Derbie

We are sailing on the Miracle Christmas week and have two days in Cabo. I noticed on my itinerary that you have to be back on the ship by 6pm even though we are in Cabo overnight. However, I've read a review of the Miracle where they stayed overnight in Puerto Vallarta and they were able to stay in town all night into the next morning. Why is it different in Cabo? Does anyone know?:confused: The DH and I are cruising with our DS (20) and his friend (21) and I know they will want to party at the clubs in town as they did during their spring break when they were there.

 

If anyone has sailed on the Miracle and stayed in a hotel overnight instead of going back on the ship...would you mind sharing where you stayed, if it was close to the ship, and approximately how much it was for the room?

 

Thanks for any responses.:D

I am sailing on the Miracle on 10/3, and we do not stay in Cabo overnight. We are in PV from noon, until three the next day. I hope this helps.

Hi, we would be willing to spend $50pp if it is good value for money. Thank you for your response.

Go take a look at Nohoch Kay, Restaurant Bar Beach Club on the net. I am sure they have a website. I know you can find them on Facebook. You can take a cab at the port over to Nohoch. It cost about $2. If you are only in port for a short time, it might not be worth your while. The last cruise we considered, had our docking time as 7:30 am until 1:00 pm. It just wasn't worth going. If you are docked for a longer period, you just can't beat this place. There are Mexican ladies who cook, and you can get a massage (extra) right on the beach. We never took advantage of if this, as we didn't want to spend any more money. We just swam and ate, and drank, and sat in the shade. They have a tip jar at the bar, but no one is twisting anyone's arm. I hope this helps. I would go back to this place in a second! The owner remembered me the second time we were there. I haven't been to the other ports, and I envy you to get to go to Havana. Have fun!

Our ports: Cozumel, Costa Maya, George Town, Havana (we are on an English cruise), Playa del Carmen, Monetego Bay.

 

Are there any things which you can do for free in the locations above. I don't mind paying for a taxi to get to the place or a few drinks but I want to keep the cost as minimal as possible. Thank you!

You can go outside of the port in Cozumel, and grab a cab. The driver will gladly take you to a local beach. Some of them, will promote a certain beach; however, just decline and head on. Several years ago, we went to San Francisco beach. One of the cruise staff, said they would go there on their day off. You could throw a towel on the sand, or rent a chair. They had food available, and a swim up bar. You can arrange for the same taxi driver to return, or drivers will be coming through to take passengers back to the ship. You can always get off the ship and walk around. There are lots of shops, restaurants along the main stretch. There are lots of people wanting to sell trips, but say "no thanks" and keep on moving. There are side streets where you can get better deals on souvenirs. They are not frightening. Haggle.

If you decide you would like to spend at least $50 pp in Costa Maya in port, please reply. There is a great place (we have been there twice) food, unlimited drinks, beach, loungers, shade. It was superior to any service we had on the ship.

I am not thrilled with George Town. I would recommend visiting the message board for this port. I hope this helps.

After the whale watching we headed over to Medano Beach to grab some lunch. We stopped at a place that had fantastic fish tacos last time we were here. Unfortunately the food didn’t arrive for 45 minutes and we had to cancel the order and leave to get the water taxi back to catch the tender back to the ship.

 

 

As I was climbing the “steps” to get onto the water taxi, a wave came from behind the boat and my foot slipped sideways on the step right into a sharp edge on the side cutting my foot wide open. This is the ladder folded onto the boat. You can see the triangle towards the top of the picture just to the right – perfect blade.

 

 

As you might imagine it felt incredibly lovely, what with the salt water and sand that got into the cut.

 

Once we got back near the tender dock, I grabbed a couple souvenirs from one of the shops and headed back towards the ship. I got a really interesting look from security when they saw my foot.

 

Once I got back to the cabin I cleaned the cut out – again a lovely feeling and actually got to use the first aid kit that I always bring but have never needed.

I am loving your review! I am heading there the beginning of October. Can you tell me the name of the restaurant that have the fish tacos? I know you missed eating them!

Interesting to read everyone's answers! :)

 

I skimp during the rest of the year so that when I am on vacation I don't have to worry to much about expenses. However, there are lots of things that are important or not so important to us.

 

Skimp: Almost always inside room (only 2 balconies in our history) and almost always book at lowest rate and let cruiseline choose the room. Have often booked pack and go at last minute.

 

Will not eat at the steakhouse again (but can't promise that I won't do other venues when given the chance).

 

Bring on my own sodas, our allotted two bottles of wine and purchase a bottle from Bon Voyage. Don't purchase soda or specialty coffees. Don't purchase souvenir glasses with DoD.

 

Don't normally purchase pictures.

 

Don't shop. I hate shopping. I don't need jewelry, souvenirs, etc.

 

With the exception of Long Beach and San Juan, have driven to every port.

 

We also try to "work" the point systems on our Frequent Flier and Hilton Honors programs in order to use those for cruising. We've had one completely free cruise, lots of $250 off certificates, free hotels pre and post cruising, and free airfare to Long Beach and San Juan.

 

Splurge: Try to spend a day or two in the port city before or after cruising - it's like adding another port of call.

 

Excursions - if there is something we want to do, we purchase it and don't worry about the price (normally private).

Could you give me some tips on the Frequent Flier points? What is the best plan for points towards cruising? I appreciate any and all information!

Yes, what Sadie said. There is a great bar, small pool & hot tub. Just inside the doors is the Lido buffet, pizza & deli, so food is always available. I rarely leave the Serenity deck :).

I hope you will give us a review, when you return!

Only pet the animals at the zoo.

 

Don't pet the cubs in Cabo. The cubs are drugged to make them docile.

Horrible! I will not give them my time or money.

Only pet the animals at the zoo.

 

Don't pet the cubs in Cabo. The cubs are drugged to make them docile.

Horrible! I will not give them my time or money.

Hey All!

 

I am sorry to ask so many questions! We've got a large group going, and I'm the planner, so I've got questions from 10 people.

 

Some of us are interested in the Marietas Islands cruise in PV, that includes a stop at the famous hidden beach. I've seen some amazing photos online, but wanted to see if any of you have done this and what you thought. Is it really that beautiful? And how is the snorkeling around the islands?

 

The tour would take up most of our time in PV, so we want to be sure it's worthwhile![/quote

 

Snorkeling at the Mariettas is nice, but often not as good as in the caribean.

Be aware it takes quite some time sailing there, you have to cross the large Bay of Banderas. In wintertime you might see whales in the bay. But the main thing is you can only get to the hidden beach depending the tide, and the current and how high the waves are. You need to swim through a small tunnel. If the water is too high or the current too strong you cannot get there.

The island itself is a bird refuge and you cannot get ashore.

More here: http://www.ecotoursvallarta.com/marietas-islands/

 

Sorry to jump thread; however, I wanted to know if you have ever seen whales in the beginning of October? If so, can you recommend a good spot? My hubby cannot swim.

 

Video from the zoo. We hired a taxi just outside the cruise port gate for the day. He took us to the zoo and waited, malecon, and shopping then back to the ship.

What time of year did you visit the zoo? I would love to pet some baby tigers!

Thank you so very much! It sounds there are a 100 great places to dine. Is there an item, that I should bring home? Should I hit the beach one day, and spend the morning of the next day touring, etc.? You all are the best.

This is what I posted for somebody else:

That could be a long list. Remember you will find tourists (many staying for a few months in winter) everywhere depending when you will be there.

On Playa Los Muertos you find various restaurants like Daiquiry Dicks, Blue Shrimps, Langostines, LaPalapa, Cuates y Cuetes and more.

 

Not open in summer - Casa Isabel on a hill with terrific view over the bay, the same for Vista Grill.

Next to Hotel Buenaventura - Restaurant El Baracuda - also on the beach. Great place for Molcajete https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molcajete

 

In case you stay overnight: if you donot mind some walking in between meals, with visits to local places check this: http://puertovallartafoodtours.com/

or this one: http://www.vallartaeats.com/

and a lot of information also on this website: http://www.vallartainfo.com/

 

To get to old town either take cab (yellow ones from the highway are cheaper than those at ther terminal), also make your price beofre boarding. Or take the blue/white bus marked Centro (best those not marked tunel), for just 7,50 Pesos one way.

Thanks so much! I have read your posts, on other threads. You are very helpful. Could you tell me if there is a Walmart or a reputable Rx close to the port?

The Alchemy Bar! See pics and my review here... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2236932

It looks like you all had a great time! Thanks for sharing.

We think it is an intriguing idea with lots of merit. Just keep in mind that you will be cruising to PV during the latter part of their rainy season so you should be thinking of alternatives to the beach. And as one who has lived in PV for the past 10 winters we would urge you to leave that resort (of the ship) and come into Centro or the Southside (Romantic Zone) for drinks and dinner. PV is a "foodie" haven and you will find plenty of restaurants with food and drink that put Carnival (or any other cruise line) to shame.

 

Hank

Thanks so much! Could you recommend a couple of restaurants? Any other information would be helpful. Transportation, sites, etc. If anyone knows, I believe it is you.

I was thinking about booking a room at a resort in Puerto Vallarta, while in port. We have a split day, arriving in port at 3:00 pm, and leaving the next day at noon. It is an all inclusive resort. It is actually cheaper, than going with a day rate at beach. It has great reviews on Travel Advisor. I hope I don't get in trouble for mentioning this website. I just wanted feedback on this option. Thanks.

Sorry-I should have said the name of the resort is Sunset Plaza Beach Resort.

I was thinking about booking a room at a resort in Puerto Vallarta, while in port. We have a split day, arriving in port at 3:00 pm, and leaving the next day at noon. It is an all inclusive resort. It is actually cheaper, than going with a day rate at beach. It has great reviews on Travel Advisor. I hope I don't get in trouble for mentioning this website. I just wanted feedback on this option. Thanks.

We have such a limited time in port, that we want to make the most of it. We like the beach; however, we do like animals, art, walking tours, local food and a little shopping. I would purchase an all inclusive, but it is just too short of a time to spend approximately $200, for the two of us. Thanks so very much for your help.

Thanks to you all! I may have to take advantage of the steakhouse.

Thank you one-and-all! I knew I could depend on great suggestions and information from this group.

We were on the Miracle last November, and I don't think they started disembarking passengers until 9:00 am. A 10:40 flight is too early. Assuming you are looking at flying on October 10...there is an American flight leaving LAX at 1:25, nonstop to BNA, arrives at 7:23 pm. I think that is your best option. Price is $240 one way, same as that Southwest flight you were looking at.

Thanks so much! I figured we couldn't make it in time. We wanted to use our SWA points towards the flight. We went ahead and booked the flight you mentioned. I appreciate your great recommendations!

If I book a flight to leave LAX by 10:40 AM, could I make it? Could I rent a car one way, and get there in time? I think probably not, but it is only the non-stop to Nashville. Otherwise, the flights are very long, and we won't get in until late. I appreciate your input.

I had a gastric bypass years ago, and I had to explain it at many restaurants. The staff would think something was wrong with the food. I would say, I had a surgery on my stomach and I could'nt eat much. I always let them food was fine. I hope this helps.

We are heading to the Mexican Riviera in October. Is there any secrets and/or things to do that should not be missed? Any and all feedback is most appreciated.

We did the Las Caletas day just last week and loved it. The beach was moderately quiet with just enough activities to make the day enjoyable and not rushed. I had an hour massage and my husband had 30 minutes. Very nice Swedish massage with an excellent price ($60 for 1 hour). We also enjoyed the buffet lunch which was delicious as was the margarita and the Mexican coffee with Kahlua. The crew to and from Las Caletas was friendly and helpful and the crew at the site were as well. For us, it was the perfect beach day.

We port at noon, and we leave the next day at 3:00 pm. I hate to pay $110 pp for a partial day. Is it worth the cost for a half day? Thanks.

I took my nieces 9 and 11 on an eight day cruise last October. There were indeed kids on board, and they had a great time. I believe they can check themselves out at will at 12 years of age (if I remember correctly). You may want to purchase a set of walkie-talkies. We weren't always able to pick the kids up on them, but they weren't very expensive. There were others doing the same thing, as we would hear them talking to their kids. It allows you to tell them exactly where you are at, and where you can find them. Just a thought. Also, I never felt uneasy at letting them have the run of the ship, during the day. The aunt came out more at night. ;)