cruiseypop

Well, to take the sting out of those disembarkation instructions here are the activities for the day, Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

The worst part of the cruise here.  We just passed around the tip of baja to head north and that means luggage tags and disembarkation instructions.  Its only 9, but I feel like a cocktail after this "wonderful" news.

Ok...  Oh My GOSH.  The casino was on FIRE all night.  I am a low roller with a budget of $100 per day.  We had 2 hand pays last night, a $1800 and a $2236 and countless in the hundreds.  We won so much that we left because we became paranoid that we won so much against all odds that they might become suspicous!!  Well of course there is no way to cheat, but I will say I have my strategies!!!  And this morning I think I am getting the stink eye from other players!!!  But, of course it takes money to win money, so I am grateful I won, but hardly ahead in the game.

I was really surprised to see beef wellington on the menu tonight.  I almost made it once, but it just seems like a lot of work.

Weel, tonights was delicious.  The beef was fork tender and had a good flavor and not too salty.  The dining room was busy.  Compliments to the chef that made this happen!!

Of all the visible staff I can see on a daily basis, I think the MDR waiters to be some of the hardest working people on the ship. I know a lot of people here work hard, but the Mdr staff here hustle and do it with clock work efficiency.

Todays event listings for Wed Nov 15, 2023

Here is the menu for the MDR tonight. Wed Nov 15

Wow Puerto Vallarta was busy!!!  Was one of the first off the ship, I think they started up the mariachi band just for us. We took a Uber down to old town to see the Katrina. I wanted to take a taxi, but I couldn't find one if you can believe that!!  Very hot here today.  Had a little lunch at an empanadas snack shop and then taxi back to the ship.  

Dia de muertos in Puerto Vallarta.  Day of the dead was a couple weeks ago and the katrinas and ofrendas are still up.

6 hours ago, mrmarklin said:

Cruisy, did you seriously order steak in a Seafood restaurant?  Say it ain’t so. 

Ha ha, yes I did!  

I am just amazed at how busy the casino is. It has been packed every night.  Sometimes so busy I couldnt even get a machine!  My luck has continued.  

It's Italian night in the MDR tonight, Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  Looks really good, but I'll be the judge of that.

Oh what a wonderful day in Mazatlan.  Mazatlan is one of my favorite ports.  The people here are so nice and friendly.  And unlike some ports that are very sales agressive, Mazatlan feels less touristy than other ports and more city like with locals enjoying their day working, shopping, eating, etc.

I visited one of my favorite housewares store "Michaels Gallery".  There are all kinds of handmade mexican items here.  I purchased a new butter dish for about $8.  Which I think is almost a steal.  Shh, don't tell anyone.  They also have placements, knick knacks, other pottery much is stamped Mexico.  Also the staff is so friendly and nice.  I also purchased a silver desk ornament/paper weight.  It was a bit pricey, I got the last one so don't all rush at once to find another!

We took a taxi both ways into the centro and back.  It's a bit pricey at $10 each way, but we knew we wanted to walk a lot around the centro old town.  Michaels Gallery is in the historic centro.  We just tell the taxi to take us to the cathedral or big church it is in the center of the historic centro.  There are also touristy things like dancers and musicians too.  If you are up for walking you can follow "the blue line"  A blue line painted on the street from the cruise ship all the way to the historic centro.  It's about a 20-30 minute walk each way.  The walk can be nice too, houses, a few shops along the way to see.

I should clarify my comments on Cabo port.  It is definately a must see for first time visitors.  Once you arrive at the Marina there is a nice walkable path alongside a beautiful marina, with many side streets to explore.  For repeat visitor my opinon would be to book and excursion.  I still have the camels and todos santos are on my list.

The Princess events listings for Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - Day 4 of the cruise.

Our first port was Cabo San Lucas.  Tendering reminds me how much I don't like this port.  I'm sure if they could build a dock they would.  It just seems odd after all these year (cruise lines have been tendering here since the 1970's or earlier) they would have a dock by now.  It was very choppy and the whole process seems to take forever. One cool thing was the fisherman coming back in to port like to feed the sea lions and the sea lions have been happily trained to jump right onto the swim platform at the back of the boat.  Note to self: I will forever skip this port in the future.  Unless you like fishing, there isn't much to do here.  We walked all the way to the mall, about a mile or so and saw a life size Huichol beaded Rhinocerous!  That actually was worth it. The evening dinner was at Bistro Sur La Mer - first time for this.  The staff were excellent as always, but the menu was just ok.  My filet mignon was perfect though and delicious.  They are in the process of changing this over to The Catch by Rudy or something named like this.  Ironic, a quick survery of other diners confirmed very few people ordered any seafood.  Perhaps seafood is not as popular many think?

MDR Menus for Monday November 13, 2023

Here are the Discovery Princess event listings for port day Cabo San Lucas, Monday, November 13, 2023

Rock Opera

Fantastic production show last night called Rock Opera.  I've seen this on past ships and tonights performance was one of the best I've seen.  Its an interesting concept and I felt the singing style leaned more towards rock than opera, but nonetheless all the singers and dancers were excellent.  Of particular note, Nick Petris the lead tenor.  Amazing voice and talent.  He is also performing solo tonight singing Michael Buble songs.

Captains Welcome Dinner.  Here are the main dining room menus for Sunday, November 12.

Princess has raised the bar

Tonight I went to the 360 Experience, a new experiential dining experience that is a visual and taste experience like none other.  This was a first class experience, something I would expect Walt Disney World to pull off.  It is part movie and part dinner.  Imagine watching someone prepare lemon pasta in Italy on a 360 wrap around screen around your dining area and then within a few moments they bring the very same dish to you.  It was almost emotionally overwhelming.  This is will be hard for other cruise lines to top.  And now they have the computerized projection system in place they can adapt and change the experience for the future.  Princess really needs someone to come over and promote this new feature.... John Heald are you listening?  Several perfect courses were served with impeccable timing in this 90 minute show.  Whether you are one person or a group of people, this is truly a must see.

Well, it's not a hand pay, but I will take $139  Yay!

Wifi speeds have been decent enough for me. I've been able to do anything I have wanted.  Wifi calling works ok, a little congested, but nothing too bad.  Photo uploads/downloads work fine.  Tiktok, facebook all work OK.  Youtube is fine to watch on laptop/tablet.  Most everything works fine. Evenings are a little congested.  Very early morning seems to be the fastest.  I wouldn't try to stream a 4K movie, but I think it might actually work fine.  

Mid 70's on the upper deck.  Just perfect weather, it's warm, sunny and perfect for sitting out in the sun.  Weather forecasts for Mexico in in the 80's and 90's and high humidity, so I guess enjoy this while we can!

Good Morning Sunshine!

Up early this morning, thought I would beat everyone to the casino, but nope, about 20 early risers ahead of me.  Well, I'm not sure if they are still up from last night or up this morning.  Coffee in the Intl Cafe is really good this morning.  Funny, I forget the "cream" in the pitcher is actual cream, not half n half like Starbucks.  I need just a drop!

Bistro sur la mer signage has changed to "The Catch", but it appears the bistro is still functioning.  So, I believe it hasn't switched over yet.  It wasn't at all busy when I've walked by.

Gorgeous sunrise this morning, we're almost halfway down the coast of Baja.  Calm seas.  The people on this cruise seem to have a good, happy spirit.