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. 🌅🛳️