Mexico Cruise Expert Guide
The majority of cruise lines operate Mexico cruise round-trips from the ports of Los Angeles and San Diego. The main points of interest (cruise-wise) in Mexico are to be found down the western coastline. Mexican cruise destinations on the Gulf of Mexico side are catered for by Caribbean-oriented cruise vacations departing from Galveston, New Orleans and some ports in Florida.
Ensenada is in Baja California. It is less than 100kms from San Diego and is the third largest city on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico. The city is a tourist hotspot, attracting many people from all over the world to its shops, restaurants, beaches and wineries. One ‘must-see’ attraction here is the La Bufadora natural blowhole, which spouts ocean water a full 35ft into the air.
Panama Cruise Expert Guide
The Panama Canal was initially designed to cut travel time for vessels that needed to cross between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. It first opened its commercial doors on 15 August, 1914 and is now used by more than thirteen thousand vessels each year. Along the canal’s length are three sets of locks. The locks act as water elevators, enabling vessels to traverse upslope/downslope across the canal terrain.
Vibrant Panama City with its eclectic mix of architecture, people and culture is an essential excursion to take while on a Panama cruise. The historical district of Casco Viejo is well worth a visit, if only to see the remnants of the 17th century Spanish fortifications there. For sports-minded cruisers there is a world-class golf course located just 20-minutes away from Panama City.
Holland American Alaskan Cruising - New Alaskan Cuisine April 2005.
Holland America launch a new Alaskan culinary experience to its seven ships bound for Alaskan cruising. HAL’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has developed a menu of Alaskan salmon dishes. Dubbed “Going Wild for Salmon”, this feature is an extensive menu rotation of Alaskan salmon during each cruise. This Alaskan delight will also include on-board culinary events, cooking demonstrations and seminars.
Chef Rudi and his staff have developed about 50 distinctive Alaskan salmon recipes. Every night, a whole range of Alaskan salmon dishes will be available. The “Going Wild for Salmon” menu choices will be available 5 nights a week on board their Alaskan cruises. Holland America now offers more Alaskan salmon dishes than any other cruise line to Alaska.
Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program
The award winning Holland America five star fleet of cruise ships will all have the unparalleled enhancements by the end of 2006. Included in the program are enhancements to the impeccable service Holland America guests have become accustomed to as well.
Changes will be made for children and teens cruising with Holland America as well. The program includes newly expanded youth facilities with the “Club HAL” program. For teens, Holland America has included The Loft and The Oasis.