Day 1 (FEB 15): San Diego, California

Departs @ 3:00pm

Day 2 (DEB 16): Day at Sea

Day 3 (FEB 17): Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Los Cabos—or the Capes—sits at the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, a narrow strip of land whose varied geography makes for plenty of interesting and unusual activities. You can ride a camel, or enjoy more predictable pursuits including fishing, golfing and whale-watching. On your Cabo cruise you can visit picture-perfect El Arco, an arch that may look familiar thanks to its cameo on postcards and advertisements. North of the capes, you can drop by the famed Hotel California. And if you've worked up an appetite on your Cabo cruise, you won't be disappointed: Los Cabos offers plenty to enjoy at the table as well, with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables and, of course, seafood being the mainstays here. Regardless, Holland America Line makes sure that Cabo cruises have plenty of new and traditional things for guests to experience.

Day 4 (FEB 18): Pichilingue (La Paz), Mexico

The port of Pichilingue sits just over 12 miles north of La Paz, a city of 215,000 on the Baja California Peninsula. The name La Paz translates as "peace," but it is possible that the Spaniards chose that with some sense of irony. The first Spanish conquistadores landed here in 1535, yet it took them nearly 200 years to build the first settlement due to resistance from the indigenous people in the area. Modern La Paz, however, certainly lives up to its name. The capital of Baja California Sur is a friendly, vibrant city nestled into a calm bay along the Sea of Cortez. The palm-linedmalecón stretches along the waterfront, perfect for a stroll or bike ride, and the bustling city center boasts broad boulevards where you can shop the wares of artisans at local markets. Whale-watching and fishing expeditions depart from the harbor, or you can choose to go sea kayaking around nearby islands.

Day 5 (FEB 19): Loreto, Mexico

Peaceful seaside Loreto dates to 1697, when it became the first colonial settlement on the Baja Peninsula and the capital of the Spanish colony of the Californias. These days, the town has spread beyond its colonial origins, but it retains beautiful relics from the past. Loreto, tucked between the rugged Sierra de la Giganta range and the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, is also blessed with spectacular natural scenery. Just offshore, a string of islands beckon divers, snorkelers and sea kayakers with secluded coves, dramatic rock formations and crystal-clear waters that are protected within Loreto Bay National Marine Park. And a day trip into the mountains offers the opportunity to see cave paintings from pre-colonial indigenous groups, some of which are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a paddling adventure offshore or a trek into the mountains, take a stroll along the malecón, Loreto’s waterfront boardwalk, where you can have a drink or a plate of fish tacos overlooking the water.

Day 6 (FEB 20): Guaymas, Mexico

Guaymas lies in a quiet bay in the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Step back in time as you tour the neoclassic San Fernando Church and the Moorish 13 de Julio Plaza in the historic town center. Explore the popular beaches and picturesque bays in nearby San Carlos. Visit a world class pearl farm or journey to magical Las Barajitas Canyon, home to three separate ecosystems.

Day 7 (FEB 21): Topolobampo, Mexico

Have you heard of Topolobampo? Good, don't tell anyone. Holland America Line is the only major cruise line to call on this peaceful port on Mexico's Sea of Cortez. Awaiting your arrival: playful bottlenose dolphins; the mansion of Don Diego de la Vega, "El Zorro"; grand visions of the Chihuahua-al-Pacifico Railway, a luxury train through Mexico's scenic Copper Canyon.

Day 8 (FEB 22): Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlán - where the best of traditional Mexican architecture, food and culture is found alongside contemporary conveniences, amenities and attractions. There's a reason why Americans and Canadians flock here, particularly in winter: It's a warm and welcoming place with plenty to keep visitors entertained for a vacation getaway.

Day 9 (FEB 23): Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Unlike other coastal resort towns in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta ("PV" to locals), retains quite a bit of its colonial-era charm. Its town square, Plaza de Armas, and the gorgeous church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, serve as the loveliest representations of bygone ages. While on your Puerto Vallarta cruise, take in these echoes of the past and more modern attractions, including an ambitious public art project along the seaside walkway (the malecón) and trendy restaurants such as La Leche, serving contemporary Mexican cuisine. Round these out with plenty of fun-in-the-sun outdoor activities on and along Banderas Bay (whale-watching! snorkeling! jet-skiing!), cruise excursions that reveal the best of Puerto Vallarta's flora and fauna, and a side trip to one of Mexico's pueblos mágicos (magical towns, a designation conferred by the government to recognize smaller towns that possess historical and cultural value), and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more pleasant place to spend part of your cruise to Puerto Vallarta.

Days 10-11 (FEB 24-25): Days at Sea

Day 12 (FEB 26): Ensenada, Mexico

Nicknamed the Pearl of the Pacific, with the Pacific Ocean to the west and a mountain range to the east, Ensenada is Baja California's third-largest city and one of its commercial and cultural hubs. The weather here is pleasant year round, evoking comparisons to Mediterranean climates. But the hot days and cool nights aren't the only reasons Ensenada and surrounding towns are compared to the Mediterranean; similar crops are grown here, including asparagus, olives and grapes. It's this last crop that makes Ensenada the gateway to Baja's wine route (Ruta del Vino), where labels little known outside of Mexico are produced, often in small batches. Winery tours and tastings are a quintessential Ensenada experience. It all makes for a pleasant visit, especially for foodies and oenophiles, who will appreciate the area's farm-to-table ethic and its many alfresco restaurants. Active travelers will love the region too, their greatest challenge being how to choose among the many adventures—zip lining and horseback riding are two highlights—that await in Ensenada and its outskirts.

Day 13 (FEB 27): San Diego, California

Arrives @ 7:00am