Mexican Riviera
Join Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise on November 7th as we set sail from San Diego aboard Holland America’s MS Ryndam. The 1266 passenger ship has recently received signature of excellence enhancements, which include dramatic product and service additions. All of the staterooms are outfitted with flat panel TV’s and DVD players, deluxe terry bathrobes, magnifying make-up mirrors, salon hairdryers and complimentary fruit baskets. The Pinnacle Grill is a reservations only supper club that celebrates Pacific Northwest delights. Among the tasty offerings you will find filet mignon and Alaska king crab. Dessert choices include baked Alaska, cream brulee and lemon berry angle shortcake. A new addition is the Culinary Arts Program, a state of the art kitchen has been installed on the stage in the Wajang Theatre. One-hour cooking demonstrations will be offered on sea days by celebrity and regional chefs. Enhanced youth programs are another signature of excellence highlight. Teenagers will adore The Loft, a lounge area specially designed to resemble a New York artist loft. A stairway lends to the coolest facility of all. The oasis deck, located towards the stern of the ship, is a secluded teens only area with a tropical feel, featuring a waterfall, small pool, hammocks, lounges, mock palm trees and vending machines. Probably the most spectacular enhancement is the Explorations Cafe. Starbucks coffee bar serves an assortment of coffees, teas and smoothies. Here you will find comfortable couches and chairs to watch the sea go by. The fitness centre has been expanded to twice its size and along with the state of the art equipment it offers yoga, pilates and spinning. Whatever your interests may be, you will find it aboard the MS Ryndam
Article Published: April 28th, 2005
Join Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise Nov 5th as we travel to San Diego, California to begin a 12-day adventure. Sunshine and fun are business as usual in San Diego. We will spend our first evening at the Old Town theatre. The next day we will explore San Diego on a Trolley Tour with stops at the World Famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Old Town State Park, Seaport Village and the Island of Coronado. On November 7th we will board the newly renovated MS Ryndam and set sail for the Mexican Rievera. Our first stop Puerto Vallarta, Mexico still retains the essence of the quaint fishing village it once was. Here is Viego Vallarta, the old town with its cobblestone streets and red-tiled roofs. Explore the bustling City Market or while away the afternoon on a white sand beach. Our next stop is Mazatlan, Mexico, home of the largest shrimp fleet in the world. And numerous beachside restaurants specializing in this tasty creature. You will find miles of uninterrupted sandy beaches and busy markets. Explore the colonial villages of the Sierra Madres and hold your breath as you watch the Papantia flyers work their acrobatic magic.
Article Published: May 26th, 2005
The journey continues aboard the MS Ryndam along the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez. On November 12 the ship will dock in Topolobampo, Mexico, located on a splendid deep-water bay in the sea of Cortez. It is also the gateway to the region’s most spectacular attraction: The Copper Canyon. Four times larger than the grand canyon. The Copper Canyon is actual a massive maze of 200 gorges that combine to form a series of canyons covering more than 25,000 square miles. You can explore Copper Canyon on an optional luxury rail journey that showcases one the world’s greatest engineering feats -39 bridges , 87 tunnels and hundreds of miles of rail spanning the most rugged and remote terrain imaginable. It also offers you spectacular views of raging rivers, towering waterfalls and sub-tropical forests, and takes you through enormous stands of ponderosa pine and oak, towards snow-covered peaks and sparkling lakes. At the top, you’ll peer down on the placid waters of the Sea of Cortez, where your day began and marvel at just how splendid and diverse Mexico’s wonders are.
Article Published: June 9th, 2005
Welcome back to the MS Ryndam as Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise continues the adventure along the Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez. Our port of call on November 13 will be Loreto, Mexico, this peaceful seaside community was the first European settlement in the California’s. You may choose to stroll the cobbled plaza to the Mission Nuestra Senora de Loreto, burnished with years of devotions. Commune with nature as you snorkel the crystal-clear lagoons at Isla Coronados. Loreto is home to a proud cultureand rich history. Now this envied vacation port capitalizes on its unparallel land and seascapes, perfect for biking, fishing, diving and other water sports. Next we will spend a day in La Paz, Mexico.A tranquil way of life abounds in La Paz, which means “peace”. Among its simple pleasures: strolling the palm-shaded malecon, lazing on the beautiful beaches of near by Pichilingue Peninsula, snorkelling sapphire seas at lovely Los Islotes, home to colony of inquisitive sea lions. Our final port is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at the tip of the Baja Peninsula where the pacific mingles with the Sea of Cortez. Sun and sand are big here but the fish are even bigger, Marlin, sailfish, tuna and billfish – all abound in these rich waters. Feast your eyes on the exquisite black coral or take in the annual migration of the grey whale. The final day we will spend at sea enjoying the ships many amenities – try your luck in the casino, lounge by the pool, indulge at the spa, or watch a movie in the theatre. We arrive back in San Diego on November 17th for our flight home.
Article Published: June 23rd, 2005
Welcome to San Diego, natural beauty, exciting theme parks and special surprises await you in the nation’s seventh-largest city and California’s second largest metropolis. Since its settlement in the 1870’s, downtown San Diego has become the county’s center of business and commerce offering tremendous variety of accommodations, shopping and dining. Hop on San Diego’s Old Town Trolley for a fully narrated tour that combines colorful anecdotes, humorous stories and historical facts. You can choose to take the two hour continuous tour or make it an all day experience by getting off at any of the 8 stop and exploring. The stops include Balboa Park, Old Town State Park, the Cruise Ship Terminal, Seaport Village, Downtown, Horton Plaza, Coronado and the World Famous San Diego Zoo where you can take the amazing bus tour, ride the Skyfari aerial tram, and visit the spectacular exhibits like Absolutely Apes, Polar Bear Plunge, Gorilla Tropics or Tiger River. Make your next stop San Diego’s Wild Animal Park, it is as close as you get to an African Safari. Ride the Wgasa Bush Line Railway and see herds of exotic animals roaming the vast savanna or trek through the heart of Africa where you can hand-feed a giraffe. Take a journey to Sea World Adventure Park – a 189-acre marine life parkfeaturing Shamu the killer whale, attractions, shows, marine habitat and aquariums. There is a lot waiting to be discovered at the only park that puts the wonders of the ocean right in the palm of your hand. San Diego has something for everyone to discover and enjoy, both young and old alike. Visit San Diego today
Article Published: July 7th, 2005
Puerto Vallarta was our first port of call on our recent group cruise. At 7:00am on November 10 the MS Ryndam docked in the charming city of Puerto Vallarta. Located on the west coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. Puerto Vallarta is built on 25-miles of Banderas Bay and along the Sierra Madre mountain range. The city was once little more than a sleepy fishing Village but in 1962 director John Huston selected the location for his film “Night of the Iguana” starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner. Today more than two million tourists visit Puerto Vallarta each year. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Old Town, a traditional meal at a local eatery accompanied, of course by beer or tequila, or shop to your hearts content. Puerto Vallarta has long been known for its tropical appeal to vacationers. Part of the magic of Mexico is the warm welcome offered to families. New eco and adventure-oriented attractions have added to the enjoyment of the miles of beaches and spectacular pools and found in this enchanting town, while many hotels offer special facilities for every kind of traveler. Activities include water-skiing, wind surfing, deep-sea fishing, wind surfing,fly fishing, sailing, whale watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and kayaking. Call today to book you Puerto Vallarta vacation.
Article Published: December 8th, 2005
Our second port of call on our recent Mexican Riviera group cruise was Mazatlan. This ‘Pacific Oasis” has become a major international seaport and tourist resort due to its natural harbor. Mazatlan boasts the longest stretch of uninterrupted beach in Mexico. Since it is located along a main migratory route it is a haven not only for sun worshippers, but bird watchers as well. Nature lovers will love Acuario Mazatlan home to over 250 species of fish. The aquarium has an auditorium and botanical gardens. A sea lion show is held three times daily. Sport fishing draws visitors from around the world for Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Swordfish, and Tuna. The peak months are March through December. The golden zone located on the north part of the city is where the best hotels and beaches are found. In Mazatlan the party and fun on the beach never ends, you will find endless entertainment under the sun. You can parasail to get a look at the city from the air, ride on a banana boat or snorkel. Mazatlan has also become famous for its surfing. There are three island that have become a symbol for Mazatlan – Bird Island, Deer Island and Goat Island. All three have calm beaches and soft sand where you can spend the day sunbathing and swimming. They can be reached by small boats departing from the golden zone.
Article Published: December 21st, 2005
Topolobampo is a beautiful seaport located 20 km from Los Mochis in the state of Sinaloa, Mexico, this was our third port of call on our 10 day Mexican Riviera and Sea of Cortez group cruise in November of 2005. Topolobampo is on a deep-water bay in the Sea of Cortez. It is also the gateway to the region’s most spectacular attraction “The Copper Canyon”.There were 14 people in our group that choose to visit the canyon – we met in the theatre at 4:00am along with 322 other passengers, at 5:00am we boarded buses and traveled to El Forte, at 7:00am we made our way onto the South Orient Express Train for our 6 hour train journey to the Copper Canyon. Wow! It is one of the world’s greatest engineering feats – 39 bridges, 87 tunnels and hundreds of miles of rail spanning the most rugged and remote terrain imaginable. It also offered us incredible views of raging rivers, waterfalls and sub-tropical forests. The Copper Canyon is four times larger than the Grand Canyon, it is actually a massive maze of 200 gorges that combine to form a series of canyons covering more than 25,000 square miles. We had an hour to view the canyon and take many photo’s. We were then taken to lunch at the hotel. We left the Copper Canyon at 3:00pm and began our 6 hour train trip back to El Forte and then the 2 hour bus ride back to Topolobampo. The captain was on the pier to greet the weary travels on our return, along with many crew members with hot face cloths, juice and water. Once on board we were treated to a midnight buffet. It was a very long day and tiring day but well worth the once in a lifetime experience.
Article Published: January 28th, 2006
Welcome to Loreto, Mexico our fourth stop on our Mexican Rivera group cruise in November 2005. Loreto is located in Baja California Sur, Mexico. On the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula facing the Sea of Cortez. It is approximately 1200 kilometers south of the US/Mexico border. The historic town of Loreto, known as Concho (red mangrove) in the local language is the oldest European settlement in Baja California. The area was established in 1697. Loreto boasts nearly 250 km of coastline, 750 square km. of sea and 14 islands. The Sierra La Giganta mountain range, one of the tallest and most spectacular in Baja, overlooks the town of Loreto and creates breathtaking panoramic vistas. The surrounding desert is rich with unique plant and animal life and the water teems with aquatic life, creating unlimited eco-touristic opportunities. The weather of Loreto is generally warm with more than 300 sunny days and a year round temperature averaging in the 80’s. We dropped anchor in the harbor at 8:00am and tender service into Loreto began. Once on shore we hired a local taxi for a tour of the quite town. Loreto has much to offer for the entire family. In addition to its legendary sportfishing, you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, golf, beachcombing, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking and sailing. On a trip to the nearby islands, you can marvel at the marine life that includes sea lions, exotic birds, playful dolphins and whales. In the mountains at nearby San Javier, you can explore ancient missions and captivate your mind with the local history. At Nopolo Sports Center you will find a seaside golf course with 18 challenging holes and a tennis center containing nine lighted courts, a stadium and a swimming pool. At 6:00pm we set sail for our next port of call Pichilingue.
Article Published: February 2nd, 2006
On November 14 we docked in Pichilingue our fifth port of call. Pichilingue is referred to as the entry point to La Paz. Located on a large bay on the Sea of Cortez, 16 km away from La Paz, the port has a fishing dock, acommercial dock and a cruise ship terminal. Our choice of shore excursion was Paradise Cove Kayaking. From the pier we were taken to Balandra Beach and given a short briefing on our kayak. This was mine & my husbands first attempt at kayaking and we decide it would be our last together. We couldn’t get together on the paddling, we seemed to keep going to the left instead of straight. We did manage to paddle into paradise cove and view the abundance of local birds and into a natural mangrove forest. Some of our group traveled by bus into the city of La Paz. It is a real Mexican city where 170,000 Mexicans live and work. It dedicates just a five block strip for tourist shops, restaurants and tours. Local business establishments intermingle with tourist stops and give the city a lived – in feeling. La Paz is quickly establishing itself as Baja’s eco-tourism center with a wide variety of tours offered by professionals dedicated to preserving the environment. Others stayed in port and watched the folkloric dance group perform in the cruise sip terminal or shopped in the local market stalls. At 6:00pm we set sail for our last stop – Cabo San Lucas.
Article Published: February 16th, 2006
The final port of call on Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise’s recent group cruise tour was Cabo San Lucas. The resort town of Cabo San Lucas is named for the slender cape extending eastward from Baja’s southernmost tip, gradually developed into a tourist hot spot the last forty years. Today, Los Cabos is booming and is currently the seventh most popular tourist destination in Mexico and the second fastest growing resort community in the country. Cabo has been blessed with what many describe as the perfect climate. Average year-round temperature is 25 degrees, it is a little cooler in the winter and a bit warmer in the summer. For years Cabo was the remote playground reserved solely for private yacht owners. They flocked here to be near “Marlin Alley”, as the waters around Cabo have often been described. The name is well deserved, as Cabo San Lucas is the undisputed billfish capital of the world. . Cabo’s signature landmark is El Arco (“The Arch”), a rock formation at the tip of “Land’s End,” where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. A boat trip there is a must, if only to come face to face with the hundreds of noisy sea lions who reside on the rock formations. If you have time, hire a water taxi to take you to “Lovers Beach,” the only beach in the world bounded by two different oceans. A whale watching excursion is another “must do,” if you are there between December and March, when thousands of California gray whales and other species are making their nnual migration from colder climates.
Article Published: March 2nd, 2006
Join Kaleidoscope Travel & Cruise on November 7th as we set sail from San Diego aboard Holland America’s MS Ryndam. The 1266 passenger ship has recently received signature of excellence enhancements, which include dramatic product and service additions. All of the staterooms are outfitted with flat panel TV’s and DVD players, deluxe terry bathrobes, magnifying make-up mirrors, salon hairdryers and complimentary fruit baskets. The Pinnacle Grill is a reservations only supper club that celebrates Pacific Northwest delights. Among the tasty offerings you will find filet mignon and Alaska king crab. Dessert choices include baked Alaska, cream brulee and lemon berry angle shortcake. A new addition is the Culinary Arts Program, a state of the art kitchen has been installed on the stage in the Wajang Theatre. One-hour cooking demonstrations will be offered on sea days by celebrity and regional chefs. Enhanced youth programs are another signature of excellence highlight. Teenagers will adore The Loft, a lounge area specially designed to resemble a New York artist loft. A stairway lends to the coolest facility of all. The oasis deck, located towards the stern of the ship, is a secluded teens only area with a tropical feel, featuring a waterfall, small pool, hammocks, lounges, mock palm trees and vending machines. Probably the most spectacular enhancement is the Explorations Cafe. Starbucks coffee bar serves an assortment of coffees, teas and smoothies. Here you will find comfortable couches and chairs to watch the sea go by. The fitness centre has been expanded to twice its size and along with the state of the art equipment it offers yoga, pilates and spinning. Whatever your interests may be, you will find it aboard the MS Ryndam
