Enjoy your complimentary stay at the pre-cruise hotel. The evening is yours to become acquainted with the city. For your convenience, our Hospitality Desk will be located in the hotel, and our friendly staff can assist with everything from general questions about your upcoming voyage to reserving premium experiences. Representatives from American Queen Voyages and our local port/city partner will be available to provide you with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options to maximize your time here. 

Puerto Caldera and Puntarenas are two different cruise ports approximately 17 miles (20 km) away from each other, but in both cases, Puntarenas is the nearest town of interest. Our ship docks at a commercial port in Puerto Caldera. The only way to get from your ship to anywhere is to take transportation as port authorities have a strict “no walking in port” policy. Along the coast is a public city beach lined with bars and restaurants (although its water is a little murky). Inland attractions include lush national parks and protected nature reserves, encompassing the islands Negritos, Los Pajaros and Guayabo. Monteverde, located just 20 miles (30 km) south of Puerto Caldera, is famous for the Santa Elena Rain Forest and two reserves: Carara Biological Reserve, best known for their diverse populations of birds, and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Another popular destination is the Arenal Volcano, which is approximately 56 miles (90 km) northwest of San Jose. Most American Queen Voyages guests will explore Costa Rica’s capital, San José, located in the Central Valley. It’s an extensive plain, guarded by majestic volcanoes and green hills, honoring the natural richness that exists throughout the national territory. Founded in the first half of the 18th century, San José is today a city with world-class museums, parks, hotels, theaters, and historic buildings. Its architecture is diverse, as are the people walking its streets.

Chiapas is Mexico’s most southern and – according to legend – most mysterious state. The port in Chiapas is a small fishing and agricultural transport center, opened in 1975. Updates carried out by the government regularly since 2005 have added facilities and conveniences for cruise and cargo ships. There is little of interest to cruise guests in the immediate vicinity of the port. There is a craft market as one leaves the dock, but the nearest town, Tapachula, is a few miles inland. Here, it’s possible to taste some Chiapas fare and get a cold drink, but not much else. The surrounding communities are home to a mix of indigenous cultures. Most visitors to Puerto Chiapas come to explore Izapa, on the Izapa River near the base of the Tacaná volcano – the sixth tallest peak in Mexico. The site – located on hilly, volcanic soil – is very hot and wet. The surrounding area, known as the Soconusco region, was used by the Aztecs to cultivate cacao, from which cocoa, cocoa butter, and chocolate are made. Izapa is also home to a very large, pre-Columbian archaeological site. Several archaeologists have theorized that Izapa may have been settled as early as 1500 BCE, making it as old as the Olmec sites of San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán and La Venta. Izapa remained occupied until approximately 1200 CE. Due to the abundance of carved Maya stelae and monuments at Izapa, the term “Izapan style” is used to describe similar works throughout the Pacific foothills and highlands, including some at Takalik Abaj and Kaminaljuyu.

Explore the Pacific Coastline of Central America en route to our first Costa Rican port of call. Watch for abundant marine life along the way.

Chiapas is Mexico’s most southern and – according to legend – most mysterious state. The port in Chiapas is a small fishing and agricultural transport center, opened in 1975. Updates carried out by the government regularly since 2005 have added facilities and conveniences for cruise and cargo ships. There is little of interest to cruise guests in the immediate vicinity of the port. There is a craft market as one leaves the dock, but the nearest town, Tapachula, is a few miles inland. Here, it’s possible to taste some Chiapas fare and get a cold drink, but not much else. The surrounding communities are home to a mix of indigenous cultures. Most visitors to Puerto Chiapas come to explore Izapa, on the Izapa River near the base of the Tacaná volcano – the sixth tallest peak in Mexico. The site – located on hilly, volcanic soil – is very hot and wet. The surrounding area, known as the Soconusco region, was used by the Aztecs to cultivate cacao, from which cocoa, cocoa butter, and chocolate are made. Izapa is also home to a very large, pre-Columbian archaeological site. Several archaeologists have theorized that Izapa may have been settled as early as 1500 BCE, making it as old as the Olmec sites of San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán and La Venta. Izapa remained occupied until approximately 1200 CE. Due to the abundance of carved Maya stelae and monuments at Izapa, the term “Izapan style” is used to describe similar works throughout the Pacific foothills and highlands, including some at Takalik Abaj and Kaminaljuyu.

Known for its nine bays and 36 miles of beautiful beaches, Huatulco (wah-tool-ko) offers an ideal mix of culture and relaxation. Named for the nearby national park, Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca, southeast of Mexico City on the Pacific coast, halfway between Acapulco and Guatemala. Oaxaca is seeped in indigenous culture and pride; over 350,000 Zapotec and 240,000 Mexitec people call the state home, and over 16 other indigenous groups are registered there. In addition to Spanish, at least half of the population speaks indigenous languages, and they each have distinct food, clothing, traditions, and dance. You could visit one area of Oaxaca and then visit another and experience something totally unique. Not as well-known as Cabo, Cancún, and Puerto Vallarta, the area has been popular with Mexicans for years and there is a sizeable community of Canadian retirees. Regrettably, many who travel to Mexico never experience this beautiful coastal city. And while Huatulco offers fun-in-sun beach vibes, there is more to see. Here American Queen Voyages guests encounter Oaxaca’s rich heritage and gain access to a little-known, nature-lovers utopia. Ecotourism is gaining in popularity, so river rafting or a hike through the jungle may be available. Optionally, you can venture to La Crucecita, billed as “a new town with old-fashioned sensibilities.” The tourist development complex has an interesting Arts and Crafts Museum managed by the artisans themselves. Here visitors can sample and purchase various regional products such as chocolate, mole, mescal and even grasshoppers – if you dare. 

Enjoy all Ocean Victory has to offer as we continue our adventure cruising along the Mexican coast. 

Mexico’s busiest seaport lies on the Pacific Ocean between Manzanillo Bay and Cuyutlán Lagoon. In pre-Columbian times the site was called Tzalahua and ships were built there for Hernán Cortés’ 1533 expedition to the Gulf of California. The city’s commercial and manufacturing activities are based on products made from the farmlands, forests, and waters of the Colima and neighboring Jalisco states. The chief exports include corn, bananas, lemons, fish, minerals, lumber, wine, canned goods, and copra–dried sections of the meat of the coconut. The beaches along Manzanillo Bay and Santiago Bay, north of the seaport, are beautiful, and many international resorts contribute to the local economy. Lush, verdant hillsides lead to sandy beaches in a balmy, tropical setting. This magical, historic, cultural, and intimate destination is Manzanillo. It offers all the old-world charm of Mexico with every 21st-century creature's comfort. The crashing Pacific is surely a siren’s call for many visitors. You can go swimming or surfing. Join a deep-sea, sportfishing, snorkeling or SCUBA diving excursion. Or rent a kayak or small sailboat. Visitors to the area between December and April may get to see whales in Manzanillo Bay. Landlubbers need not despair. Explore Manzanillo’s quaint, old-town plaza, Miramar Flea Market or join an eco-tour to a volcano or waterfall. This enchanting resort is also a popular backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters as you will see on the included city tour. Optionally, you can visit a turtle sanctuary in Cuyutlán or Salt Flats to learn how top-quality salts are made. 

Puerto Vallarta is a special tourist destination on the west coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco. The modern town dates from the mid-1800s and its port from 1885. Puerto Vallarta grew organically from being a fishing village, into a world-class tourist destination. Tourism is a major economic activity because of the climate, scenery, tropical beaches, and rich culture. Mexican city dwellers discovered the clear sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, and clear emerald-blue waters in the 1950s. Hollywood and the jet-set fell in love with the place in the early 1960s; John Huston frequently brought Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ava Gardner with him for long holiday weekends. Little by little, with part luck and lots of local effort and promotion, Puerto Vallarta evolved into a welcoming and modern resort area with lots to do, gourmet restaurants, and top hotels. With so many natural and cultural delights, visitors can stroll the picturesque boardwalk, go horseback riding, snorkel, shop for local handicrafts or enjoy a blissful beach day. Your included tour visits the main square, Our Lady of Guadalupe church, and Playa Grande, where it feels like time has stood still. You will also learn how tequila is made at Rio Bendito. Optional tours let you go to market with a local chef and then learn to cook a traditional Mexican lunch at a rustic, country kitchen. Or join a 45-ft cutter for a 4-hour sail on the Bay of Banderas. Look for sea turtles, dolphins, and even a humpback whale, or two.

A perfect day for indulgence – treat yourself to a massage or your favorite beauty treatment – or take in the view from the Observation Lounge.

La Paz has a rich history that goes back centuries. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that Hollywood found La Paz and revealed mother nature's best-kept secret. As one of the most biodiverse places on earth, La Paz has forests, deserts, and an abundance of marine life. With about 900 islands and inlets in the Sea of Cortez, the many hidden gems and activities in Mexico are bucket list items for travelers around the world.

Venture to the preserved island of Isla del Espíritu Santo and get up close with the largest shark species in the world: the whale shark. Sometimes as large as 60 feet, these sharks are gentle giants and make excellent swimming partners. Get your goggles ready, then dive into the turquoise waters of La Paz Bay. Explore the colorful marine ecosystem, home to spectacular marine life.

Set out on an aquatic adventure deep in the Sea of Cortez. Hop aboard a boat and head toward San Rafaelito Island. As you cruise towards the island, keep your eyes peeled for marine life. Once there, get ready to swim with the sea lions. Known as the "puppies of the sea", sea lions usually come in at 1,000 pounds and can grow as long as seven feet. These playful creatures will happily accompany you as you explore their home.  

Round out the experience with a visit to the beautiful beach of Balandra Bay. Lounge on the toasty sand, take a dip in the water, or venture to Mushroom Rock, a naturally-formed sculpture that is a La Paz icon. Then, embark on an invigorating hike to the nearby volcanic cliffs or stroll through the mangroves. No matter what you choose, adventure awaits!

Sailors from Manila have long known the coast of Baja California in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. They hunted wild animals at an estuary next to the mouth of a river and stored up on water and food supplies. Their galleons were loaded with silks, pearls, and spices. They then continued their trip until Acapulco, from where the load was sent overland to Mexico City and from there to Veracruz, where it was finally embarked on ships headed to Spain. Since Francisco de Ulloa discovered it in 1537, Cabo San Lucas was a point of nautical reference. Nevertheless, when pirates found out about it, it became a closely watched point by both parties, and in 1730, the government of New Spain ordered Father Nicholas Tamaral to found a fort and a Jesuit mission in San Jose. Cabo San Lucas, or simply Cabo, together with San José del Cabo form a metropolitan area known as Los Cabos. The Los Cabos Corridor has become a heavily trafficked vacation destination. Rated as one of Mexico’s top 5 tourist destinations, Cabo is known for its beaches, scuba diving locations, and the Arco de Cabo San Lucas. The arch, locally known as “El Arco,” is a distinctive rock formation. The waters around Cabo are home to marine wildlife including rays, sharks, mahi-mahi (dorado) and striped marlin. In the winter, pods of whales can be observed. They bear their calves in the warm local waters after traveling up to 6,000 miles from Alaska and Siberia. 

A day to rise with the sun and meet with friends in the restaurant of your choosing over breakfast...or sleep in and order room service. Gather in the Compass Lounge for snacks and games...or take in the view from the deck with your favorite cocktail in hand. This day is yours to craft as you desire. Relax and keep your camera at hand as we sail along the marine-rich Baja coast.  

As your American Queen Voyages journey concludes, there are other opportunities for you to take in the town -- whether it's an optional premier post-cruise experience or a quick transfer to the airport for your final trip home