Budget Travel and Luxury – the two realities don’t often intersect, but when you do it, it’s about celebrating.
The Netherlands and America found the official Pacific Coast cruise at a base price of $389. Cruise fans know that Dutch American ships, especially the apex class, are architecturally incredible.
All public spaces are reminiscent of the Grand Hotels you’d expect from a company that has been exploring the world for over 150 years. Yes, cruise add-ons increase prices, but savvy travelers know how to take advantage of loyalty perks and ship products such as spa specials, happy hours and free entertainment options to make the most of their ocean vacation.
One cruise trend that will increase value and attract high-end diners is adding specialized restaurants. The Netherlands and America partners with Iron Chef Morimoto to provide an exceptional dining experience on five ships in its fleet.
Morimoto by Sea offers a menu of fresh fish sourced locally as part of Sushi Master’s signature sushi, Sashimi, and Line’s global fresh fish program. The catchphrase is port-to-plate. Over 80 types of fresh fish were available within 48 hours, and then prepared by chefs trained by Morimoto himself.
“I always teach chefs to be creative in cooking,” Morimoto says. He emphasized that the secret is mastering the basics, adding that he adds his talent to his cooking. The chef’s restaurant is known worldwide for its tableside preparation of appetizers like Ishiyaki breezebop.
“It allows diners to participate in the cooking fun. Guests really enjoy it because they can see the details and accuracy that comes with cooking,” he says.
Surprisingly, special diets can be added to your itinerary for a flat rate of just $55 (plus 18% tax). Pinnacle class MS Koningsdam has several sail dates along the Pacific coast in 2025.
One example is the October product that takes you from San Diego to Santa Barbara, then Avalon in the California Channel Islands, then Ensenada in Baja California, Mexico, and then back to San Diego. This four-day cruise (base price including taxes and a fee of $509) is the perfect short escape for those hoping for a luxury, travel, safety and adventure excursion sailing from Catalina Island.
A day after enjoying San Diego, Koningsdam leaves at 3pm in a dramatic way, and the coastline slowly blends into the sunset as many cafes, bars, restaurants and live music venues appear on the boat. Alternatively, you can swim, swim, or stroll along the top deck walking tracks, whether indoors or outdoors on the boat or in the pool or in the jacuzzi tub.
When Koningsdam is steaming at Santa Barbara at 8am the next day, there are many options to see this Mediterranean-style gem. The harbor is within walking distance of the Maritime Museum and great restaurants. Trolley tours are the best way to see the city and its celebrity neighborhoods, historic missions, lively State Street and more. Some of the best whale watching in the world are on the Santa Barbara Channel, and one of the specially quilitized excursions in Dutch America takes you to a high-speed catamaran for a guided whale watching expedition.
On the second night of starry sky and distance lighting, there are passengers awakened to the charm of Catalina Island’s clear coastal waters and the seaside village of Avalon. While there you can swim the day, voyage, boutique shopping, and explore the history of an island that once belonged to chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley.
Day 4 of this Pacific Coast cruise will offer you a day of international talent at a port in Ensenada, Mexico. Baja California’s third largest city is the Agricultural Center and Wine Region. Soft adventure excursions include an all-terrain vehicle tour through the wine region and tastings, kayaks and kayaks to Bufadra Blow Hall.
This short but memorable coastal cruise ends on the fifth day when it returns to San Diego’s port. At this port, even the underdog process is streamlined, with passengers being sent along the way quickly and smoothly.
Looking at the value of a cruise trip on this line, you don’t need an accountant. When you add up the accommodation, meals, nightly entertainment, ship amenities and the thrill of voyage on a gorgeous ship, it’s an extraordinary deal for vacationers.
Ginny Prior visits ginnyprior@hotmail.com and continues on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and ginnyprior.com.
For reference, you can search for Dutch-American cruises online by destination, date, duration and more at hollandamerica.com.
Original issue: March 11, 2025, 3:10pm PDT
