Another California Adventure! – Baja Mexico & Mexican Riviera aboard the Miracle & Panorama (with pics) – October 2021.

[Jamman54]

At this point we were concerned that the Captain might cancel this port stop. Patti started snapping some more pictures just in case this was as close as we were going to get. This is the Avalon Casino, and no, you can’t gamble there…..

 

 

 

This is the view to the right of the Avalon Casino…..

 

 

Here are a couple of views looking toward Avalon…..

 

 

 

The houses go back up into the hills…..

 

 

The Wrigley Mansion is way up there…..

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the towering hills surrounding the town of Avalon…..

 

 

Right before 10 am we saw a loaded tender heading over. We might make it to land yet!

 

 

To be continued…..

[mjrcruiser]

6 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

At this point we were concerned that the Captain might cancel this port stop. Patti started snapping some more pictures just in case this was as close as we were going to get. This is the Avalon Casino, and no, you can’t gamble there…..

 

 

 

This is the view to the right of the Avalon Casino…..

 

 

Here are a couple of views looking toward Avalon…..

 

 

 

The houses go back up into the hills…..

 

 

The Wrigley Mansion is way up there…..

 

 

 

 

Here are some of the towering hills surrounding the town of Avalon…..

 

 

Right before 10 am we saw a loaded tender heading over. We might make it to land yet!

 

 

To be continued…..

We went to Catalina Island back in 2018 for Christmas with my husband's family (his brother lives in San Diego) . The entire family rented golf carts and drove around the island.  It was absolutely beautiful!  Hope to be able to enjoy it again one day.  Thanks for sharing..it brings back lots of fond memories.

[Jamman54]

We left our cabin at 10:45 am to head ashore. We figured that there would be a line to get on a water shuttle, but we walked right on. The water shuttles were still bouncing a bit, but there were plenty of crewmembers there to assist you on getting aboard. We chose to sit on the top level of the water shuttle. It took forever to get everyone loaded aboard because it was a slow process. Finally, we are headed to the island…..

 

 

 

 

We have made it to Avalon. It is now 11:55 am, so it took us over an hour from the time we left our cabin to get here. The majority of that time was waiting for the water shuttle to be safely loaded…..

 

 

 

If you need a ride back to Long Beach…..

 

 

The Carnival Miracle is anchored off shore…..

 

 

Looking across the small harbor…..

 

 

 

We begin our walk into Avalon…..

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Patti and I continue our walk along the waterfront towards Avalon. We pass Knabe Park…..

 

 

 

This is the Veterans Memorial…..

 

 

 

This is a bronze statue commemorating “Old Ben”…..

 

 

 

Looking back towards the Water Shuttle landing…..

 

 

 

Looking out towards the Pleasure Pier. You can book your own excursions here such as a glass bottom boat, submarine rides, fishing boats, or rent water crafts. There are also places to eat out there…..

 

 

Looking out at the Carnival Miracle anchored off shore…..

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Linda the Book Lover]

17 hours ago, rj59 said:

I'm sailing on the Miracle this Sunday, which should make me nostalgic for the 'unique' Joe Farcus designs of the Imagination/Inspiration (RIP), but without quite so many sculptures of bare-breasted Egyptian women. Hopefully the stowaway food-thief seagulls which plagued the Inspiration/Inspiration going from LB to Catalina aren't a problem on the Miracle--the old ships eventually had to hang ugly nets of fishing line to protect food on the lido and outside buffet areas. 

Too funny about the seagulls on the Inspiration. I reached over to get something from the table next to me and the "dirty bird" flew in swooped off with part of my lunch. He/she was really quick. I told the bird, that's ok I will get some more. Along with others near us we all enjoyed a good laugh. I swear the same one flew back the following year requesting lunch with me again.😂

Edited November 13, 2021 by Linda the Book Lover
remove double word

[Jamman54]

We are exploring Crescent Street which is the street that runs along the waterfront in Avalon…..

 

 

 

 

 

We bump into Jim and Pat, who have just arrived on the latest tender. It’s their first time here, so they are going off to explore, and Patti is going to continue her photo tour. We will all meet at the Lobster Trap later for some drinks and lunch. My job is to procure our seats there. This way to the Lobster Trap…..

 

 

Patti heads out on the Pleasure Pier…..

 

 

Here are some views taken out on the pier…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued………

[Jamman54]

Patti continues her walk along Crescent Street…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patti makes it back to the Lobster Trap and we have a drink while waiting for Jim and Pat to arrive…..

 

 

 

They arrive shortly after and once they have their drinks it’s time to order some lunch…..

 

 

To be continued…..

 

[Jamman54]

Lunch is served! Patti had the Caesar salad and crab cakes….

 

 

 

I had the seafood soup and bacon wrapped scallops…..

 

 

 

Pat had the lobster roll….

 

 

Jim had the tuna I believe…..

 

 

Before we left Patti got some inside shots of the Lobster Trap…..

 

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

We took the next to last water shuttle back to the ship, and then went back to our cabins for sail away. We are sailing away from Catalina Island…..

 

 

We missed tonight’s sunset, but we did see the moon rise…..

 

 

 

Later we met Jim and Pat at the Alchemy Bar for a few drinks. Here Zora is making Patti and I some raspberry martinis…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We were all craving a late snack, so we made our way to the deli. Patti had a turkey wrap, and I had a couple of chili dogs and fries. That sure hit the spot! The buffet line was still open, so Jim and Pat got something from there.

 

Afterwards, Patti went to Swirls, and then made her way back to the cabin, Jim and Pat went to try their luck in the Casino, and I went down to the Lobby Bar for a few drinks, and to listen to the Polaris Trio for a little while. Back to the cabin to find tonight’s towel creature. Goodnight!

 

 

Coming up next: Our return to Ensenada and dinner at Nick & Nora’s.

[AK2CA]

3 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

That being said, I want to introduce you to Terri, who you know as “AK2CA”. It was a pleasure to meet and talk to you this cruise. Congrats on making the review!

It was really wonderful to meet you and Patti.  I hope our paths cross again on a future cruise.  Enjoying reading your review and you guys are making me miss the Miracle already.  Luckily I'm in countdown mode to the next cruise in December.  Happy cruising!

[Jamman54]

Good morning gang! Today is all about football and beer so I won't be posting anything until tomorrow. Have a great Sunday! 🍺🏈🤗

[grima625]

Enjoying another great review. I’ve been reading at work, but couldn’t see pictures. I finally got a day off, and got caught up on all of the great pictures. 

[kelkel2]

6 hours ago, Jamman54 said:

Good morning gang! Today is all about football and beer so I won't be posting anything until tomorrow. Have a great Sunday! 🍺🏈🤗

Enjoy your Football Sunday and Go Pack Go! 

[sp2]

Well what a wonderful Sunday surprise this was! I had quite a bit to catch up on! Hope you are enjoying your football and beer 🍺. Looking forward to the continuing story and Patti’s wonderful pictures!

[flwinejunkie]

Yeah!  Another Jamman and Patti review!  

 

I saw your posts on Saint Greg's Live Panorama review and was anxiously waiting for you to begin this B2B review.  Thank you for taking us along on your adventures!  

[Linda the Book Lover]

COVID Test question - did you order a 2pk? Getting ready to order for myself and adult daughter and figured the two pack would cover us. I am guessing this is what you did.

[Jamman54]

59 minutes ago, Linda the Book Lover said:

COVID Test question - did you order a 2pk? Getting ready to order for myself and adult daughter and figured the two pack would cover us. I am guessing this is what you did.

We actually ordered the 6 pk. With all the posts saying they were missing pieces and empty fluid bottles we didn't want to chance it. 😎

[Linda the Book Lover]

40 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

We actually ordered the 6 pk. With all the posts saying they were missing pieces and empty fluid bottles we didn't want to chance it. 😎

Thank you so much. DD is going to order extra as well, I figure I can use with the DH on our cruise right after I get back from this one.

[Jamman54]

On 11/14/2021 at 9:46 AM, grima625 said:

Enjoying another great review. I’ve been reading at work, but couldn’t see pictures. I finally got a day off, and got caught up on all of the great pictures. 

 

Glad to have you along for the ride again! You need to bribe your IT guy at work to allow Smugmug to be seen! 

 

22 hours ago, sp2 said:

Well what a wonderful Sunday surprise this was! I had quite a bit to catch up on! Hope you are enjoying your football and beer 🍺. Looking forward to the continuing story and Patti’s wonderful pictures!

 

Thanks! More going up shortly! 

 

21 hours ago, flwinejunkie said:

Yeah!  Another Jamman and Patti review!  

 

I saw your posts on Saint Greg's Live Panorama review and was anxiously waiting for you to begin this B2B review.  Thank you for taking us along on your adventures!  

 

Thanks for following along! Will be reaching the Panorama section in the next couple of days! 

 

[Jamman54]

Day # 12  (October 20^th)  -  Ensenada  8 am – 6 pm.

 

We are up a little after 6 am as the Carnival Miracle approaches Ensenada. The seas are calm and the sun is just coming up. Temperatures are going to be in the high 70’s today. Here is the view from our balcony looking forward…..

 

 

Our view looking aft…..

 

 

Here are today’s “Fun Times”…..

 

 

 

We are sailing into Ensenada once again…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued….

[Jamman54]

We are not having breakfast today since our excursion includes lunch. Patti and I are doing a Carnival excursion today:

 

ENSENADA RESORT GETAWAY

 

DETAILS:

 

Resort: This is one of Ensenada’s top resorts featuring an outdoor pool, jacuzzis, heated indoor pool, kid’s playground, and a volleyball area.

 

Lounge and Relax: Once at the resort, your guide will show you where you will be able to relax and sip on delicious tropical cocktails available for purchase at the pool. Discover your favorite cocktail and relax on a comfortable chaise lounge chair overlooking the marina and the Pacific Ocean.

 

Families with Kids: Have a great time using the sandy playground area that includes slides, swings and climbing steps.

 

What’s Included:

 

Domestic breakfast & brunch buffet.

Fruit juices.

best price icon

 

NOTES:

 

Good to Know: The recreation zone features shaded cabanas with coffee table and beach sofas. There is no ocean access, the resort is facing the marina. Kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and aqua bikes are available for rent. Guests wishing to stay downtown will be responsible for their return transportation to the ship.

 

What to Bring: Beach towel, credit/debit card for purchases.

 

Jim and Pat are going on another tour today so we’ll meet up with them later. We have some time to kill, so Patti gets some laundry together to send out, and I work on the pictures for the review.

 

Our excursion meets on the pier at 10:30 am so we are now off of the ship…..

 

 

 

Looking up, we can see that some of the crew is doing their muster drill…..

 

 

Here is the friendly food sniffing dog again…..

 

 

Here is the Miracle docked in Ensenada. We are docked at the other pier this time…..

 

 

Here is our excursion…..

 

 

We will be taking the Fun Bus. There is only one other couple going on this tour with us today. Since it’s still a little chilly, Patti and I decide to ride on the lower level. It was the right decision!

 

 

Here are a few views taken during our twenty minute ride to the resort….

 

 

 

 

 

Our guide called these the Mexican Uber…..

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

We have arrived at our destination, the Coral & Marina Hotel…..

 

 

Here are the Front Desk and Concierge Desk…..

 

 

 

This is Kevin. He is our guide / baby sitter for our excursion…..

 

 

The first order of business is some food. This was a Mexican brunch buffet. They would heat up tortillas for you. You weren’t allowed to serve yourself, they would serve you anything that you wanted……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

After eating we checked out the grounds. There were three pools, including a heated indoor one…..

 

 

 

 

There was one hot tub outside. I spent most of my time in here because the outside pools were a little too chilly…..

 

 

 

 

This is the Pool Bar which never opened. Kevin got us a bar waiter from inside to check on us and bring us drinks…..

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Patti takes us on a tour of the grounds. There is no beach access at this hotel…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To be continued…..

[Jamman54]

Patti continues her tour inside the hotel…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Around 3 pm it was time to head back to the ship. We thought that this excursion really wasn’t worth the $55 /pp that we paid, as we could have done the same thing on the ship with better food and drink options. At least we got a tour of the northern end of the city which we hadn’t seen before.

 

The Fun Bus came back to pick us up. Here are some views along the water as we headed back to the ship…..

 

 

 

Across the way is where La Bufadora, (the blowhole), is located…..

 

 

To be continued…..