There are two sides to every story. In Mexico, one is told in the chic seaside resorts of the Mexican Riviera – Cabo San Lucas, Mazatian and Puerto Vallarta; the other is echoed in the mission towns along the Sea of Cortez with its abundant wildlife and charming ports made famous by John Steinbeck.

The quintessential Mexican Riviera awaits you featuring Cabo San Lucas, Mazatian and Puerto Vallarta. Prepare for mariachi music and margaritas sportsfishing and sunny beaches, colonial charm and resort chic. What could be more convenient than sailing roundtrip from San Diego where the airport is located near the cruise terminal? And your money goes far in Mexico, pesos for dollars. Among the best values: dazzling Mexican fire opals, Talavera ceramics, siiver jewellery (look for the 9.25 stamp) and flavourful bourbon vanilla.

In 1940, John Steinbeck sailed in a sardine boat with marine biologist Ed Rickett to the Gulf of California, Their mission, wrote Steinbeck in The Log from the Sea of Cortez, was “to observe the distribution of invertebrates . . . to record how they lived, what they ate, how they reproduced”. But that was only a half truth. They went, he later confessed, because “we were curious”. Are you?

Several years ago, Holland America Line decided to round the Baja and venture into the Sea of Cortez. To this day, they remain the only premium cruise line to explore these waters rich in wildlife and history.

Each year, January through March, over 20,000 gray whales migrate to the balmy shallow lagoons of Baja California from Arctic seas 10,000 miles away to breed, calve and nurture their young. Among the most popular whale nurseries are the calm protected waters of Bahia Magdalena Be up on deck for a narration on the whales and their incredible winter migration.

Topolobampo is located on a splendid deepwater bay where bottlenose dolphins play, seabirds nest and sea lions migrate each winter Just minutes away is the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railway, providing luxury rail service through Mexico’s spectacular Copper Canyon. Sample shore excursions: Copper Canyon by Train; Los Mochis City.
 
Topolobampo, Mexico                        Guaymas, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas

Bahia Magdalena (scenic cruising)      Pichilingue (La Paz), Mexico 
                                                          Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Loreto, Mexico                                    Sierra de la Giganta (scenic cruising)
Mazatlán, Mexico
                 
Lois and I were overwhelmed by the beauty and relaxed pace of the cruise. The Copper Canyon is beyond description, not to mention the teeming Sea of Cortez behind the Baja, and the sleepy little Spanish colonial ports.