May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 2

[lillygator]

The cliff divers is the one at La Perla's or the restuarant.

I am signing my DD up for the zip-line in PV. She has always wanted to do it but doesn't get the chance.

do you recommend to book Perla's on your own? How much is the cab ride there? What time do you think is a good show and what else in PV do you recommend?

 

[EllaEnchanted]

You are very welcome!

Now, can I motivate myself to get on that treadmill?! I did make it to my tap class this am and boy our routine this year is a killer, so that will be good. At least once a week I'll get a good workout.

Yeah, I just did 2 mins. on the treadmill....mine is elevated and manual, so for me.....it was a good workout. I'll do another 2 mins. later on as well.

Tap is awsome Kaylee....you should have loads of fun and also get a good workout at the same time. Very cool!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Yeap, that's us and then we add 8x10s to it!

What do you mean? All of mine are 8x10s.....I thought that was the only size you could get with the packages? Please enlighten!

 

[lillygator]

I love tap! Samantha had my heeled tap shoes on the other day.....I grabbed them and tapped their way back to the closet.

 

[lillygator]

Cabo San Lucas, located on the tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula and a marquee stop on Mexican Riviera itineraries, is surely a party central kind of town. At Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo, folks start doing tequila shots around 10 a.m., or whenever the first cruise ship arrives. A short time later, dancing on tabletops is likely to ensue. But Cabo San Lucas is also a naturally beautiful destination and offers an excellent chance for visitors to experience Mexican culture -- beyond tequila shots.

That's not to say first-timers should not miss a boat or kayak tour to see the otherworldly El Arco rock formation protruding from the Sea of Cortez at Land's End, wide and pristine Lover's Beach, the rock and roll shrine that is Cabo Wabo, and the indoor souvenir market near the pier. And if you really need to unwind, party boat expeditions abound.

But what about next-timers or intrepid cruisers who want to venture away from the barrage of touristy restaurants and shops and vendors to see another side of Cabo? Well, there is more to the place than first meets the eye including quiet beaches, unique shops and the kind of food your Mexican grandmother would prepare (if you had one). Here are our favorite offbeat experiences in Cabo whether you are a repeat visitor, or coming for a unique first-time experience.

Sample real Mexican food. Dive into local delicacies including tortillas prepared in front of your eyes at Mi Casa Restaurant & Cantina (Avenida Cabo San Lucas, 624-143-1933, open for lunch except Sundays and dinner daily). Located in the center of the city, this cheerful, vibrantly colored place -- think red and turquoise -- thankfully does not attract the crazy tourist crowds of the beachfront establishments. The margaritas are massive and you can sip them on the patio; half the dining room is open-air. Try chicken with mole (a thick chocolate/chili sauce), carnitas (braised pork) and other favorites, all mouthwatering and reasonably priced.

For an even more authentic experience, head to the very casual Mariscos Mocambo (Leona Vicario y 20 de Novembre, 624-143-6070, open for lunch and dinner). This restaurant is a favorite among locals, known for fresh seafood that won't break the bank. The menu includes seafood soup, fresh fish in a variety of sauces, and even empanadas stuffed with shrimp or crab. There's also a children's menu and a few selections for land lovers.

Have a cigar. A bench at the plaza is a good place to sit and enjoy a Cuban or other premium cigar purchased at J & J Habanos (on Madero St., off Boulevard Marina, 624-143-6160). Though it is located in Mexico, this place sells stogies from around the world and is well known by cigar aficionados, locals and tourists. In addition to an extensive cigar stock, owner Pepe offers accessories and even a cigar-themed casual clothing line. The shop also sells rare tequilas. It's a connoisseur's must-do. Remember, though, you can't bring Cuban cigars back into the U.S. (if you try you could face major fines).

Get your church on. While the main attractions in Cabo are parties, beaches and watersports, history lovers should pay a visit to the Inglesia de San Lucas (Avenida Cabo San Lucas and Zapata Street, 624-143-2666). This stone church was established in 1730 (construction was completed in 1746) by a Spanish missionary who was later killed by local Indians who did not like his teachings on monogamy. Still, Catholicism took and this simple church -- little changed since its beginnings -- is still the main Catholic Church in town with services on Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at noon an 8 p.m.

Soak up the ambience. The church is in an area of town where the architecture and ambience makes you feel like you're in real, sleepy Mexico. On a recent visit, we almost expected to see someone wearing a sombrero ride by on a donkey. What we did see are shops, art galleries and restaurants surrounding a traditional main square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes -- also known as Plaza San Lucas -- with a little garden and wrought-iron gazebo. The renovated adobe buildings facing the plaza are among the prettiest in town.

Shop 'til you drop (we mean it!). Okay, shopping may not seem offbeat; after all, much of the purchasing power in town centers on international brands, T-shirts and swimwear. But we're always on the look out for real Mexican goods that go beyond the tacky stuff near the pier. You'll get the idea when you view the colorful Mexican masks and crafts at the ethnic art gallery Faces of Mexico (Calle Hidalgo, next to Pancho's Restaurant). The nearby Taxco Silver (also on Calle Hidalgo) is a family business selling good quality silver jewelry by artists from Taxco (a town about 100 miles from Mexico City known to produce the best silver in Mexico). El Callejon (Vicente Guerrero, across from Cabo Wabo, 624-143-3188) offers good quality (but not inexpensive) Mexican furniture, ceramics, tableware and religious art.

Go fishing. Most of the seafood served in town comes right out of the sea here in the "marlin capital of the world." Catch-and-release sport fishing is also a major activity, and a great option for cruisers visiting Cabo. Though there are private operators you may want to book an excursion through your cruise ship to assure you get back in time for departure. Carnival, for example, offers a new four-hour search for marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and tuna.

But even if you don't do an excursion you can feel part of the action if you hit the marina between 3 and 4 p.m. when the sport fishing boats come in. Some 50,000 bullfish -- marlin, sailfish and swordfish -- are caught here each year. It's easy to spot boats with a bullfish catch since they fly a blue flag signaling a catch is onboard (have your camera ready).

Hit the beach. Almost all roads on Cabo's Pacific side lead to pretty beaches. If it is solitude and rays you are seeking, a favorite spot with locals is Widows' Beach (Playa Las Viedas) which is about 15 minutes from town on the Transpeninsular Highway, Km 12, near the Twin Dolphin Hotel. You will have to rent a car to get there, and will have to drive or walk a dirt road of about 3/4 of a mile to get to the beach, where quiet coves and volcanic rock formations await. Bring food and drink (there is none available there) and only get in the water if it's really calm. Another sunny spot away from the crowds is Divorce Beach, near Lover's Beach at Land's End (accessible by water taxi from Cabo for about $5 per person, each way).

Editor's note: Unfortunately, most of these beaches are for sunning and picnicking only -- rip tides make swimming dangerous.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em... Crowds, water sports, pushy vendors, popular bars and restaurants, and general beach craziness can be found at Playa El Medano (Dune Beach), the main beach, the closest one to the marina (you can walk or take a water taxi there), and the one with generally safe swimming. Yet despite the touristy scene, we have to admit a fondness for sitting with a cold Pacifico beer at The Office (Medano Beach, 624-143-3464, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), because we're not at "the office" -- we're in Cabo.

--by Fran Golden. Boston-based Golden, whose contributions to Cruise Critic include features, ship reviews and destination-oriented port profiles, is also co-author of Cruise Vacations for Dummies.

 

[fourmcds]

Gydell, was it you who said which of the 2 excursions to see the divers in Acapulco would be the best one? Can you remind me?

I think we will do that one and something in Cabo. Other than those we will just walk off the ship in Aruba and Puerta Vallarta. Well, I am still pondering a zip line, but in all honesty I don't think that will happen!!!

The cliff divers is the one at La Perla's or the restuarant.

I am signing my DD up for the zip-line in PV. She has always wanted to do it but doesn't get the chance.

Zip Line Info:

I have been speaking with a rep from the company that DCL is going to use. His opinion was the Outdoor Adventure on in PV is the best, followed by the Canopy Tour in Cabo and last the Canopy tour in PV. The OA one has some rapelling and a mule ride as well as zip lines. The Canopy one in Cabo has the rapelling and such as well. We are still trying to decide which one we will do, but we are doing one of the 2. The Cabo one has this one picture on it that freaks me out completely and I can see myself sitting there holding everyone up!!!!! But, I will do a zip tour

 

[lillygator]

do you think the times DCL has listed for each port are pretty accurate at this point? I think they have changed a couple times.

 

[lillygator]

I def want to purchase some talavera tiles when we are there. I have collected hand painted tiles from all our vacations - not sure what to do with them all yet. I have some sunset ones from Key West, some gorgeous tropical ones from some islands...but I have always loved the spanish talavera's.

 

[fourmcds]

well, they will take photos with your own camera as well won't they?
I'm sure we'll end up with too many.
Kaylee, I too, hope to walk off the ship with no charges but, we'll see what happens. I just wonder how much actual cash to bring. I am so used to using my debit card for everything and I hate carrying cash, but I figure spending money for each port....(cabs, etc).....I am not sure if the restaurants take cc's.

They will take pics with your own camera as well, but we found that the lighting was not as good as their pics (of course! ) I am sure I will not walk off the ship without spending at least 200.00 on pics, but I have 300.00 written in my budget. I am hoping my new camera will do a bit better with the lighting issue.

My experience in Mexico is that they all take credit cards...and some have a better exchange rate than others...just make sure to call you CC company before you leave to tell them you will be travelling so they don't get worried and put a hold on your card (yup, we've had that happen!). As far as cash, when we go to Mexico, we bring lots of 1's and 5's to make things easier.

do you recommend to book Perla's on your own? How much is the cab ride there? What time do you think is a good show and what else in PV do you recommend?

My girls want to see the divers and they want to tour the city. That shocked me...but I think we need to figure out how to do it on our own, I am not so sure they will want a few hour walking tour with a big group. I hope it is pretty easy to get around on your own there.

 

[gydell]

do you recommend to book Perla's on your own? How much is the cab ride there? What time do you think is a good show and what else in PV do you recommend?

I heard that they will have a private showing for the cruises but I don't know the time. My plan is to leave the ship as soon as possible and take a cab($10) to laPerla where you can either have lunch or just drinks. I think the drink price is $14pp for 2 drinks. Not sure about the kids. We went for dinner but did not like the food but I am a very picky eater! We are then going to the fort and maybe the church. Not sure if we will do the painter's house or just beach it after that.

What do you mean? All of mine are 8x10s.....I thought that was the only size you could get with the packages? Please enlighten!

We get 5x7's because you get more than the 8x10's and just add those on extra or take the small 8x10 package.

 

[figment52]

how long is the show and is it run all day?
What's so special about the front row?

It is about 45 minutes long and I think they have four or five shows a day.

I was last there in 2005 but I'm sure someone from CA will have more accurate information.

 

[fourmcds]

I love tap! Samantha had my heeled tap shoes on the other day.....I grabbed them and tapped their way back to the closet.

Well, I could bring my taps as an extra pair of shoes V and we could put on a show! I have heels and flats, although this year we are doing a country song so we are all getting cowboy boots and ??? taps to put on them.

I heard that they will have a private showing for the cruises but I don't know the time. My plan is to leave the ship as soon as possible and take a cab($10) to laPerla where you can either have lunch or just drinks. I think the drink price is $14pp for 2 drinks. Not sure about the kids. We went for dinner but did not like the food but I am a very picky eater! We are then going to the fort and maybe the church. Not sure if we will do the painter's house or just beach it after that.



We get 5x7's because you get more than the 8x10's and just add those on extra or take the small 8x10 package.

What is a good site for info on Aca.? Information on the fort/church etc? I don't necessarily want to go with a DCL tour here, but I want to get to see some of the sights.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I just did another 2 mins. on the treadmill, I think that will be enough for me for today.....I feel like putty and I'm breathing hard. That's a good thing right. I think this weekend we're going to finish the room move and set up my studio so I'll be able to do the treadmill and the ballet barre. Those 2 more sizes are going to happen even if I have to kill myself trying. I have 2 beautiful dresses two sizes too small. What motivation.

Oh, btw, I got on the scale again today.....after only four days.....I lost another 2 lbs. I'm psyched. I keep weighing myself because I'm 2 lbs. away from a hugh milestone.....next week I'll make it. When I hit those 2 more lbs. I'll only be another 25-30lbs. before I'll be able to fit into my dresses. I'm feeling good about it and going for it.

 

[gydell]

My girls want to see the divers and they want to tour the city. That shocked me...but I think we need to figure out how to do it on our own, I am not so sure they will want a few hour walking tour with a big group. I hope it is pretty easy to get around on your own there.

The cabs all do tours of the town. You can bargain with them on prices. We usually get 4 hours for 4 for about $80. They take you to the same places as the big tours. We always tell them that we want no shopping since we don't need them for this. Be sure and get an air conditioned car if you need air. Not all cabs are air conditioned.


Everyone be warned - DO NOT GO TO THE FLEA MARKET without a cab driver or someone that knows Aca with you. It is not a safe area!

 

[EllaEnchanted]

I heard that they will have a private showing for the cruises but I don't know the time. My plan is to leave the ship as soon as possible and take a cab($10) to laPerla where you can either have lunch or just drinks. I think the drink price is $14pp for 2 drinks. Not sure about the kids. We went for dinner but did not like the food but I am a very picky eater! We are then going to the fort and maybe the church. Not sure if we will do the painter's house or just beach it after that.



We get 5x7's because you get more than the 8x10's and just add those on extra or take the small 8x10 package.

Ohhhhhhhhhh, thanks Gydell.....I didn't know you could pick a different size and then do an add on. Ya learn something new everyday!

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

How is Cheri? Tell her we miss her.

How nice to be remembered! I'm fine! I had a wonderful holiday time and a fun trip to Disneyland last week. I've been on the go and spending a lot of time with family and friends. The last couple of days I've been trying to read the most recent posts to get an idea of what's being talked about and I did answer Deb's PM. So I'm alive and well. Looking forward to seeing ibouncetoo next Tues.!

DL is the Golden Horseshoe. And the Billy Hill and the Hillbillys show is funny. Especially if the Elvis Billy Hill is doing the show. now just picturing him with those buck teeth.

It's a great show and now my nephew is hooked on it, too! We went to it on our trip last week. Billy Elvis, I believe, plays Friday--Tues. There are 3 teams that work certain days. If you Google Billy Hill there are fan sites that tell all about the team members and the shows.

I just want to take a minute and thank everyone for their positive and kind wishes for me and John with our not smoking.

Deb and John, I'll send prayers and positive thoughts your way to help you stay smoke-free. My mother & aunt both died of lung cancer and I just found out last week that a dear friend's husband was diagnosed w/stage 4 lung cancer. I've never smoked anything (really) in my entire life, but I've had respiratory problems since childhood which I think must be due, at least in some part, to growing up with parents who were both heavy smokers in the days when everyone smoked everywhere--at the dinner table, in the car (with windows rolled up and AC on), on airplanes, in check-out lines, etc. Keep up the good fight!!!

So lets see biggest costs for me will be new suitcases all around, then new clothes. I remember my grandmother telling me that when you travel you must always bring your finest clothes to be presentable. Times have changed but I still find myself buying all new clothes for vacation each time.

When I read this it reminded me of a friend I was on a diving trip with. I commented on the cute shirt she was wearing and she laughed and said she bought it at the thrift store, for the trip. Her travel strategy was that she didn't bring ANY new or nice clothes on a trip. She brought all her old underwear and things from the thrift store/old stuff and then left it all behind when she went home.

how long is the show and is it run all day?
What's so special about the front row?

The Aladdin show is about an hour long and plays 4-5 times a day, depending on high or low season. I had to do some fast talking to convince my nephew (9 yrs old) to go to it last week (it was raining), but after he saw it, he loved it (especially the genie).

The front row of the mezzanine (or as close as you can get) is a good spot, but the floor is also good because at one point in the show there's a cool parade (kind of like in The Lion King) and it's fun to be right there in the midst of it. Just don't sit too far back on the floor (under the balconies) or you miss the flying carpet.

 

[LiserAnn]

I think it is a bit overpriced (if I remember correctly), but this year we considered splitting it with our tablemates and making it more realistic. The nice thing about it is that the wine will follow you if you don't finish it. I think Scott just bought 1 bottle of wine for our first cruise and it lasted all 3 dinners. This time, we'll probably do the smaller wine package and see how it does. I haven't really looked into it in a while, as far as prices, kinds, etc...but it certainly makes it easier. Karen...or anyone who may know...are you allowed to bring your own bottle of wine to dinner? Do they charge a corkage fee or anything? If you can do that, that might be the best deal...

I think splitting it is a good idea. Or buying a few bottles and splitting it, whatever is cheaper. If you bring your own bottle to the table they'll charge a corkage fee. What my friends did last time they asked the room steward for a corkscrew and two glasses, which he gladly brought. They came to dinner with two glasses filled with wine. That's allowed and no one questioned it....you could have come from the bar that way, they don't know where it came from. Just some thoughts...

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Re: Tower of Terror in DCA. It does not have a random drop sequence like I've heard the WDW version has. But at least for me, even though I've ridden it enough to know when the drops are coming, it doesn't matter! I still scream!

Toy Story Midway Mania, which was originally scheduled to open "Spring 2008", now says "Summer 2008" on its signs. Have you read about it? I believe I've read it'll be like Buzz Lightyear but in 3D. Hopefully it'll be open by Memorial Day. Don't know if it will have fast passes.

 

[LiserAnn]

I don't know if we are prepaying the tips, but we are going to try and make sure that we have enough in our account to cover tips and other things we plan on doing on board. My goal is to get off the ship without having to charge anything!

That's what we did last time...it was so nice to be getting off the ship, knowing the vacation was fully paid for. In fact, after we got back we got a $40 credit!!!

 

[NotSoLittleMermaid]

Hey, 4 months from today, at just about this time we'll be getting ready to sail!!!

Woooo Hoooo!!!!