We went on our first cruise in February, 2009, on the Princess cruise line for a 7-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera . It was so much fun that we decided to celebrate out 41st wedding anniversary by going on another cruise.
This time we went back to the Mexican Riviera, but it was a 9-day cruise on the Carnival cruise line, and we went with our good friends, Russ & Louise, and Russ's sister Kathy and her husband Rhett. 
Rhett, Kathy, Louise, and Russ are standing on the front of the ship ready to wave good-bye to all of those left behind in San Diego! The weather was beautiful and we were excited to be off! 
Each night we would come back to our room where the bed was laid back and there there two mints and little towel animal sitting on our bed. I took pictures of all nine of them. I will let you decide exactly what animal these represent, as sometimes Terry and I either disagreed or couldn't quite tell what they were. I also went to a class on how to make towel animals and bought a book on how to do them. So grandkids--you better be looking for some strange creatures appearing at your house when Grandma Susie comes!
We all got together each night after our days' adventures and ate dinner in the dinning hall. Most nights all of the waiters would perform for us. They would sing and dance, and because they come from so many different countries, some of them didn't know the words to the songs too well and they sang with a variety of accents, but they did a great job. There was even some dancing on the table tops! One night the passengers joined in on a snake dance around all of the tables. I am not sure that was planned or just happened. The lead waiter carried a little girl in his arms and she was having a great time.
Rhett, Kathy, Louise, and Russ are standing on the front of the ship ready to wave good-bye to all of those left behind in San Diego! The weather was beautiful and we were excited to be off! Terry is taking in the view as we leave San Diego Harbor, ready for 9 whole days at sea, while stopping at ports in Mexico along the way.
Each night we would come back to our room where the bed was laid back and there there two mints and little towel animal sitting on our bed. I took pictures of all nine of them. I will let you decide exactly what animal these represent, as sometimes Terry and I either disagreed or couldn't quite tell what they were. I also went to a class on how to make towel animals and bought a book on how to do them. So grandkids--you better be looking for some strange creatures appearing at your house when Grandma Susie comes! 
We all got together each night after our days' adventures and ate dinner in the dinning hall. Most nights all of the waiters would perform for us. They would sing and dance, and because they come from so many different countries, some of them didn't know the words to the songs too well and they sang with a variety of accents, but they did a great job. There was even some dancing on the table tops! One night the passengers joined in on a snake dance around all of the tables. I am not sure that was planned or just happened. The lead waiter carried a little girl in his arms and she was having a great time. The food was so good! We usually had a choice of about five or six "starters," main entres, and then deserts. If you couldn't choose which you like the best, you could have as many as you wanted of each!
On one of the "elegant nights," lobster tail and shrimp were on the menu. It was sooooo good!
The last two nights we had the same waiter. As he came around and asked what we wanted, he said, "What is your second choice, in case you don't like your first choice?" Well, we each got both items served to us! That was pretty funny so we joked with him about serving us french fries with our deserts (which were very fancy), and of course, we got french fries with our deserts!
On one of the "elegant nights," lobster tail and shrimp were on the menu. It was sooooo good! 
The last two nights we had the same waiter. As he came around and asked what we wanted, he said, "What is your second choice, in case you don't like your first choice?" Well, we each got both items served to us! That was pretty funny so we joked with him about serving us french fries with our deserts (which were very fancy), and of course, we got french fries with our deserts! When he was our waiter the next night he said, "Oh no, not you guys again!" I said, "And I don"t want french fries with my desert tonight." Well, needless to say, I got french fries! He said "What I hear, I bring!"
Each day on the ship they had a "drink of the day." One day they scooped out a pineapple and used it to make the drink, and then poured it back into the empty pineapple. We asked if they had a non-alcoholic one and Rhett bought one and we all shared it. It was delicious! We had a lot of fun the days we were on the ship. Most nights we would all go to the entertainment--comedians, hypnotist, song and dance shows, and karaoke. Then we would usually end up on the deck where the hot chocolate and ice cream were and have a snack before bed. (Ice cream in hot chocolate is really good!)
Each day on the ship they had a "drink of the day." One day they scooped out a pineapple and used it to make the drink, and then poured it back into the empty pineapple. We asked if they had a non-alcoholic one and Rhett bought one and we all shared it. It was delicious! We had a lot of fun the days we were on the ship. Most nights we would all go to the entertainment--comedians, hypnotist, song and dance shows, and karaoke. Then we would usually end up on the deck where the hot chocolate and ice cream were and have a snack before bed. (Ice cream in hot chocolate is really good!)PUERTO VALLARTA
Puerto Vallarta was the first port we stopped at. We had a tour booked to go on a catamaran and go whale watching and then to an island and go snorkeling and kayaking.
We weren't really sure what we were getting into. I think all of us but Terry had snorkeled before. The weather was nice, but the water was a little cold! So, we all headed out ready to face whatever comes.
It didn't take too long for us to spot some whales. There was a mama whale with her baby and she was teaching him how to breach. He was having a great time jumping around and flapping his fins in the water. Our guide told us we were seeing quite a rare site. I tried to get some better pictures, but you never knew where they would come up at and by the time I found them in the camera they would be gone.
We were pretty excited when they brought out the wet suits! Terry wouldn't let me take his picture, but he looked pretty good! Even with the wet suits on, the water was still pretty cold. We stayed in for about a half hour. Our guide got in with us and he found a small octopus under a rock and brought it up for all of us to see and touch. One of its tentacles wound around Terry's arm and it was kind of hard to get it off! He also brought up a puffer fish for us to see and touch. I think Terry's first experience at snorkeling was a success!
We were pretty excited when they brought out the wet suits! Terry wouldn't let me take his picture, but he looked pretty good! Even with the wet suits on, the water was still pretty cold. We stayed in for about a half hour. Our guide got in with us and he found a small octopus under a rock and brought it up for all of us to see and touch. One of its tentacles wound around Terry's arm and it was kind of hard to get it off! He also brought up a puffer fish for us to see and touch. I think Terry's first experience at snorkeling was a success!After we snorkeled, Terry & I and Rhett & Kathy went by a little motor boat to a sandy beach on the island and laid in the sun while Russ and Louise stayed at the catamaran and kayaked. After snorkeling in the cold water, the sun felt really good!
On the way back they open the bar and the guide and crew entertained us. It was a lot of fun. One of the guys dressed up as the lady and danced (?) for us.
I thought someone was going to get hurt they way he threw "her" around! They were crazy!
They picked someone to be their drummer, and Rhett was chosen. He did a good job with those sticks and up-turned barrels! I think he had a good time!
Some of the first things we saw were these white rocks out in the middle of the water. As we got closer, we could see all of the birds perched on them. The reason they were white was from all of the bird poop! We were told that it kind of petrifies the rock!
As we neared the island, we could see they were all set up for us--with lunch ready and all of the kayaks in a row! This island used to be inhabited and there was electricity on it. The local government decided to pull the electricity from it and now there is only one person and a couple of dogs living there. The house was pretty "rustic" and the outhouse facilities were a canvas enclosure with a pot-type toilet in it--no water! This is Mexico!
We had a good time kayaking, but it sure was a lot of work. We went for about an hour ride and were ready to quit by the time we got back. The fog kind of came in before we got back to the side of the island were we were set up. Terry and I worked our kayak pretty good together, but I can see that it would probably be a little easier in a one-man kayak.
After we ate and rested a little, some of us climbed on the top of the island. There was a really nice view of Mazatlan. We could see all around the island on both sides.
On the way back we saw a big rock that was covered with seals covering it (I had a picture to post, but I inadvertently deleted it, so just use your imagination) and as an added bonus to the excursion, we saw more whales. We called these birds "pelicans" but I am not sure that is what they are. Anyway, they really put on a show for us diving for fish. They would fly along and when their beaks pointed down, they folded their wings and dove into the water. They were very good entertainment!
We walked through this beautiful old church. It was a little awkward because there were people in there praying and worshiping, but we were very reverent! It was very beautiful inside. Russ and Louise are deciding what and where to go next.
The town of La Paz is built right on the beach and it is a really pretty beach. All along the ocean side, they have these little "umbrellas" built for people to get under, out of the heat. You can see that no one thought it was hot that day, except all of the tourists wandering around.
There were so many shells on the beach! Close to the water, there were more shells than sand. We couldn't quit picking them up, but finally ended up with just a few in our pockets to take home. The bad thing was, there were hermit crabs in some of them and we had a hard time getting rid of them so the shells wouldn't smell bad!
The beach was very clean and these little guys were probably part of the reason it was. They were everywhere. Who could resist putting trash in them!
The city built a really nice dock going out into the sea, but it has never been used as a dock. But it sure makes a really nice walkway out into the water. Rhett, Louise, Russ, and Terry turn around for a picture before they take the walk.
I posed for a picture at one of the scenic benches on the walkway. Some of the more modern buildings in La Paz are in the background.
Terry decided he would help the city out by doing a little cleaning before he left! He looks pretty good with a broom in his hand!
This "pelican-type" bird was resting at the end of the dock. (Russ, where is your birding knowledge when I need it!)
On the way back they open the bar and the guide and crew entertained us. It was a lot of fun. One of the guys dressed up as the lady and danced (?) for us. 
I thought someone was going to get hurt they way he threw "her" around! They were crazy! 
They picked someone to be their drummer, and Rhett was chosen. He did a good job with those sticks and up-turned barrels! I think he had a good time! MAZATLAN Our second port was Mazatlan. While Russ & Louise and Rhett & Kathy went on a different tour, Terry and I went on another catamaran ride. This time, were were spending most of the time kayaking, which neither of us had done before.
Some of the first things we saw were these white rocks out in the middle of the water. As we got closer, we could see all of the birds perched on them. The reason they were white was from all of the bird poop! We were told that it kind of petrifies the rock! 
As we neared the island, we could see they were all set up for us--with lunch ready and all of the kayaks in a row! This island used to be inhabited and there was electricity on it. The local government decided to pull the electricity from it and now there is only one person and a couple of dogs living there. The house was pretty "rustic" and the outhouse facilities were a canvas enclosure with a pot-type toilet in it--no water! This is Mexico! 
We had a good time kayaking, but it sure was a lot of work. We went for about an hour ride and were ready to quit by the time we got back. The fog kind of came in before we got back to the side of the island were we were set up. Terry and I worked our kayak pretty good together, but I can see that it would probably be a little easier in a one-man kayak. 
After we ate and rested a little, some of us climbed on the top of the island. There was a really nice view of Mazatlan. We could see all around the island on both sides. 
On the way back we saw a big rock that was covered with seals covering it (I had a picture to post, but I inadvertently deleted it, so just use your imagination) and as an added bonus to the excursion, we saw more whales. We called these birds "pelicans" but I am not sure that is what they are. Anyway, they really put on a show for us diving for fish. They would fly along and when their beaks pointed down, they folded their wings and dove into the water. They were very good entertainment! LA PAZ
Our next port was La Paz. We chose not to go on a commercial tour and just rode the bus into town and walked around.
We walked through this beautiful old church. It was a little awkward because there were people in there praying and worshiping, but we were very reverent! It was very beautiful inside. Russ and Louise are deciding what and where to go next.
The town of La Paz is built right on the beach and it is a really pretty beach. All along the ocean side, they have these little "umbrellas" built for people to get under, out of the heat. You can see that no one thought it was hot that day, except all of the tourists wandering around. 
There were so many shells on the beach! Close to the water, there were more shells than sand. We couldn't quit picking them up, but finally ended up with just a few in our pockets to take home. The bad thing was, there were hermit crabs in some of them and we had a hard time getting rid of them so the shells wouldn't smell bad! 
The beach was very clean and these little guys were probably part of the reason it was. They were everywhere. Who could resist putting trash in them! 
The city built a really nice dock going out into the sea, but it has never been used as a dock. But it sure makes a really nice walkway out into the water. Rhett, Louise, Russ, and Terry turn around for a picture before they take the walk.I posed for a picture at one of the scenic benches on the walkway. Some of the more modern buildings in La Paz are in the background.
Terry decided he would help the city out by doing a little cleaning before he left! He looks pretty good with a broom in his hand! 
This "pelican-type" bird was resting at the end of the dock. (Russ, where is your birding knowledge when I need it!) CABO SAN LUCUS At Cabo San Lucus, the ship has to anchor off shore a ways so we are "tendered" into port. Sometimes the ship's lifeboats are used for this job, but this time there were commercial tender boats that carried us to land.
These tenders carry about 50 people--top and bottom. We are snuggled in pretty good if the boat is full, as you can see with Kathy, Rhett, Russ, and Louise.
Our last water adventure was on a sailboat (although it was too windy to ever put up the sail) to a beautiful cove and beach to go snorkeling again. There were mostly tourists on the beach. The natives must think we are crazy to play in the water at this temperature! The water may have been a little warmer than when we went snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, but not much. And, they didn't supply wet suits this time! The water was more clear and it was a lot of fun snorkeling again. It would be fun to go someplace with warm water to snorkel. I have been to Hawaii, but Terry would'nt believe how fun it is to go there and snorkel!
On the way back, Terry had to take over driving the boat (he likes to be in control!) After I took his picture, everyone else on the boat thought it was a good idea and they were all having their pictures taken. It was a fun trip. On the way home, the bar was open and they fed us sanddwiches, salsa, and chips! People get kind of crazy with a little booze in them!
If it hadn't been so expensive ($99 for six minutes) I would have loved to go para-sailing. Maybe another day!
We had decided to take the tour to the Bufadora blow hole. It was really something to see. As the water splashed into the hole into the cliffs, it builds up pressure until it spouts over 100 feet in the air. It was amazing to watch. I must have take 50 picutures of it!
On the path down to the blow hole, there were entertainers, all soliciting to take pictures with them for "only $1." But, $1 in US money is worth $10-$11 in Mexican money. I think that sometimes they must do pretty good.
There is about a quarter of a mile of flea market on both sides of the little road going down to the blow hole. There were rules that the merchants could not go out into the road to hassle all of the tourists--they just heckled you as you walked past. I asked these two to pose for a picture!
The ceilings of the building were very elaborate--actually more ornate that the other parts of the rooms. They were all hand-carved and painted. From here we said "adios" to Mexico and went back to the ship for the last night of the cruise.
We spent the late part of the afternoon packing (well, maybe I did the packing while Terry rested his weary legs) so we would be ready for our early departure off of the ship. The ship leaves port by 4:30 so it can get out in the ocean far enough to open the casino and the shops (no port fees) for the last night of the cruise. They must just kind of bob around in the ocean until it is time to go into the San Diego port at about 6:00 in the morning.
Here is a picture of us on "elegant night." They take pictures of you all over the ship and each time you get off at one of the ports, but this is the only one we purchased. We clean up pretty good, don't you think?!
A beautiful sunset to end a great 9 days! We are already thinking about our next cruise--maybe an Alaskan cruise with Travis and Shannon or a Disney cruise with Jill and Dan and maybe all of the kids and grandkids! Terry has even said he may be brave enough to fly to Hawaii if he can be drugged and I can wheel him onto the plane in a wheel chair! (I had to get that in writing!) Maybe a Mediteranian cruise next time--where the water is warmer to go snorkleing!! Lots of possibilities out there . . . . . .
These tenders carry about 50 people--top and bottom. We are snuggled in pretty good if the boat is full, as you can see with Kathy, Rhett, Russ, and Louise. 
Our last water adventure was on a sailboat (although it was too windy to ever put up the sail) to a beautiful cove and beach to go snorkeling again. There were mostly tourists on the beach. The natives must think we are crazy to play in the water at this temperature! The water may have been a little warmer than when we went snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta, but not much. And, they didn't supply wet suits this time! The water was more clear and it was a lot of fun snorkeling again. It would be fun to go someplace with warm water to snorkel. I have been to Hawaii, but Terry would'nt believe how fun it is to go there and snorkel! 
On the way back, Terry had to take over driving the boat (he likes to be in control!) After I took his picture, everyone else on the boat thought it was a good idea and they were all having their pictures taken. It was a fun trip. On the way home, the bar was open and they fed us sanddwiches, salsa, and chips! People get kind of crazy with a little booze in them! 
If it hadn't been so expensive ($99 for six minutes) I would have loved to go para-sailing. Maybe another day! ENSENADA
Our last port was Ensenada. It is located only about two hours from the border, but we have never been there before. We had decided to take the tour to the Bufadora blow hole. It was really something to see. As the water splashed into the hole into the cliffs, it builds up pressure until it spouts over 100 feet in the air. It was amazing to watch. I must have take 50 picutures of it! On the path down to the blow hole, there were entertainers, all soliciting to take pictures with them for "only $1." But, $1 in US money is worth $10-$11 in Mexican money. I think that sometimes they must do pretty good. There is about a quarter of a mile of flea market on both sides of the little road going down to the blow hole. There were rules that the merchants could not go out into the road to hassle all of the tourists--they just heckled you as you walked past. I asked these two to pose for a picture! This is the beginning of the flea market and I am posing with the treasures I bought--a hat and a little backpack--just the things I needed! We had delicious fish tacos before we boarded the bus that took us back to town.
We stopped in the town of Ensenada and toured this beautiful city building. It used to be privately owned, but then the city bought it and it is now used as a Civic Center and is rented out for private activities. It is one of the prettiest buildings in Ensenada.
The ceilings of the building were very elaborate--actually more ornate that the other parts of the rooms. They were all hand-carved and painted. From here we said "adios" to Mexico and went back to the ship for the last night of the cruise.We spent the late part of the afternoon packing (well, maybe I did the packing while Terry rested his weary legs) so we would be ready for our early departure off of the ship. The ship leaves port by 4:30 so it can get out in the ocean far enough to open the casino and the shops (no port fees) for the last night of the cruise. They must just kind of bob around in the ocean until it is time to go into the San Diego port at about 6:00 in the morning.Here is a picture of us on "elegant night." They take pictures of you all over the ship and each time you get off at one of the ports, but this is the only one we purchased. We clean up pretty good, don't you think?! A beautiful sunset to end a great 9 days! We are already thinking about our next cruise--maybe an Alaskan cruise with Travis and Shannon or a Disney cruise with Jill and Dan and maybe all of the kids and grandkids! Terry has even said he may be brave enough to fly to Hawaii if he can be drugged and I can wheel him onto the plane in a wheel chair! (I had to get that in writing!) Maybe a Mediteranian cruise next time--where the water is warmer to go snorkleing!! Lots of possibilities out there . . . . . . 
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