Derbie

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. ;)

I have spent a day in Cancun with a cruise line. This time, we are going to stay six days at an all inclusive resort. We will have a medium tight budget; although, we want to do some things outside of the resort. We like history, fun, some shopping, art; and of course, lounging about! Any and/all suggestions are so very welcome!

Thanks, Derbie

Kroger in Nashville, TN has them.

 

Roz

Which Kroger did you find the cards? I looked in Spring Hill and Columbia, and they didn't have them.

Thanks,

Derbie-first place in trivia games is a ship on a stick, other prizes are carnival medals. If you participate in the love/marriage show or welcome abroad show you can also get champagne.

I know as far as kids go there is a Harry Potter trivia contest? Our DD won the drawing contest in Camp Carnival and got a candy bag. In the warehouse (arcade) you can win Ipads, Nintendos and others. There is also scavenger hunts for kids and for adults

 

Trivia on a seven day....

Day 1-Port Canaveral 1:45 pm Welcome Aboard Trivia Ocean Plaza

7:15 pm-RedFrog Pub Quiz prize is a RedFrog Pub Special

Day 2-Nassau 1:00 Trivia Fun Challenge Ocean Plaza

2:00 Movie Scrambles Trivia Ocean Plaza

3:00 TV Theme Song Trivia Ocean Plaza

3:30 Sea Fued Trivia Ocean Plaza

4:00 Music Trivia Ocean Plaza

7:15 pm-RedFrog Pub Quiz prize is a RedFrog Pub Special

Day 3-Fun Day at Sea 11:00 I love Lucy Trivia Ocean Plaza

12:00 What is it? Picture Challenge Ocean Plaza

12:30 Animals and Insects Trivia Ocean Plaza

1:15 Red's Super Trivia Ocean Plaza

7:15 pm RedFrog Pub Quiz prize is a RedFrog Pub Special

Day 4-St. Thomas 10:00 Fun Trivia Challenge Ocean Plaza

10:30 Music Trivial Challenge Ocean Plaza

11:00 Advanced Geography Trivia Ocean Plaza

11:30 Host choice Trivia Ocean Plaza

2:00 Ultimate Mind Game Trivia Ocean Plaza

3:30 Broadway Trivia Ocean Plaza

4:00 Host Choice Trivia Ocean Plaza

5:30 pm EA Sport Trivia Challenge EA Sports Bar

7:15pm RedFrog Pub Quiz prize is a RedFrog Pub Special

Day 5-San Juan 11:00 Trivia Fun Challenge Ocean Plaza

1:30 USA Trivia Ocean Plaza

2:00 Car logos Trivia Ocean Plaza

2:30 Trivia: Fact or Fiction Ocean Plaza

3:00 Trivia: Slogans Ocean Plaza

4:00 I AM Carnival Trivia Challenge Ocean Plaza

5:30 pm EA Sport Trivia Challenge EA Sports Bar

7:15pm RedFrog Pub Quiz prize is a RedFrog Pub Special

Day 6 Grand Turk 10:30 Music Trivia Challenge Ocean Plaza

1:00 Trivia Fun Challenge Ocean Plaza

2:00 Sound Clip Trivia Ocean Plaza

2:30 Trivia: Fact or Fiction Ocean Plaza

3:00 Rock and Roll Music Trivia Ocean Plaza

5:30 pm EA Sport Trivia Challenge EA Sports Bar

Day 7 Fun Day at Sea 11:30 Name that Board Game Ocean Plaza

12:00 True or False Trivia Ocean Plaza

1:30 Red's Super Trivia Finals Red Frog Pub

1:30 Science Trivia Sunshine Atrium

2:30 Food and Drink Trivia Sunshine Atrium

3:00 Harry Potter Trivia Sunshine Atrium

5:30 EA Sports Trivia Finals EA Sports Bar

7:15pm RedFrog Pub Quiz prize is a RedFrog Pub Special

 

It seemed Karaoke was usually at night in the Ocean Plaza, there was one night, I think St. Thomas that had sing alongs in the Red Frog Pub.

THANKS SO MUCH! I think I better go study up on food, logos, and other interesting trivia. This is great information. We are leaving Saturday, and we are on a Southern trip. I am looking forward to some fun. Thanks again!

Day Eight..Get off the Ship Mate!

We were woken up at 7am to the announcement there had been a medical emergency and to pray for the family. Then all the standard debarkation calls. We headed up to the Lido Marketplace for bre

 

akfast and after we were done eating we went to the Alchemy Bar to pick up our two bottles of wine.

We did self assist debarkation and it took about 30 minutes to get off the ship. The shuttle from Raddison was waiting for us and was the best parking experience we have had so far.

We got home later that night and are still planning where to go next.

 

 

Past guest Party was San Juan Day-They had salmon appetizer and a tomato mozzarella appetizer. I got the Red's Remedy (yummy coconut) and DD and I danced on the stage in the end. There were something like 300 platinum people aboard and 9 diamonds. It was the most packed past guest party I had seen.

 

Formal nights-Nassau and San Juan

 

If I think of anything else I will post more here, I would be happy to answer any questions as well.

Thanks for reading!

I have asked this question to several Sunshine cruisers, but no one has answered me. I am traveling with my two young nieces (9 & 11). I would very much like them to win a ship on a stick. Can you recommend any games? Also, is there any good gifts in the trivia games? My DH and I love playing trivia and singing at Karaoke. We leave this coming Saturday!

Thanks in advance,

Thanks one and all! You are truly the people in the know.

Can I wear dressy capris in the MDR? I have several nice dresses for the formal night. I appreciate your comments.

Does anyone know if the Sunshine have a tasting? I tried one on NCL back in April, and it was lots of fun. The Mojito tasting was fun, but not as tasty as the martini tasting.

Thanks,

Anyone know what the fax # is to fax proof of stock ownership? This is my first time. Also anything else to include? I assume booking # and date.

How many shares of stock do you need to own, for a cruise discount? Thanks

For lunch, you have Guy's Burgers, the Burrito Bar, the buffet, the main dining room for brunch on sea days, the pasta bar, the Mongolian grill, the pizza restaurant, the deli and the cuban food that are all free.

 

For dinner, you the main dining room, the buffet and pizza restaurant are free. I'm not sure if the deli is open at night.

 

Room service is free all day. (Leave a couple of dollar tips.)

Pizza and soft serve ice cream are free all day.

 

All the food I ate on the ship was good. I was surprised at how good the Cuban food was. Most people aren't aware it is available.

Enjoy.

We are heading out on 10/4. Can you tell me where the Cuban food is served? I love Cuban food, and it is difficult to find in my area. Thanks!

I want to take advantage of these restaurants at lunch time. Could you kind people provide me with the list? Thanks in advance!