Cruising Right Into Mexico!!

First off, being away from Donovan for the last 7 days was probably THE hardest event that Tony and I had ever had to go through in our married lives. Yes, we had “quality time” together, and yes the sun was AMAZING even through the 2^nd degree (ok I’m being dramatic) sun burns I had gotten from my eye lids to my toes (we found out I’m not the best at thoroughly putting on sunscreen) and yes, I got to spend time with some amazing people who made us laugh and enjoy our time and YES (sigh) we ATE AND ATE and drank margaritas (Mexico’s version of a margarita is 4 shots of 80 something proof tequila and a splash of simple syrup and lime) that made our head spin after two sips. But when everything was said and done, we found ourselves counting down the days (I started on the Sunday when we flew into LA) until we saw our baby boy.

Cabo was BEAUTIFUL

Our vacation began us on a plane into sunny Los Angeles where we boarded the Princess Emerald cruise ship along with all of the much older and senior aged passengers who were looking to have a good time and immediately screamed, where’s the nearest bar when we went on the shuttle to the ship. We were out on sea for two full days that were full of activities of sun bathing and swimming.

Once we made it to our first port in Puerto Vallarta, we were all ready to set our feet on some land. Tony and I spent an INCREDIABLE time on a private beach with lounging, eating, and drinking.

In our next port, Mazatlán, we met some the most incredible residents of the city that have made a lasting impression on both Tony and I. We ate street tacos, drank margaritas, and shopped and bargained for Cuban cigars, tequila and small souvenirs. We came across our tour guide for the day, Ernesto, not having any excursion plans and trying to flag down a taxi. He was our taxi and then eventually became our tour guide/personal driver for the day! He was AMAZING and took us all to the right places for shopping, food and just a good experience. He was one that worked hard throughout the day to provide for his family. You could hear the pride and joy while he chatted with us about his kiddos and his grandkids.

Yes, that is a toddler in the lab of an adult while driving around. I guess everything goes in Mexico!

AWESOME people to spend our time with!

The Margarita that tipped me over

Tony got his street tacos!

Tequila tasting with the best!!!

At our last port in Cabo San Lucas, you immediately fell in love with the gorgeous beaches! And were also immediately greeted with the residents looking to sell their hats, blankets, and anything you can imagine. Yes, I got suckered into a bracelet (I don’t even wear bracelets) but it’s pretty impressive when a man can weave you handmade bracelet in the middle of the hot beach and engrave your name on it. 

There's our cruise vessel!

The BEST fish tacos I have ever had in Cabo!

Tony partook in tequila tastings that were scattered around the port, while I stayed FAR FAR away from tequila, still debating if I ever wanted to drink again after my time in Mazatlán.

Through all of the 5 star service, glitz and glamour, I was completely focused and distracted by all of the employees, wait staff, front desk, etc and with every encounter, I wondered, where are they from? Do they have families? How often do they work on the cruise ship? Why did they choose this career? It was an extremely humbling experience when I began talking to these people who are making an honest living to send money back to their families while they are working hard on the ship. For the most part, these people work 10-12 hour days without a day off while they are serving people like me. It was fascinating to me to find out that some of these people have been working on the cruise line anywhere from 30-46 years like our nightly waiter, Jamie. Each encounter with the employees, I found myself gaining respect and love for them. 

LOVE LOVED our wait staff!!

After 7 days of relaxing and eating, I am so happy to be home in our daily routine and with our Donovan! I have come back extremely tan, rested and fat. Honestly, a cruise is not the first vaca we would sign up for in the future, but it definitely was an experience that I think everyone should try! If we ever do go on another one, we are taking the kiddos with us! Here are some tips that I had gained and learned:

1.       Arrange your transportation from the airport to the cruise ship through the cruise line. It was EXTREMELY convenient and so easy!

2.       No need to carry your credit cards around the minute you register to get on the boat because they give you a card that is your EVERYTHING. Your room card, your credit card (linked to your credit card), your ID. I would suggest taking out your cash before hand because they charge an arm and a leg to take cash out of their ATM machines.

3.       It is overwhelming with all of the food options they have available, but try all of it! Don’t just limit yourself to the buffet! Most of everything is inclusive, which is so dangerous for your waistline but live large since you’re on vaca!

Gelato! All day, every day

Jimmy loved it too!

4.       For dinner, there is usually an option to have a permanent dinner reservation in the main dining room. The early one (5:15pm) actually worked out very well because your dining experience will be about 1-1/5 to 2 hours and this early time allowed us to enjoy the entertainment shows at night.

5.       Read your daily itinerary that is delivered to your room! They delivered the Princess Patter every night for the next day and it explains details, events, showtimes etc, for the next day. I LOVED getting that at the end of the day!

Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting on the Ship

They had AN AMAZING tea time! Served the BEST tea treats and tea sandwiches. Pictures below

6.       Bring extra cash to tip the residents at your port stops!

7.       Check your cell phone company and make sure you have free international calling. We did not facetime, text or call until we ported. It is extremely expensive to do any of that through the ship.

8.       If you want to do an excursion, I would suggest booking it through the cruise line. EVERYTHING is taken care of and you won’t have to worry about not making it back to the boat on time.

Enjoy your week everyone! Now it is back to the ol’ grind for me!

XOXOXO

Tiff