“Viva Mexico” - Suite life on the Wonder – A trip report (12/4 – 12/11 2011)

Great report! I love the links to new posts on the first page. Everyone should do that, it cuts down on my having to read posts like this that aren't the trip report!
 
Loving your trip report. :banana::banana:

I was also on the Wonder Dec 4 with family and friends. We had a fantastic time, it was a great cruise.
:thumbsup2
 
Loving your report so far! Was the zip lining at Las Caletas an extra charge and if so, how much? We were considering the Zip Line Excursion, but if there is a smaller on at LasCaletas AND the beach trip as well...no brainer!
Happy holidays!!
 


Loving your report so far! Was the zip lining at Las Caletas an extra charge and if so, how much? We were considering the Zip Line Excursion, but if there is a smaller on at LasCaletas AND the beach trip as well...no brainer!
Happy holidays!!

Now that you ask me, I am not sure if the zip linning in Las Caletas was extra charge, only because DS was not interested in it. Btw, it is only for kids, not for adults. So if you are looking into zip linning, then Las caletas is not for you.
 
Day 5 - Beaches, Dolphins and pirates to boot

Today was the Cabo San Lucas day. Half our trip was done, and from there on it was countdown to the finish. Unlike yesterday, there was no need for us to get up early in the morning. Our first item on the list was the character breakfast at 8:00. Having my usual coffee in the morning, I saw the ship pull within reach of the port and drop anchor right by the side of the famous arch. This gave us a fabulous view of the arch and the beach.

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Our old friend “Oosterdam” had arrived before us. The tendering had already started for the guests of Oosterdam. Our character breakfast was at parrot key and we were there just on time. Balwan and Jermy made wizard hats and Minnie ears for the kids and a pirate scarf for DW, and for me they got me shrek ears. It felt so appropriate that I wondered whether I should retain it. The usual parade of characters happened that kept the kids fully occupied.

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On our way back from the breakfast we stopped by promenade lounge. It was family dance time and needless to say, DD had to take part. She ruled the floor for the next one hour sometimes swinging to the 70’s, sometimes breaking into disco and sometime simply going free style. There was just one other kid that was there to give her company.

Our dolphin encounter was scheduled for 3:00 pm and we had absolutely nothing to do till then. The day outside was fabulous and DW and I felt it would be a shame to let such a nice day slip by. After the family dance time, we walked over to the guest services and enquired about what options we have before 3:00. There were still slots open for the beach adventure that would start at 10:30 but we would have to cut short our stay and leave early for the dolphin encounter. As about any excursion we could do on our own, the CM didn’t know a whole lot. We decided we would tender to the dock and whinge it on our own from there on. This was probably one of the best decisions we took.

Sometimes everything falls into place when you have absolutely no plans, and that is exactly what happened. The tendering to the dock was a bit of a wait. I was surprised that there was no priority tendering for concierge. Eventually we got into a catamaran and reached the dock. Once on the dock, we got a coupon for $2 on the water taxi to Mango deck. We were told to get to Office A7 but the minute we stepped out it was utter chaos. Even for us who are used to the kind of haggling it was a bit intimidating. Eventually though we were able to spot office A7.

A lot had been said about using the water taxi and how dangerous it can be. So we did have our reservation, but figured since there are so many of them doing it, we might as well try it. Within 5 minutes we were at Medano beach in front of Mango Deck. True to all the reports, getting off the water taxi needed some expertise. The kids and the bags were hauled off by the taxi guys to the safety of the beach. When DW got ready to jump out, one of the waves hit the taxi hard, throwing her off balance. This was on a day when the sea was at its calm best. One can only imagine how hard it could be when the sea is choppy.

Once on the beach, we decided to walk the length of it before deciding to settle down somewhere. I would have to say, doing all the research about the different restaurant was very useful. These restaurants are so close by that you could easily miss them, if you didn’t know they were supposed to be there. We walked all the way to “Tabasco” and walked back. Finally the empty lounge chairs right on the beach and the relatively calm water in front of the “Medano beach club” won it for them. We settled down on the lounge chairs, there was plenty of lounges and umbrellas to boot.

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The sun, the beach, the sight of the wonder and Oosterdam close by, it was paradise on earth.

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There were two other families and with us and we filled up the lounges on the beach. The kids as usual got busy building sand castles while I decided to take a dip in the water. DW was still not feeling 100%. We spend the better part of the afternoon on the beach, we had our lunch and I got busy with a bucket of carona while DW had a mango margarita. As expected right throughout we were bothered by sellers pushing there things at our face. After lunch we even managed to take a very short siesta.

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When we were having our lunch, there were a couple enquiring about vegetarian options with the manager of “Medano Beach Club”, he directed them to us for a feedback as my wife had ordered the vegetarian fajitas. Since we gave a good feedback, he offered to give us a bucket of carona extra.

Soon it was time to head back for the dolphin encounter. The manager pulled up a water taxi organizer next door and told him to take us back for no charge. Again, getting into the taxi from the beach was a bit of an issue, if it was my wife who had trouble getting out, it was my turn now getting into the taxi. We were asked to get back to the security area on the docks for the excursion and that is what we did. After a brief wait a group of 10 of us were led to the Cabo adventures building close by to the port.

Once inside, we showed our tickets and they handed us appropriate sized swim wear. The bathroom where we changed to our swim wear, also had lockers. We stored our belonging here and got back to the waiting area, while the previous show was getting over. The waiting area was an open space right underneath the pools, it had a lot of comfortable chairs and umbrellas for shade. Once the show got over, the organizer came over to us and split us into different groups. Our group was doing the dolphin encounter, while the other one was doing the dolphin swim. They then handed us towels and life jackets which had to be worn on top of the swim wear. Once on the pool we were instructed to leave any item or jewelry that we were wearing like watches, earring etc in a plastic bag before we stepped in.

For the dolphin encounter we were asked to step on a platform that a knee deep in water. First we were asked to sit on the edge of the pool while we were introduced to the dolphin, a talk on the safety measures and signs to follow ensued. They every individual in the group had their time with the dolphin. You could pet her, kiss her, dance with her and feed her. Each group was assigned a photographer and she was merrily clicking away to glory. It was quite an experience being that up close and personal with a dolphin.

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Once everybody had their time with the dolphin, there was a small show. After that we were asked to take a bath. We handed over the life jackets and the towel right there and changed from our swim wear in the bathrooms.
After changing over, we headed to the photo center to check out the photos, there were quite a few of those involving us in the group. We figured we wouldn’t be able to pick and choose, so we bought the entire CD with four prints of our choice. The package was expensive but it was fully worth it. The pictures with the dolphins were from that package.
By now we were running late for the tender, so we headed back to the docks and took the waiting tender, it was probably the last one out. We were soon back in our room after a very tiring day, and the day was not over yet. If at all I would like to see once change in this itinerary, it was today. A full day of Cabo followed by the pirate night and festivities was just too much for one day. In our case we felt it even more cause, DW was not feeling too well. Back on the ship, DW and DD promptly retired for a nap. I had to force DS to take a nap as he is not used to anymore and if he didn’t ,I knew he wouldn’t be able to enjoy the pirate night.

DW, when she woke up decided she had enough for the day. We called up Mike for some cold medicines and some bottles of water. This was the third time, we were requesting for water. I have heard some concierge would replace the water bottles without asking, in our case we had to call him up every time. When we did call up for water though, he was quick to get it for us.

Also, we decided to have dinner in our rooms today. When I talked to Mike, I enquired whether it would be possible to bring the special Indian food that balwan had promised for us today to our rooms. Mike said he would get in touch with the head server and get it over to our rooms. One hour passed and still there was no sign of food. I called up mike again and enquired when it would be delivered to our room. He was surprised that it was not delivered already and he said he will look into it. Half an hour later, we got a call from Balwan and he told us, since he got the request late and it is already time for the late dinning he would bring it up in half an hour. We were cutting it close to the pirate party. I am not sure whose fault this was but another one of the things that didn’t go right. In any case, dinner arrived within half an hour and we hurried to get the kids ready for the pirate party.

DW wanted to take rest, so I took the kids to the pirate night. Again, the pirate night was one of those things that I have already seen, so I was not too much into it. The kids though had a lot of fun. Who wouldn’t want to see the mouse zip line from the funnel :) . The fireworks show was good, and as usual a few other ships were nearby.

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The dessert buffet followed the pirate show. I couldn’t help feeling the number of desserts were lesser then the one we had the last time around. We got what we wanted and walked back to our rooms. DD had enough and she promptly hit the bed, even after all that sugar, DS not so. It was an option of seeing the Pirates of the Caribbean I at the open screen or see the latest installment on 3D at the bueno vista theatre. The theatre won and we headed down to Deck 5 for the movie. The movie had already started but there were hardly any crowd. We saw the movie for an hour and I sensed DS dozing off. I figured we have had enough fun for one day and headed back to our room. As it had been every day, we fell asleep before our heads hit the pillow.
 
Great report! We are on this cruise in 3 months and we have a one bedroom suite booked. I cannot wait! Sounds like your family had a blast (and I too, crave rice all the time!). :)

Jenni
 


We skipped the dessert buffet after pirate night due to my DD (7) completely crashing on the dance floor and falling asleep right in the middle of all the action. I am glad we did because I really didn't need a 1000 calorie chocolate cake at midnight before going to sleep! ;)

Katherine
 
Great report! We are on this cruise in 3 months and we have a one bedroom suite booked. I cannot wait! Sounds like your family had a blast (and I too, crave rice all the time!). :)

Jenni

Hope you have a wonderfull cruise, my fellow rice-craver :)
 
We skipped the dessert buffet after pirate night due to my DD (7) completely crashing on the dance floor and falling asleep right in the middle of all the action. I am glad we did because I really didn't need a 1000 calorie chocolate cake at midnight before going to sleep! ;)

Katherine

I hear you, but I see a dessert line in front of me and I loose my reasoning. Enjoyed reading your live report. Am glad your concierge turned out to be good.
 
Great trip report! Thanks so much for the details on las caletas. We've been on the fence about it but I think we're leaning towards it now.

I see you had early seating. What time was early seating on your cruise? And did your kids order off the kids menu or the regular one? If you did kids meals, can you remember how quickly they were delivered? One of mine has zero patience in crowded large restaurants so I'm wondering how long we'll need to be prepared to entertain him (and what time we should book nursery hours so we can drop them off and enjoy the rest of our dinner!)

TIA!
 
Great trip report! Thanks so much for the details on las caletas. We've been on the fence about it but I think we're leaning towards it now.

I see you had early seating. What time was early seating on your cruise? And did your kids order off the kids menu or the regular one? If you did kids meals, can you remember how quickly they were delivered? One of mine has zero patience in crowded large restaurants so I'm wondering how long we'll need to be prepared to entertain him (and what time we should book nursery hours so we can drop them off and enjoy the rest of our dinner!)

TIA!

5:45 was the main seating. Our kids ordered only out of the kids menu. All they had was mac and cheese and pizzas. Kids meal were usually the first to come, but it did take some time. Kids though had their drinks and they are usually occupied, so it shouldn't be a problem. Not sure about the nursery times, as ours always stayed with us for dinner.
 
5:45 was the main seating. Our kids ordered only out of the kids menu. All they had was mac and cheese and pizzas. Kids meal were usually the first to come, but it did take some time. Kids though had their drinks and they are usually occupied, so it shouldn't be a problem. Not sure about the nursery times, as ours always stayed with us for dinner.

thanks so much!
 
We stayed in the same room before (hopefully, I'm not repeating myself) on the Magic. We loved the convenience to topsiders up the secret staircase. Sounds like you all are having fun. I hope your DW got better.
 
We stayed in the same room before (hopefully, I'm not repeating myself) on the Magic. We loved the convenience to topsiders up the secret staircase. Sounds like you all are having fun. I hope your DW got better.

Yeah, the biggest advantage of these aft rooms are the staircase to beach blanket buffet. DW got better after the first Cabo day, which reminds me, I need to get back on track with my updates.
 
Thank you for a great report.

May I ask, how did you pay for the CD at the dolphin center? Cash? Credit/Debit? I am trying to figure out how much cash to bring off the ship...
 
Twin cities of Cabo and San Jose

After a hectic routine the previous day, it was back to getting up early in the morning for the second Cabo day. Today’s itinerary was one that I was specifically uncomfortable about. We had booked the Coastal highlights tour and that lasted from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm. The last tender back to the ship was at 12:30 pm.

After an early breakfast we headed down to “Studio sea” at 7:30. Soon we were on the tender back to the docks. This time around though, we got one of those double level catamarans that felt more stable than the regular tenders.

Our family in the tender and parting shots of the Wonder.

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From there we were given a brief talk about the sights we were going to be visiting and the need for keeping up with the time as we are cutting it real close to the last tender time. Also the thing to note, every one of these places had bathroom facilities. We got onto an air conditioned coach and drove for half an hour. There were multiple coaches for different groups each having its own route.

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Our first stop was the glass blowing factory. If there is one place worth the visit it is this place. We were simply amazed at the skill of these glass blowers. They first made an elephant and then made a spear, all this in less than 15 minutes. There is the usual shopping area within this factory, where you could buy different ornaments and decorations.

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Our next stop was an Italian restaurant with a view to die for. We could pick up a beer or any other drink from here that was included in the price of the tour. This place had seating with a view of the Ocean, the port and our Wonder in the yonder :) .

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Our next stop was a bit more of a drive to the city of San Jose. The drive itself was scenic and all along the coast. One of the things I felt was the sea was much more calmer in these areas. The coach dropped us off in the downtown. We got to see the mission church and the town plaza.

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We finally stopped at the cactus garden where we got to see different types of cactus.

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In my opinion this trip was too short to do justice to any of the stops. I felt there was not enough time to get enough information, that we could really appreciate any of these places.

We were back just on time for the last tender (maybe it was waiting for us). The kids got a kick out of seeing the anchor being pulled up even as our tender was nearing the ship. In the ship it was a mad scramble to the beach blanket buffet for lunch as it was almost time for it to be shut down.
I am glad we decided to rush to the beach blanket buffet that day. We were in the middle of our lunch, when I heard a loud splash from near-by. I turned around and what do I see, a school of dolphins following the ship out of Cabo. Soon a crowd gathered to see these dolphins pop in and out of the water line. They put up quite a show. Even as I am typing this, I am wondering why in the world I didn’t go for my camera. We certainly did have it with us as we headed straight to the BBB after the trip and yet, it never did occur to me that I should be filming this. Sorry guys, maybe next time ;). I even remember people taking photos and movies of it with their ipads and yet, our camera lay safely in our bags.

After lunch it was nap time for DD. I sat out in the balcony to watch the ship speed away from Cabo. DS and I then decided we would go up to the sports deck and play ping pong while DW decided she was going to get some rest along with DD. We played ping pong for a while and then DS had a sudden change of heart, he wanted to go to the goofy pool. So the pool it was, we watched a movie(can’t remember what it was now :( ) till it was time for dinner and then headed back to the room.

Today was the semi-formal night at Tritons for us. So we all got dressed up and headed down to Tritons. Dinner was followed by photos in the atrium. DD was thrilled to take a few pictures with Minnie Mouse (Never mind the fact she already has 10 of those from this trip !!!).

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After dinner, it was show time and today’s show as Disney Dreams. The story of this show needs no explanation as everybody has already seen it. I was seeing it for the second time and yet it never ceases to amaze me the technology that goes behind these shows. The stage directors need a special mention for the sheer number of things they manage to bring to the limited space in the stage.

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With that our day ended and the realization that we have only one more day left in our trip :( .

Note: We did finally receive the Las Caletas photos from Vallarta Adventures. Here is a sample of what was in it. There were not very many photos in it and I am not sure if it was worth $35 but we didn’t take part in any of the activities either, so that could be one of the reasons.

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Thank you for a great report.

May I ask, how did you pay for the CD at the dolphin center? Cash? Credit/Debit? I am trying to figure out how much cash to bring off the ship...

Credit card. They accept master/visa and Amex I think.
 

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