An oh-so-suite Mexican Riviera TR! 3/20/11 Wonder-UPDATED 4/23- Day 6- more Cabo fun!

[Silly Little Pixie]

Day 3- Awesome!

We wake up, and it’s clear and GORGEOUS. Just the weather we were hoping for in Mexico. The boys are anxious to go to the pool, so I took them up to the Goofy pool about 8:30 in the morning. It was already packed, and the chair hogs were in full force. Gotta love the people who take a chair for each member of their family, and nobody is there! There was one chair with nothing on top of it, but a pair of flip flops half under it and half under another chair. I asked the woman who was on the opposite side if anyone was using it- she was pretty snippy- said she thought maybe. I was going to take it anyway, but then another mom and family came and asked about it as well- and they were shot down as well. SO, hanging out on the edge of the hot tub it was!

While I was just relaxing, I heard the first page for crew member Rebecca Coriam to please report. I thought it was really odd, having not heard a crew member paged over the loudspeaker before. A little while later, the Comedian came and joined me poolside. We heard the page for her again, this time by Clayton the cruise director, and heard the urgency in his voice. We looked at each other, and said wow, something’s not right.

Shortly thereafter we decided to head over to the adult pool since the boys were done. Ahhh it was perfect! We spent the rest of the day –truly- at the pool. It was warm and sunny, we had buckets o’ beers, and the adult pool even had pool games! We have never seen that before on DCL and it was a blast. Trainer volunteered and we had a great time laughing at her. There was a live band that played as well for awhile. They were okay but they didn’t sing any Jimmy Buffett. All in all though this was the most relaxing, enjoyable day we could have imagined. It was picture-perfect. Sorry- no pictures- I was so relaxed I didn't even bring my camera! What was I thinking?!

We had Palo dinner at six. We got the kids all dressed for dinner, and told them to go to the show then dinner. We met at the Outlook bar for a drink beforehand. That’s when we heard Captain Guus’ announcement that their search of the ship and staterooms had not turned up the missing crewmember, and that they were working with the proper authorities. We were obviously worried for her and wondered what could have happened.

Mr. Friendly and I had eaten at Palo once for dinner- on our vow renewal cruise on the Magic. We had enjoyed it, but didn’t find it to be the WOW we had heard about on the Dis. Trainer and the Comedian had never been. Daniel from Italy was our server, and he was great. We had a fabulous dinner!! Ohmygosh. Much better this time around. It took 3 ½ hours… it was nice to relax and the food was fantastic. That 4 cheese pizza was absolutely heavenly! I had the filet, and it was excellent, as were the tiramisu and chocolate soufflé. SO stuffed!

Trainer and Comedian were celebrating their anniversary so our server brought out a cute little plate for them. Not sure what you do with it afterwards, but it does make a nice picture!

Trainer convinced me that some physical activity would help us not feel so overfull. I went and changed into my flip flops and shorts, and headed down to deck 4. Our plan was to walk the deck, but since I was outside Animator’s I decided to pop in and check on the kids. The “show” was just starting, and as I tiptoed over to our table I could see all 3 kids were transfixed! Good to see how much they still enjoy the Disney “magic” even though they have seen it all before.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

After checking in on the kids, I decided to walk deck 4 and burn off some calories. Trainer and Comedian decided to try shuffleboard. I walked a mile while they played, then Comedian headed up to my verandah to enjoy a cigar with Mr. Friendly. Walking deck 4 and watching the stars is one of my very favorite things to do on DCL. It's soooo quiet there after dinner at night...we didn't see very many other folks at all out there.

Trainer and I walked 2 more miles, just chatting and enjoying the perfect, 70-degree evening! The only problem?

I was wearing my plastic pool flip flops! Which was not such a problem until I walked 3 miles in them and had GIANT BLISTERS ON THE BALL OF MY FOOT!
Aggghhhhhhh! How could I have been so foolish?? Those darn blisters plagued me the rest of the trip and definitely put a damper on any more running. They weren't fun either in the sand in PV. Grrrr!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

You know your day is going to be fantastic, when you wake up to this view:

Wow, I fogot how beautiful Puerto Vallarta is! The area around the port is nice. I even enjoyed the view of Sam's and Walmart:

We had good intentions of going to Walmart after our excursion to Las Caletas, but we ended up returning from our excursion later than planned. But for a good reason! More on that later...

Moored next to us was the HAL Oosterdam, which my children dubbed The Ugliest Cruise Ship They Ever Saw:

Of course, everything else is ugly compared to our beautiful Disney Wonder!!

As we left I got a great shot of our awesome verandah! It's the two enclosed windowless balconies below the bump out for Beach Blanket Buffet, plus the big long verandah curving towards the back. LOVED THAT VERANDAH!

After a relaxing morning, we headed to our excursion. We chose Las Caletas because we felt it had something for everyone: snorkeling, kayaking, all-inclusive food and drink, nature hike, yoga, and a cooking class. Trainer even had a friend who was on the NCL Star that week, and was meeting us at Las Caletas! The boat from Vallarta Adventures was literally right next to the ship, very convenient. What we didn't realize till we boarded was that there were 2 times for Las Caletas, a morning one and an afternoon one. The morning one was the one that had yoga and the cooking class. Trainer's friend was on the morning shift, so we could only hang out for lunch together.

Next up... Las Caletas!!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We really enjoyed Las Caletas overall. It was smaller than I envisioned... but it was nice that it was private- no beach sellers and no upselling. Well, except for $20 for kids ziplines, but we weren't doing that anyway.

The boat ride over was about 45 minutes I guess, the weather was gorgeous and they were already serving us Tecate!

On the ride over, we went all along the coastline of Banderas Bay so we got to see downtown Puerto Vallarta, Mismaloya, and Los Arcos. It was bumpy so I was glad that Trainer and my kids had taken Bonine. Some poor fellow on the deck below us on the boat seemed to barely be hanging on.

Las Caletas! At last!

We were instructed that we had to eat lunch first, then go to the activities beach. Trainer's friend's group was supposed to eat after we did, but we snuck them on in with us and had a grand old time.

This sure helped:

The lunch was pretty good- ribs (didn't try them), chicken (delish), beans, some pasta salads, seafood paella (also good). The best though was the woman standing next to the buffet making hot fresh tortillas RIGHT THERE! Mmmmm.

Our server was even convinced to have a shot with the guys!

Let it be known that I did not partake in the Tequila, because I like GOOD tequila and I knew anything free with every margarita was not going to be Patron or Don Julio... Free shots remind me too much of college days in Tijuana!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Once going to the activities beach, we grabbed some slingback chairs. The Teenager headed up a little farther and immediately took a nap in one of these:

I could not believe that she was sleeping on an excursion! That child sleeps so much these days!

The activities beach

Ready to kayak! The staff helped us get out, and it was a little rough out there, but it was fun nonetheless. The Teenager and I had never kayaked before so we were alternately laughing and yelling!

Trainer's family gave it a go as well. Mr. Friendly, having had few of these

thought perhaps being the cameraman was best. Good choice.

The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging out at the beach. The tweens played in the waves, and swam out to the swim platform with the Comedian. Who seemed a bit tired, I might add!

Next... our return to the Wonder, what a surprise!

 

[scrappinmom]

Awesome pictures...sounds like a perfect excursion for you! Love the kayaking pictures.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Oh yay! Another trip report from the same cruise we were on! That is actually my oldest daughter Makenna with one of her friends from the ship jumping off the swimming platform in one of your pics! Great shot, I would love a copy of it.

We had a good time at Las Caletas too but I kinda wish we had the earlier time slot. We were with another couple and we both have small (4 little girls, 6 & under) and that was the night of the Toy Story show. Since we missed the early show, we had to skip the sit down dinner for the night to see the later one. The show was okay but I would have preferred dinner.

Thank you for the report. The suite looks wonderful. Might look into upgrading next time. We get cat 4 rooms anyway as we are a family of 5 and I have heard it is a little over $1000 usually to upgrade from this room to a suite. The pics you have posted make that seem worth it.

 

[LKFan]

Mr. Friendly and I had eaten at Palo once for dinner- on our vow renewal cruise on the Magic. We had enjoyed it, but didn’t find it to be the WOW we had heard about on the Dis. Trainer and the Comedian had never been. Daniel from Italy was our server, and he was great. We had a fabulous dinner!! Ohmygosh. Much better this time around.

Daniel was our server at Palo too. He really made the dinner an experience to remember.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Our Anniversary is in December- so we're looking to go then.

Just don't go during college spring break! Last March DH and I took the Magic on a Western. We saw a Carnival ship that was sailing out of Tampa on 2 of our stops, and let me say, it was like being back in college. Drunk kids everywhere! We met another family in Grand Cayman who were so surprised, they had done this sailing on Carnival before but not that week... they said the kids were throwing up all over the ship. And their tender lines were crazy long!

The RC ship wasn't in port with us but I don't think they attract that same kinda crowd.

Now, before anyone gets mad, NO I haven't sailed Carnival. Just watched their guests! I have friends who have sailed them and enjoyed it. Just warning about sailing out of Tampa on a college break.

 

[cidymom]

Hi there. I'm enjoying reading your TR. You mentioned that you got an upgrade at the port. I'm assuming that your luggage was already taken away when you went to check in and inquire about the upgrade. Did you have any problems/delays with getting your luggage at your new stateroom? I would like to try for an upgrade at the port but was worried that luggage/tux rental would go missing with changing cabin numbers at the last minute. Any input? Thanks.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

They get your luggage to your room seamlessly. We have upgraded at the port twice before this trip and have never even had it be late! Anything that was being delivered to the room such as flowers, other items from DCL etc all have arrived in a timely manner.

Although, this time we did have a bag delivered to us that was not ours (and our DD's suitcase was not there, we thought they were somehow switched). Actually, DD's just hadn't gotten there yet, and the "extra" one had accidentally been left there as they delivered, it belonged to a room nearby.

We had our luggage by 3:30 or so. It would have been in plenty of time to change for dinner, if you so desired.

We are definitely plotting to be the first ones at the port for our next cruise- hoping this upgrade is there again!!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

On our way back from Las Caletas, the tour guide said they spotted a pair of whales! He was surprised because it was so late in the migration season. As we pulled close, the whales changed from just spouting to downright showing off! It was amazing. They started surfacing, and doing a few tail slaps etc. We watched for about 10 minutes. The guide said they were a mother and baby humpback! Wow.

Once we got started again and started back towards the pier, the whales just disappeared! It was the coolest thing. What a cool thing to experience! They were quick though- and I was so surprised, I forgot to change the setting on my camera to burst, so I didn't get the best shots but these were pretty good.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Mr. Friendly and I had been to Cabo before on another cruise line. It was our least favorite port of that trip. Well, this time was different!
We pulled into port late in the morning, and then the ship swung around so this was our view:

have I mentioned how much I loved this verandah?!?!!

This was pretty cool too:

 

[Mindyjoy]

Were you on port or starboard?

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We misread our excursion tickets and got to Cadillac Lounge waaayyy too early for our excursion. (We originally had booked it for the shorter, second Cabo day, but changed it while onboard.)

So the kids hung around, and I took some pictures of my favorite ship!

I LOVE the Route 66 theming of the adult lounges on the Wonder. It helps that I live just a half mile off the original Route 66!

Just as people were starting to come into the lounge, I asked the CM if lunch was served or available to purchase on this tour. She said no. So frantically, I sent the kids up to deck 9 with orders to grab some wraps from Goofy's Galley. They made it back JUST before we had to head down to the tender. It was a good thing because there really wasn't anything to eat.

After a brief tender ride, we boarded a bus to the ranch where our tour would be. Our tour, the Mini Jeep excursion, was combined with the 4x4 ATV excursion. Same tour, different vehicles. The ATVs require you to be 21 to drive, and they are singles (and manual transmissions- not automatics, although on some of the hills it became clear that a manual was definitely the best alternative). The mini jeeps are what we call a "mule" at my inlaws lake house.

The bus ride was maybe 30 minutes? We went north out of town, along the Pacific side.

We got goggles, fresh clean bandannas (they use Downy- it smelled like our laundry from home! ), and helmets. A safety instruction, and after the ATVs got some practice training we were off! Mr. Friendly drove the Tween and I followed with the Teenager. We were the first two mini jeeps, following the ATVs. Several more mini jeeps followed behind us, all single file.

At first, we went through lots of desert. Mr. Friendly, wise @ss that he is, loved swerving in front of me and kicking up lots of dirt!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We went through lots of canyons, washes, up and down some hills. Finally, we came to this:

Where everybody took a break in the shade. Time for water and more sunscreen!! Mr. Friendly, in all his showing off, had gotten a flat tire. He helped the guides change it by simply lifting up the jeep.

Then some skinny, wild cows (!!! what the heck?) wandered by. I have no idea what on earth they could be eating out there.

After a bit, everyone geared up again, and really let it rip full speed on these flats... and out to the beach!

This was very cool.

 

[Ayeegit]

From the cat 5B we had, it was about $1600. A great deal especially since we had KSF to begin with!

I've always wondered how the whole "upgrade" thing worked. What would the cost difference been had you just booked the bedroom suite to start with? Very curious how much of a discount the upgrade provides...

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

I've always wondered how the whole "upgrade" thing worked. What would the cost difference been had you just booked the bedroom suite to start with? Very curious how much of a discount the upgrade provides...

My experience upgrading 3x at the port has been that in general, it is about 50% less than the cost of upgrading prior to the cruise. For example, when we upgraded from a cat 10 to a cat 5 for our 11/09 Eastern, it cost $650 at the port. The upgrade ahead of time (I had looked) was about $1500 if we changed categories.

For this cruise, I had seen the cat T suite way back last summer at around $9,000-$10,000. I got the whole cruise (Upgrade to the one bedroom suite included) for less than $5000.

When you go to the port, they have a chart that tells exactly what the upgrade cost is if you go from cat x to cat z. The upgrade cost is the same, regardless of 2 people in the room or 4.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Continuing with the pictures...

I insisted that the Teenager get my camera out and try to get some photos as I drove. We were going up and down some pretty steep slopes so some of the pictures are sideways :

Then we were led up to this gorgeous point for another break, and lots of picture time:

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

The views were truly stunning!

As far as you could see, in either direction, the land was totally undeveloped and unspoiled.

My favorite one:

After this, there were some pretty steep/narrow grades to go up and down. I can see why they required the age to drive the ATVs or mini jeeps to be 21- most 18 yo's wouldn't have enough experience to navigate these safely. I got nervous in several spots but my family LOVED it!

Back at the ranch, we could purchase a beer before boarding the bus back to Cabo.

Nothing like an ice cold Corona at the end of a long ride!

We thoroughly enjoyed the excursion. It was long, and well worth the money. They didn't try to upsell you or pester you for a million tips. I'd recommend them for sure.