Itinerary

March 31 - Embark Los Angeles, California

April 1 - Cruising the Pacific Ocean

April 2 - Cruising the Pacific Ocean

April 3 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

April 4 - Mazatlán, Mexico

April 5 - Loreto, Mexico

April 6 - La Paz, Mexico

April 7 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

April 8 - Cruising the Pacific Ocean

April 9 - San Diego, California

April 10 - Disembark Los Angeles, California

HIGHLIGHTS:

Los Angeles: Spectacular natural surroundings combined with the vitality of a creative and artistic community make Los Angeles one-of-a-kind. Sunshine, majestic palm trees and the sandy beaches of the Pacific share the spotlight with L.A.'s glamorous movie industry and its world-famous celebrities. Formally founded in 1781, it is now one of the world's largest metropolitan centers. Although there will not be any shore excursions offered in Los Angeles due to our limited time in port, you may contact Crystal's onboard Shore Excursion staff for helpful hints or suggestions on things to do while you are ashore.

Puerto Vallarta: Embraced by rugged tropical mountains on one side and the beautiful Banderas Bay on the other, Puerto Vallarta is second only to Acapulco when it comes to the Mexican Riviera's leading resort cities. White stucco houses are capped with red-tile roofs and surrounded by bougainvillea-lined cobblestone streets. Native women who beat their laundry along riverbanks as busy fishing boats return to port illustrate a lifestyle that has been maintained for decades. Nearby, sophisticated restaurants, luxury hotels, smart boutiques and lively nightclubs bear testament to the changes wrought on this quiet seaside city since the 1960s. Life here has never been quite the same since the filming of the movie "Night of the Iguana" and the worldwide publicity accorded the romance of its stars, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Puerto Vallarta brims with life. Shop for leather goods, shell and silver jewelry, hand-embroidered blouses or painted figures from Oaxaca. Explore cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways filled with the scents and bustling energy of Mexico.

Mazatlán: The massive lighthouse of El Faro welcomes you to the thriving seaport of Mazatlán. Located on a peninsula just south of the Tropic of Cancer, this fast-developing resort is a fishing and sportsperson's paradise. Supposedly there are as many fishing boats as tennis courts here! Offshore, scores of sailfish and marlin frolic in the temperate waters while para-sailors drift lazily overhead. Mazatlán offers a rich diversity of activities. Feel free to shop at the colorful market and folk art shops, explore the charming town plaza, relax at a fine resort hotel or try your luck sportfishing.

Loreto: Sitting on the east coast of Baja, Loreto provides all the diversions of a small, seafront town, including diving, kayaking and fishing. There is also a chance to play a game of tennis at the Tennis Center or a round of golf on the greens carpeting a special spot by the Sea of Cortez. Then there is the tempting excursion of boating five miles from shore to the Islas Coronado, where you can spot sea lions basking in the sun. All these features are certainly enough to make Loreto an appealing destination on this maiden call for Crystal Cruises. But what makes the town even more interesting is its mission history. Loreto was founded in 1697 as the head of the Jesuit missions to California and for 130 years, served as the territory's capital. Stop in the original mission church, which appears much as it has for centuries. Then wander through the small museum next door and learn more about Baja's missionary history.

La Paz: Cradled between the stark sands of Baja and the fertile waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz offers a host of challenging opportunities. Dubbed "the World's largest fish trap," the area is home to over 800 species of fish and 2,000 species of invertebrates. Giant manta rays and whales navigate the depths while dolphins and sea lions frolic on the surface. Deep sea fishing, diving and sightseeing boats are available for charters.

Cabo San Lucas: Cabo San Lucas is nestled on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean meet the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Commanding rock formations, timeless desert and a translucent sea provide a compelling introduction to this tranquil resort town. Here, mile upon mile of golden sandy coves dot the shoreline while marlin and sailfish frolic in the waters offshore. Laze on a deserted beach, explore the undersea world or discover bustling shops and markets for tempting treasures such as silver, jewelry and wooden sculptures.

San Diego: From the old Gas Lamp Quarter to the Horton Plaza to the San Diego Zoo, San Diego combines history with progress. Bordered on one side by the graceful Pacific Ocean lapping its shores and the hot desert plains on the other, this magical city is a festive and colorful attraction for tourists and locals. Close by lies graceful La Jolla, Spanish for the jewel, and Solana Beach, a beach community located near charming Del Mar. Whether you venture into Old Town, the original site of this city, or one of its gorgeous parks, you'll come to understand why San Diego has established itself as one of the most popular destinations in the United States.