Friday, April 30, 2010

Mexican Riviera Cruise March 20-27, 2010

Well, thanks to the Harrahs/Caesars casino group and those pesky penny slots we play, we were rewarded with a free 7 night cruise (well, we still had to pay port fees, taxes, etc...but MUCH cheaper than we would have paid). We chose this cruise aboard the Norwegian Star that left from Long Beach- 25 miles from our house. I had never been on a cruise and it was 20+ years since Clemente's last one so it was pretty new for both of us. There were 3 stops- Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan & Puerto Vallarta. Weather was amazing the entire trip!!


One of the central lobby areas


Overlooking the pool deck area before the masses boarded


Looking down several levels in the atrium area


The Versailles dining room- wonderful food


Checking out the showroom- brand new seats/carpet


One of the several shows we watched during the week


This was the departure BBQ as we left Long Beach at sunset


Our room was perfect- size and amenities- nothing was missing


Bathroom small but designed very well


Celebrating with a complimentary bottle of Pol Clement Champagne from the onboard casino on our 2nd night (upon arrival we were presented with a platter of cookies and free drink passes for the entire week in the casino.....took advantage of those!!)

Having morning coffee on the balcony

We only ordered room service once or twice, but you sure got your fill


The pictures they take of you and sell are quite expensive, but nothing stopped Clemente from taking a picture of the picture. This was from one of our dinners in the French restaurant aboard called Le Bistro.


Dessert at the Mexican restaurant aboard. The filipino staff made sure we ate well.


Docking in Cabo- what a view from our balcony


Went ashore for about 4-5 hours


Skeletons everywhere


Nice shopping complex at the marina

My friend & I


Clemente peeking into the pharmacy


Lunch on the marina in Cabo


Tiny internet booths at the port....but cheap


View from our balcony


Leaving Cabo at sunset


Arriving at Mazatlan looking over the old city


Mazatlan market


Church in Mazatlan


Outside from the square


Park in Old Mazatlan


Sort of like New Orleans in some areas


Took a taxi to the Gold Zone (more touristy area) and had lunch here at the beach


Hawkers selling everything


Can I interest you in a hat?


Senor Frog (and his twin)


Ok, my nuzzing up to this statue had NOTHING to do with the free unmanned tequila table next to it.....I swear


You take your life in their hands in these golf cart like taxis to begin with and then they are texting the whole time


Picture of our Picture from Mazatlan visit


Arriving at Puerto Vallarta- looks like someone won the lotto


We were one of 3 cruise ships in terminal and this old ship took people out for a pirate lunch


Just one view of the MANY trinket shops in town


Having fun with the beachside statues


I don't think tequila was involved here, but it sounds like a good excuse


The thinkers....


Don't ask


What, another Church? Of course!


Beautiful accommodations in PV


Oh, yes, yes, yes....


Our ship from afar


Yes, this is a Walmart across the street from the port and YES we did go there.


Our PV picture