Puerto Vallarta: Tequila, Traditions & a Travel Hack Worth Sharing

 We woke up early in Puerto Vallarta to a perfectly warm, sun-soaked morning—one of those days that instantly puts you in vacation mode. Today’s plan was the Princess shore excursion to a tequila tasting factory, an experience we’d done once before and were excited to repeat.

Why go back? Because this is rumored to be the only place you can buy their specialty flavored tequilas—Coffee, Almond, and Peach—and trust me, they’re worth the hype. The excursion costs $49.95 and is listed as a 4-hour tour. We skipped the version that includes lunch and a show since we already knew we could grab food and drinks à la carte afterward for much less.

Before heading out, we spent some time strolling along the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic oceanfront walkway. Since it was the first week of November, the city was beautifully decorated with Día de los Muertos displays—colorful, meaningful, and absolutely stunning. We popped into a jewelry store (just browsing this time), stopped by City Hall, and visited the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We’ve been inside before, so we admired it from the outside and continued soaking in the atmosphere.

Then it was time for the tequila adventure. The drive to the factory took about 30 minutes, followed by a quick and informative lesson on tequila-making before the fun part—the tasting. We sampled a variety of tequilas, from smooth blancos to rich añejos, and yes…they were just as good as we remembered.

Naturally, after the tasting we made a beeline for the counter to stock up on our favorites, including a few añejos and a gift pack. Since we bought five bottles and a gift pack the staff surprised us with an extra bottle for free—bonus! So we picked the  new mango-flavored tequila, which was dangerously delicious.

Lunch came next, and before we knew it, our “4-hour” tour had turned into nearly 6 hours—not a bad problem to have when you’re having fun.

Here’s where things got interesting: on the walk back through the terminal, we passed several shops and noticed one selling the exact same tequilas. We stopped in and learned it was the same owner, same products, and same prices. The store was called Magic Beer, and they also offer tequila tastings right there.

💡 Travel hack unlocked.
Now I know that next time, I can book a different excursion, enjoy more of Puerto Vallarta, and simply stop at the shop on the way back to the ship to pick up our favorite tequilas.

Puerto Vallarta truly has so much to offer—and sometimes, repeat visits teach you the best insider tips of all. Cheers to learning, sipping, and always finding a smarter way to travel! 🍹✨

Mazatlan and Stone Island

 We arrived in Mazatlán to another warm, sunny day—perfect weather for exploring. Since Mazatlán is a working port, you hop on a short shuttle from the ship to the little market area you pass through before reaching the main road. Our plan for the day was one of our favorite DIY adventures: heading over to Stone Island.

Once you walk out of the terminal and reach the main road, turn left. You’ll be approached by plenty of people offering tours and taxi rides, but here’s how to do Stone Island the easy (and cheap!) way. Walk about two to three long blocks until the street ends. Cross over onto a gravelly road and keep walking until you reach the second pop-up shack. This is where you buy your round-trip ferry ticket across the canal. The price went up from a whopping $2 to $3—still the best deal in town.

You’ll hop into a tiny motorboat for a quick 3–5 minute ride across the water. When you get off, politely skip the offers of rides to various restaurants. Just turn left, walk a few hundred feet, then turn right down the driveway toward the beach. And just like that, you’re on Stone Island—lined with restaurants, loungers, and beach activities.

The first restaurant usually has a few enthusiastic guys trying to get you to sit down, offering free loungers and umbrellas. It’s actually a great deal, but we always head a little farther down to “our spot.” It’s right next to Coco’s, and though I always forget the name, there’s a masseuse set up out front. We grab a table in the sand so I can kick off my sandals and settle in.

Drinks and snacks are a must. Chips, guac, and cold drinks appear within minutes. My husband and our friend opt for the beer buckets—10 beers for $25. I go straight for a Mango Margarita. Our entire bill? Thirty-two dollars. You can’t beat that. I also snagged some adorable pink earrings for $10 from one of the beach vendors (don't worry, they come right to your table).

After relaxing, sipping, and laughing with friends and family, we take a stroll down the beach and slip into the warm ocean for a refreshing dip. It’s the perfect Stone Island moment.

As the day winds down, we head back to the little boat for the short ride across the canal. This time we treat ourselves to a $5 golf cart ride back to the ship. If you still need souvenirs, the shops near the port have good prices and plenty of variety. 

Back onboard, it’s a quick shower before dinner and the evening entertainment. Tonight’s show was Silk—a beautifully done production with puppeteers, storytelling, and incredible vocals. It was honestly amazing.Here's a peek of the show. Silk show

Another perfect day in Mexico.

Cabo San Lucas & Snorkeling at Chileno Bay 🌊☀️🐠

After one relaxing sea day, we arrived in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, ready for some sunshine and adventure. I had a snorkeling excursion booked at Chileno Bay, a new experience and spot for me. 

We tendered into Cabo and boarded a catamaran for the hour-long ride out to the bay. The weather was perfect — blue skies, calm seas, and that signature Cabo sparkle on the water. When we arrived, the water was unbelievably warm, and we spent a full hour snorkeling among schools of tropical fish. 🐟💦 We always bring our own snorkeling masks (thank you, Amazon!) since it’s become a cruise tradition to explore the underwater world wherever we go.

After the snorkel, the crew turned up the fun with mariachi music, tequila shots, and a dance party on deck — yes, even the Macarena! 💃🌵 The whole boat was laughing and dancing as we cruised back toward the marina.

Once back on land, we made a pit stop at the iconic Cabo Wabo Cantina. My husband wanted a souvenir t-shirt, so naturally, we stepped inside for a couple of beers and some chips and guac. Sure, it’s a bit overpriced and touristy, but it’s one of those “you have to do it once” experiences — fun, loud, and full of Cabo energy. 🍻🎸

By the time we caught the tender back to the ship, the sun was setting over the water, painting the sky in pinks and golds. Watching the sunset from the tender was pure magic — the perfect end to an unforgettable day in Cabo San Lucas. 

4th Time’s a Charm — Mexico Riviera Cruise 🌴⚓️

 

Back at it again — my fourth time cruising the Mexican Riviera, and I still never get tired of it! This time, it’s extra special because I’m sailing with my husband, friends, and family. Our itinerary includes the classics: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta — three ports that always deliver sunshine, good vibes, and great memories.

Got my Medallion in the mail ahead of time, so I was Green Lane ready and set to sail. One of the best things about this cruise? The port is just about an hour’s drive from home, and the parking lot is right next to the ship. We left around 9:00 a.m. and arrived by 10:00 — talk about easy travel!

Embarkation was a bit slow since there were a lot of wheelchair passengers and no dedicated lane for them, but once things got moving, boarding was smooth sailing. First stop onboard? The Sanctuary. Those cozy lounge beds book up fast, so we made a beeline to reserve ours. It’s the ultimate relaxation spot — peaceful, shaded, and totally worth the $20 for a half-day. The highlight? Afternoon tea at 3:30, complete with scones and a sea breeze. Bliss. ☕️🌊

After settling in, we grabbed a quick lunch at the buffet — just a light salad for me since I skipped breakfast. Then came dinner… or rather, game night! The World Series was on — Blue Jays vs. Dodgers — so we headed up to the deck for an open-air viewing on the big screen. The day’s sunshine gave way to a cool evening, but Princess had blankets ready for everyone.

Dinner turned into a snack-fest: popcorn, beer, and endless appetizers while surrounded by cheering fans. The game went into overtime, and when the Dodgers pulled off the win, the whole deck erupted like we were in the stadium! It was such a fun, electric way to kick off the cruise. ⚾️💙

Tomorrow’s a sea day, which means time to unpack, relax, and fully settle into vacation mode. Nothing beats that first night at sea — the sound of the waves, the excitement in the air, and knowing that adventure (and sunshine) are waiting in the ports ahead. 🌅🛳️

Day 6 - Relaxing at Zion Hot Springs

After 5  days of hiking — nothing feels better than slipping into the warm mineral waters at Zion Hot Springs in La Verkin which is about 20 minutes away.  

It’s the ultimate way to end an adventure-filled vacation — surrounded by red rock views, desert air, and that blissful feeling of finally relaxing sore hiking muscles. 🌄😌 Whether you’re stargazing from the pools or just letting the heat melt away the miles, this place is pure magic. We signed up for the 3 hour package. The world inspired pools mimic different mineral springs around the world. This is from their website. We paid $72 for 3 hours. I think it's $67 but if you pay $5 more it goes to a $15 credit and the snack bar which can include drinks. 

We’ve designed a space that blends the serenity of nature with modern amenities to create an unforgettable wellness retreat. Our mineral-rich pools are the centerpiece. Carefully maintained to enhance their natural therapeutic properties, these pools invite you to sink in, let go, and feel your worries drift away.

30+ Natural Springs Pools (Now Open!)

16 WorldSprings Inspired Pools

2 Fresh Water Pools Including a Large Family Pool

3 Cold Plunge Pools

3 Barrel Saunas

If you’re heading to Zion, trust me — make time for a soak. Your legs (and your soul) will thank you! 🙌✨

Day 5: Zion – The Grand Finale

After days of exploring Utah’s red rock country, we finally made it to the grand finale—Zion National Park. Even as we drove in, the views were jaw-dropping. Massive sandstone cliffs towered on both sides, glowing shades of orange, gold, and cream in the sunlight. It felt like driving straight into a painting.

We entered through the east side, winding our way down the steep switchbacks of the Zion–Mount Carmel Highway. Every turn revealed another “wow” moment—arches carved into cliffs, tunnels through solid rock, and sweeping views that seemed to stretch forever. By the time we reached the canyon floor, I was already in love. Instead of pulling over and stopping I just took photos and videos from my passenger window. 

We stayed right outside the park in Springdale, a charming little town lined with cafes, gear shops, and restaurants. Since the park was full and you couldn't park in there, I went to the hotel and asked if I could leave my car there for the day. It was a quick five minute walk to the city shuttle that took us to the visitor center and the shuttle that will take you in the park and all the major trailheads. 

For our big hike, we wanted  to explore The Narrows, one of Zion’s most iconic experiences. This isn’t your typical trail—it’s a river hike through a slot canyon, where you wade (and sometimes walk waist-deep) through cool water surrounded by cliffs hundreds of feet high. However rain was predicted and we couldn't rent the waterproof bib overalls and hiking boots w/stick because of flood watch warnings.My bucket list item was a no go today and I was super disappointed. However everyone advised to not do it because of the danger. So we walked the mile walk to the narrows for photos and. turned back. We just started our next hike to the Emerald Pools  when the Thunder and Lightening started. As we reached the Middle Pool our phones were sending us alerts for "Flood watch warnings". We made it one mile in and explored the waterfalls before heading back down the hike, but at least I had my waterproof pants on. We descended back into town to dry off and head out to dinner. 

After 5 days of hiking we are seriously considering the Zion Hot Springs tomorrow.