8/10/2008 - Mexican Party Cruise - Who's Here??

[jd99]

Happy Thursday to you too, Jeff!!! I'm in the middle of a hailstorm here in London so focusing on thinking happy cruising thoughts right now...

Yikes. Your trip in 9 days is that a DCL double dip? Or am I reading that wrong?

 

[CustardTart]

Yikes. Your trip in 9 days is that a DCL double dip? Or am I reading that wrong?

That's right! Leave on Saturday 3rd for a week in VWL then the 4 night DD - should be fab...

 

[jd99]

That's right! Leave on Saturday 3rd for a week in VWL then the 4 night DD - should be fab...

And did i read somewhere that you were in a category ONE? OMG, I'm so jealous. We have done a Cat 3 and can't even imagine MORE space than that!

 

[CustardTart]

And did i read somewhere that you were in a category ONE? OMG, I'm so jealous. We have done a Cat 3 and can't even imagine MORE space than that!

You read right again, Jeff! I can't believe it myself TBH!!! Initially DD and I were in a Cat 7 and we were fine with that. Then (with 3 months to go) DH says can he come too - so I asked my TA what was available and there was the Cat 1!!! Soooo, as we had to cancel the NYE cruise, I decided to throw caution to the wind and book it!!! It seemed like Fate that it was in the inventory so near the cruise - or at least that's what I told myself...

 

[jd99]

Greetings Mexican Riviera Cruisers and Happy Friday.

I finally started looking seriously at the excursions for this cruise last night. I figured with May 11/12 looming it was time to get it organized. What's everyone else doing? We are thinking of a beach resort excursion in Cabo and/or the Land's End Coastal Cruise; the Best of Mazatlan and the Dolphin Encounter in PV. Personally, I'd love to do the Canopy Adventure in PV but don't think I can do that AND do the dolphin encounter with the family.

 

[CustardTart]

Greetings Mexican Riviera Cruisers and Happy Friday.

I finally started looking seriously at the excursions for this cruise last night. I figured with May 11/12 looming it was time to get it organized. What's everyone else doing? We are thinking of a beach resort excursion in Cabo and/or the Land's End Coastal Cruise; the Best of Mazatlan and the Dolphin Encounter in PV. Personally, I'd love to do the Canopy Adventure in PV but don't think I can do that AND do the dolphin encounter with the family.

Hi Jeff! There are some fab-sounding excursions available and my mind's a bit boggled by it all!!! BUT this is probably what we're going to go for...

Cabo San Lucas: Pacific Side Horseback Riding and Teen Surfin´ Safari...

Mazatlan: Huana Coa Canopy Adventure...

Puerta Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel and Kayak Tour and Historic Towns and Tequila Making...

 

[jd99]

Hi Jeff! There are some fab-sounding excursions available and my mind's a bit boggled by it all!!! BUT this is probably what we're going to go for...

Cabo San Lucas: Pacific Side Horseback Riding and Teen Surfin´ Safari...

Mazatlan: Huana Coa Canopy Adventure...

Puerta Vallarta: Marietas Islands Snorkel and Kayak Tour and Historic Towns and Tequila Making...

Oooh - I missed the Huana Coa Canopy Adventure. Is that a Zip Line? I'd much rather split up with the family and do that than to split off from them in PV.

 

[jd99]

Oh by the way - Karen and all -- there is a new thread on the main board summoning 2005 Mexican Riviera cruisers to discuss their shore excursion experiences. Looks like it may give us all some great background and advice.,

 

[CustardTart]

I only spotted this one recently so it's a must for us...

Huana Coa Canopy Adventure

Experience the adventure of a lifetime during a high-flying zip-line ride amidst the Sierra Madre mountains before exploring the Los Osuna tequila distillery.

Surrender to a striking landscape of gentle sloping hills and a lush forest landscape as you journey into the Sierra Madre mountains during an hour-long, air-conditioned motor coach ride to La Vinata Los Osuna plantation. Upon your arrival, board a classic, 6x6 Swiss Army Pinzgauer vehicle and take off on a thrilling, 15-minute drive across bumpy backwoods terrain to the verdant foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range, marveling at the unspoiled natural splendor that surrounds you everywhere you look. Following your rugged ride, make your way across a towering flex-walk bridge and embark on a picturesque nature stroll where a myriad of fantastic flora and fauna is yours to behold at seemingly every turn. Meet and greet an experienced zip-line guide and take part in an informative safety demonstration before setting out on your unforgettable high-flying adventure. Then, hold tight as you are whisked away from canyon side to canyon side via a network of pulleys mounted at a height of up to 100 feet above the ground. Zip along nine horizontal lines and 12 platforms, and marvel at the spectacular sights from your amazing bird's eye perch. Feel the rush of wind in your face and experience the excitement of this one-of-a-kind adventure. Then, rappel from the final platform — located in an ancient Huanacaxtle tree — and glide down to the ground amongst the vast rows of blue agave plants.

Afterward, visit the famous Los Osuna tequila distillery and uncover the history of Mexico's national and most beloved drink. Originally produced in t he 16th century, Tequila is created using blue agave plants which are native to the Tequila region of Mexico. Learn about the fermentation process from an expert, and delight in a delightful treat: a savory tasting. Following your tour, sit back, relax and begin your hour-long return trip back to the pier along Mazatlan's magnificent oceanfront boulevard, the Avenida del Mar, and revel as the distant turquoise blue of the shimmering ocean mingles with the endless baby blue of the sky. Pass through the city's bustling Golden Zone — where you can opt to disembark the motor coach and indulge in some sightseeing and shopping on your own — before finally arriving back at the ship.

 

[CustardTart]

Oh by the way - Karen and all -- there is a new thread on the main board summoning 2005 Mexican Riviera cruisers to discuss their shore excursion experiences. Looks like it may give us all some great background and advice.,

Thanks!

 

[jd99]

I only spotted this one recently so it's a must for us...

Huana Coa Canopy Adventure

Experience the adventure of a lifetime during a high-flying zip-line ride amidst the Sierra Madre mountains before exploring the Los Osuna tequila distillery.

Surrender to a striking landscape of gentle sloping hills and a lush forest landscape as you journey into the Sierra Madre mountains during an hour-long, air-conditioned motor coach ride to La Vinata Los Osuna plantation. Upon your arrival, board a classic, 6x6 Swiss Army Pinzgauer vehicle and take off on a thrilling, 15-minute drive across bumpy backwoods terrain to the verdant foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range, marveling at the unspoiled natural splendor that surrounds you everywhere you look. Following your rugged ride, make your way across a towering flex-walk bridge and embark on a picturesque nature stroll where a myriad of fantastic flora and fauna is yours to behold at seemingly every turn. Meet and greet an experienced zip-line guide and take part in an informative safety demonstration before setting out on your unforgettable high-flying adventure. Then, hold tight as you are whisked away from canyon side to canyon side via a network of pulleys mounted at a height of up to 100 feet above the ground. Zip along nine horizontal lines and 12 platforms, and marvel at the spectacular sights from your amazing bird's eye perch. Feel the rush of wind in your face and experience the excitement of this one-of-a-kind adventure. Then, rappel from the final platform — located in an ancient Huanacaxtle tree — and glide down to the ground amongst the vast rows of blue agave plants.

Afterward, visit the famous Los Osuna tequila distillery and uncover the history of Mexico's national and most beloved drink. Originally produced in t he 16th century, Tequila is created using blue agave plants which are native to the Tequila region of Mexico. Learn about the fermentation process from an expert, and delight in a delightful treat: a savory tasting. Following your tour, sit back, relax and begin your hour-long return trip back to the pier along Mazatlan's magnificent oceanfront boulevard, the Avenida del Mar, and revel as the distant turquoise blue of the shimmering ocean mingles with the endless baby blue of the sky. Pass through the city's bustling Golden Zone — where you can opt to disembark the motor coach and indulge in some sightseeing and shopping on your own — before finally arriving back at the ship.

Oh boy I think I"m in on this one too!

 

[CustardTart]

Oh boy I think I"m in on this one too!

Yay! Join us, Jeff! It sounds awesome, doesn't it???

I'm so looking forward to this cruise - IMO the excursions are fab, there's almost too much choice...

BTW what night do you think is best for Palo's..?

 

[jd99]

Yay! Join us, Jeff! It sounds awesome, doesn't it???

I'm so looking forward to this cruise - IMO the excursions are fab, there's almost too much choice...

BTW what night do you think is best for Palo's..?

We are not sure about Palo - but we will likely do it on a night after a port day rather than a sea day. We did that on the last cruise and it was really a nice way to go. Probably Wednesday night...

 

[CustardTart]

Happy Weekend!!!

Today I am focusing 100% on the LA part of our August vacation - well, apart from all the usual Saturday stuff! I've got a new guide book so I'm hoping for inspiration...

I've posted a query on the main cruise forum so I may as well include my questioning here...

So we know that the rotations for the Mexican Riviera cruises are as follows: LAAPLAP, APPLAPL and PLLAPLA but how do the menus actually fit in???

I guess the 1st and 2nd nights will have the usual dining room specific "rotation" menus but what about that repeated 3rd night? Is that going to be a special menu with the 4th night returning to the relevent "rotation" menu? The 5th night is Pirate Night with it's own menu but what about the 6th and 7th nights???

Forgive me for being so anal but I'm trying to work out when to book Palo's without missing the Golden Mickeys menu...

BTW does anyone know which menu the Golden Mickey's replaced???

Any info would be great!!!

 

[andriade]

I know I already offered this but I thought I would put it out there again. I live is SoCal and I go to Disneyland almost weekly. I was born and raised here so I know a lot about L.A. If you have any questions or need advice, please ask away!

 

[CustardTart]

I know I already offered this but I thought I would put it out there again. I live is SoCal and I go to Disneyland almost weekly. I was born and raised here so I know a lot about L.A. If you have any questions or need advice, please ask away!

Thanks for the offer!

So far we're planning on spending a couple of days at the Disneyland parks as well as doing the Universal VIP tour, the Warner Bros VIP studio tour and spending a day at Laguna Beach. We also want to do a general LA/Hollywood/Stars Homes type of tour - any ideas which is the best one????

 

[andriade]

Custard Tart- I spent a semester abroad in college. I lived in South Kensington on Emperors Gate. It was right off the Gloucester Road exit from the tube. I don't remember what South East London is any more. I haven't been back for 14 years. I LOVED living there though!

As far as star home's tours, I have never done it. Sorry I can't help there. I think doing the VIP tour of Universal Studios is wise though. I don't go there much because after Disney all other parks don't seem as well maintained to me. I think the Florida Universal Parks are better maintained better than the one here. To me, this one doesn't have nearly enough to make it worth spending the money. There are A LOT of old attractions.

Laguna Beach is an amazing choice. Do you know people there? It is very beautiful.

If you have any questions about DL or DCA let me know. I have eaten just about everywhere and ridden every ride.

 

[CustardTart]

Wow!!! I know South Kensington quite well tho' I don't get up to town as often as I'd like anymore! We live in the 'burbs - 15 mins south on the train from Victoria Station and 15 mins drive from the rolling countryside. It's a lovely location TBH...

Laguna Beach has an art festival on whilst we're there and, as a dealer, I really want to make that trip. I'm always on the look out for interesting, saleable works that no one else stocks...

I know what you mean about how parks that aren't Disney not feeling such great quality. Whilst I think the Warner Bros tour is something different and worth doing, I'm opting for the Universal VIP tour on the advice of my DD who did it when she travelled the world during her GAP year. We've actually been to Disneyland before - we spent a week there with the family at New Year 2005 and had a wonderful time. What would you say are the best on-site eateries? I fancy Steakhouse 55, Napa Rose and the Vineyard Room. Also which Character brekkie would you recommend?

I just want to add a 'tacky' tour (I need to see that Hollywood sign) to our itinerary and I'll be happy...

 

[CustardTart]

Good morning or should I say "buenos días!"

I'm delighted to say I've just been able to make all our Palo, excursion and spa reservations for this cruise!!!

Sooo excited right now, I'm gonna have to do a banana boogie!!!

 

[Dizney73]

Congrats!!! As first time DCL cruisers we still have to wait till May 27 to book any excursions!!! AAAHHHHH! I hope there are still some good ones left for us!

Getting excited!!!!!