Highlights of the Holland America Baja California Cruise

There’s something really wonderful about a journey that starts and ends in your own backyard, in this case San Diego. No changing time zones, no confusion from jet lag, just an easy sail south along a stretch of Mexico that feels both familiar and wildly overlooked. Baja California in Holland America route – Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Loreto – may not be one you’ve seen a hundred times, and that’s exactly what I loved about it. It’s a quieter part of the peninsula, a mix of desert, sea, history and food that somehow all fit together perfectly.

After a week on the ship Nieuw Amsterdam, these are the moments that have stayed with me.

Port 1: Cabo San Lucas

Cabo is the kind of place where you can go from camel riding (yes, really) to whale watching at El Arco, all before lunch. But I wanted something more grounded, so I signed up for the Authentic Mexican cuisine cooking experience at Metate, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant just far enough off the main road that you feel like you’ve stumbled into a local secret.

It’s generous to call it a “cooking class.” It’s really an eating class with occasional participation (which, to be honest, was fine with me). We wandered through their garden to see the marigolds, agave, moringa and mango trees before settling in with a Wildflower cocktail made with mezcal, hibiscus, cinnamon, cloves and piloncillo.

We mixed our own signature drink, the Mula Metatera (mezcal, ginger, mint, basil, lemon), and folded warm tortillas for quesadillas filled with huitlacoche. Plate after plate appeared: mackerel ceviche, battered Baja fish tacos and carnitas-style cooked pork shank. Dessert was a creamy flan that made it feel like a long lunch with friends.

Port 2 La Paz, Mexico

La Paz means ‘peace’, and the name fits, especially with the excursion we made. The port is only about five minutes from the trailhead for the Balandra looks out on a walka 2.2 kilometer climb that winds through cacti (including the sweet and sour variety, who would have thought?) and rocky desert terrain. It’s not that difficult, although the first half is uphill and the gravel path can get a bit slippery, so watching your feet helps. The landscape still gives you permission to take your time.

The payoff at the top is that famous bend of turquoise water at Balandra Beach, which is said to be one of the most beautiful views on the peninsula (and I can confirm it!). After hiking back down, we drove a few minutes to Tecolote Beach, where the sand is soft, the water shallow, and the fish tacos and guacamole taste better simply because you earned them. If you’re feeling energetic, you can rent jet skis; I opted for a cold drink and dipped my toes in the water. No regrets.

Port 3: Loreto, Mexico

Loreto was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja Peninsula, founded in 1697, and still feels entrenched in history.

On our walking tour During our excursion, we walked the first paved street in California, past 19th century homes and City Hall, all leading to the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto. If you’re even remotely interested in history, it’s worth stepping inside: 17th-century paintings, an ornate altar and the feeling that not much has changed. The adjacent museum adds context, combining native artifacts with art brought over by missionaries centuries ago.

After the tour there was plenty of time to browse the local shops, wander through the Malecón and stop by Mi Loreto for a tasty guacamole.

Sea days on board

There were three full days at sea on this trip and I was a little nervous about how I was going to fill all that time. But it turned out to be no problem. They packed so many activities into the schedule that I really stressed myself out about what to choose (which is the kind of ‘problem’ I can totally get behind!).

I alternated between calligraphy, piñata-making, and watercolor classes in the art studio (the kind of things I never do at home, and now wonder why). I browsed the library, floated between sun and shade by the pool, and entered a paper airplane contest that turned surprisingly competitive. I won a shuffleboard competition—proof that miracles happen at sea—and took a cocktail class at Ivy Mix, where we mixed Latin-inspired drinks that tasted even better at sunset.

The evenings were for shows on the World Stage: music and dance performances, a magician and a comedian. And of course the casino, because there is always a moment when you convince yourself that you are lucky.

Dine

Eating on board is an adventure in itself, and the Nieuw Amsterdam has a little bit of everything: four specialty restaurants, a poolside grill, a pizzeria, the Lido Market buffet and the main dining room. These were the highlights:

Tamarind

With a menu inspired by Southeast Asia, China and Japan, this restaurant quickly became my favorite on board. The wok-seared lobster with ginger, sweet chili, soy and Asian vegetables is the dish you order first and dream about later. And whatever you do, save room for the Mango Posset for dessert. It’s bright, creamy and the perfect sweet finish to the meal.

Dive in

Dive-In is a casual poolside spot where you can enjoy a burger grilled to perfection and served on a toasted brioche with our own proprietary secret sauce. Or opt for a grilled chicken fillet sandwich. But my lunch ritual was to load the Dive-In Dog with mustard, relish, and a mountain of crispy onions. And of course a side of crispy fries.

Pinnacle grill

Pinnacle Grill is the ultimate seaside steakhouse, where an exceptional menu and impeccable service make for one of the best meals you will ever have. The refined menu features a selection of 28-day wet USDA Prime steaks, carefully chosen to ensure the best quality.

My filet mignon was one of the best I’ve ever had, land or sea. The grilled lamb chops with controne bean puree and garlic chips were equally impressive. But the one thing you can’t miss is the clothesline candied bacon, created by chef David Burke.Delicious!

Morimoto by sea

Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Holland America Line’s Global Fresh Fish Ambassador, brings his signature creativity to the ship with Morimoto By Sea. His menu is full of beautifully prepared dishes, unique cocktails and unique desserts.

On our last evening, dining here was a great treat. The crispy whole fish with tamarind chili sauce looked like something you would see at a high-end restaurant, but the Angry Lobster Pad Thai completely stole my heart. I would like to eat that once a week. And dessert? Imagine a dark chocolate ball filled with marshmallow cream and sorbet, melting at the table when hot caramel is poured over it. A little theater, lots of goodies!

This itinerary showed me a completely different side of Mexico, one that felt soft, layered and full of surprises. And start and end in San Diego? Total bonus. Thank you to Holland America for creating such a unique itinerary that has given me memories that I will carry with me for a long time.

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