Thursday, March 12, 2009

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 7 Going Home

Day 7 we headed back to LA. I also got a head-cold so a took a lot of naps that day, lounged around in my pajamas, ate cookies that the inspired cookie guy delivered to us while laying on our lawn chairs, and toured the cruise ships extremely large kitchen. It was a calm, relaxing day. Since I felt like crap on the last day, there are no pictures to show. Sorry.

Even with a cold on the last day, Adam and I really enjoyed ourselves on the cruise with the Alders and can't wait to go on another one soon.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 6 Cabo

Third stop...Cabo!

In Cabo, which was by far our favorite place, we went scuba diving. It was Adam and my first open water dive since the crater in Midway.

I'll admit, I was really nervous to dive. It took me a while to go down the first time, but the second dive we did was much more enjoyable because I wasn't so stressed about breathing. I only panicked for about 30 seconds under water while 60 feet down in the ocean. However, I will say that I am glad we got certified and we saw amazing fish, eels, and sting rays. I would definitely go diving again.

The famous arch and lovers beach.

Getting ready to dive.




The boat that took us to our dive spots. Adam was a champ at his first open water dive, but I knew he would be.


Just finished our first dive and getting ready for our second. I felt a little sea sick at this point from the boat rocking, but once back in the water all was good.



We all agreed that Cabo was our favorite and we wish we had more time there. We can't wait to go back to Cabo San Lucas.

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 5 Mazatlan

Second stop Mazatlan!


We took a taxi to the "Golden Zone" and walked along the beach to find the perfect spot. We found a spot that over looked Stone Island and the ocean with a nice hotel behind us.

We played in the ocean and then ended our day at Mazatlan by spending some time at the pool.


Mazatlan was relaxing but not our favorite stop because it wasn't as pretty as Cabo or Puerto Vallarta. Right before Adam and I took this picture we saw another whale. We are glad we saw Mazatlan but we don't feel the want to go back right away.

Next stop...CABO!

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 4 Puerto Vallarta

Our first stop...Puerto Vallarta!
We took an excursion out to Las Calatas. It is a secluded island that John Houston used to own. It was beautiful. It would have been more enjoyable if there were not jelly fish in the water, but we did work on our tan, took some nature walks, went sea kayaking, and ate lunch.


We took a boat out to this excluded island and saw some whales and pacific manta rays on the way out there.


On our nature walk we found these hammocks under the trees.

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 3

Another day at sea.


Taking pictures as the sun goes down.


We cruised past Cabo on day 3. You can see it behind us. Don't worry we got to Cabo on day 6.


We got used to sunny days and bright sunsets. I could use more night like these. All I can say is I am ready for Spring!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 2

Our real first day of the cruise was spent all day at sea. It was a little chilly but we still seemed to entertain ourselves somehow. Even though the sun wasn't doing it's best to break through the clouds we all got burnt today.

Day 2 also included Adam's famous one-liner about Barbra Jean. Barbra Jean (named by Chelsea) was a grandmother who always had a beer in her hand to accompany her high pitched, squeaky, helium voice. She wore the same one-piece swimsuit all week long. When we saw her on the second day Adam looked over and said, I quote, "She sure does look adorable in that one piece." If only I had a picture to show you of the "adorable" black and white one-piece she sported.

Anyway, here is what we occupied our time doing on Day 2.


Relaxed in the overcast sky


Ate a lot of this...all week long really.

Adam and Burke played in the pool.

Chelsea and I tried to catch some rays.

Took some scenic pictures of the never ending ocean. (At night it is rather intimidating)


We had two formal dinners while on board the Sapphire Princess and Sunday was formal night #1.


Sunday, March 1, 2009

Mexican Riviera Cruise: Day 1

For those of you that have been on a cruise you understand why Adam and I enjoyed ourselves so much this week as we cruised through the Mexican Riviera. This is our second cruise with Princess Cruises and this time we went with our friends the Alders. I have to give a shout out to Chelsea as she was the one who researched the dates, flights, and prices for the cruise which really made it all come together for us to go instead of just talking about going as we usually do. So here is Day 1 of our wonderful cruising adventure.

We flew into LA, as that was our port, waited at a nice hotel that Princess Cruises provided for us, since we used their shuttle services (highly recommend it), and then we got to board the Sapphire Princess Ship. She was a beauty. Above and below are pictures of us on the top deck as we were leaving the harbor.

A scenic Lighthouse was the prettiest thing we saw as we left port. Everything else was cranes and boxes. Not the prettiest sight of LA.

That evening after getting settled in we played a little shuffle board on the sports deck. Never really played before but it is a very fun game. However, I am still trying to figure out the right strategy to win.

Chelsea and I striking our best Shuffle Board Pose.


Adam was really good at the Shuffle Board and by the end of the cruise and he mastered the talent. (Sorry his pictures are so dark--no lights at his end of the board).


After a great game of shuffle board Chelsea and I practiced our dance moves on the back of the boat. We mastered the shuffle steps, pirouettes, and leaps. We were the only ones at the back of the boat besides the cruise workers and I think we gave them an enjoyable show :)

Then we went to dinner. There is nothing like the food and service on board a cruise ship. Unlimited buffets and unlimited choices of gourmet entrees caused us to start eating tonight and we never really stopped. Good thing we don't own a scale. Ha ha.

Day 1 was a great start to a fantastic week.