Stvr California

Yesterday, the ship was in Puerto Vallarta - the kids and I stayed on the ship and mostly lazed around in bed. The kids needed some down time after two back to back excursions. But my wife did an excursion to San Sebastián del Oeste, and she reports as follows: 
I took the Royal Caribbean excursion, which is always easy and my husband doesn’t have to worry so much about me getting stranded on shore and missing the ship, lol. We met in the theater at 8am and our vans hit the road before 9 am. Quite quickly we were out of the City and driving up a winding two lane road into lush, green hills. 
It was lovely to be surrounded by greenery and out of the city and it became quite mountainous after an hour or so. At that point I started to see fields of blue agave. We stopped at a beautiful tequila distillery in the mountains- I forget the name, unfortunately, but it was a lovely spot at the edge of a huge ravine spanned by an impressive bridge, planted with flowers and with two friendly dogs. The best part was that it was in the 70s and breezy- so refreshing. Here there was a tequila tasting and of course I bought a bottle even though I don’t really drink tequila- it’s important to support the local economy! 
We continued our drive and the road got steeper and rougher. We stopped at a coffee plantation next, where there were lots of parrots everywhere. It was beautiful and shady and picturesque. 
Finally, we arrived at San Sebastián, which is a completely charming village with cobblestone streets set into the steep hillside. It is like a set from Encanto, from the historic colonial architecture to the mist enveloped mountains above it. We had a delicious lunch and wandered around. While there wasn’t really anything to *do* in San Sebastián besides wander on idyllic cobblestone streets, admire the scenery and architecture, and say hello to the many sweet dogs, it was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful. I’d love to come back someday and spend a few days there. Highly recommend this tour to escape the heat and bustle of Puerta Vallarta and see more of the countryside.

Yesterday in Mazetlan we did a private tour in a pulmonia car.  Our driver was Issac and he was an incredible person who is very proud of his city.  We had a great time seeing the sights of the city, lunch at a seaside restaurant and time at the beach.  For four of us it was $150, an incredible deal for an all day experience.  They have a basic template for the tour but it is your time as I was reminded by our guide.  So tell your guide what you want! 
 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Yesterday, the ship was in Puerto Vallarta - the kids and I stayed on the ship and mostly lazed around in bed. The kids needed some down time after two back to back excursions. But my wife did an excursion to San Sebastián del Oeste, and she reports as follows: 
I took the Royal Caribbean excursion, which is always easy and my husband doesn’t have to worry so much about me getting stranded on shore and missing the ship, lol. We met in the theater at 8am and our vans hit the road before 9 am. Quite quickly we were out of the City and driving up a winding two lane road into lush, green hills. 
It was lovely to be surrounded by greenery and out of the city and it became quite mountainous after an hour or so. At that point I started to see fields of blue agave. We stopped at a beautiful tequila distillery in the mountains- I forget the name, unfortunately, but it was a lovely spot at the edge of a huge ravine spanned by an impressive bridge, planted with flowers and with two friendly dogs. The best part was that it was in the 70s and breezy- so refreshing. Here there was a tequila tasting and of course I bought a bottle even though I don’t really drink tequila- it’s important to support the local economy! 
We continued our drive and the road got steeper and rougher. We stopped at a coffee plantation next, where there were lots of parrots everywhere. It was beautiful and shady and picturesque. 
Finally, we arrived at San Sebastián, which is a completely charming village with cobblestone streets set into the steep hillside. It is like a set from Encanto, from the historic colonial architecture to the mist enveloped mountains above it. We had a delicious lunch and wandered around. While there wasn’t really anything to *do* in San Sebastián besides wander on idyllic cobblestone streets, admire the scenery and architecture, and say hello to the many sweet dogs, it was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful. I’d love to come back someday and spend a few days there. Highly recommend this tour to escape the heat and bustle of Puerta Vallarta and see more of the countryside.

Yesterday, the ship was in Puerto Vallarta - the kids and I stayed on the ship and mostly lazed around in bed. The kids needed some down time after two back to back excursions. But my wife did an excursion to San Sebastián del Oeste, and she reports as follows: 
I took the Royal Caribbean excursion, which is always easy and my husband doesn’t have to worry so much about me getting stranded on shore and missing the ship, lol. We met in the theater at 8am and our vans hit the road before 9 am. Quite quickly we were out of the City and driving up a winding two lane road into lush, green hills. 
It was lovely to be surrounded by greenery and out of the city and it became quite mountainous after an hour or so. At that point I started to see fields of blue agave. We stopped at a beautiful tequila distillery in the mountains- I forget the name, unfortunately, but it was a lovely spot at the edge of a huge ravine spanned by an impressive bridge, planted with flowers and with two friendly dogs. The best part was that it was in the 70s and breezy- so refreshing. Here there was a tequila tasting and of course I bought a bottle even though I don’t really drink tequila- it’s important to support the local economy! 
We continued our drive and the road got steeper and rougher. We stopped at a coffee plantation next, where there were lots of parrots everywhere. It was beautiful and shady and picturesque. 
Finally, we arrived at San Sebastián, which is a completely charming village with cobblestone streets set into the steep hillside. It is like a set from Encanto, from the historic colonial architecture to the mist enveloped mountains above it. We had a delicious lunch and wandered around. While there wasn’t really anything to *do* in San Sebastián besides wander on idyllic cobblestone streets, admire the scenery and architecture, and say hello to the many sweet dogs, it was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful. I’d love to come back someday and spend a few days there. Highly recommend this tour to escape the heat and bustle of Puerta Vallarta and see more of the countryside.

Yesterday, the ship was in Puerto Vallarta - the kids and I stayed on the ship and mostly lazed around in bed. The kids needed some down time after two back to back excursions. But my wife did an excursion to San Sebastián del Oeste, and she reports as follows: 
I took the Royal Caribbean excursion, which is always easy and my husband doesn’t have to worry so much about me getting stranded on shore and missing the ship, lol. We met in the theater at 8am and our vans hit the road before 9 am. Quite quickly we were out of the City and driving up a winding two lane road into lush, green hills. 
It was lovely to be surrounded by greenery and out of the city and it became quite mountainous after an hour or so. At that point I started to see fields of blue agave. We stopped at a beautiful tequila distillery in the mountains- I forget the name, unfortunately, but it was a lovely spot at the edge of a huge ravine spanned by an impressive bridge, planted with flowers and with two friendly dogs. The best part was that it was in the 70s and breezy- so refreshing. Here there was a tequila tasting and of course I bought a bottle even though I don’t really drink tequila- it’s important to support the local economy! 
We continued our drive and the road got steeper and rougher. We stopped at a coffee plantation next, where there were lots of parrots everywhere. It was beautiful and shady and picturesque. 
Finally, we arrived at San Sebastián, which is a completely charming village with cobblestone streets set into the steep hillside. It is like a set from Encanto, from the historic colonial architecture to the mist enveloped mountains above it. We had a delicious lunch and wandered around. While there wasn’t really anything to *do* in San Sebastián besides wander on idyllic cobblestone streets, admire the scenery and architecture, and say hello to the many sweet dogs, it was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful. I’d love to come back someday and spend a few days there. Highly recommend this tour to escape the heat and bustle of Puerta Vallarta and see more of the countryside.

Yesterday, the ship was in Puerto Vallarta - the kids and I stayed on the ship and mostly lazed around in bed. The kids needed some down time after two back to back excursions. But my wife did an excursion to San Sebastián del Oeste, and she reports as follows: 
I took the Royal Caribbean excursion, which is always easy and my husband doesn’t have to worry so much about me getting stranded on shore and missing the ship, lol. We met in the theater at 8am and our vans hit the road before 9 am. Quite quickly we were out of the City and driving up a winding two lane road into lush, green hills. 
It was lovely to be surrounded by greenery and out of the city and it became quite mountainous after an hour or so. At that point I started to see fields of blue agave. We stopped at a beautiful tequila distillery in the mountains- I forget the name, unfortunately, but it was a lovely spot at the edge of a huge ravine spanned by an impressive bridge, planted with flowers and with two friendly dogs. The best part was that it was in the 70s and breezy- so refreshing. Here there was a tequila tasting and of course I bought a bottle even though I don’t really drink tequila- it’s important to support the local economy! 
We continued our drive and the road got steeper and rougher. We stopped at a coffee plantation next, where there were lots of parrots everywhere. It was beautiful and shady and picturesque. 
Finally, we arrived at San Sebastián, which is a completely charming village with cobblestone streets set into the steep hillside. It is like a set from Encanto, from the historic colonial architecture to the mist enveloped mountains above it. We had a delicious lunch and wandered around. While there wasn’t really anything to *do* in San Sebastián besides wander on idyllic cobblestone streets, admire the scenery and architecture, and say hello to the many sweet dogs, it was wonderfully relaxing and peaceful. I’d love to come back someday and spend a few days there. Highly recommend this tour to escape the heat and bustle of Puerta Vallarta and see more of the countryside.

Yesterday in Mazetlan we did a private tour in a pulmonia car.  Our driver was Issac and he was an incredible person who is very proud of his city.  We had a great time seeing the sights of the city, lunch at a seaside restaurant and time at the beach.  For four of us it was $150, an incredible deal for an all day experience.  They have a basic template for the tour but it is your time as I was reminded by our guide.  So tell your guide what you want! 
 

Yesterday in Mazetlan we did a private tour in a pulmonia car.  Our driver was Issac and he was an incredible person who is very proud of his city.  We had a great time seeing the sights of the city, lunch at a seaside restaurant and time at the beach.  For four of us it was $150, an incredible deal for an all day experience.  They have a basic template for the tour but it is your time as I was reminded by our guide.  So tell your guide what you want! 
 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Yesterday in Mazetlan we did a private tour in a pulmonia car.  Our driver was Issac and he was an incredible person who is very proud of his city.  We had a great time seeing the sights of the city, lunch at a seaside restaurant and time at the beach.  For four of us it was $150, an incredible deal for an all day experience.  They have a basic template for the tour but it is your time as I was reminded by our guide.  So tell your guide what you want! 
 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Yesterday in Mazetlan we did a private tour in a pulmonia car.  Our driver was Issac and he was an incredible person who is very proud of his city.  We had a great time seeing the sights of the city, lunch at a seaside restaurant and time at the beach.  For four of us it was $150, an incredible deal for an all day experience.  They have a basic template for the tour but it is your time as I was reminded by our guide.  So tell your guide what you want! 
 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Something I forgot to mention.  Sail into Cabo at noon was spectacular.  Definitely got on deck to experience this.  Our weather was perfect for the occasion.  The photo does not do it justice. 

Last night was Jamie’s Italian.  It was good but if we are doing teams I’m on team Giovanni’s.
I just heard an alpha call for deck six.  It’s the first I have heard.  Hopeful everyone is Ok. 
 
We are currently docked in Mazetlan.  Today we are taking a taxi tour. Updates to follow. 
 

 
View from Chops breakfast 

What can I say about our excursion with Shipmate.com without being too negative? It was with Esperanza tours. Our host was super friendly and kind. I wanted to love it. 
It was a snorkel trip with snacks? “Snacks” - I pack more appetizing lunches for my kids at school. 

It was quite short and the destination (Pelican Beach) was very crowded.  Beautiful clear water with lots of gorgeous tropical fish. There wasn’t any instruction, however, and I was anxiously watching my kids as they bobbed in the strong currents. My wife said she struggled with the strong currents. 
So you better be a darn good swimmer for this excursion. There was a tense moment when the boat (collectively) realized that someone was left behind. The whole ship called her name. She was discovered bobbing along quite happily, and we got her aboard. All was well. 

My family were good sports and it was an absolutely beautiful day and location. I would have to be the Grinch to not have fun. But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this particular excursion. 
 
 

Yesterday we went to the Windjammer for breakfast but it was so crowded we had to stalk diners for a table (my second least favorite thing to do after stalking people returning to their cars in a crowded parking lot). Not the most pleasant for this crowd-phobic family, especially my wife who doesn’t like to interact with people until she’s had at least 3 cups of coffee. 

So today we decided to take advantage of breakfast served at Chops, which is available to suites passengers. What a revelation! Quiet, intimate, you can sit and be served by friendly staff, and they make your item to order. This is the way. 


In other news, we’ve had our first towel animal sighting. 

Later today we are doing a non Royal snorkel excursion through shipmate.com.  The ship tenders out of Cabo San Lucas our first port.  We arrive in port at noon.  More details will be forthcoming after the trip

Izumi was quite good. My shrimp-loving son and my sushi-loving wife were thrilled with their meals and ate their heats out. My daughter dared my wife to eat wasabi straight and she did it! Everyone giggled as she sniffed and coughed, but she loves wasabi so much she said it was rather refreshing. She highly recommends the spicy tuna and shrimp rolls.
 
I’m not a fan of sushi and I don’t think I ordered well.  I kept looking at other people’s plates with envy.  I basically choked and went with the teriyaki beef. People make mistakes.  If you go to Izumi, go for the more interesting dishes! 
 

Last night was Jamie’s Italian.  It was good but if we are doing teams I’m on team Giovanni’s.
I just heard an alpha call for deck six.  It’s the first I have heard.  Hopeful everyone is Ok. 
 
We are currently docked in Mazetlan.  Today we are taking a taxi tour. Updates to follow. 
 

 
View from Chops breakfast 

Last night was Jamie’s Italian.  It was good but if we are doing teams I’m on team Giovanni’s.
I just heard an alpha call for deck six.  It’s the first I have heard.  Hopeful everyone is Ok. 
 
We are currently docked in Mazetlan.  Today we are taking a taxi tour. Updates to follow. 
 

 
View from Chops breakfast 

Yesterday we went to the Windjammer for breakfast but it was so crowded we had to stalk diners for a table (my second least favorite thing to do after stalking people returning to their cars in a crowded parking lot). Not the most pleasant for this crowd-phobic family, especially my wife who doesn’t like to interact with people until she’s had at least 3 cups of coffee. 

So today we decided to take advantage of breakfast served at Chops, which is available to suites passengers. What a revelation! Quiet, intimate, you can sit and be served by friendly staff, and they make your item to order. This is the way. 


In other news, we’ve had our first towel animal sighting. 

Later today we are doing a non Royal snorkel excursion through shipmate.com.  The ship tenders out of Cabo San Lucas our first port.  We arrive in port at noon.  More details will be forthcoming after the trip

Izumi was quite good. My shrimp-loving son and my sushi-loving wife were thrilled with their meals and ate their heats out. My daughter dared my wife to eat wasabi straight and she did it! Everyone giggled as she sniffed and coughed, but she loves wasabi so much she said it was rather refreshing. She highly recommends the spicy tuna and shrimp rolls.
 
I’m not a fan of sushi and I don’t think I ordered well.  I kept looking at other people’s plates with envy.  I basically choked and went with the teriyaki beef. People make mistakes.  If you go to Izumi, go for the more interesting dishes!