Exploring amazing cruise destinations around the world
Aboard the Symphony of the Seas, I was surprised by how quickly I slipped back into ship mode, even after such a short stay. Disembarkation felt like a letdown, reminding me how much I love the cruise experience. With just 60 days to go, plans are shaping up for our upcoming trip, including a Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle onboard our first sea day and a perfect mix of excursions and relaxation …
Cabo San Lucas is where our “us” day truly began, away from tourist traps and filled with simple pleasures. The Sand Bar remains our go-to spot, and this time, our cats Charlie and Tippy even made an appearance via my t-shirt. There’s something special about enjoying time in the sun, even if I wished for a bit more breeze. The highlight of the day was definitely spotting the Carnival Firenze, which doesn’t sport the iconic whale tail funnel, a detail I found fascinating…
We waddled out of the restaurant, having left more than 30% of the food in the “boat,” un-tasted. The special we ordered included two items of everything they serve, and our drinks were a fun twist—one even balanced on the restaurant owner’s head! Although the extra charges for add-ons caught us off guard, the delicious meal and lively atmosphere made it worthwhile. David said we’d picked well, and locals seem to love this place.
The construction of the Catedral Mazatlan Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion faced significant delays due to financial issues, leading to its unique completion. Remarkably, a Jewish Synagogue stepped in to fund the remaining work, resulting in a church adorned with 28 stained glass windows featuring the Star of David, a rarity in Catholic architecture. This fascinating blend of cultures adds depth to the historical narrative of Mazatlan, making it a must-see on any tour.
Waking up before the alarm, I stepped onto the balcony, the pre-sunrise glow inviting me to reflect on my journey. Arriving in Mazatlan, I opted for a more intimate tour with just nine fellow travelers. Our guide, David Maciel, led us to stunning sites, including the Cathedral with its unique Jewish symbols. The sheer thrill of watching cliff divers and zip liners added to the adventure, promising a day filled with unforgettable memories.
The ride to Playa Chicka Locca brought back vivid memories of my trip to India, with scenes of bustling streets and herds of motorcycles reminiscent of Kolkata. Our driver, Angelo, guided us through the less touristy areas, where the local ambiance contrasted sharply with the resort’s planned activities. Waiting on Boca beach, we could smell the fresh produce from the boat’s grocery run, adding a unique flavor to our experience. The fragrant onions and lively atmosphere made it all the more special.
The breakfast options at Grand Pacific may not inspire a photo frenzy, but it’s the ambiance and personal preference that truly shape the dining experience. While the Main Dining Room offers a standard fare, my heart leans more towards the cozy feel of O’Sheehans. As we set sail from Mazatlan, tomorrow's plan may involve the buffet instead, adding a touch of spontaneity to our culinary journey.
I just secured a spot on a 7-day Greek Isles trip aboard the Norwegian Gem for October 2027, set to earn 4 Latitude Rewards points daily. This exciting journey adds to my growing point total, which will reach 151 after this trip. I'm already looking ahead to the possibility of the NYC to Seattle repo trip in 2028, envisioning our first Dinner with the Officers during that adventure...
Instead of the southbound Quebec City to Philadelphia trip from September 16 to 26, we're moving to a northbound adventure from September 26 to October 7. This change comes with the hope of catching peak fall colors—something we narrowly missed in 2023. With a major life event looming for our youngest daughter just before our original departure, this new schedule offers us the flexibility we need. Plus, I’m excited about revisiting the aft balcony experience on the Jewel-class ship.
We happened across a glass blowing gallery doing a demonstration today and decided to watch. The intricate artistry captivated us, showcasing the skill and creativity involved in transforming molten glass into stunning pieces. Afterward, we indulged in some local shopping, picking up surprises for the girls, including real maple syrup and our first refrigerator magnet of the trip.
As I boarded the ship, the crew's impatience was palpable, especially given the recent tensions between cruise visitors and Bar Harbor residents. It was a stark reminder of the local sentiment towards us—welcomed until we became a nuisance. However, the anticipation of whale sightings overshadowed any negativity. Our Cruise Director, Julie, proclaimed this was the best day of the season for sightings, and soon we lost count of the breaches we witnessed.
This day started with unexpected lethargy, leading to a long sleep that pushed our plans aside. Just before our 3pm Maine Lighthouses tour, we realized I would miss the cruise's Meet & Mingle event scheduled for 6 tonight. While it's disappointing to sacrifice this experience, embracing responsibility has its ups and downs. Perhaps we'll catch a comedy act later to lighten the mood.