The Blog from the Sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez is a rich haven for marine wildlife, visited by the largest creature in the world, the blue whale, as well as humpbacks, killer whales, giant manta rays and leatherback turtles.
Better known as the Gulf of California these days, the sea lies between Baja California and the Mexican mainland. It was the scene of a 1940 expedition by author John Steinbeck which led to his book, The Log from the Sea of Cortez.
Until now though, it has not been a regular call for cruise ships. That is about to change with the first of three vessels arriving in the area next month.
First on the scene will be The World of Residensea, a floating community which combines suites – or apartments – in private ownership, and those which can be occupied for a week or more at a time as on any normal cruise ship.
Next year, luxury vessel Crystal Symphony is scheduled to sail to the Sea of Cortez on a 10-day December cruise from Los Angeles.
The following month, Azamara Journey from the boutique brand of the Royal Caribbean empire, will start the first of four consecutive11-day voyages there from San Diego, making five maiden calls at Mazatlán, Topolobampo, Loreto, Guaymas and La Paz. Fares start at just £968,
None of the ships is a giant – the five-star Symphony carries about 1,000 passengers, and the four-star Journey about 700.
I would love to be one of them. For the experience of being something of a pioneer, for the thrill of experiencing unforgettable wildlife, and in order to be able to write The Blog from the Sea of Cortez.