Mexican Riviera
April 07-18, 2026
Round Trip from San Diego, CA

Join us on a floating fiesta to the beautiful Mexican Riviera! We’re cruising the Sea of Cortez to revisit familiar favorites like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta and explore new ports including Loreto and Manzanillo on this 11 day cruise and caregiver retreat. 

This voyage is fully accessible, dementia-friendly, offers supported travel options for seniors, can include special family rates for additional travelers in your group, and offers daily caregiver respite sessions.

Where we’re taking you

Pre-cruise: The fun starts at a pre-cruise hotel stay in beautiful San Diego! The Elite Cruises staff will meet you at the airport and escort you to our group hotel where you can rest up from flights and take advantage of all this incredible city has to offer. We particularly love visiting the zoo, Balboa Park, the USS Midway museum, or just strolling the waterfront soaking up the California sun. After relaxing and getting some sight seeing in we’ll go as a group to the port together on embarkation day. 

April 7: Welcome aboard the Zaandam! Elite Cruises staff will escort you through port security and to your cabin onboard the ship where you’ll have a chance to relax and unpack before we get the party started at our first group dinner. After dinner it’s time to explore the entertainment venues onboard and start making good use of the beverage package included on this voyage!

April 8-9: These days at sea feature programs exclusively for our group with workshops and conferences for caregivers as well as respite/adult daycare where our staff takes over so caregivers can take the break they deserve. Respite activities can include music therapy, art, games, puzzles, movies, and more. Tell us what activities your loved ones enjoy and we’ll make it happen! Our supported cruises are fully customizable so every member of your family gets to do something they enjoy and have a true vacation.

April 10: Keep watch for whales from our ship as we head towards Cabo San Lucas where we’ll spend the day. Ask us about glass bottom boat rides out to the famous El Arco rock formation or take a stroll with us through town searching for the perfect souvenir. If you’re feeling adventurous we recommend splurging on a dolphin encounter that is a truly incredible experience for travelers of every age.

April 11: Love art? Then you’ll love the vibrant city of La Paz! Stroll the waterfront in search of all the aquatic themed sculptures or venture into town for glimpses of the colorful street art. For travelers who prefer the culinary arts reserve your spot on a cantina crawl to try craft beers, learn how to make the perfect margarita, and taste some local mezcal.

April 12: Jump back in time today when we stop in the historic town of Loreto which was the first colonial settlement on the Baja Peninsula and still has buildings from the 1600s! Or for active travelers don’t miss the chance to head out of town into the desert where you’ll walk a dry riverbed in search of fossilized sea creatures frozen in time in the canyon walls. 

April 13: You deserve a beach day! Mazatlan is the perfect place to work on your tan and drink a Coco Loco cocktail out of a fresh coconut, but be warned these tropical drinks really pack a punch. Or book yourself a spot on the Hop On Hop Off bus so you can sleep in and explore the city at your leisure; the bus also stops near the famous cliff divers that thrill tourists daily with their death defying jumps.

April 14: Puerto Vallarta is one of our favorite destinations in Mexico because there is something amazing here for every type of traveler. Animal lovers can watch for whales, swim with sea lions, or become a dolphin trainer for a day. Beach bums can reserve a spot at one of the many all-inclusive resorts that line the coast or take a boat trip to hidden coves for days of snorkeling and lounging on the white sand. And for thirsty travelers there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy tequila tastings! 

April 15: Manzanillo is our last port and your final chance to stock up on souvenirs for all your family and friends that weren’t lucky enough to travel with you. Spend the day shopping and exploring this small city that is the sailfish capital of the world, or venture outside the city to some of the historic frozen in time towns in the region such as Comala.

April 16-17: Two last days at sea gives caregivers more time to enjoy workshops with our guest speakers and share tips and advice with each other while the Elite Cruises staff spends time with loved ones. During afternoon respite sessions caregivers also have the chance to take advantage of ship amenities they may not have had time for, such as a dip in the hydrotherapy spa pool, a wine tasting, or just taking a nap in a lounger on the sun deck.

April 18: This morning an Elite Cruises staff member will escort you off the ship and into the port of San Diego. We will assist you in getting transportation to the airport or escort you back to our group hotel for an extra night or two of post-cruise city exploration or relaxation.

We offer the following on each Elite Supported Cruise so you and your loved ones can enjoy life to the fullest:

• Daily caregiver break time with option to extend for shore excursions.
• All-inclusive cruise which features onboard dining, beverage package, and WiFi.
• Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7, as well as trained support staff. Staff to family ratio is 1:1.
• Meet and greet at airport and escort to pre/post cruise hotel.
• Transfers to/from cruise ship.
• Luggage handling by Elite Cruises and Holland America staff.
• Group meal seatings plus 2 specialty dining experiences.
• Events and programming exclusively for our group.

Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc.