Cabo San Lucas is where our “us” day truly began, away from tourist traps and filled with simple pleasures. The Sand Bar remains our go-to spot, and this time, our cats Charlie and Tippy even made an appearance via my t-shirt. There’s something special about enjoying time in the sun, even if I wished for a bit more breeze. The highlight of the day was definitely spotting the Carnival Firenze, which doesn’t sport the iconic whale tail funnel, a detail I found fascinating…
We waddled out of the restaurant, having left more than 30% of the food in the “boat,” un-tasted. The special we ordered included two items of everything they serve, and our drinks were a fun twist—one even balanced on the restaurant owner’s head! Although the extra charges for add-ons caught us off guard, the delicious meal and lively atmosphere made it worthwhile. David said we’d picked well, and locals seem to love this place.
The construction of the Catedral Mazatlan Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion faced significant delays due to financial issues, leading to its unique completion. Remarkably, a Jewish Synagogue stepped in to fund the remaining work, resulting in a church adorned with 28 stained glass windows featuring the Star of David, a rarity in Catholic architecture. This fascinating blend of cultures adds depth to the historical narrative of Mazatlan, making it a must-see on any tour.
Waking up before the alarm, I stepped onto the balcony, the pre-sunrise glow inviting me to reflect on my journey. Arriving in Mazatlan, I opted for a more intimate tour with just nine fellow travelers. Our guide, David Maciel, led us to stunning sites, including the Cathedral with its unique Jewish symbols. The sheer thrill of watching cliff divers and zip liners added to the adventure, promising a day filled with unforgettable memories.
The ride to Playa Chicka Locca brought back vivid memories of my trip to India, with scenes of bustling streets and herds of motorcycles reminiscent of Kolkata. Our driver, Angelo, guided us through the less touristy areas, where the local ambiance contrasted sharply with the resort’s planned activities. Waiting on Boca beach, we could smell the fresh produce from the boat’s grocery run, adding a unique flavor to our experience. The fragrant onions and lively atmosphere made it all the more special.
The breakfast options at Grand Pacific may not inspire a photo frenzy, but it’s the ambiance and personal preference that truly shape the dining experience. While the Main Dining Room offers a standard fare, my heart leans more towards the cozy feel of O’Sheehans. As we set sail from Mazatlan, tomorrow's plan may involve the buffet instead, adding a touch of spontaneity to our culinary journey.
Two mudslides before breakfast is a rookie mistake that quickly led to a stumble-step back to my room. After a nap, I was back in form, ready to tackle trivia and dance lessons. The day unfolded with trivia games and writing at Spinnaker, but dinner was the real highlight. La Cuchina delivered the best meal yet, and the comedy show that followed turned out to be much better than my last cruise experience.
After much anticipation, the culinary experience at La Cucina finally impressed me, though not all dishes achieved 'wow' status. Roxan's Mozzarella Caprese was a standout, and my Spaghetti Carbonara, though reminiscent of Olive Garden, had a richer flavor. The entrees, Beef Lasagne and Pork Marsala, also delivered satisfaction, with Roxan finishing half her plate. As we rushed to the comedy show, we savored a delightful dessert, leaving us eager for our next visit.
The sole I ordered at Le Bistro was a new experience for me, with its basic taste allowing the garnishes to shine. The highlight, however, was the dessert—a pistachio layer that stole the show, despite the unflavored gelatin filling. Our waiter Danny and the staff added to the pleasant atmosphere, especially with the entertaining reveal of a neighboring table's empty plates, making for a memorable evening, yet I still felt a...
The Latitudes tour offers a peek into the galley and laundry, but lacks the depth of the paid behind-the-scenes tour. While the Latitudes experience showcases customer-facing spaces, the paid tour reveals the bridge and engine control room, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of ship operations. It's fascinating to consider how crew members manage time changes across the ship, as we add an hour with each sailing day. However, the real allure lies in the areas not typically seen by passengers...
Despite initial frustrations with parking and missing the ship inspection, the boarding process at the San Diego cruise terminal was smooth. We boarded by 11:30, quickly cleared security, and settled into O’Sheehan’s for our traditional embarkation mudslides. Rooms were slightly delayed, but we still had time for a quick nap before Sailaway—the highlight being the passing USS Ronald Reagan, identified by Google Lens.
One of our must-do traditions on Day 1 of any NCL Cruise is indulging in the first mudslide and dining at Cagney’s. The shrimp appetizer met expectations, but Roxan's thick-cut bacon surprised us with its simplicity—just grilled pork without added flavors. The prime rib was high-quality yet not as memorable as I recalled from previous visits. Overall, Cagney’s remains a consistent favorite, delivering a solid dining experience.
It has been a rainy morning, but as the clouds begin to part, the promise of adventure remains. Onboard, the atmosphere is filled with excitement as the crew anticipates a day of exploration despite the weather. Rain or shine, every moment spent at sea brings its own unique joy and wonder, reminding us that...
Stepping out of the hotel, I was greeted by a stunning view that set the tone for a long day ahead. With 11.5 hours of driving scheduled, including a lunch stop in Flagstaff and a time zone change, I'm bracing myself for a late arrival around 8:30 or 9pm.
Just after sunset, a stunning scene unfolds west of Amarillo, where the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. The interplay of light and shadow creates a breathtaking backdrop that captures the essence of this moment, inviting viewers to take in the serene beauty of nature. It's a reminder of how fleeting and precious these...
Looking down the barrel of two 11-hour days on the road makes me yearn for a transporter. It would have been cool to have gone to bed last night at home and woken up this morning in San Diego. But alas, today’s drive includes a BNI meeting before heading to Edmond for lunch and then the long stretch west on I-40 to Albuquerque. Tomorrow’s drive brings more decisions, with beautiful routes and delicious meals ahead.
The grand adventure kicks off with a drive to New Orleans to tour the NCL Escape, a journey filled with nostalgia as I revisit Jackson, MS. After two years, I’m eager to see the ship again and catch an 80’s band perform. This time, packing is simplified; no more 'Packing Jenga' as we’ll travel with just one suitcase. I managed to score an upgrade to the last Club Balcony Suite, enhancing our experience onboard.
As the countdown to departure begins, the excitement of online check-in at midnight ET 21 days prior is palpable. It marks a pivotal moment in the journey, kicking off the pre-cruise preparations that every NCL traveler eagerly anticipates. My schedule is packed with activities leading up to our much-anticipated cruise, including concerts and ship inspections, each adding to the thrill of what's to come.
A planned trip to inspect Norwegian Cruise Line ships led me to book a Mexican Riviera sailing from November 15th-22nd. As I work on rebranding my travel agency, Cruise Made EASY, I'm excited to tour the Norwegian Jade just before this trip. The double Latitude Rewards points offer is too good to pass up, and I can't wait to experience Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas again, especially after our previous adventures there...