Mexican Reviera port adventures.

["Got Disney"]

has anyone here done one of the smaller boats for Whale watching? not the Cat but the motor boat? in Cabo?

We live in SD and have done WW many times here but thought we would do it there...in hopes of seeing more whales.

I am not disappointed to not stopping in ML and wont be upset if we dont stop at PV either in light of what is going on in Mexico...but I would be upset if we did not do Cabo...I love Cabo...

 

[papamouse1]

..... I couldn't see the Rainforest passes ($15) anywhere so I'm assuming it's something that has to be arranged once we board.

Counting down the weeks!

I think you still can get the RF passes by calling in and asking for them. There is also an "order form" for them in the gifts section where you can buy bottled water, cheese trays, welcome kits, etc..

But I prefer to just call and buy them from a person

 

[MQK]

Great, I am 99 percent sure we will do that excursion.

I do have an ticky tack question, how deep is the pool that the slides dump into? Is there a height restriction? My twins are around 45 inches, good swimmers, but I will probably put them in water wings or life jackets if they cant touch.

Twin daddy - The slide closest to the resort drops into 6 foot deep water and is hard if you're holding kids on the slide. I recommend the one closer to the beach, it's 4 foot there.

This was our favorite port day, have fun!!

 

[sica1799]

Just came back from the 9/25 sailing! We only did the Salsa & Salsa in Cabo.
We were taken to La Finnestera Resort (beautiful!!) which was practically across the street and up a hill, luckily we were taken by air conditioned bus. We walked through the resort and were taken to a beautiful building over looking the ocean that was air conditioned. We were given margaritas or jamaica (pronounced ha-mai-ka, a hibiscus tea) and children were given child size aprons. We were seated with all the ingredients in front of us. There was also hand sanitizer available at the arrival table and a bathroom right outside. There were about 4 women- there were no language barriers. They explained what was going on and threw in plenty of times to say "OLE!" to get the crowd going. Matter of fact the OLE shouting started the minute we got on the bus. A little cheezy for my likes....but in good fun. Anyhow...We started with how to make a margarita-different recipe than I've heard/made as well as a strawberry margarita-only a shot for each person to taste. The gave out alternative ingredients for virgin margaritas. Then we made two basic salsas, one red and one green. The next few salsas seemed very rushed and all of us at our table were behind and struggling to keep up. We did a guacamole, pineapple salsa, melon salsa, pico de gallo and rompope dessert salsa. It was me and the hubbby and we couldn't keep up. Our table mates were a family- mom, dad two children and they had to do everything with a child each and got frustrated because they didn't have a partner to help them. Speaking of that we were with a carnival boat as well. We'll get to my gripes about that later LOL

Anyhow we were rushed through the following salsas and were served a quesadilla and taquitos- half a quesadilla and one taquito each to dip in our salsas. Our margaritas were constantly filled-no complaints, but we ran out of chips and they just took the rest of our unfinished salsa away. I would have liked to finish eating my final product. We waited outside as they cleared the tables to begin the salsa lesson. Only about half of the group participated. It got pretty hot in there and hubs was sweating bullets so we quit when it was partner time. They graciously offered us water Although the lesson was fun I don't think it was very basic, I've had salsa lessons and this was more just follow my lead and not technique. I know how to salsa and found myself "off" because their count was not the traditional one. It was quite the workout! There wasn't much of a break and you could feel the burn from repeating the steps.

We were given the option of staying an extra hour and swimming (we didn't know this and weren't prepared for swimming-bummer because the pools were sooo inviting because it was soooo hot!) We were told a few times to review on TripAdvisor and give them great reviews to make them number one- kinda tacky asking multiple times. We all gathered back in the hotel lobby and waited for the bus. This is where the carnival cruisers annoyed me. I heard one lady saying "oh they have the early bus to take those Disney Kids back" & then another group talking about what our guides name was. The lady said something along the lines of "I don't know, Juan, Jose, Martinez, Alejandro, Gonzalez, take your pick, its one of those!" I jumped in and let her know it was Andres. (btw I am hispanic, so this was a little offensive) She didn't say anything about it after that.

All in all I think it was fun, I did learn about salsa making, but I wouldn't do it again. Its pricey and I would have rather spent that money on something I could rave about more--zip lining next time!!

I've only done Cabo on our own, and remembered feeling like we were walking the gauntlet or something with all the folks selling taxis, etc. This time we are doing the DCL organized excursions...how is the disembarkation for those? Still all the vendors to walk through?

We did follow our Disney guide through the crowd, to our other guide for the excursion.

Thanks for the pics!

I was wondering what it was going to be like/look like once we got off the tender boats in Cabo. Now I know what to expect.

I didn't know Senor Frogs is so close!

Senor Frogs is right in your face when you get there LOL

I think you still can get the RF passes by calling in and asking for them. There is also an "order form" for them in the gifts section where you can buy bottled water, cheese trays, welcome kits, etc..

But I prefer to just call and buy them from a person

They kept trying to sell the Exotic Rasul is free with rainforest package for the week.


BTW I don't have anything against Carnival--this was my first cruise ever so I can't compare, just was stating that they weren't from our ship.

 

[Leshaface]

Just came back from the 9/25 sailing! We only did the Salsa & Salsa in Cabo.
We were taken to La Finnestera Resort (beautiful!!) which was practically across the street and up a hill, luckily we were taken by air conditioned bus. We walked through the resort and were taken to a beautiful building over looking the ocean that was air conditioned. We were given margaritas or jamaica (pronounced ha-mai-ka, a hibiscus tea) and children were given child size aprons. We were seated with all the ingredients in front of us. There was also hand sanitizer available at the arrival table and a bathroom right outside. There were about 4 women- there were no language barriers. They explained what was going on and threw in plenty of times to say "OLE!" to get the crowd going. Matter of fact the OLE shouting started the minute we got on the bus. A little cheezy for my likes....but in good fun. Anyhow...We started with how to make a margarita-different recipe than I've heard/made as well as a strawberry margarita-only a shot for each person to taste. The gave out alternative ingredients for virgin margaritas. Then we made two basic salsas, one red and one green. The next few salsas seemed very rushed and all of us at our table were behind and struggling to keep up. We did a guacamole, pineapple salsa, melon salsa, pico de gallo and rompope dessert salsa. It was me and the hubbby and we couldn't keep up. Our table mates were a family- mom, dad two children and they had to do everything with a child each and got frustrated because they didn't have a partner to help them. Speaking of that we were with a carnival boat as well. We'll get to my gripes about that later LOL

Anyhow we were rushed through the following salsas and were served a quesadilla and taquitos- half a quesadilla and one taquito each to dip in our salsas. Our margaritas were constantly filled-no complaints, but we ran out of chips and they just took the rest of our unfinished salsa away. I would have liked to finish eating my final product. We waited outside as they cleared the tables to begin the salsa lesson. Only about half of the group participated. It got pretty hot in there and hubs was sweating bullets so we quit when it was partner time. They graciously offered us water Although the lesson was fun I don't think it was very basic, I've had salsa lessons and this was more just follow my lead and not technique. I know how to salsa and found myself "off" because their count was not the traditional one. It was quite the workout! There wasn't much of a break and you could feel the burn from repeating the steps.

We were given the option of staying an extra hour and swimming (we didn't know this and weren't prepared for swimming-bummer because the pools were sooo inviting because it was soooo hot!) We were told a few times to review on TripAdvisor and give them great reviews to make them number one- kinda tacky asking multiple times. We all gathered back in the hotel lobby and waited for the bus. This is where the carnival cruisers annoyed me. I heard one lady saying "oh they have the early bus to take those Disney Kids back" & then another group talking about what our guides name was. The lady said something along the lines of "I don't know, Juan, Jose, Martinez, Alejandro, Gonzalez, take your pick, its one of those!" I jumped in and let her know it was Andres. (btw I am hispanic, so this was a little offensive) She didn't say anything about it after that.

All in all I think it was fun, I did learn about salsa making, but I wouldn't do it again. Its pricey and I would have rather spent that money on something I could rave about more--zip lining next time!!

Jessica, I think if you have the time, you should do a TR with pics! You gave lots of detailed information and I think it would help out people a lot! Especially since you were on the first MR sailing

 

[Snoopygirl]

Has anybody gone to Cabo Wabo....Sammy Hagar's place? I really want to go there. Is it close enough to walk?

 

[sica1799]

Jessica, I think if you have the time, you should do a TR with pics! You gave lots of detailed information and I think it would help out people a lot! Especially since you were on the first MR sailing

Thanks!! I am going to work on one, hopefully this week/weekend I have around 500 pics... mostly of food I can definitely talk, thats for sure!

 

[AZPirate]

Has anybody gone to Cabo Wabo....Sammy Hagar's place? I really want to go there. Is it close enough to walk?

It is an easy walk from the water taxi pier, maybe 10 minutes. You can ask pretty much anyone for directions once you are off the ship.

 

[TiggerAllie]

They kept trying to sell the Exotic Rasul is free with rainforest package for the week.

Wait-- was the Exotic Rasul free if you bought the Rainforest wk pass, or was the Rainforest wk pass free if you bought the Exotic Rasul?

 

[LuvIt]

interesting offer . . . What's the cost of a 7day rainforest pass? The exotic rasul is $89 I think. I wonder if this offer is available on all cruises and is it offered at the start of the cruise or only midway through it?

 

[sica1799]

Wait-- was the Exotic Rasul free if you bought the Rainforest wk pass, or was the Rainforest wk pass free if you bought the Exotic Rasul?

interesting offer . . . What's the cost of a 7day rainforest pass? The exotic rasul is $89 I think. I wonder if this offer is available on all cruises and is it offered at the start of the cruise or only midway through it?

7 Day Rainforest package was I believe 198? 189? Something like that and they threw in the Rasul free. I had the Rasul already scheduled, so they said I could upgrade to the full package for the difference.

I ended up cancelling the Rasul anyway because our table mates had it scheduled and said it wasn't draining properly and wading in two inches of water was not "romantic" I believe we had plumbing issues during our cruise and hopefully all has been resolved by now

 

[alaskanabbott]

What did this cost per adult/child? I have been all over the web looking for that info!! What I did find looks like the price doesn't include food, so for those in the know, how was the food? Worth the cost?

 

[silence]

What did this cost per adult/child? I have been all over the web looking for that info!! What I did find looks like the price doesn't include food, so for those in the know, how was the food? Worth the cost?

Paradise Beach Adventure

Lunch Buffet is included. Cost is $69 / adult & $34 / child (under 10)

If I recall, I think they originally told us 2 drinks per person, but we drank for free all day.

The food was good. I believe they even had burgers along with Mexican food.

 

[mousefan5]

I saw a picture of Senor Frogs on the last page. I am glad it is so close to port. This place looks like a lot of fun. Anyone been there? I plan on taking the kids during the day as a fam. Have others done this???

 

[EPCOTatNight]

What did this cost per adult/child? I have been all over the web looking for that info!! What I did find looks like the price doesn't include food, so for those in the know, how was the food? Worth the cost?

Paradise Beach Adventure
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
At a Glance
Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures
Activity Level: ModerateHelp
Duration: 5-5.5 Hours
Adult Price: $69 (ages 10 & up)
Child Price: $34 (ages 3-9)
Ages: All Ages
On this tour you will:
Take an approximate 30-minute drive to the elegant Paradise Village Beach Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. Boasting warm golden sand, comfortable umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and a variety of fun-filled activities to keep you entertained, the Paradise Village Beach Resort is a 400-acre oasis under the sun, offering something for everyone in your family.
Upon your arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and the day as you desire.
Sit back in a comfy beach chair, stroll along the beautiful coastline, or make a splash in the turquoise ocean water. Plunge down one of 2 waterslides at the giant resort pool. Ride the gentle ocean current atop a boogie board or kayak (rental included).
Enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch (included in the price of this tour) and then join in a game of beach volleyball with family and friends.
After approximately 4 hours in paradise, embark on your 30-minute drive back to the ship.

Important Additional Information

Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Please note, however, that the beach is not wheelchair-accessible.
This excursion is stroller-accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
Buffet lunch (steak fajitas, hamburgers, chicken, seafood, quesadillas, salads and desserts) and 3 beverages (bottled water, sparkling sodas, beer, and mixed drinks) are included.
Guests are encouraged to wear swimming attire under clothing if wishing to swim at the beach.
Complimentary lockers are available. However, a fully refundable $20.00 deposit is required at the front desk for use of the lockers.
Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a gratuity in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.

 

[Bethd5]

Sounds like people like the excursion option to visit a Mexican resort. Which one would you recommend?

 

[narsibvl]

Oops wrong thread

 

[alaskanabbott]

Paradise Beach Adventure
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
At a Glance
Activity Type: Splashtacular and Family Adventures
Activity Level: ModerateHelp
Duration: 5-5.5 Hours
Adult Price: $69 (ages 10 & up)
Child Price: $34 (ages 3-9)
Ages: All Ages
On this tour you will:
Take an approximate 30-minute drive to the elegant Paradise Village Beach Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. Boasting warm golden sand, comfortable umbrella-shaded lounge chairs and a variety of fun-filled activities to keep you entertained, the Paradise Village Beach Resort is a 400-acre oasis under the sun, offering something for everyone in your family.
Upon your arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and the day as you desire.
Sit back in a comfy beach chair, stroll along the beautiful coastline, or make a splash in the turquoise ocean water. Plunge down one of 2 waterslides at the giant resort pool. Ride the gentle ocean current atop a boogie board or kayak (rental included).
Enjoy a Mexican buffet lunch (included in the price of this tour) and then join in a game of beach volleyball with family and friends.
After approximately 4 hours in paradise, embark on your 30-minute drive back to the ship.

Important Additional Information

Wheelchairs need to be standard size and collapsible; no electric wheelchairs permitted. Please note, however, that the beach is not wheelchair-accessible.
This excursion is stroller-accessible. However, some portions of the tour may require Guests to fold accompanying strollers. In addition, lightweight strollers are recommended.
Buffet lunch (steak fajitas, hamburgers, chicken, seafood, quesadillas, salads and desserts) and 3 beverages (bottled water, sparkling sodas, beer, and mixed drinks) are included.
Guests are encouraged to wear swimming attire under clothing if wishing to swim at the beach.
Complimentary lockers are available. However, a fully refundable $20.00 deposit is required at the front desk for use of the lockers.
Guests are encouraged to bring cash or credit cards to purchase optional extras, such as souvenirs.
Due to limited availability, Guests are encouraged to book early.
You should never feel that gratuities are expected from you. However, it is customary to leave a gratuity in recognition of service at restaurants, for taxis and for exceptional excursion guides and drivers. It is always up to you as to what you feel is appropriate.

Thanks! I'm not sure if you noticed in the picture, my son in a wheelchair...your description helped tons!!! Wow, I love my dis-ers

 

[Pooh's Pals]

Thanks for all the info, my husband & I are on the Wonder in Jan for our silver wedding anniversay and I was wondering about talking an excursion my myself. My husband is a wheelchair user and so can't manage the tenders. I dont suppose any of you January cruisers are on the 1/22/12? It seems to be the only Wonder cruise of 2012 that doent have a cruise meet thread!

 

[alaskanabbott]

Thanks for all the info, my husband & I are on the Wonder in Jan for our silver wedding anniversay and I was wondering about talking an excursion my myself. My husband is a wheelchair user and so can't manage the tenders. I dont suppose any of you January cruisers are on the 1/22/12? It seems to be the only Wonder cruise of 2012 that doent have a cruise meet thread!

Maybe you'll have the boat to yourself!!