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Free air with American Queen Voyages' new Pacific Coast sailing

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The full 15-voyage and a nine-day segment end at Costa Rica's Puntarenas, the port for San José, the capital, seen here
American Queen Voyages' new Pacific Coast sailing on Ocean Victory from San Diego to Costa Rica's Puntarenas (for San José) can be split into two segments.

The 15-day cruise sails Oct. 3 and calls at Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas and Playas del Coco. For the first time in American Queen Voyages' history, the line is offering free air from select gateways for travelers who book the full voyage by Aug. 31.

Eight- and nine-day options

The shorter cruise options are San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, eight days, and Puerto Vallarta to Puntarenas, nine days.

'Guests have given Ocean Victory rave reviews on her inaugural Alaska season, and our Pacific Coast sailing provides a final opportunity to experience this unique vessel in 2022 before she returns to North America again next year,' said Isis Ruiz, chief commercial officer, American Queen Voyages. She added the cruise combines science, history, wildlife and adventure.

Highlights will include learning about indigenous cultures, spotting marine life from Ocean Victory's over-sea observation platforms or from the comfort of the Deck 8 Observation Lounge and dining on regionally inspired cuisine.    

Premium tours, from salsas to sharks

Included guided tours led by local experts and historians are available in each port, and extra-charge premium tours include 'Turtles and Iguanas' from Manzanillo's Cuyutlan Turtle Sanctuary with a panga (boat) ride through the Palo Verde lagoon and refreshments at a plantation. 'Whale Shark Encounter,' from La Paz, takes snorkelers up close to wildlife including the world's largest fish, the docile whale shark.

Other premium options include 'Salsa and Margaritas,' where participants learn how to make authentic Mexican salsas, Oaxacan guacamole, pico de gallo and rompope, an eggnog-like drink. From Huatulco, 'Deep Sea Fishing' aboard a 30-foot yacht is available, while 'Zip Lining in Playas del Coco' takes adventure seekers through the rain forest canopy with views of one of the oldest beach communities in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province.

Pre-cruise hotel and onboard credit included for each cruise

The 15-day voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel stay at San Diego and is priced starting at $5,099 with free air from 30 gateway cities and $600 onboard credit included.

The eight-day option, including the San Diego pre-cruise hotel and ending at Puerto Vallarta with calls to Cabo San Lucas and La Paz, starts at $2,499 with a $300 onboard credit. The nine-day Puerto Vallarta to Puntarenas option on Oct. 9 includes a pre-cruise hotel in Puerto Vallarta and calls at Manzanillo, Huatulco, Puerto Chiapas and Playas del Coco, with fares from $2,799 including a $300 onboard credit.

Also included are ground transfers, unlimited guided tours, unlimited beverages, open bar and Wi-Fi. Passengers who book by Aug. 31 can save up to $2,000 per stateroom.