Explore more in 2025-2026: Holland America adds Great Bear Rainforest & enhances Pacific coast, Mexico cruises

Friday, March 15, 2024

Holland America Line announces the launch of its 2025-2026 seasons for Mexico and the Pacific Coast, featuring extended stays in unique ports such as Loreto and Topolobampo in Mexico, and introducing a new seven-day itinerary through the Great Bear Rainforest. This uncommon route offers a glimpse into the pristine beauty of British Columbia, Canada. The cruise schedule spans from August 2025 to May 2026, with durations from a single day to a comprehensive 29-day Collectors’ Voyage.

Recognized for its pioneering role in Alaskan and Pacific Northwest cruising, Holland America Line now offers a seven-day journey to the Great Bear Rainforest, a destination not visited in years, emphasizing a unique perspective on the region. Departures are set for October 5, 2025, and April 19, 2026, on the Noordam, offering travelers an intimate exploration of the culture, nature, and exotic wildlife in Ketchikan, Alaska, and several British Columbia locales including Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Victoria.

Paul Grigsby, the company’s Vice President of Deployment and Revenue Planning, highlights the expedition through the historic Inside Passage, navigating some of the narrowest waters traversed by their ships. This route, rich in history from the gold rush era, marks a company first, focusing on this fjord-like waterway to maximize daylight for wildlife observation opportunities.

The “Great Bear Rainforest” itinerary starts and concludes in Seattle, Washington, exploring Ketchikan, then ventures south to British Columbia’s ports. The journey includes an overnight stay in Prince Rupert, scenic cruising through Greenville Channel, and past the indigenous community of Bella Bella, among other significant sites. This route offers sightings of whales, eagles, and the elusive Kermode bear, also known as the spirit bear, with stops in Nanaimo (a maiden call) and the well-loved Victoria, allowing for an in-depth exploration of British Columbia’s diverse communities.

Additionally, ten Pacific Coast itineraries spotlight the region’s breathtaking landscapes, sailing from San Diego, California, to Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. These cruises feature stops in renowned ports like Astoria, Oregon; Santa Barbara, California; and Ensenada, Mexico, with some itineraries including an overnight in San Francisco, California.

“Our Mexico cruises are favorites 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 culinary delights of the region through shore excursions, while also enjoying local fresh fish like yellowfin tuna on board.”

Holland America Line’s Mexico season is ideal for those in search of sun-filled adventures, with roundtrip cruises from San Diego or between San Diego and Vancouver. Travelers will visit celebrated Mexican ports such as Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, along with extended access to the Sea of Cortez with stops in Guaymas and Santa Rosalia, Mexico. Selected itineraries offer late-night visits, allowing guests to explore Loreto’s historic sites and experience the dramatic landscapes of Topolobampo.

Key highlights for the 2025-2026 Pacific Coast Season include:

• Cruises aboard the Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, and Zaandam.
• Itineraries featuring roundtrip voyages from Vancouver, Seattle, or San Diego, or between Seattle or San Diego and Vancouver.
• A selection of one-day “Pacific Northwest” getaways and “Pacific Coastal” itineraries ranging from four to six days, including visits to Avalon, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco.
• The “Great Bear Rainforest” seven-day journey offers a unique roundtrip from Seattle with calls at Ketchikan, Prince Rupert, Nanaimo, and Victoria.
• A “California Retreat” and other varied itineraries focusing on the California coast and Pacific Northwest, including wine country explorations and classic coastal visits.

For the 2025-2026 Mexico Season:

• The Nieuw Amsterdam and Zaandam ships provide Mexico itineraries.
• Options include seven-day “Mexican Riviera” cruises and extended “Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez” adventures, featuring late-night calls and visits to a range of iconic and historic ports.

Travelers can also opt for “Collectors’ Voyages,” combining back-to-back, non-repeating itineraries for a thorough exploration of the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Hawaii, ranging from 14 to 29 days.

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