goober87

Cabo:  You can walk to a nice locals  public beach called Playa Coral Negro to the left of the tender pier. 10 minutes. There are no bars or services—which makes it much quieter than Medano Beach.  You can relax and watch the comings and goings of the port. After a couple of hours walk into town along the Marina,  nose in a few shops, stop for Cervezas and guac at any bar. Our favorite is Karlitos Cantina around the bend after the Ampitheatre. 

Mazatlan:  For beach time, head to Stone Island. For culture time, walk the blue line into downtown or take a open air car/truck tour. 

PV:  Our favorite thing is a Vallarta Food Tour. Deelish. Arrange on line in advance. A Malecon wall is very good too. Lots a great public art. 

There is none that I am aware of except what parents set and then my children ignored a couple of nights much to their dismay.  The 6 hr car ride home was very quiet and the week after the cruise was a painful one back at the house.  😆

I would imagine if security saw some dodgy and disruptive behavior or got complaints, they would intervene.  But in our case, the kids were just hanging out next to the pizza joint or in the closed bar areas. We still weren't pleased waking up at 3 and not finding them in the room. Grrrrr..

Ship time. 

In PV it’s central time but ship only goes 1 hour ahead so it’s still an hour ahead in PV.    

Weve been late to a local local food tour bc we didn’t calculate right. 

Agree with lcpagejr.  It’s a meeting spot. Teens might do some of the formal activities but they tend to do the teen congregation thing in different places on the ship. Like the pizza place at 3am. 🤔

dont get get me started on the apparently unclear curfew to my teenager. 

We have been to Stone Island many times.  We have also only gotten off a the "first stop". Didn't know there were any others. 

In Mazatlan, the cruise ship docks at an industrial port. A ground tram (like the ones at theme parks' parking lots), takes you from the ship, through the port to an oasis of bars and shops at the opposite edge of the port.  We  affectionately call the area  "The Demilitarized Zone" given the port security and how it is walled off from the main street. 

To get to Stone Island, you walk through the oasis, and exit onto Av. Emilio Barragan.   Turn left  and walk along the port's brick wall and keep going until you get to the end of the street. Here, go straight through the open gate ahead of you. There is a banner on the fence marketing the taxi.   https://www.google.com/maps/@23.1886997,-106.4190329,3a,75y,168.89h,91.06t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sanogpYjp2UliflesEvsHGA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DanogpYjp2UliflesEvsHGA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D159.77805%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0   

There should be a ticket booth (or pay on the taxi) and a dock. Pay for a round trip ticket. 

The taxi trip is very short--just across the quay.  Get off, climb up the embankment, and Stone Island beach is stretched our before you.  

Enjoy the walk to whatever restaurant or thatched hut looks good.  There are a handful, some are closed.   https://www.google.com/maps/@23.186563,-106.4103203,18z?hl=en&authuser=0    We prefer Lety's now that Victor's is closed.  That's a little less than a half mile walk. 

I attached pics of the path, taxi and sign.

If you want to walk and don't want to be bothered with crowds, loud music or vendors, and treated to a generally gentle surf, try the public beach to the left (east) of the marina, Playa Empacadoro.

https://goo.gl/maps/HDqfNnEJULU2

You will see it from the ship or tender. We used to call it "No Se Vende" beach b/c it sits below a building marked with those words "Not for Sale."

It's a 10 minute counter-clockwise marina-hugging walk from the dock.

Take a left out of the cruise tender dock, beat your way past all of the vendors and hawkers along the sidewalk and Mercado. Make a slight right onto Finisterra as you pass the end of the Mercado and the small concrete boat ramp. At the end of Finisterra, make a left at Blvd Paseo del la Marina. Follow the Paseo around the small military base until it ends at the sand.

Note that there are no services. There are porta potties, but I can't vouch for them. Beach is usually clean and has been safe.

About to press the button on the same one week February Carnival Splendor (or Miracle depending on the year) Mexican Riviera cruise for the 9th time in 10 years.

Why the hell would I do that?

Because its a "thing" for my in-laws and I adore them. This is their annual "reunion" of sorts, and to be honest, love when my family comes because we help liven things up.

Would I love to shake things up? Absolutely. Do I get a little bored in the same ports (especially when it's a 2-day stay in Cabo) seeing the same mercados and the uninteresting mass-made stuff they sell. Yes, I do.

But this cruise is uncomplicated for all involved. We don't have to think or plan. Don't have to fly across the country (easy 5 hours to the Long Beach port and $100 in gas.).

We know what we like to do on the ship and what we can manage as a large group and small groups on shore.

It's easy on the elders. It's priced right. It fits in perfectly with my sister-in-laws teacher break schedule.

Because we know what to expect, we aren't rushed trying to book every last thing so we don't miss out.

Because our lives are so busy at home, this is a time to relax and catch up. Its been great watching the kids grow up and see how they participate more and more as they get older. They've gone from hanging in the kiddie pool to being free on their own (so we can enjoy the cruise more). They play less mini-golf and more board games with the adults.

Of course, next year, it's the Panorama. So we may get priced out and the run will end. But the same cruise every year has been good while its lasted.

I certainly can see the value in not repeating cruises. It's not for us just yet.

Deck plans no for victory https://www.carnival.com/~/media/Images/Ships/VI/DeckPlans/carnival-victory-Deck-Plan-pdf.ashx

Sunshine, yes, Deck 11 aft: https://www.carnival.com/~/media/Images/Ships/SH/DeckPlans/carnival-sunshine-Deck-Plan-pdf.ashx

I love the idea of the library, but of the ships I've been on, they are way too small. Not enough tables for games or chairs for reading. We have to find empty bars for game playing. Not usually a problem. but the tables are small. Sure, we can go to the Lido, but the idea is to get away from the crowds.

So don't take them away...make them BIGGER.

9 times to the Mexican Riveria...Same ports (Cabo, Mazatlan and PV, although we have been unlucky and our cruise week has become the non-Mazatlan week. All on the Miracle or Splendor.

I find myself not doing the same things each year. Some times I am trivia-happy. Sometimes Serenity-happy. See all the shows. See none. We do mostly the same things in port. Will do Sea-Day brunch, or not.

Yes, it sounds routine, but we do this as a large extended family. So its the perfect getaway for all generations. We can't do everything on the ship. so we catch it the next time. Or not.

We'd be tired at the end of a 4 hr tour but it sounds like you have more energy than we do? Any interest in the Botanic Garden in PV??

https://www.vbgardens.org/

 

Any idea how to get there from port? It looks like an hour by car. Too far and $$$ for a taxi i would think.

We were in port mid-February on Carnival Splendor. Carnival usually docks on the south side (currently occupied by the Altessa II) so we were thrown off our regular routine.

For those who find this thread, here is some important information that we wish we would have known (not sure how to bring this more attention to those needing PV info).

• All ships dock at the north port.
  
• There is a pop-up market with about 10 stalls and the standard stuff. 30 seconds and you're done.
  
• There are 2 pop-up bars, with a total of four barstools. Something about that math doesn't compute. 3000 passengers, 4 barstools.
  
• The standard white port-approved taxis and vans are easy to get right outside the ship. We paid $36 to ferry 9 of us to the edge of the Malecon.
  
• To get a local taxi, you have to go out to the street. You can try to hail one off the street, but it is really busy and there is no pull-outs. You could try to grab one when they are stopped at the light, but its better to cross the street to the mall where we observed some were waiting.
  
• The south side of the port is open, specifically, the mercado and Bucaneros restaurant. I don't know how they are staying open, but if you get a chance, try Bucanero's for your easy, off-the-boat bar. We love that place. Great homemade margaritas. We stake a claim to the outside tables and enjoy the attentive service of Oscar.
  
• You can get to the mercado, Bucanero's and the beach just beyond the mercado by walking (~1km) along the port walkway. From the ship, the old south terminal looks completely closed off, but there is a pathway through.
  
• There is a also a golf cart service that will ferry folks who need a little extra help over to the south side.
  

I laughed at the earlier posts about how long the port will be under construction. I can't recall what Oscar said about the main portion of the port (maybe too many cervezas), but I know he said that Bucaneros and the mercado were being torn down in May, but re-opened in...wait for it...November. AND Bucaneros was going on the SECOND FLOOR and there would be an aquarium. I believe he meant a big aquarium, not a fish bowl with a lone goldfish or a koi pond.

Not sure how that will be possible given what we have observed for such projects in that locale, but we will be back next February to find out!

I thought this year might be our last Mexican Riviera cruise for a while. Been doing the Riviera for 9 of the last 12 years, got a kid heading to college, Carnival doesn't stop in Mazatlan during President's week for some reason, and becoming weary of the Splendor and Miracle although hey have been good ships.

But the Panorama definitely has my interest peaked. Been jealous of what east coast cruisers get that we don't.

In cabo, our group of 15-20 (depending on the year), ages 10-80, pulls up at Carlito's Cantina in the early afternoon after our morning activities. It's just far enough from the tender's for a nice stroll and window shopping, but not all the way around the marina.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g152515-d6674749-Reviews-Karlitos_Cantina-Cabo_San_Lucas_Los_Cabos_Baja_California.html

https://www.google.com/maps/place/KARLITOS+CANTINA/@22.8804968,-109.9098908,17.58z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x62520bfef0153f17!8m2!3d22.8805943!4d-109.9114611

Some of us spend the morning at the quiet public Cannery Beach to the left of the tender port. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Cannery+Beach+(Playa+Empacadora)/@22.881018,-109.906826,17.58z/data=!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x62520bfef0153f17!2sKARLITOS+CANTINA!8m2!3d22.8805943!4d-109.9114611!3m4!1s0x86af4ae1a86967e1:0xa78047e2018dba9e!8m2!3d22.880042!4d-109.9053577

Others make their way by water taxi to Medano Beach.

From what I have read, the city is now able to fund repairing the QM b/c of a cruise terminal deal brokered with Carnival and the QM leaseholder.

"Under the lease, the city is also expected to collect $2.1 million of passenger fees every year. The money will go toward repairing the Queen Mary."

Also interested in a review. Sail in two weeks with a crew of 15. Been on Splendor before a few times, and this looks like it will be the last. She is headed to Australia for sure. Posted today:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2595877

1). Having to get off the ship when the cruise is over

 

2). Ship's photographers

 

3) The whole aura of formal nights

The jury's out for me on formal nights. I gave up dressing up to the nines b/c it was too much of a hassle to bring the extra clothes. However, I do wish people would treat the MDR like a white table cloth restaurant, particularly on formal nights. Not asking for jackets, ties and pressed slacks--"hip casual" with fancy jeans, untucked shirts and pointy shoes seems to be the new dressy norm. Just don't show up like you just rolled off the lounger on the Lido.

Attached are the tasting spots, restaurant guide and map. Map is unfortunately divided into two b/c of CC files size restrictions and is also a bit fuzzy.

I can highly recommend the Birria taco at Tacos Robles, the mole at Gaby’s and the Tuba drink by Concepcion. You'll spot Concepcion on the Malecon. Old, somewhat portly, but distinguished mustached man in white with a big jug.

Vallarta Food Tour - Tasting Guide.pdf

Vallarta Food Tour - Restaurant Guide.pdf

Vallarta Food Tour Map - Map - North.pdf

Vallarta Food Tour Map - Map - South.pdf

That wasn't my question though.

My question is does anyone know how much of a walk it is from the SHIP to the spot where the taxis are?

Measured it on Google maps and its about 920 feet. 0.17 miles. Very short stroll. There are Taxi's right outside the embarkation area, but they are more expensive.

Glad folks mentioned bad coffee, no washing of hands in the restroom and people that listen to music without headphones.

Can't believe I forgot those in my list.

The last one is particularly annoying. Happens on the adult-only Carvinal Serentity space of all places. I guess the name Serenity doesn't mean what I think it is supposed to mean. Not only is there ALREADY music playing over the loud speaker, but people have to blare their music own thinking it won't travel beyond their chairs.

Thanks for your review! My husband and I are taking our first ever cruise on the Miracle and we embark in 9 days!! Your review has me very excited!!!

Have sailed Miracle the last three years on the Mexican Riviera. Quite like her. Is she the most modern ship with all the amenities? No. But she is well-maintained and very easy to navigate. Really like the Serenity Deck being located at the back of the boat. Love the Alchemy bar and Red Frog Pub.

People complain about the MDR décor, but I find the garishness a bit humorous.

If I could change one thing it would be the Asian station on Lido. Not that I don't like Asian food, but would prefer that this rotate regional cuisines or change to a Tandoor station like on the Splendor. Taste of the Nations doesn't quite do the job.

I am with those who cited smoking and food waste. My new adds:

1. Hot tubs are NOT hot. EVER. Plus are always filled with kids. Of course, if I was a kid, I would be hanging in the hot tub too since the water in the pool isn't heated (at least on the February Mexican cruises we have done).

2. The overly vulgar adult comedy shows. I'm not a prude, but great, talented humor around adult content doesn't require a sailor's mouth. I just don't even bother going anymore.

3. The never ready soft serve ice cream. The machine gets so much use (Really parents, no kid should be eating soft serve at 9:30 in the morning?), that the ice cream is never very firm.

4. Sorry, had to add a fourth: The idiotic placement of the ping pong tables outside. Every tried to return a serve altered by a 20mph cross wind? Game lasts 2 minutes before we give up.

5. Can't help myself now: Lack of craft beers. Stella is NOT a craft beer. And maybe one bar has a couple craft brews, but others don't. I'm not asking for Pliny the Elder on tap, just something different and better than the normal swill and available around the ship.

6. Doubling it up at six: Kids hitting golf balls on the mini-golf course like they are teeing off at the Masters.

7. Last and lucky number seven: The 12 foot high net around the recreation court. Since the sky is the literal limit, could they not put the net up 15 -20 ft? Can't shoot anything but bullets in basketball and can barely play volleyball.

8. Oh wait, almost forgot: Poorly maintained exercise equipment, especially the touch screens on the cycles, elllipticals, etc. I've given up on trying to make them work.

Thanks for bearing with me.

I don't mind the "mustard" drill (as my kids called it). If I am not mistaken, it was the lack of a mustard drill done on a ship that led to mass confusion on a recent ship accident (possibly the one that ran ashore in Italy?).

From the cruise ship terminal, its a little less than half a mile to the water taxi that will take you across the quay to Stone Island. (just turn left out of the terminal and keep walking straight).

When you depart the taxi, you walk the dock and then up (not much) the side of the quay. From there, the walk to Lety's looks less than half a mile.

Here is Lety's on google maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lety.s/@23.1865195,-106.4097562,803m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x869f53c55a221b35:0x905571ffa0d8eae!8m2!3d23.1872296!4d-106.405647

On the way to Lety's there appears to be a few other places. Some are dead, others look like they open based on the pics.

Thanks to all for the replies. I do like the Alchemy vibe and the seating area around it is comfy and fun--great place to play games during the day.

We've traveled with a family group as large as 18. Always link our reservations and get seated together. Configuration of tables differ each year, but that's part of the fun. We rearrange table mates every night. Sometime kids and adults at separate tables, men/women, Uncles and Aunts with nieces and nephews, etc.

Although I admit I avoid sitting next to the senior who refuses to get his hearing aid fixed.