It's Cruise Time Again!

Last year we took our first cruise and went down to Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada. We're gettin' ready to head out again (with all 18 members of myimmediate family - Mom, brothers, sister, wives, husband, nieces, nephews...) - this time to Cabo, Mazatlan &amp; Puerto Vallarta.<br><br>Does anyone have any excursion/activity suggestions for Mazatlan or P.V.? For that matter, last year in Cabo we did a bit of walking through the city (yeah,we hit Cabo Wabo) and then spent a few hours over at Lover's Beach (beautiful, btw) so if you have any other Cabo suggestions, let me hear them too! We'd prefer not to book the excursions from the cruise line - they are usually pretty overpriced (everyone's gotta get their cut).<br><br>Doug<br>

Sounds like fun Doug!<br>We try to go to Mazatlan every year, but are postponing our trip this year due to the increased violence in Mexico. I think you guys are reasonably safe,being on a cruise ship, taking port, cattle call environment...<br>Is it for one day at each town? Or just a few hours? <br>We typically go there simply to relax by the pool, or walk the beach, or dip in the ocean. We will walk downtown to change it up a bit, the Marketplace is avery interesting experience and a little overwhelming. It would be nice if the vendors would simply let you browse their store without them hounding, and Imean HOUNDING you to buy something. They don't understand how they make it a "not so fun" experience, but it is an experience nonetheless.<br><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/ScottWheels/Mazatlan%2008/IMG_4230.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>We usually take a walk from the marketplace to the Cathedral. It's beautiful and not too far away.<br><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/ScottWheels/Mazatlan%2008/IMG_4210.jpg" alt="image"><br><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/ScottWheels/Mazatlan%2008/IMG_4206.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>If you walk the beaches, for fun you can count how many times someone asks you if you want to go fishing. It gets pretty easy to ignore after a while. Orjewelry, or sunglasses, hats, etc. I like how some of the vendors try to put stuff in your hands. Don't do it!! You might as well pay for it if you pickit up!!<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/laugh.gif" alt="image"><br><img src="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/ScottWheels/Mazatlan%2008/IMG_4021.jpg" alt="image"><br><br>Or, if you want to hang out by a swimming pool and relax, the El Moro allows cruisers to use their main pool. It's usually pretty lively and is prettynice. We love hanging out there more than the owners pool. The chicken quesadilla's are really good at the pool side service too, and if you want adecent cold drink, order the Lava Flow...<br>hmmmmmmmm...maybe we'll reconsider going this year...<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/happy.gif" alt="image"><br>If you're there longer than a day, I heard the zip line course is very good. We'll do it the next time we go. The last zip line takes you right to aTequila factory, so you can't go wrong!<br>Another thing I noticed last year is that a lot of vendors will small talk you, then ask if you "need" anything else. Drugs that is. I was offeredcocaine this last trip, and that was the first time in my few years of going that it seems cocaine is the new "ask for" item. Lot's ofsoliciting for it as of late. Must be the hottest new item for vacationers...<img src="http://static.yuku.com//domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eyes.gif" alt="image"><br><br>Hope you all have a great time! We love Mexico!!<br><br><br>

Hey Scott! Thanks for the ideas - I think I'll be ordering one of them there Lavaflows!<br><br>We're going to have about 10 - 12 hours in each port (something like (9:00am to 7:00pm or 8:00pm). The cathedral looks beautiful - there'll be morethan a couple of pictures taken there I'm sure. The vendors are the same all over Mexico. It was just as you described (minus the "specialtyitem") last year in Cabo &amp; Ensenada. I especially liked the guy in Ensenada that tried pulling my neighbor and me into a strip club - <span style="font-style: italic;">"This is MEXICO. You can TOUCHIE, TOUCHIE!!!"</span><br><br>We are a little concerned about the reports of violence but most seem to be focused on the border areas and the interior of the country. Hopefully the morepopulated, tourist dependent cities along the coast will be safe.<br><br>Chris - I know that you took a cruise last year shortly after we did. Did you do they Cabo/Mazatlan/P.V. run?<br><br>Doug<br>

lava flows are good.....7 or 8 later you don't remember what hit you....LOL!

I've done the Mexican Riviera about 8 times on a cruise ship, and the Zip-line excursion in P.V. is by far is the most thrilling. I guarantee youwon't be disappointed.<br><br>Ed

Hey I still have one of them there hats. That was all we bought. Did feel like we were being attacked on the beach with all the sales people ... lol