Port Days Mexican Riviera

[ScottC4746]

I have a cruise to the Mexican Riviera departing 6 April for 7 nights. I have looked and looked at shore excursions and nothing is jumping at me. This is not to say they are bad excursions, just nothing pops out at me and I don't want to book one just to book one. I am traveling solo this trip and have been to these ports before (yawn). What all is open and closed on port days? Shops and casino I know are closed.

Are there any activities other than the pool?

[dee2673]

Doing this same cruise in December. And we have also done it before. In Cabo, we went whale watching and it was Ok. In Mazatlan, we did the Pacifico brewery tour, I do not recommend it. In PV, we took a taxi to Rio Cuale, went to the flea market, bought some dresses in a nearby shop, walked the Malecon and had lunch at Union Brewery. We had the BEST time in PV and are looking forward to repeating this day. The others? Cabo we probably won’t even get off the ship as we didn’t really care for it. Maybe if we walk out away from the marina, we’d like it better. Mazatlan, we are walking the blue line this time to see the town.

 

 

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[Krazy Kruizers]

On the ship -- you are right -- the shops and casino are closed.

Activities -- none. This is when the cruise director gets a little down time.

[mcrcruiser]

On the ship -- you are right -- the shops and casino are closed.

Activities -- none. This is when the cruise director gets a little down time.

 

Wouldn't the ship have trivia games ?

[crossfitmama]

we really liked Cabo... we did the Resort day pass at Melia Me https://cabosanlucascruiseexcursions.com/ and our friends did the Whale watching privately and said it was incredible.

 

In PV we did ziplining which was kinda cool too

[grsnovi]

It's been a while since we did this itinerary and Cyn says if we ever do it again we won't bother getting off the ship. In Cabo we did a snorkel (where they dumped us into a bay that was loaded with jelly fish - after a few stings everyone was out of the water and grumpy). In Mazatlan we did a "salsa and salsa" where we made salsa, drank tequila and learned to Salsa dance. In PV we crewed on an America's Cup yacht in a "mock" race against another similarly crewed yacht - which would have been fun had anyone besides us been actually doing any of the work (the downside to being the youngest on that particular shore excursion).

[Marigold252]

We did the Mexican Riviera cruise again this Feb/Mar. Cabo we did a private excursion (4 people) - boat ride around the rock, glass factory demo, ride up to San Jose del Cabo with lunch and shopping. Good tour. In Mazatlan we hired an open cab, $15/person, to take us on a 3 hour tour including the cliff divers, church, beach. In PV this time we just walked off the ship a couple of times and went through the stores. Disappointed that the vendors are gone from the Walmart parking lot.

 

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[Loreto]

Ship tour Estuaries and Bird Watching in Mazatlan is very good...led by Polo, have had him twice. Relaxing cruise thru mangroves and ends with a tractor/wagon ride down the beach on Stone Island with lunch there. Rythms Of the Night in Puerto Vallarta is incredible or Las Calletas resort in the day (same place). Great activities and sumptuous buffet.

 

 

We are going back for the 8th time in November on the Eurodam. Looking forward to it!

 

 

 

Karen

[Georgie562]

I have a cruise to the Mexican Riviera departing 6 April for 7 nights. I have looked and looked at shore excursions and nothing is jumping at me. This is not to say they are bad excursions, just nothing pops out at me and I don't want to book one just to book one. I am traveling solo this trip and have been to these ports before (yawn). What all is open and closed on port days? Shops and casino I know are closed.

Are there any activities other than the pool?

 

 

If these ports are so boring why do you keep booking this cruise? Obviously you must be tired of this itinerary which is why no excursions seem appealing to you. Waste your money on an itinerary that makes you happy. Just saying.

[ScottC4746]

If these ports are so boring why do you keep booking this cruise? Obviously you must be tired of this itinerary which is why no excursions seem appealing to you. Waste your money on an itinerary that makes you happy. Just saying.

Because it works with school holiday.

[aotmc]

It seems you are interested in the on ship info- I did this cruise 2 years ago and quite a few ppl stayed on board, much more so than on other itineraries. So, I wouldn't expect an empty ship.

 

In Cabo, we did our own thing and returned early... it was obviously less busy then normal and noticeably quieter, but still enough ppl for it to still be social at the pools and bar if you are looking for company.

 

Even though this is not what you asked for, it might be useful for others reading thread who will be taking this cruise:

 

I loved the ship sponsored full day PV excursion to Las Caletas beach. It was a direct to catamaran, 1hr ride out to a private island that had beach drink waiters, an adult area, floating oasis, hammocks, nature walk, and a buffet lunch. Then ride back. We were out there all day. Company was Vallarta Adventures (they have a great website).

 

In Cabo we took a taxi to The Office restaurant on the beach, then hired a private boat to take us out to the arches and back to the pier/dock after, it was fun/safe/affordable.

 

 

 

I have a cruise to the Mexican Riviera departing 6 April for 7 nights. I have looked and looked at shore excursions and nothing is jumping at me. This is not to say they are bad excursions, just nothing pops out at me and I don't want to book one just to book one. I am traveling solo this trip and have been to these ports before (yawn). What all is open and closed on port days? Shops and casino I know are closed.

Are there any activities other than the pool?

[78232]

The spa and probably the gym are open on port days. The spa usually offers specials on port days.

[twodjs]

Have to chuckle at the last post - of course the gym is open! And no wait time for a treadmill! Last time we did this cruise, we never got off the ship. Loved our quiet time on the ship. No one has mentioned the Mexican Ambassadors, who added a lot to our enjoyment. They provided great entertainment around the lido pool, with authentic dance, music and regional dress demonstrations, along with informative lectures and even a party or two. All while most had left the ship in search of an excursion. The Ambassadors brought the best of Mexico to us. Definitely a cruise highlight!

[kazu]

OP, have you joined your roll call?

 

Who knows if there are others like you that might be planning to stay on board and do their own activities?

 

 

As well, when we did the Mexican ports, we planned a lovely private sailing for our roll call. Very enjoyable. There could be roll call members planning such things that might appeal to you on your cruise.

 

 

Just a thought in case it is of help :D

[twodjs]

Each day the Ambassadors performed regional dances and vocals. So many missed this because they left the ship. Great fun!

 

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[IllinoisGirl1978]

I did w wonderful tour in Puerto Vallarta, it was a walking tour and a simple cooking class. It was short and wonderful, the guide and driver were both gracious.

 

 

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[lazey1]

I realize this is not what you asked for but perhaps others may be interested. I will be doing this cruise for the 3rd time this fall. I love just walking around in Loreto and 2 of my favorite shore excursions are in Puerto Vallerta. The are Rhythms of the Night and the Mexican Fiesta.

 

Have a lovely, relaxing HAL cruise.

[TiogaCruiser]

Have to chuckle at the last post - of course the gym is open! And no wait time for a treadmill! Last time we did this cruise, we never got off the ship. Loved our quiet time on the ship. No one has mentioned the Mexican Ambassadors, who added a lot to our enjoyment. They provided great entertainment around the lido pool, with authentic dance, music and regional dress demonstrations, along with informative lectures and even a party or two. All while most had left the ship in search of an excursion. The Ambassadors brought the best of Mexico to us. Definitely a cruise highlight!

We had a different group of Ambassadors on my last Mexico cruise and they were fabulous. They did lots of things- including performances- during the time we were not in port. I’m not sure if they also entertained during port time.

 

I took the launch to Stone Island and had a marvelous walk on my own. Round trip was less than $3US. I went early and had the beach to myself.

[Boatdrill]

The Walmart across the street from the pier in PV is terrific. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wouldn't the ship have trivia games ?

 

 

Trivia usually doesn't start until the majority of the passengers are back on the ship.

On last few cruises trivia didn't begin until 5 -- next one was at 7.

[ScottC4746]

OP, have you joined your roll call?

 

Who knows if there are others like you that might be planning to stay on board and do their own activities?

 

 

As well, when we did the Mexican ports, we planned a lovely private sailing for our roll call. Very enjoyable. There could be roll call members planning such things that might appeal to you on your cruise.

 

 

Just a thought in case it is of help :D

Great idea.

[rj42]

Cabo has snorkeling and unlimited margaritas by the arch, or you can walk to the mall at the end of the marina for a/c and wifi at the coffee shop there. If you get on deck before sailing in, you might see whales and playful dolphins.

 

In Mazatlan I like the walk downtown, with the helpful ex-pat guides, and from there to the waterfront walk. The people who do the trolley to the terminal offer a city/beach/Golden Zone tour for $20 or so. As in Cabo, I wear headphones to tune out the sales pitches for taxis and trinkets.

 

In PV it’s fun to take the rickety bus to the Malecon with locals. Then I usually just have a latte at McD’s and dollar Corona and/or margarita at a place on the Malecon for people-watching.

 

I try to explore a little more on trips now, but I would stay on board in Cabo, to avoid the stifling and unpleasant tender rides, and because the views in the bay are so beautiful (and the cigar/fishing touts, beggars, and frat party atmosphere annoying). I might stay on board in all ports on the Norwegian Bliss in late October, to avoid crowds and enjoy the ship.

[KroozNut]

Doing this same cruise in December.

 

Dee, which sailing? We're on the Dec 9th Eurodam sailing out of San Diego. Suggest considering a visit to Stone Island in Maz. Great beach day if that is something you might be interested in.

 

 

Getting excited! :)

[DaveOKC]

The Walmart across the street from the pier in PV is terrific. :)

 

I have done this shore excursion and really enjoyed it! Being a retired grocer whose job required visiting competitive stores, I found the Wal-mart (and Sams) very interesting as to the store layout and especially the items they offer. Quite different than in the US.

 

On our first visit to PV, I opened the drapes in the morning and was shocked to see Sams and Wal-mart right across the street! I thought perhaps the Captain docked at a US port by mistake!!

Edited September 12, 2018 by DaveOKC

[oellett]

Thank you everyone for all of this information. I am going in Dec. 16 with my parents. They are not beach people but think some of the excursions may interest them. They have been to Mazatlan and want to go to a specific restaurant there and we will walk the blue line. At the other ports I am searching for something to do.. specially in Cabo. Will look into some of the suggestions here. Thank you again!

Happy Sailing!