Smooth Jazz Cruise to Overnight in Puerto Vallarta Team Angels - Smooth Jazz Cruise
go to original August 6, 2013

Holland America's m/s Westerdam announces the Smooth Jazz Cruise West Coast Edition 2013.

Having produced 17 cruises in this genre, The Smooth Jazz Cruise has always represented the finest in contemporary jazz, along with a strong element of R & B, Funk and Blues.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise sails from San Diego on Saturday, October 12, and features chart toppers Brian Culbertson and Boney James as the hosts, along with the usual fantastic lineup of jazz stars.

After the day at sea and scenic cruising of Bahia Maggdalena, passengers will arrive in Puerto Vallarta at 8:00 am on Tuesday, October 15, and will have the full day and overnight to take advantage of all the pleasures that Vallarta has to offer.

Special tour activities have been planned for the day in Vallarta and these can be booked in conjunction with your cruise reservations.

Special Puerto Vallarta Excursions:

• 18-Hole Golf at La Marina Golf Course with Rick Braun - La Marina Golf Course has just raised the standard with its new upscale championship facilities and exclusive country club. From the pier you’ll be boarding your air conditioned transport for a 10 minute ride to Golf Course. Upon arrival at the clubhouse, you’ll be met by the Golf pro who will provide you with all the necessary information regarding the course and you’ll have the opportunity to swing your way through 18 holes of one of the most spectacular courses in Puerto Vallarta.

• Countryside On Horseback with Richard Elliot - This is ultimate way to discover the traditional fishing village of Quimixto and its spectacular beach on Puerto Vallarta’s pristine southern shore. Join this eco-adventure aboard a comfortable, all-weather, inflatable speedboat. Your expert eco guide will make sure that you have an outstanding day by taking an interesting and insightful horseback ride to some beautiful waterfalls where you can enjoy a swim in the refreshing waters. On your horseback down to the spectacular beach of Quimixto, pristine waters provide the perfect location for relaxing and shopping, in it is the peace and quiet of this remote village that is truly stunning, offering the perfect opportunity to unwind before returning to your ship.

• Las Caletas Hideaway with Brian Simpson - Across the bay at Las Caletas, this idyllic and private paradise of small beaches is yours for the day. There is kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkeling for all abilities with qualified instructors and all equipment included. Take a nature walk you enjoy a buffet lunch. Whatever you decide, this world famous hideaway with friendly staff catering to your every need will be a memory to treasure Las Caletas is, purely and simply, Mexico’s answer to the Garden of Eden . . . a place where you can get away from it all, kick-back, relax and let all the stress slip away in an exclusive and enchanting coastal haven in Vallarta. Don't miss this extraordinary part of your stay in Puerto Vallarta.

• Outdoor Challenge with Jonathan Butler - Experience the thrill of discovering the Outdoor Challenge, designed to take you in an area of pristine, unspoiled forest where scenic beauty and rich ecological habitats create a true tropical paradise. This active 5.5-hour excursion brings out the child in all of us. The adventure begins with a boat ride and off-road adventure to the heart of the tropical forests, where you'll learn a variety of wilderness techniques, ride mules, splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools, water slides, handing bridges and soar 250 ft above the ground over the jungle foliage on a series of amazing ziplines! Our trip leaders' knowledge of the landscape and wildlife makes these trips unforgettable adventures. Discover and explore the extraordinary flora and fauna hidden away under the canopy of the jungle.

• Puerto Vallarta Highlights with Brian Culbertson - Ride along the main highway to the Old Town of Puerto Vallarta; then pass through the cobblestone streets of the city with a stop at City Hall and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Near Gringo Gulch, you'll see from a distance the homes of Elizabeth Taylor and the late Richard Burton. Admire the elegant residential area of Conchas Chinas and some upscale hotels. At the south end of town, stop for photos at a charming restaurant where a beverage will be served; then there's time for shopping in the Old Town area. Re-join your motor coach for the return ride to the ship, or you may stay downtown and return to the ship on your own.

• Swim with the Dolphins with Candy Dulfer - This dolphin adventure is a magnificent experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. As one of the few dolphin educational centers in the world, the staff believe that through interactive programs, a deeper understanding of dolphins and their environment will result, and in doing so, promote worldwide conservation of these incredibly intelligent creatures. Dolphin swim groups are kept small, with no more than five guests per dolphin, providing the best opportunity for contact and interaction as you swim alongside these lovable creatures. Life jackets are provided and are required during the program. This enables maximum focus of attention on the dolphins rather than on staying afloat.

For complete excursion details, visit Smooth Cruise Special Events.

On Wednesday, October 16, the Westerdam will depart Puerto Vallarta at 3:00 pm and passengers will spend the next day in Cabo San Lucas with the return to San Diego on Saturday, October 19 at 7:00 am.

Guests have fallen in love with The Smooth Jazz Cruise ever since its maiden voyage in 2004. Much more than a jazz festival and much more than a vacation, cruisers spend an entire week completely immersed in the music. On top of the stellar concert performances by the genre’s legends, Grammy winners and chart-toppers, guests interact daily with the musicians at cocktail parties, poolside games and activities, informative seminars, private lessons with the artists, autograph sessions and cooking demonstrations.

It’s an unforgettable first-class lifestyle experience aboard a Holland America luxury ship that keeps fans coming back year after year.

For more information, visit The Smooth Jazz Cruise.