Oosterdam Itinerary

This is an overview to give you an idea of what will happen during this cruise.

Saturday, March 29th 2008 (Departure from San Diego)

The adventure begins in San Diego, California…or more specifically the Port of San Diego located right down town, where the luxurious cruise ship Oosterdam (pronounced…ooo-ster-dom) awaits you. It’s a busy but festive afternoon at the San Diego Cruise Terminal, as you arrive with great anticipation to board the ship. The Oosterdam is a brand new vessel and a maritime marvel in itself. She has a Dutch registry and is filled with millions of dollars worth of fine artwork. The gracious and always smiling Indonesian service staff are eager to welcome this week’s guests aboard the Oosterdam. Once onboard, passengers make their way to their staterooms to unpack and then familiarize themselves with their floating resort, home-away-from-home for seven glorious days of sun, fun, great food, and fellowship. There is a great sensation of excitement in the air, because some have never been on a great ship like this before, or have had a vacation in years. There will be a lifeboat drill at 4:30pm and then at 5:00pm the anticipation begins to peak as the ship pulls away from the dock in San Diego. The booming ship’s whistle causes people to cover their ears, as the great voyage to the Mexican Riviera begins!

After the ship’s departure, and into the southern California sunset, we look forward to seeing you in the Vista Dinning Room. At this time you will just begin to develop an appreciation for the luxuries you are about to enjoy. The atmosphere aboard the Oosterdam is like a magical palace designed for comfort…it’s a world of posh surroundings, relaxation, fine dining, and exquisite artwork. The Indonesian staff in the dining room are so gracious and are always very attentive to your needs. Even your friendly cabin steward is eager to greet you with a smile as they keep your stateroom spotless and turn-down your bed every night. Aboard this ship, you have a chance to leave your busy life of cell phones, paperwork, jobs, and your daily routine behind as you are enveloped in a wonderfully luxurious world of Oosterdam, combined with the wonders and beauty of the sea. After dinner there is a welcome aboard show put on by the Cruise Director in the Vista Lounge. The rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy as you wish. You may want to take an evening stroll on deck as the ship gently moves through the ocean.

Sunday, March 30th 2008 (At Sea)

The Oosterdam is enroute to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Today, the ship is at sea all day so you have an opportunity to get acquainted with your floating resort and the many activities and facilities available for you to enjoy. For lunch you have the option of dining in the Vista Dining room or Windstar Cafe on the Promenade Deck, or the Lido Restaurant or Terrace Grill on the Lido Deck. The ladies may want to pamper themselves in the beauty salon, (in anticipation of this evening's formal night) you can get a massage, swim in one of the three pools, or just enjoy the sun on deck in an old-fashioned wooden deck chair as the great Oosterdam passes gently through the Pacific Ocean. There are many other activities to enjoy onboard in the many lounges….you may want to read a book in the Erasmus Library, do some shopping in the Shopping Arcade on the Promenade Deck, send an email in the Internet Center or enjoy a coffee at Java Corner. This evening before dinner is the Captain’s Party which is a must to attend…because it is here you can greet the Master (Captain) of the Oosterdam. The Captain will also introduce his officers and staff. After dinner is a grand show in the Vista Lounge you won’t want to miss.

Monday, March 31st 2008 (Cabo San Lucas)

This morning after skirting along the coast of Baha, the Oosterdam arrives at the tip of the Baha Peninsula at a little town called Cabo San Lucas. This morning you may enjoy a leisurely breakfast in bed, up on deck or in the dining room. There is no dock for the ship to pull up to, so the Oosterdam drops it’s anchor in the bay at Cabo San Lucas. At around 12:00noon passengers will be allowed to disembark the ship into tenders, (smaller boats) that will take you ashore. These tenders will drop you off right near down-town Cabo San Lucas. There are many shore excursions for you to choose from including a visit to Lover’s Beach right near the absolute tip of Baha where there are some unique rock formations, including the famous rock arch seen in many photos of Cabo San Lucas. It is this spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Mexican Riviera. After a fun, sun-soaked day in Cabo San Lucas, at 6:00pm the ship will raise it’s anchor and begin it’s journey to Mazatlan. Just as the ship pulls away from Cabo San Lucas, it’s time for dinner. More great fellowship, fabulous dining and another glorious sunset at sea! After dinner you may want to enjoy some of the festivities throughout the ship.

Tuesday, April 1st 2008 (Mazatlan)

Holland America Line is famous for their well coordinated shore excursions for which you may want to participate in while in Mazatlan. You may want to go deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, or visit down-town Mazatlan at the open market. There’s a wonderful little Mexican restaurant called Donays, a restaurant frequented by the locals and off the tourist path, that you may want to experience for lunch. The ship departs at 6:00pm from Mazatlan into the Mexican Riviera sunset. It is in Mazatlan that some of our passengers may want to participate in our outreach & ministry projects that make this cruise particularly special.

Wednesday, April 2nd 2008 (Puerto Vallarta)

Today is a completely free day to enjoy Puerto Vallarta, and all the ship has to offer. The Oosterdam docks in Puerto Vallarta at 8:00am and remains docked till 7:00pm in the evening. There is so much to do in this city of Puerto Vallarta…you may want to hang out at the beach, go deep-sea fishing, parasailing, and some may want to visit the quaint hill-top site of Chico’s Paradise. Of course there is great shopping in town and a fine restaurant near where the ship is docked called Bogarts. At 7:00pm the ship drops her lines and departs from Puerto Vallarta cruising off into the night horizon. Again in Puerto Vallarta, you may choose to participate in our outreach & ministry projects we have scheduled. It is here that you will be able to meet our missionaries Fred & Debbie Collom.

Thursday, April 3rd 2008 (At Sea)

Today the Oosterdam is at sea all day as she voyages back to San Diego. But the cruise is far from over, because there are two solid relaxing days at sea!

Friday, April 4th 2008 (At Sea)

Just like the day before, the Oosterdam is at sea all day long. For those who love to cruise…these days at sea are often the favorite part of the cruise, because the ship is in it’s element when at sea, and there is a relaxing, soothing atmosphere throughout the ship. The sea air is invigorating and refreshing…it’s the perfect way to end a vacation...in the tranquility of a sea voyage. After breakfast you may want to soak in some of the luxuries the Oosterdam has to offer, like a dip one of the pools, a massage in the spa, or enjoy one of the numerous activities planned by the ship's Cruise Staff. This is the last night of our wonderful vacation, so we may want to sneak a midnight snack, and take one last walk around the open deck space.

Saturday, April 4th 2008 (San Diego)

At 7:00am the Oosterdam docks again in San Diego completing another Mexican Riviera voyage. Disembarkation can often be a very busy time, but rest assured everyone will be able to get some breakfast, say a few goodbyes and get to the airport on time. You will fly home with fond memories of cruising the Mexican Riviera, fellowship with friends, visiting some interesting ports, and you will remember the beautiful sunsets and the tranquility of the ocean.