HAL more than doubles Mexican Riviera capacity in 2016/17 seasonHAL more than doubles Mexican Riviera capacity in 2016/17 season

Holland America president Orlando Ashford mentioned a strengthened Mexican Rivera program from San Diego during the Americas panel at Seatrade Cruise Global last week.

The line is increasing the number of departures and returning a larger Vista-class ship to the region. From October 2016 through February 2017, the 1,916-passenger Westerdam will sail 13 seven-day cruises round-trip San Diego, including two special holiday departures in December.

'Mexico has it all, and with convenient round-trip San Diego cruises, we know that these itineraries are going to attract a lot of cruisers looking for a unique warm-weather vacation,' Ashford said.

To kick off the season, Westerdam will depart from Vancouver, BC, Oct. 18 on an 11-day repositioning cruise that visits Santa Barbara, California, before arriving at San Diego then continuing on to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. The ship then returns to San Diego. Passengers can take a seven-day portion by embarking Oct. 22 in San Diego following the call at Santa Barbara.

For the remainder of the season, through Feb. 7, Westerdam's itinerary features Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta, with three days at sea.