Cruise & Maritime Voyages, (CMV) the UK based destinational cruise operator, said it has introduced a ‘soft expedition’ programme of voyages of exploration in Mexico in the Sea of Cortez on the 16,000 gross ton Astoria.

The 11 night itinerary that is mainly targeting US and Mexican source markets, but also sold in the UK, will feature calls at eight ports in the region, which is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet and described as a ‘living aquarium’ by the famous French explorer Jacques Cousteau. It will run in the winter of 2019-20.

“From exotic islands to world renown vacation destinations, it presents a chance to discover truly breathtaking nature, infused with distinctive Mexican culture. These ‘soft expedition’ cruises sail from Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) on the Mexican coast, conveniently located just over 200 miles from Phoenix, Arizona,” the company said in a statement

“This is an exciting project that we have been very much looking forward to announcing in close cooperation with the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and Sonora and the state of Arizona – the first opportunity to cruise from Puerto Peñasco.” said John Dennis, VP, Sales and Marketing for CMV USA.

“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 Sea of Cortez experience. With superb airlift into Phoenix and Tucson, we anticipate great interest from many international markets.”

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.”