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.
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...
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.
As I boarded the ship, the crew's impatience was palpable, especially given the recent tensions between cruise visitors and Bar Harbor residents. It was a stark reminder of the local sentiment towards us—welcomed until we became a nuisance. However, the anticipation of whale sightings overshadowed any negativity. Our Cruise Director, Julie, proclaimed this was the best day of the season for sightings, and soon we lost count of the breaches we witnessed.
The history that is literally still buried on Rose Island is substantial. Just the stuff that has been uncovered is well worth the trip. You can find out more and follow along as new discoveries are likely to be posted in the next few weeks, showcasing the rich past hidden beneath the surface.
The Corner Cafe offers a delightful escape just a half-mile from the port, where you can truly mingle with locals. The staff, embodying a bit of New York's brashness, quickly warm up and create a lively atmosphere. My refresher, a zesty mix of OJ, grapefruit juice, and lemonade, was a perfect start, while Roxan's unexpected coffee mudslide added a fun twist to our experience. For entrees, I savored a Vermont Omelette with sweet caramelized apples that...
Ariel Ripas, our lead waiter, instantly brought back memories from last year's cruise on Encore. The service was impeccable as always, with our meal well-paced and attentive. When my dinner fork vanished mid-salad, a new one appeared almost magically before I even needed it for the Porterhouse. The shrimp cocktail was a highlight, beautifully presented with large, firm shrimp and ample cocktail sauce. Our conversation flowed as I almost forgot to review the Porterhouse, which was cooked perfectly...
After a grueling 12+ hour drive, the Jacuzzi room was a delightful surprise I had completely forgotten about. A nice soak this morning was just what I needed, and I didn't even bother with the jets. While I thought we had stayed here before, it turns out this was our first visit. I feel confident recommending it to others, though I wouldn't suggest it for groups due to the neighborhood's quality...
The day started strong with an impressive new docking facility in Ketchikan, but quickly unraveled as our excursion left little time to explore the town. The 20-minute drive to George Inlet felt like a race against time, with only 2.5 hours left to enjoy Ketchikan before heading back. Despite the long bus rides, the George Inlet Crab Feast was a highlight, serving up generous portions of Dungeness crab that completely overshadowed the day’s setbacks.
Our guide today was entertaining and informative, known around Hoonah as “Rainbow.” I wonder why? The “kitchen” is part of a recently-constructed theater building that’s in an alcove at the “far” end of the main attraction area. We were able to enjoy a wine spritzer, taste smoked salmon dip, and eat salmon burgers and halibut breakfast sausage. You honestly can’t tell the meat in the sausage is fish.