Thursday, December 17, 2009

A Mexican Riviera Cruise

Last week I got to go on a cruise to Mexico with Linda and her parents, Donna and Jim. We set sail Sunday 12/6/09 out of San Pedro on Royal Caribbeans Mariner of the Seas.
We set sail just before sunset. Our balcony was facing the San Pedro shoreline. The wind blew a gentle breeze and we just took it all in as we shouted "Bon Voyage!"

This is me, Tessha out on the balcony as we anchored in Cabo San Lucas Tuesday morning.
Donna and me made friends with Maria on the water taxi into Cabo.

Mostly we walked the boardwalk, shopped the craft boutiques and then stopped for fish tacos and virgin daiquiris while overlooking the harbor.

On our way back to the ship I snapped a picture of the boat from a distance. It holds over 3200 people, plus crew.



One of the highlights of any cruise is the formal dinner where we found we were treated like royalty. This is Linda a dear friend of mine from Portland and her parents Donna and Jim. They were celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. What a way to do it!




Tessha, Donna and Linda all dressed up for a night of dancing on the ship.


Wednesday we pulled right up to Mazatlan. I grabbed this picture of our ship later in the day as we were zipping through the hillside on a guided tour.

The bay of Mazatlan mid day.
In the city center there is a iron trimmed gazebo that I thought was beautiful. It's just across from an late 1800's Cathedral.

On a just right 80 degree day in Mazatlan a local enjoys the benches in the pavilion.




I'm taken by the wood on this side door to the Cathedral.



This picture could almost be a postcard wishing you were here in Mazatlan with us.


During my beach stroll I came across some cowboys on the beach with their guitars.


One of the sights we saw on our city tour was the cliff divers. Ey-yie!
I think they're crazy!

Our last stop was Puerta Vallarta in which I was having trouble with the camera batteries. Basically we snuck into a beach resort in which we blended in with the hotel guests as long as I didn't pull out my cruise ship towel. I swam in their pool, walked the beach and laid out for a while.


The last three days at sea I spent in the fitness center/spa. Donna got her hair done. Linda and I both treated ourselves to Russell's most amazing scalp massage, which include the shoulders too. All I can say is Linda went back for a second one, it was that good.

I soaked in the whirlpool, the hot tubs, the mineral pools and visited the sauna and steam rooms. It was the best therapy I've had in a while. One night we attended an ice skating show (yes, the ship had an ice skating rink.) Linda and I sat in on the napkin folding class, toured the ship and took lots of naps.

8 comments:

Cristie Jensen said...

I'm jealous, and can't wait till I can go on another cruise. We are planning on going on one for our 10th anniversary, but not quite sure. It looks like you had fun, keep it up!
Cristie

Luke said...

Sounds like a lot of fun. Man I forgot how relaxing cruises can be.

Dan Thomas said...

Looks like you had lots of fun! We are glad to got to go.

Will Thomas said...

What a fun time! And the perfect time of the year! A cruise is on Jenni & I's list of vacations! You'll have to come along and show us how to do it as you are the expert.

Unknown said...

Fun fun fun. I would love to just live there. wow. it is so beautiful. i hope you had fun and I'm excited to see you. soon

Beth said...

I can't believe I just now found your blog!!!! I miss you like crazy, and think of you often. Please send me your address and I can send you a christmas card! Your vacation looked amazing and someday, when the kids are older, I want to go on a cruise too!
love ya, beth

Jodie Ricks said...

I am so glad you shared your trip. It looked like so much fun. I also have a blog, if you want to check it out. it is jaronandjodiericks.blogspot.com
I hope things are well and that you had a very happy holidays.

Amyanne said...

What a trip! I love the pics, too; you are a great photographer.