Pieter van Vliet & Assistant Hotel General Manager, Cliff Strerath: Ocean Bar, “for the lively atmosphere, great music, and cocktails,” says Sterath
• Executive Housekeeper, Balaji Kannaiyan: “Sea View Bar for the stunning views”
• Manager Onboard Marketing, Aylin Oliveira Buffone Gondin, & Entertainment Director, Oleksandr Zaichuk: The Crow’s Nest, “for its quiet and panoramic views,” says Buffone Gondin
• Guest Services Manager, Melanie Embing: “World Stage for the amazing shows”
• Hotel General Manager, Jessica Schumann & Beverage Manager, Cyril Alexander: Tamarind Bar. “It’s a hidden gem if you are looking for a place aways from all the hubbub that has beautiful views,” says Schumann

Source: Travelweek