Ensenada, Cabo & Mazatlan Cruise 7 Nights • San Diego, California • Serenade of the Seas

A cruise from San Diego is always a great idea, because it means you get to start your vacation in a city that’s filled with as much adventure as the destinations you’ll soon sail to. San Diego is nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” and it sure lives up to the title. With its breezy, sunny climate and laid-back, beach-town spirit, this West Coast gem beckons with unique experiences. Before you set out on your cruise out of San Diego, head to the world-famous San Diego Zoo for an up-close look at pandas and Komodo dragons. Sip local brews and savor tasty empanadas outdoors at Liberty Public Market. At the San Diego Museum of Man, a climb to the top of the California Tower will yield dazzling views of the sea, city and bay. And of course, make sure you spend some time at the iconic La Jolla Cove, home to sea lions and an underwater park that’s a favorite destination among snorkelers and divers.

Your ship departs promptly at 4:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.

Dip your toes into Ensenada's sparkling seas at San Miguel Beach or work up a sweat hiking along the six-mile Canon de Doña Petra trail. Witness the majesty of nature when you watch La Bufadora geyser shoot more than 100 feet into the air or admire (and buy) the colorful work of local artists in the shops on Calle 1.

Explore Baja's quintessential seaside town — check out Iglesia de San Lucas, a Spanish missionary church dating back to 1730. Then, see the majestic, photo-ready rock arches on the tip of the Baja California Peninsula. Take in views of clear ocean waters and desert-like landscapes on the coastline of the Sea of Cortez, or relax on the sands of Playa Medano before popping in for a margarita at an oceanside watering hole.

Cradled by mountains and lapped by the cerulean waters of the Pacific, Mazatlán is one of the most interesting resort towns on Mexico’s wild western coast. If you’re planning a cruise to Mazatlán, you’re in for a real treat. You’ll find it all here — stately plazas and shaded streets lined with restored landmarks in the city’s Centro Historico. Beautiful white-sand beaches dotted with lively cafes, bars and plenty of space to sunbathe. And endless ways to dive into the region’s unique history, which is filled with Spanish conquistadors, buccaneer battles, and Gold Rush-era prospectors.

Before leaving this SoCal mega city, there are a few things you can't miss. Hike one of the many coastal trails like Sunset Cliffs. Marvel at the unique landscapes in Torrey Pines Natural Reserve, with untouched dunes and steep, sandy cliffs. Or head to the San Diego Museum of Man, where you can climb the 125 steps to the top of the California Tower for sweeping 360-degree views of the mountains, the ocean and the city.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.