We are leaving from Los Angeles and going to the Mexican Riviera. I have never been on a cruise ship before. Do you have any "do's" or "don'ts'' to share with me? We will be docking in Peurta Villarto, Mazatland, and Cabo San Lucas. Any recommendations on what to see or do on our on-shore excursions? Thank you in advance.
2006-11-12 09:50:18 · 13 answers · asked by Donna 2 in Travel ➔ Mexico ➔ Cabo San Lucas
Donna, I'm a veteran cruiser. First, there are lots of really great sites out there to ask specific questions about shore excursions for your ports-of-call and also give great advice for 1st time cruisers, which I've provided below. One thing to know about Mexico is when buying from street vendors, always barter for the price. The first price is never the final price. You don't have to try to steal the item from them. They have so little money, but you can nearly always get a 'better' price. For me, a few things that I've learned to always pack:
Photocopies of your passport or birth certificate and photo id if not using a passport---Put a photocopy in each piece of your luggage, in case of loss. Also, use a photocopy as your I.D. when leaving the ship for excursions. Some cruise lines take your passport when you board. Others don't. NEVER use your original passport for id when leaving the ship! You'll get a card to scan when leaving/reboarding the ship, but you may need id while ashore for credit card purchases or any unexpected problem.
A travel alarm clock---there won't be one in your room, and though you can always use the 'wake up call' service, it's nice to know what time it is. Depending on your cabin grade, you may not have an electrical outlet close to your bed, so choose your clock accordingly, I have a little battery operated one with an 'indiglo' feature for checking the time in the middle of the night.
A small night light---Your cabin will be DARK at night. A little light in your bedroom or the bathroom is really helpful.
A small blow-dryer---Once again, depending on cabin grade and cruise line, you may need this. My best advice is to call the cruise line and ask about a dryer. If it's the kind attached to the bathroom wall, forget it! You'll want your own, trust me.
A fanny pack---Invaluable for shore excursions for carrying camera, money, sunscreen, etc. and it keeps your hands free for other packages you may acquire, but be smart when using it and prepare for tourist safety. I put mine around my waist and then tuck my shirt in over it in the back and work it out in the front. This will prevent someone from possibly cutting it off you. I'm not trying to scare you, but these kinds of things do happen sometimes. Just better safe than sorry.
A hat & sunscreen---Mexico is HOT and it is SO EASY to get burned, especially on certain excursions. A hat or ball cap can keep that sun from burning your head & face.
Ziploc baggies in varying sizes---These are great for sealing up your toiletries and such so they don't leak in your bags. You'll also find a dozen uses for them while on your trip, trust me on this one.
A couple of DON'TS: Don't pack many t-shirts. You're going to Mexico and you'll probably want souvenirs. Buy t-shirts. They are a great souvenir, not too expensive, and help supplement your wardrobe.
Don't pack too many pairs of shoes---Jeez, they take up so much room in your luggage and I swear you won't need them all.
Try to plan your dinner outfits around a couple of pairs of shoes and save that room for other stuff. Be sure, though, to pack a good pair of walking/hiking shoes. You'll be doing lots of walking, no matter what you choose to do on your excursions, and if you plan a trip to a ruin, you'll be glad for good, sturdy shoes. If you are planning snorkeling, boating, beach type excursions, take along a pair of water shoes also, if you have them.
Check out:
http://cruisecritic.com On that site, check out the 'boards', which are basically newsgroups to ask questions, get answers, etc. They have a specific board for ports of call thru which you can get great info about ports and shore excursions. There are also boards for your specific cruise line. One word of caution!
Take comments about your ship's condition, service, and food with a grain of salt. Some of those folks are MAJOR snobs, and nothing will ever make them happy. There are also links for first time cruisers, like packing suggestions, etc.
Another good site is: http://cruisediva.com/hints_1.htm
I linked to 'hints for new cruisers', but there are many other pages of packing tips, etc.
Lastly, I've been to all 3 cities in Mexico and I've loved them all.
If you're young but of legal drinking age and want to experience some really fun bars, try Cabo. Visit the Giggling Marlin (home of the upside down gringo) and El Squid Roe--both of which were THE hotspots when I was last in Cabo. Cabo Wabo is also great, but more expensive and subdued.
I've also been horseback riding in all 3 spots, and it's a great way to see the landscape and/or sea, if you're comfortable with horses.
One last thing: Take lots of singles for tipping baggage handlers, etc while traveling. Also, most cruise lines these days automatically subtract $10 a day for all your onboard tips which will be added to your onboard account to be payed at the end of your cruise. Check this out and don't plan on EXTRA tipping, or having to pay out cash tips at the end. As I said, that's old style stuff and most cruise lines don't operate that way anymore.
HAVE FUN!
Polly
2006-11-14 06:31:12 · answer #1 · answered by Polly 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I went to Cabos San Lucas two years ago. It was the best vacation that I ever took. Here are some things that I would suggest for your stop im Cabo.
Before I left for Cabos San Lucas, I used a tanning bed for two weeks before I left. I would suggest that you have a base tan or bring some heavy duty lotion with you for the first couple of days so that you do not get burnt.
The first thing that I was told not to do was buy any sodas or candy bars out of vending machines while on shore. I hate to say it, but there have been some stories of food sickness and poisening coming from the vending machines.
Also, I was told not to jump into the water unless you are a good swimmer. The undertow is strong and will knock you down if you are wading in the water. This is one thing that I know is true because I did get knocked over.
And whatever you do, DO NOT go on the tour looking for houses to buy. I did not go, but several people told me it was boring and it took to long.
Definately say hola to the natives of the land. They are friendly and if you know some spanish may try to have a conversation with you. It probably wouldn't hurt to study up on your spanish incase you need to ask for something like, where the bathrooms are, or the cost of something you want.
Also, If you get a chance to go to any of the bars, your first stop should be the giggling marlin. If you are old enough, or your parents allow you to drink on the trip with them, you will want to pay ten bucks to hang upside down and do shots. Its lots of fun and they take your picture (of course you have to buy that too). At night, they have music for dancing and you can also get a bite to eat while you are there.
If your looking for something a little bit more low key, stop in at the Cantina. It is located in the Marina infront of all the Marlin Fishing Boats. You can't miss it. You will be able to eat as well as people watch and see the local venders go buy. While I was here, I had my hair braided for $40 while my friends drank beer and watched.
And always try the salsa. They will make it fresh for you at the table side in most restaurants.
2006-11-14 22:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by Becki R 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Eat as much food as you can!!!!! But to avoid the weight gain, take the stairs instead of the elevators. Don't over pack, you'll regret it!! And take PLENTY of strong sunscreen, I was burnt to a crisp on my cruise in the Caribbean because the sun screen I took was too weak against the tropical sun. Most importantly have a great time! Live it up while you are on that ship!
2006-11-12 18:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by D-pig 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Have a good time. Some things you should remember is to pack for more than the time planned. You never know when there will be any type of delay. Manmade or natural. When disembarking, if you're doing it by a little boat, were a lifejacket always.
2006-11-12 18:08:41 · answer #4 · answered by ☺collia☺ PaRtY LiKe tInKeRbElL 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. bring a veriety of clothes and shoes. their will usually be a dinner formal and clubs, and shows. but also be prepared for pools and strange weather.
2. bring condoms. people on cruise ships act like they never had sex before. everyone is horny.
3. be prepared to eat. there is a lot of food.
4. sneak alcohol in emptied coke bottles in your baggage. alcohol bottles are not permitted. dont let them catch you at check in.
5. PV is the nicest stop. brilliant water colors and parasailing is great. like a nice version of TJ. mazatland is dirty. Cabo is like something you would see from a fairytail island.
6. unless you are rich, dont spend too much on the excursions. they become more like diversions. explore the places on foot with cruisemates. its more fun.
7. try to do the titanic thing with a chick(or dude) at nighttime at the tip of the ship.
8. take lots of pictures so your friends could see how fun it was.
9. be prepared to cry... lots of people get emotional at the end cause its so fun. last couple days there's a lotta sex. i remember penpaling with girls who got pregnant from the ships
2006-11-12 17:59:16 · answer #5 · answered by mvpmedia2000 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The cabins are tiny unless you upgraded.
Pack some slinky dresses for formal dinners (a little black dress is perfect with some heels)
They don't mean the "no tipping" thing.
Ask to eat with the captain the moment you board to get on his list. Dress appropriately if accepted.
Bring Imodium
2006-11-12 18:00:30 · answer #6 · answered by Sir J 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
eat eat eat when in Mazatlan at the pier they have golf carts for rent for the day ...that's the way to see the city..oh and did i mention eat eat eat...the best do is do what ever you want. cabo is a lot of higher end shopping so get you trinkets before there..
2006-11-12 18:26:35 · answer #7 · answered by cruise junkie 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only 2 things I've heard: You need a couple FORMAL dinner outfits. No jeans or khakis--dresses & suits!
Also, you need to TIP, so bring a lot of fivers!
2006-11-12 17:58:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cruises are fun if you make them fun! Go do the activities and don't forget your swimsuit! Don't feel guilty about eating all that delicious buffet food! Have fun!
2006-11-12 17:52:14 · answer #9 · answered by umhiimteresa 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should definately enjoy your boat and enjoy every city you go too. also do the activities on your cruise boat they will be the funnest ever and u will meet people from your boat.
2006-11-14 19:45:14 · answer #10 · answered by mmvmartha 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋