CMV with the states of Baja California Sur, Sinaloa and Sonora announce cruise sailing from Puerto Peñasco to Rocky Point

CMV’s Treasures of the Sea of Cortez will sail round-trip from Puerto Peñasco to distinctive ports of call in Sonora, Sinaloa, and Baja California Sur including: Puerto Topolobampo, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Santa Rosalia, and Guaymas. The novel itinerary also offers Arizonians the unique opportunity to embark on a cruise from their closest sailing port, located just a few hours drive from Phoenix and Tucson. 

“This is an exciting project that we have been very much looking forward to announcing together with the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and Sonora and the state of Arizona – the first opportunity to cruise from Puerto Peñasco – Rocky Point!  Our new Treasures of the Sea of Cortez voyage takes travelers to discover some of the best kept secret destinations of Mexico from a beautiful seaside town conveniently located just outside Arizona,” said John Dennis, VP, Sales and Marketing for CMV USA.  As such, we are thrilled – not only to be Arizona’s de facto cruise line, but also to welcome guests throughout the country and internationally to experience this “inclusive” Sea of Cortez itinerary.  Additionally, we are pleased to share that with countless local drive-to opportunities, as well as superb airlift into Phoenix and Tuscon, we have already started to see great interest from many markets, including the UK that has non-stop service into Phoenix.”

Born in an era marked by volcanic eruptions and ongoing earthquakes more than 5 million years ago, the Sea of Cortez beckons with natural wonders, amazing wildlife, spectacular islands, and much more to explore.  In fact, the Sea of Cortez is the richest body of water on planet, featuring many islands designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, an impressive array of marine mammals, more than 900 species of fish, and plentiful birdlife. It was a voyage here that inspired acclaimed author John Steinbeck to write a book about his expedition, and it’s the body of water famously described as a “living aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau. 

Chris Coates, Group Commercial Director of CMV commented, “The largely undiscovered pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez present the Group’s first foray into the soft expedition cruise sector, inaugurating our new ‘Voyages of Exploration’ collection.  In tandem, CMV’s Astoria that will perform the program offers a unique, classic boutique style and an authentic cruise experience, supported by an enrichment program and supplemented by classical and more popular themed entertainment.  Carrying a compliment of just 500 mainly North American and Mexican guests, and structured as an ‘inclusive’ sailing brimming with inclusions, further provides for attractive price points and a great value proposition. Our mid-term aim is to introduce a wide array of ‘Voyages of Exploration’ programs to other parts of the world too.”

CMV’s new Treasures of the Sea of Cortez welcomes travelers to experience an unparalleled ecosystem and breath-taking nature infused with the incredible Mexican cultural essence. Guests will embark in the beautiful seaside town of Puerto Peñasco also known as “Rocky Point” and sail along to Topolobampo, gateway to the Sierra Madre mountain range and Copper Canyon, a series of canyons larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon.  Next, they can take some time to play on the coastal boardwalk of Mazatlan, and then relax and rejuvenate alongside the glitterati in the trendy resort town of Cabo San Lucas.  From there the cruise heads on to the pristine beach town of La Paz, visited by Hernan Cortez back in 1535.  Later, adventurers can enjoy time in Bahia Loreto, a destination brimming with active waterborne fun, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and diving. The cruise takes guests next to Santa Rosalia, a popular whale watching haven, and then on to the Guaymas with its stunning beaches, desert, and mountains. Rounding out this outstanding soft expedition, the cruise sails back to Puerto Peñasco.

This unique voyage will be performed by the acclaimed Astoria vessel with her handsome profile and a traditional walk around promenade deck. The 16,144grt Portuguese registered Astoria is a classic beautifully restored ocean going cruise ship carrying just 550 guests and offers a wide selection of very well appointed and comfortable public lounges and cabin accommodation spanning eight passenger decks.