SDPadreFan

West Indian Pumpkin Soup. I always get 2 big bowls.

28 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Had not thought about the addition of the additional ship to this class.  I tdoes offer up some good options.  Problem is, I like almost all of the options you describe.  Most are mutually exclusive I would think, with the exception of of the winter/summer swaps.  Personally, doing a world cruise segment of two would be the best option for me (wife may have a different view), but if that dog don’t hunt, going back to more extended Journey’s would be sweet. 

This crusty old Navy Chief could easily do an extended deployment, but not sure about my wife. I'm looking at a potential 27 day B2B in 2025 to see how she does. 14 sea days on that one, so it would be a good test.

8 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Met some people in Dover that were getting off the Pride doing the Norwegian sailing.  They LOVED it.   Was disappointed when we got back and I looked and saw that it was not on any schedule…..  Would do that in a NY minute.

Norway is killing (traditional, big cruise ship) access to it's fjords in 2026. That's already been decided. My sister is doing one on RCCL this year in June before the ban. I think Norway may allow the gas turbine ships (LNG) sometime in the future, but guessing they would have to be sub 5000 pax vessels for some of the smaller ports.

2 hours ago, toad455 said:

The issue would be that this "World" cruise would have to use a Spirit-class ship. Alaska/Hawaii gets one, Tampa gets one, Mobile gets one for 6 months, and Baltimore another. Stretches this class a little thin.

The Hawaii route (about 6 cruises a year) from Long Beach has been handed over to Carnival Radiance (so no longer Spirit class on the primary Hawaii route). Legend only looks to make one Hawaii run from San Francisco in 2025. Spirit has just one each year from Seattle (2024 & 2025).

We'll be on her in a Terrazza Aft View Balcony on August 18th. May try to sneak on her even sooner if a good deal pops up.

Right now, if the tracks don't change, Firenze would pass by on your starboard side. But you are still a couple of hundred nautical miles apart. Closing speed currently about 39 kn (19 & 20 knots respectively).

You guys are getting closer to the Firenze. Might actually get to do a close in pass by unless it happens at night.

Kinda "been there, almost done that" courtesy of the U.S. Navy. I was on the USS Kitty Hawk (ships company) when in January of 1987 we left San Diego, headed on a circumnavigation ending in Philadelphia. 6 month cruise. It was planned on a major "show the flag" event where we would pull into port after port in the Med (once we got there). We got as far as Hawaii and were suddenly asked how quickly we could get to the Persian Gulf region. So all our planned port visits went right in the toilet. We spent a very quick 48hrs in the Philippines (doing resupply) and then went straight to the North Arabian Sea. Back in '87 - Carrier Groups didn't really operate in the Persian Gulf. While a carrier could operate there and do turns (donuts), a task group of a carrier with several additional ships in a picket line couldn't really do that together and still protect the carrier. So we operated in the North Arabian Sea. Spent 106 consecutive days at sea (working every day). If memory serves - we got 2 beer days during that time frame where each crew member got 2 beers each time. Kind of a very limited Cheers Program (and just short of the coveted 6 pack cruise). At that point, we finally got a 5 day port call in exotic Karachi, Pakistan. But in the 80's, Karachi was a 99.9% alcohol free city. But I actually had a fairly decent time on my 2 days off there. Then - after a couple more weeks on station, came another real garden spot, Mombasa, Kenya. I made the most of it with a 3 day photo safari to Amboseli National park at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Then we did the "ditch" (Suez Canal) - 2 stops in the Med. Cannes, Fr. and Palma de Majorica, Sp. before heading to Philly.

I would imagine a Carnival World Cruise might be just a little bit different.

They were probably worried all the funfetti cake would be gone. People bit_h about the tiniest little things anymore. I would rather just chill. I've been in some monster waits over my 68 years and I've survived just fine. Still smiling and still loving life.

Last I checked Firenze was down in the area of Cabo (offshore) today. Don't think Firenze will tie up till the 23rd due to other traffic. Think first sailing not till 25th.

Tomorrow is Miracle and Monday is Radiance.

You just need to be a bit careful when using an Uber. They are completely safe, in and of themselves, but the cab drivers are very unhappy with their presence (especially in Cabo). So definitely use Uber if you wish (we have in Cabo), but don't do it right in front of taxi's and don't tell a taxi driver that you are just going to get an Uber. Walk a block or two away from any active taxi stand area and you will be fine. In Mazatlan - I would try a Pulmonia at least once. It's an experience that is pretty much unique to Mazatlan. You could take one from the port area to Centro (historic Old Mazatlan), or one down to the Gold Zone if you wish. The Gold Zone is where you give your gold to the shopkeepers there. We've done it on a land vacation in Mazatlan. We were spending a week at El Cid, El Moro. My wife was looking for a very specific Mystic Topaz set of stones (to match her ring and necklace). She found them and had them set in a custom earring design. So she was happy. Probably paid a little over $200, but the stones were a good 4-5 ct each and they matched her other stones really well. Happy wife, happy life...

49 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Somebody here posted a review of a cruise from down under back to the states.  In there thy mentioned that most places in Australia when you order a burger it comes with sliced beets on it.  Put a whole new perspective on it for me.

Well that's a bummer. I was down in Hobart, Tasmania in 1976 (courtesy of the USS Enterprise CVAN-65 and Uncle Sam). I spent time in both Hobart and also took the train to Launceston for 2 days during our week there. Never once did I see a burger & beets on the menu. Guess I'll have to go back and look. It was - easily, my favorite port call in 24 years of service, followed by Palma de Mallorca.

3 hours ago, Joanne G. said:

Just got off the Magic yesterday.  Sailed with Frankie.  Reminisced with him about the eventful July 9 and July 21 Pride cruises last summer.  I booked the Magic with the FCC credit that I got for that memorable experience!  😄

 

He said he is fond of the smaller Spirit class ships and has been on all of them except the Spirit. But he diplomatically said that he loves the Magic, too!  He spent the prior cruise onboard but not as the CD, just getting a feel for the operations.  The April 4 cruise that I was on was his first on that ship.   

 

He also said they can put in requests for their preferences for ships and/or home ports, and Carnival tries to accommodate them as much as possible.  

 

 

 

We were also on that "eventful" July 09 cruise last year on Pride. We also had Frankie on our Alaska 10 day June 2022 cruise on the Miracle. "Boop!"

53 minutes ago, carohs said:

One of the excursions offered that we've been considering on our next cruise there is to La Caletas in PV. The beach looks so much nicer there than Cabo, but not worth missing out on PV if you aren't planning another trip on this itinerary. 

If you are talking about the nighttime show (Rhythms of the Night) at Las Caletas, it is definitely worth it. It's pricey but a great show. It's one we will definitely repeat in the future. Can provide more info/tips if you wish.

20 minutes ago, SelectSys said:

My only issue with beach in front of these places is that the level of vendor activity can be quite overwhelming.  I will no longer sit on the beach here and only up in the restaurant/bar spaces off the beach.  

 

With the info on your map, my preferred place for the Medano Beach is actually called  "Playa El Farito."  I never knew it had a distinct name.

The names change a lot as you walk further. I've been down there once after Breathless was built. But I'm not a fan, as the slope of the beach walking down is pretty steep and hard on the legs. But that would be true walking in either direction.

29 minutes ago, SelectSys said:

I talked to my wife this morning and she did indicate the food was also pretty expensive - well over $100 for lunch.  Cabo isn't necessarily a bargain these days.

Agree - but the lobster was probably a big part of that price. A favorite of ours used to be Hacienda Cocina y Cantina. The food great, the views spectacular, and the prices "reasonable". Last time the food and drink had gotten pretty expensive, so now it's on our "major celebration" list only.

The good news - Cabo Costco still has their $1.50 hot dogs. The bad news (for most), a cab ride there and back can easily cost $40-$50 round trip (maybe even more).

1 minute ago, SelectSys said:

My only issue with beach in front of these places is that the level of vendor activity can be quite overwhelming.  I will no longer sit on the beach here and only up in the restaurant/bar spaces off the beach.  

Completely agree - the constant vendors are a hassle. They do have to stay beyond the rope lines and that helps a little. I just make sure to avoid any direct eye contact with them and they move on. It's the same way even in front of the resorts (they also have roped off areas for their guests). We will sometimes have lunch at Cilantro's (part of Pueblo Bonito Blanco - a sister resort to ours). And on the beach, we do the same thing, avoid eye contact with the vendors.

Just an FYI: The sand is very course in Cabo. Definitely not white and powdery soft. Don't really know about a trench just past the waterline but know that the water does get very deep VERY FAST as you walk in. Most beaches in Cabo are non-swimmable due to constant (and strong) rip currents. Medano Beach is the primary exception (Chelano and Santa Maria are also generally good but further away). And Chelano & Santa Maria don't have much in the way of public services. I've included a link to a map to the main activity area of Medano Beach. In that area are multiple beach bars/restaurants that include "The Sand Bar", "The Office at the Beach", "Mango Deck", etc. As long as you are eating/drinking a little, their chairs/loungers are free to use. Figure about 1.5 miles to walk it.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/sRUYJUMZSveHXCBQ9

A closer/smaller beach (again no services) is Playa Publica (primarily a locals beach). It was where the old tuna cannery was located at.

Personally - if I wanted some beach time on that cruise, I would probably consider Stone Island in Mazatlan. I've never been there, but it is just a quick ferry ride from the cruise ship area. I'm guessing you could explore the downtown historic area (Old Mazatlan) a little and then spend some time at Stone Island.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/b5kTQ6xyLHavuFVbA

Good to know. While we pretty much always do the optional AI at our timeshare these days. It is good to know about quality restaurants in Cabo (especially those just a little off the beaten path). Hope your sister-in-law is having a great cruise.

And yes, I also happen to enjoy canned, cooked beets too. I have a couple of cans in my pantry right now. Not as crazy about cold ones, but my wife likes them cold on her salad.

As a crusty old Navy Chief, just give me a Guy's Burger or a breakfast burrito and I'm a happy guy. I've never even payed $100 per person for a meal and I never will. To each their own however.

12 minutes ago, Cruzbw said:

Gardenias is very good for fish and shrimp tacos.  I go to Cabo often, and my two taco faves are Gardenias and Asi y Asado (need Uber ride). Gardenias is much more convenient for cruisers. I try to have both fish and shrimp tacos every day I'm there. I was at Gardenias last week and the price is higher than that (about 65-70 pesos per taco) but still a good deal.  Prices are higher everywhere after Covid just like US. Wherever you get your tacos, the shrimp and fish are locally caught.

Always wanted to try Asi y Asado ever since Guy Fieri was there. My understanding is they moved to a new location from the perimeter road on the corridor to somewhere else in that general area. Agree that Asi y Asado is too far out for cruisers. We'll be in Cabo in August on Carnival Firenze and my wife wants to go to Gardenias (and also Eden Spa for a massage). Just not sure I want to deal with the August heat vs. just hanging out on the ship. Did you ever try Gordo Lele's in Cabo. He (Javier) had absolutely the best carne asada tacos in Cabo (our opinion). Started out as a little "crack in the sidewalk stand" (with a long line of customers) down near the church that's close to Mi Casa. Unfortunately, he finally had to move to Mexico City for health reasons, but he was a real treasure in Cabo for many years.

26 minutes ago, SelectSys said:

BTW - On my own search I found this place as well which seems to get good reviews and lobster seems to be on the menu:

https://www.opentable.com.mx/r/las-mariscadas-cabo-san-lucas?ref=16420

Yep, I know that area well. It's on Calle Cabo San Lucas just past the restaurant "Mi Casa". Mi Casa doesn't look like much on the outside but it's beautiful inside (especially at night). Been going to Cabo every year since 2002 to visit our timeshare. Haven't missed a single year yet. Anyway - that's an easy walk from the tender pier. We will be back there on Carnival Firenze in August and then our usual one week stay at our timeshare in October. That restaurant is actually not far from our timeshare at PB Sunset Beach. At the intersection between Mi Casa and Las Mariscadas we would drive up the hill (left) and then up to Via de Lerry (left) and that is the private entrance to our timeshare perched on the hillside overlooking the Pacific. We watch the cruise ships go by from our balcony.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QHS2zTZygTjCvmo67

Checked menu's for Captain Tony's and Solomon's Landing and only saw lobster listed for Solomon's Landing (pretty dang pricey though). If I was looking for seafood at Solomon's, I would definitely go for the whole grilled red snapper (wow is that good). But the Crazy Lobster will definitely have lobster.

Here is a description I found on the internet.

"Like the Caribbean lobster, the California lobster is a warm water species and lacks claws. However, unlike its East Coast cousin, the California lobster rarely finds itself on a Western plate. Described as "slightly chewy" and as having a "creamy and extremely nutty flavor," the California spiny lobster might just be the West Coast scuba diving community's best-kept secret, as they're the only Americans that have access to them. However, they are quite popular in China, which is where the majority of commercially caught spiny lobsters from California and Mexico end up.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography graduate Kate Masury claims the Chinese prefer clawless lobster species to their cold water counterparts. This demand has driven up the price of the lobsters, leading Americans to select cheaper options. Still, if you manage to get your hands on a California spiny lobster, you may want to treat yourself by boiling them, dousing them with butter, slapping them on a hot grill for a few minutes, and then finishing with even more butter."

So if your sister has never had Baja Lobster then she may be disappointed in the comparison to cold water Maine lobster. It's certainly not bad - but it is different.

In Cabo, on the Marina Walk are several excellent restaurants that "probably" offer lobster. My personal favorite is Solomon's Landing but there is also the excellent Captain Tony's as well as The Tiki Bar (a little further down the walk). Tiki Bar is also a favorite of mine for their outstanding fish & chips and their sushi is very good as well.

There is also a street nearby called Calle Miguel Hidalgo (also sometimes called restaurant row). On that street is a restaurant called "The Crazy Lobster" and they should definitely have it. We ate there probably 15-20 years ago and it was good (nothing to write home about - but good).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cN9uVeD12R5z1V8C7