Mexican Riviera Cruise with WONDERful Souvenir in the Works! 6/7 PTR Link!

[Pinkocto]

I wonder when the Magic and Wonder itineraries will be out? We're waiting to see what's happening with that too. Although we have a dummy cruise booked, we don't know if we're going to try and get back to Disney World first. But I guess that's the good thing about booking a dummy cruise. We can play around with the dates for as long as we want, while still being able to get 10% off WITH an OBC

The rumor is March/April, but the special itineraries have come out later than that for the next year in the past. (so I've heard from others who have been cruising for years) It's just a waiting game at this point. I was hoping you had booked onboard, that's awesome!

 

[Dream426]

The rumor is March/April, but the special itineraries have come out later than that for the next year in the past. (so I've heard from others who have been cruising for years) It's just a waiting game at this point. I was hoping you had booked onboard, that's awesome!

I was told that the Magic's new home is NY for 8 months out of the year. I don't know how true this is but I am excited if it is!! HAHA It is a 45 minute train ride for us to the port. We are planning to go on the Magic this summer for DD's first birthday. Want to see what our tax return is first before we book.

 

[Leshaface]

The rumor is March/April, but the special itineraries have come out later than that for the next year in the past. (so I've heard from others who have been cruising for years) It's just a waiting game at this point. I was hoping you had booked onboard, that's awesome!

Welp, guess we'll be waiting not so patiently then

I was told that the Magic's new home is NY for 8 months out of the year. I don't know how true this is but I am excited if it is!! HAHA It is a 45 minute train ride for us to the port. We are planning to go on the Magic this summer for DD's first birthday. Want to see what our tax return is first before we book.

Oooh I hope your tax return is good!

 

[franandaj]

Thanks for posting all that detail on the tenders. I don't think we could go to Cabo, and would probably need to stay on the ship. She couldn't hold the handrails while using her two canes. I should check with DCL what they do for handicapped guests.

 

[Shannon84]

I am back from vaca!! I am trying to catch up on all of your wonderful updates now

 

[Leshaface]

***Alright, let's get another update in! It's been a few days, sorry guys! I left us off going over on a tender boat to shore***


Okay, so when you get off you just kind of start walking around. There are lots of places selling souvenirs and tequila and there’s also a lot of people asking you if you want a taxi or a water taxi.

Well we walked around for a little bit looking inside stores trying to find these chanclas. Nowhere to be found! We wanted to walk to the downtown area, but we were a little ways away. Luckily anywhere you walk, there’s always someone asking if you need a cab, etc. And there was a guy offering us a ride on his bike taxi. Ten dollars for the two of us and I said heck no that’s too much. So we started walking a little ways and he said name your price. I said 5 bucks for the two of us and he said okay! So off we went:


A video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mpRJeOaFHU

He dropped us off and we paid him and away we went in search of chanclas…and cigars for DB and DH. We found a little shop that sold some pretty decent cigars and we picked a few up and started walking around again. We found this mall.

And we went inside. It kind of reminded us of one of our malls back at home. So we left and we started heading back to where we originally were.

Um, a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse? Interesting.

So the motto in our town is this: If there’s Mexican people around a taco truck/shack, you KNOW it’s good. And we kept true to this motto.

When we got picked up for our bike taxi ride (which is near the behind all of the tourist area) we had seen a lot of locals near these two trucks that were parked on a dirt lot and knew we had to go there for lunch. So that’s where we headed.

Look at all the different hot sauce bottles they give you

They also give you a guacamole cream sauce, pico de gallo, and a spicy salsa. All were fantastic! Especially the spicy one. We LOVE spicy food.

Here’s a picture of the other truck.

One of the workers took our order and he said to definitely try the pescado (Fish)tacos. So of course I got one of those and a carne asada taco

Along with a modelo and a corona. A must in Mexico.

DH ended up ordering a carne asada taco, a fish taco, and two al pastor tacos. Sorry no pic of those, but he was in LOVE and suggested we come here the next day, but I reminded him it was a short day.

 

[TheLanes]

The taco truck is the best thing ever! I'm glad you were brave enough to do it. Most people aren't. I have had some of the best food in TJ and Ensenada from a taco cart. Guy I work with lives in TJ, and took us out for a night of cart eating. We went to a few places and chowed!

Great report, still loving it!

 

[DISNEYaddict4evr]

WOW! I'm impressed and you did not get sicks

I don't think I could do it... even if I wasn't gluten intolerant. No way! You are braver that I.

 

[Leshaface]

After our wonderful meal, we started walking around a bit more. I ended up buying some Mexican coconut candy…Holy Calrissian. This candy is sooo good! I thought I took a picture of it, but I’ll just use this one from the Internet:

We bought one of these (above pic) and a brownish/tan one that had figs. You’re able to try any one that you want and she kept telling us that the fig one was excellent but we kept looking at all the other different flavors they had. Then she finally begged us to try the fig. Good gravy. I should have listened to her the first time. It’s so decadent and yummy. And the thing is, I’m not a huge fan of coconut (I’m thinking it’s the texture I don’t like, but I like the flavor of coconut) and this stuff was amazing. If you’re ever in Mexico, keep a look out for this candy. You won’t regret it!

After buying our candy, we walked down into a small marketplace/flea market where there were tons of things to buy. I kept asking (in Spanish of course) where I could find sandals. And one guy would point to another vendor and they would show me their sandals. But FINALLY after searching, I found some sandals that I know my mom would like. He wanted $11 for them. I asked him if he would do $7 and he was hesitant, but agreed. SCORE! Got some candy and some sandals. What else could we possibly missing?? We walked out of the marketplace area and got approached by some guys asking to take his lover to Lovers Beach.

After chatting with them for a bit, we continued walking and I continued snapping away.

Then I saw what had been missing from our exploring Cabo.

If you can’t read it, it says Tequila Shots $1.50. YES!

So we went up to the bar and asked to see what type of tequila it was and it looked good to us.

I’m not sure why I took such an awkward shot of the tequila but I did. We took the first shot and…..it was very good and smooth! We were actually thinking it would be a little rough because of how cheap it was, but it was great. So great in fact, we decided to have one more.

We were feeling very happy and knew this would be a great time to get back on the ship. So we headed towards the pier area, where they check your ids and board you onto the tendering boat.

Once back on the ship, we headed back to the room to put our stuff away and head to one of our favorite spots on the ship.

But first a picture on the top deck:

And onto the Quiet Cove Café:

I ordered a latte and DH ordered a vanilla latte. There is also a pastry/dessert case, in which you can grab whatever you’d like to snack on with your drink.

Some type of chocolate chip bar on a stick

DH feel asleep at this point (it’s just so relaxing up there, and I think the tequila helped) so I took a picture of the frequent buyer card.

I let DH rest a bit while I read a magazine then eventually I woke him up. We needed to take showers and head back to the room to get ready for our Palo dinner.

But the sun was just starting to go down and I wanted to take a picture, so we headed back out to the deck.

And a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPlI6o_ALT0


We went back to our stateroom to take showers and get ready for our first time ever having dinner at Palo.

The gorgeous view from our stateroom

 

[Dream426]

Another great update. Those tacos look amazing!!! I love Mexican food. I love your pictures and video. It makes me miss being on the Wonder.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Seems like your trip was a great one. Love the Bike taxi ride and eating from the carts.
Lee

 

[Shannon84]

Great bargaining!! I always have a hard time with that...I am glad you found what you were looking for too!!

If I had two tequila shots Id be sleeping too

can't wait to read about your dinner!

 

[Leshaface]

The taco truck is the best thing ever! I'm glad you were brave enough to do it. Most people aren't. I have had some of the best food in TJ and Ensenada from a taco cart. Guy I work with lives in TJ, and took us out for a night of cart eating. We went to a few places and chowed!

Great report, still loving it!

Oops sorry, missed your reply after I updated again.

You're from San Diego, so you know how great taco trucks are. A lot of people are scared of them but if they only knew how fabulous and authentic they were, they'd go all the time!

WOW! I'm impressed and you did not get sicks

I don't think I could do it... even if I wasn't gluten intolerant. No way! You are braver that I.

Sorry, missed I missed your reply. I updated again and somehow missed it.

Haha thanks!

Another great update. Those tacos look amazing!!! I love Mexican food. I love your pictures and video. It makes me miss being on the Wonder.

I miss being on the Wonder too...i'm still waiting to see what the 2013 itineraries are. I'm also waiting to hear about your tax return! We're almost done getting all our forms back so we can drop them off to our accountant. Last year we got our return back in the first month of March! The earliest that's ever been for us. Hopefully that will happen again this year.

Seems like your trip was a great one. Love the Bike taxi ride and eating from the carts.
Lee

I've never been on a bike taxi before and I was surprised at how fast he was able to go. Especially the way we've been eating thus far

Great bargaining!! I always have a hard time with that...I am glad you found what you were looking for too!!

If I had two tequila shots Id be sleeping too

can't wait to read about your dinner!

When we got back from the trip, DH was explaining to friends and family how it was to barter at Cabo and said I was excellent at it! I would walk away and they would follow me and they kept lowering their price. I always thought I'd be horrible when it came to bartering, but apparently i'm really good at it.

Those tequila shots were definitely worth the buck-fifty! My goodness!

 

[marciemouse]

I'm totally jealous of your taco truck meal! Yum! Thanks so much for all the pictures of the port area. We're planning to explore a bit on our own there, and the pics really helped give me an idea of what to expect.

 

[Dream426]

I miss being on the Wonder too...i'm still waiting to see what the 2013 itineraries are. I'm also waiting to hear about your tax return! We're almost done getting all our forms back so we can drop them off to our accountant. Last year we got our return back in the first month of March! The earliest that's ever been for us. Hopefully that will happen again this year.

I wish it was the Wonder coming to NY. I have never been on the Magic but I am sure it is just as nice.

We are still waiting for DH's form from work. I am getting so pissed otherwise I have everything together. I am hoping we do good again this year especially now that we can claim DD. I have a bunch of medical receipts from when I was pregnant that I am hoping to put in also. We will see if that helps.

 

[stephielela]

Sounds like you had a great time in Cabo! I wish I had gotten to see more of the area, but Jack was NOT happy that first day, so exploring was pretty much out. Next time!

 

[Leshaface]

I'm totally jealous of your taco truck meal! Yum! Thanks so much for all the pictures of the port area. We're planning to explore a bit on our own there, and the pics really helped give me an idea of what to expect.

I was trying to find pictures of the port area too and there wasn't much available out there. Glad I was able to help!

I wish it was the Wonder coming to NY. I have never been on the Magic but I am sure it is just as nice.

We are still waiting for DH's form from work. I am getting so pissed otherwise I have everything together. I am hoping we do good again this year especially now that we can claim DD. I have a bunch of medical receipts from when I was pregnant that I am hoping to put in also. We will see if that helps.

We pretty much have all of our stuff together too, except for the mortgage form. I'm excited to see what we'll be getting back. You guys should be getting a nice return, especially if this is your first year claiming DD.

Sounds like you had a great time in Cabo! I wish I had gotten to see more of the area, but Jack was NOT happy that first day, so exploring was pretty much out. Next time!

Yes next time for sure!

 

[Leshaface]

Our Palo ressie was set for 6pm. It was now 6 and we were still in the stateroom! Aye, it feels like Remy night on the Dream all over again!

We made it to Palo at 6:05. I obviously forgot that it takes zero time to get anyway on the ship.

We got seated in the exact same place for brunch AND we had the same waiter, Daniel. The restaurant looks so much more romantic at night.

Daniel handed us our menus

For starters, Daniel came over with a huge cart of small bites. Included on the cart is Prosciutto, Bresaola (cured beef), Parmesan Reggiano, Artichoke hearts, Marinated Olives, and Sun-dried Tomatoes.

He made each of us our own small little plate. It was all delicious and fresh!

Let me say this. The bresaola was delectable and super flavorful. More so than the Prosciutto. Also, the huge chunks of Parmesan Reggiano. Good grief. Salty and wonderful.

Daniel also gave us a bread plate that included Grissini Sticks (the tall breadsticks) and some type of pizza bread. Both very tasty!

We then put our orders in and off Daniel went to drop off the orders. In the meantime we took some pictures.

The bright lights of Cabo outside

For my appetizer (that is not on the menu) is a trio of:
-Grilled Portabello Mushroom and Polenta – with a roasted shallot sauce and a parmesan crisp
-Fritte di Calamari – lightly crusted calamari served with deep fried cherry peppers
-Sicilian Pesto Marinated Grilled Shrimp – on a mussel, crab, and cherry tomato ragu

I ate every single bit. The calamari was disgustingly good. Fresh and not at all oily. The mushroom sauce was incredible. And the shrimp was very juicy.

DH ordered the full dish of the Sicilian shrimp. Sorry it’s so blurry.

After our appetizers were done, Daniel brought back a palette cleansing sorbet.

Then it was time for our main event!

When we placed our order for our entrees, Daniel was giving us lots of suggestions to choose from. All of the pasta sounded incredible but I really wanted one of the meat dishes as well. He told me he could bring us small sides of the pasta dishes if there was something we wanted to try! Yay!

So I ordered the Palo Beef Tenderloin served with Palo Signature Barola Red Wine Sauce or melted gorgonzola sauce.

For my pasta side I ordered the Lobster and Mascarpone Ravioli – freshly prepared served with a light Truffle Beurre Blanc.

Insert Hallelujah song! Everything was amazing! The beef was cooked perfectly (medium) and the Gorgonzola sauce was a terrific enhancement. The pasta…I’m SO glad I ordered it (I’m also glad there was only two raviolis) They were incredibly flavorful and rich. You can definitely tell that the pasta was fresh. Everything about this dish was outstanding.

DH ordered as his main, the Oregano and Parmesan Crusted Rack of Lamb with Sangiovese Roasted Shallots, Olive Oil baked Roma Tomatos, Potato Torta, and Herb Jus

And for his pasta side, Gorgonzola Gnocchi with asparagus

Again, everything was phenomenal! His lamb dish was very impressive.

When he brought over our main dishes, he wanted to tell us about one of Palos famous desserts, the Chocolate Souffle, and that it takes a little while to make and if any one of us wanted to order one, we would have to put the order in now. I, OF COURSE, wanted to order it, so I told him I’d like it. DH wanted to wait and see what else would be on the dessert menu later. So after our meals, Daniel told DH about some of his favorite desserts and for the life of me, I cannot remember what it was, but he got it.

First my dessert and it’s a process:

Daniel sticks a spoon into the middle of the soufflé to make a little hole

He then pours the vanilla bean sauce in

And then pours in a little bit of chocolate sauce.

After the sauces, I put the small serving of ice cream (I think that’s what it was, it melted instantly) down into the middle, then I’m FINALLY allowed to partake!

I’m sure everyone has heard about this soufflé and heard about how magnificent it is. AND IT’S ALL TRUE! This was fantastic! I couldn’t finish the whole thing and I felt plenty guilty about that. I was so full from all the food plus, this was very rich and decadent. I regret now, not finishing it.

This is what DH ordered:

I’m thinking it was some type of sponge cake. I didn’t try it and honestly, I didn’t want to try it. I wanted to save any room I had left in my belly for my Souffle. But DH enjoyed it.

After ALL that, Daniel brings us each a Limoncello. To wrap up the evening, and it’s very refreshing and light.

So what can I say about Palo. It is incredible and worth every penny. We were both so happy after we were done eating. The service was great, the ambiance was quiet and romantic, and the food was insane. It was a great break from our dining rotation and we will do it again on our next cruise.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hi!! I have been MIA for a while, because SING is in full swing at work! 17 days to go until opening night, and I have been soooooo busy. But, I had to come here and read some of your review! I just made it here, and found your last post with pics from Palo. It looks amazing!!! I love the souffles on cruises also...delicious! Especially the chocolate ones!

I will definitely catch up on your TR as soon as I can...but in the mean time, just wanted to stop by and say hello, I miss reading TRs here on the DIS, and hope you are doing great!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Sorry, double post.