Prior to cruise, had underestimated what great ports of call we were going to. But the cities as they are today are AWESOME & beautiful. And we felt safe the whole time ( mom & 2 teen kids). All people we met on land & cruise were wonderful, polite & accommodating. Virtually everything on ship was great & we were always entertained or enjoying relaxation. We were not prepared - for how surprisingly enjoyable this cruise would be. Highly recommend it!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Great but better communication of where party was ( not on top deck but all the way to REAR of top deck) would’ve made it better
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was excellent everywhere. Surprised that EVERYTHING tasted so wonderful.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Liked that there was an adult pool & jacuzzis so not tripping over young kids. Loved the convertible pool that they opened to sky & closed at all the right times. America’s Test Kitchen -(cooking TV show w/theater seating) was unique, educational & entertaining - even as a virtual “ non-cook”. Even my teen kids wanted to go to a show. Saw & liked fitness center w/nice forward views but didn’t use it b/c got enough exercise in walking halls of ship & on excursions. The computer digital image classes seemed to be a great idea but at least in this part of world ( USA) the Mac/Apple is the premiere platform for image/video manipulation. So we didn’t attend any. If it had been Apple - we probably would have gone to all. So that’s why 4 stars not 5.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Main stage entertainment was excellent Would give it an “A”! Pro dancers, magician & comedienne were excellent & captivating during entire performance.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Teens loved the teen activities director and opportunities to have fun together.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All were attentive, courteous and know their roles well. Always smiling too.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Everything always clean and public spaces ( and staterooms) were great. Not as dramatic/glamorous as another cruise line we have sailed on (which has taller dramatic central atrium etc) but traditional & nice. Loved the cruise historic timeline photos on stateroom hallways). A little harder to figure out layout than other cruise line ships but loved that there were more elevators so never a long wait to get on one. The excursion/game room with interactive maps and views was also unique and outstanding.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Always clean & balcony too. Balcony was nice sized w/2 chairs w/2 ottomans so could seat up to 4 if needed. Great privacy walls too so don’t see neighbors. Stateroom space is tight but functional. Many places to store suitcases & anything else. Closets ample too. Nice robes & beach towels provided. Only part a little inconvenient but manageable was that the pull out couch single bed was on the side of room by balcony so had to climb over person sleeping in it to get outside to balcony at night or early in morning.
Ship tip
Get up to speed on their Navigator WiFi right away & explore it ( it’s free - just for that app - only for activities on board ship) and check out the TV screen for all the info segments there too.
Fabulous city with great residents. Lots to see & do - loved Balboa Park & Old Town (historic type area bringing flavor of western and Spanish heritage to life)
One of most beautiful “playgrounds” on Earth for active people w/all water sports. Also great resorts, ocean front restaurants,etc. We just enjoyed beach, swimming ( clear warm water) & beachside resort restaurant margaritas!
Did the city tour which was perfect. Air conditioned van, courteous helpful driver/tour guide, stopped at all the significant sites - cliff diving, Gold Coast promenade & Shops, historic gorgeous cathedral, country club neighborhood, much more. Great pace too. Really nice lunch at a beachside restaurant w/mariachi band adding atmosphere. Surprised at how much we really liked Mazatlan! Would definitely go back there again and stay longer!
We swam w/dolphins at Aqua water slide park. A highlight of our trip & worth it. Teen kids loved it & now we are all more devoted to saving marine life because of these dolphin ambassadors & our honored experience getting to be so close to them. Then we took a taxi ( easy & safe to do from ship) over to the boardwalk area and had a sunset dinner at La Palapa ( excellent all around, higher end & loved sand under our toes!) overlooking the beach. Then a sunset stroll along Shops, resorts & Shops of that promenade. It’s the place to be - don’t miss it. Definitely would love to return to Puerto Vallarta — fantastic!
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