Stay and Cruise In Sea of Cortes With American Safari Cruises

Travellers needing an escape to sunny Baja have one more reason to book a luxury Sea of Cortés yacht adventure with American Safari Cruises. All new reservations for cruises departing by April 14 receive one complimentary hotel stay at Casa Natalia, a boutique hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico. The 22-guest, upscale yacht Safari Quest sails week-long 'Aquarium of the World' adventure cruises from La Paz, Mexico, through April.

The offer is good only for guests flying into Cabo. The Safari Quest package includes transfers between airport, hotel and the yacht in La Paz, plus one complimentary night either pre- or post-cruise at the award-winning European-style Casa Natalia. Breakfast is included at the hotel. Transfer between Cabo and La Paz is via private shuttle. 

Sailing round-trip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in the Sea of Cortés. The itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife, including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions, which are all prevalent in the wildlife-rich waters.

Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempurpedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1.

For booking details, be sure to check with the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd, on 0800 008 6677 or www.cruiseline.co.uk.

Sea of Cortes Boost from American Safari Cruises

An off-the-beaten path destination, Baja Mexico’s Sea of Cortés is a secluded and protected UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve and a favourite yachting destination for American Safari Cruises. As an enticement, the company is offering a $200 per person travel credit for new bookings made by September 30, 2011.



The 22-guest upscale yacht Safari Quest sails week-long adventure cruises from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, from November to April. On 13 select departures, each guest will receive a $200 travel credit. The travel credit may be used on an individual stateroom or a private charter for a family or group getaway to the welcoming warmth and remote wilderness of the Sea of Cortés.



Families interested in a holiday cruise may also take advantage of a $400 travel credit for teens aged 12 to 19 on the December 24 and December 31 departures.



Sailing round-trip from the picturesque town of La Paz, the yacht explores amidst the hundreds of islands and islets in this place author John Steinbeck found “ferocious with life” and described by Jacques Cousteau as “the aquarium of the world.” A flexible and unhurried cruising philosophy promises time to seek out wildlife, including many different species of whales, dolphins and sea lions - all prevalent in the wildlife-rich waters.



The inclusive cruise itinerary includes exploration of Isla Partida, Isla San Jose, Isla San Francisco and Isla Espíritu Santo. A visit to Bahia Agua Verde includes a mule ride into the arroyos of the peninsula guided by a local ranchero. At Isla Coyote, guests meet the Cuevas fishing family and tour the village and whale bone yard. Snorkelling with playful sea lions at Los Islotes is often a highlight of the trip.



Anchoring in quiet coves, the crew brings water toys out to play. The yacht transforms into a waterborne adventure platform for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, sailing, skiff rides, snorkelling, swimming, swinging off the rope swing and tubing. Expert naturalists lead kayaking and hiking excursions to explore the beauty of the sea, the coastline and into the desert landscape to see giant Cardón cacti, red rock cliffs and white sand dunes.



The 13 select departures available with the $200 per person travel credit include: November 26; December 24, 31; January 14, 28; February 4, 11, 18; March 3, 17, 24, 31; and April 7.



Cruise fares start at $3,995 per person based on double occupancy. The inclusive cruise includes all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. The 22-guest Safari Quest features a hot tub, Tempur-pedic mattresses, heated tile floors in all bathrooms and upper category balconies. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1. Yachts can be booked as a private charter or by individual stateroom.

For more info, visit www.americansafaricruises.com or contact the adventure-cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Cancels Mazatlan

Amidst increased reports of violence in Mazatlán, Crystal Cruises are the latest line to cancel calls to the Mexican port town, scrapping its scheduled 4th April visit there on Crystal Symphony. The round-trip Los Angeles “Treasures of Mexico” voyage will now adjust its itinerary to allow guests more time in other ports of call.

The new schedule switches travel days so guests will now have an overnight call in popular Cabo San Lucas, with Crystal being the only cruise line in town for those two days. Subsequent days will provide travellers with a full day in Loreto and a half day in La Paz. Full days in Puerto Vallarta and San Diego are still on the schedule.

“The safety and security of our guests and staff is always our top priority,” says Crystal’s International Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “After monitoring the situation in Mazatlán for weeks, we simply feel far more comfortable with other ports of call in Mexico.”

The “Mind, Body, and Spirit” theme of the 31st March to 10th April sailing will remain unaffected, with numerous complimentary classes and presentations still being offered on board throughout the 10-night cruise.

For more information, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/