Time to Relax and Enjoy

Day 10 and Day 11

Finally, we get to just wander the decks and enjoy the ship. Time has gone so quickly and we have been entertained and catered to thoroughly.

There has been no lack of things to do. There was a Karaoke contest, a Sudoku contest, a belly flop contest, bingo, and so many quizes and dances in between that we could have been totally exhausted.

The Radiance of the Sea is a beautiful ship. It has a mini golf, climbing wall, 2 large hot tubs, 12 bars, several cafes and one grand, two story dining room. (on further perusal I see we had – casual attire, smart casual attire, and formal attire for dining nights. Hope I got it right... not quite sure on the smart casual!!

It is a 'cash-less' ship. Any extra costs incurred were handled with our room card and signing of a receipt. That included every drink of alcohol, sodas,and fancy coffees. No coins or tips until the last day when a suggested amount was given to 3 dining room servers and our room service guy.

We didn't use the casino but it certainly looked popular. We could have seen movies in the theatre too but opted not to.

Our last night entertainment was so enjoyable. Dan Bennett is a juggler and clever commedian. He thoroughly entertained us. When he would goof on a juggle he would say 'Dan Bennett' in disgust and the audience would roar with laughter. You had to hear his inflection!

Following Dan was a young married couple from Argentina. They put on a spectacular 'tango' for us. They are known as Sol and Leandro – if you ever get a chance to see them it would be worth it.

In the centre of the ship on deck 4 is a 'centrum'. It has a corner where musicians of great variety come and sing or play for our listening pleasure. There are many love seats and chairs in groupings to sit and visit, read, and listen to the entertainment. The centrum has a green lighted glass stairway up one side to deck five. On deck 5 you can visits shops, get a latte, etc., sit and listen to the music as it wafts up the central opening.

The centrum is open for several more decks. Each deck has a quiet place, either for reading in the library, using internet services, champagne bar, or just hanging over the glass walls and watching people.

Deck 11 and 12 were where most people gathered to enjoy the sun and lounge chairs. We spent lots of time sitting near the Windjammer buffet and discovered a nice little lounging area to the rear. We read and played games there and tried to stay warm in the cool breeze.

The Pacific Ocean waves increased as we neared the northern area of Mexico. The captain told us that the waves would be about 6 metres high. They certainly splashed over our portal windows. The swimming pools sloshed so violently no one used them and the personnel closed them. They looked like wave pools!

We collected our luggage quickly as we left the ship and then made arrangements to be picked up and taken to our awesome “Hacienda” in Old Town San Diego.

Manzanillo Stop

Day 9, days are speeding by.

The Radiance of the Sea is the first ship to dock at the new pier built in Manzanillo.

Berne was set on going to the beach at the north end so that she could actually enjoy a dip in the ocean. Jim and I opted to just stay in the downtown area and experience real Mexico. Ruth and Ger went with Chambers but decided they'd rather be on the ship so they soon came back and enjoyed their day by the pool.

Jim and I walk a couple of miles to find an Iguana preservation 'farm'. They had over 100 iguanas, lots of them more than a metre long. They also had a pond of turtles which was fun to see. The yard had a huge kapok tree in it, the pods bursting with fuzz that we were told they use in pillows.

It was comforting to know that iguanas are vegetarians so we didn't have to worry about them snapping at us. Most of them were on a roof or up in the trees so I didn't feel uncomfortable. They are being protected because they have been a source of food for too many Mexicans.

Manzanilla is definitely a working city. Many container ships in harbour. It's close proximity to Mexico City makes it the largest commerical harbour in all of Mexico. We saw power plants as a source of hydro for the city.

We walked back through town, looking for items to purchase as this is our last stop in Mexico. Didn't find anything.

I did go into a couple of fabric shops and was amazed at the extremely low prices they have on all sorts of fabrics. Most of it was very colourful and suitable if you lived there.

We were back on board shortly after 3 and just relaxed before eating another wonderful meal in the dining room. Eg shrimp salad, sirloin, pecan pie – with ice cream of course.

By 9 pm we were off to enjoy the Horizons (Motown and more). They were great singers and sure knew how to shake their bootie.

Jim and I were ready to settle for the night so left our gang who went off to play cards and drink hot chocolate, etc. Ah, the young and foolish.

Heading northward now

We slept in a bit this a.m. and then went to the dining room so we could order eggs benedict.

Jim and I never met up with our gang so we left the ship (by tender) and decided just to saunter around this smallish town and get the feel of it. It is a nice town and we felt comfortable wandering through the streets.

We walked into a shop that sells hand woven wool carpets. They were definitely beautiful and we wished we had a use for one so we could feel good about buying it. Maybe next time. So many different colours and patterns and in many sizes too. The whole product, from raising the sheep and goats, to dying the wool and weaving on looms is done by a group of Mexican Indians.

We checked out a few other stores, had a small lunch at a local cafe and then headed back to the ship. On our way back we decided we'd better at least walk along the beach. I couldn't do that without getting my feet wet and the water felt so inviting. I don't think it's advisable to swim too close to town, never sure about their sewer systems or where they dump them, but we did enjoy the shore. I found lots of beach glass too and salvaged just a few pieces.

We were back to the ship by 2 so put our bathing suits on and went to deck 11 to sit by the pool, get some rays, and maybe even get in the pool. Well, we got some rays although I stayed in the shade for the most part.

Again we met Jack and Dot and had a fun little visit with them. While we were chatting on our lounge chairs I managed to pour a whole cup of iced tea in my lap. Fortunately Jim had an extra towel so I was able to mop it up quickly.

Dinner again in the dining room, lamb osso bucco style. Very good but not quite moist enough for me.

After dinner we were entertained by Kelly Monteith, he had us all laughing at ourselves and life at all it's stages. eg. This is the age when kids come back home to live with you. It gets pretty costly.... it's one thing to pay for their braces but it's a whole other thing to pay for their dentures!

We were out by 9 so we wandered through the shops again and found a couple of 'bargains'. One could also buy gold chain by the inch so we did that too. Some of the men in our group bought heavy gold necklaces.

Our gang still wasn't ready to say goodnight so we sat near a bar and played dice. Beautiful classical guitar music floated up to us from 2 floors below where a musician was playing for his audience.

Now it's once again after midnight and tomorrow comes quickly.

Acapulco

Acapulco

Sunday a.m. and Jim and I roused to have an early breakfast so that we could go to a church service at 9 a.m. It was supposed to be in the conference room but had been changed to the move theatre so we finally found it – a few minutes late.

The rest of our crew wanted to go for brunch in windjammer so we all trooped off there again. We met Jack and Dot along the way so once again enjoyed their company. They celebrated their 82 birthdays while on board! Great looking Californian couple. He was a preacher cum counsellor, cum realtor, before retiring.

The 6 of us got off the ship to explore Acapulco. We found another tour guide who would take us all to various places in his van.

First stop was a museum with artifacts of the Spanish invasion and reign from about 1760.

One sight we didn't want to miss was the cliff diving. 9 young men climbed the cliff dressing only in their bathing suits. It took incredible strength and agility for them to climb to the top of the rock cliff. Then they began diving back down into an area of water that is only 12 feet deep and not much wider. They had to time it to make sure the waves wouldn't slam them into the rock walls which surrounded both sides. They also have a definitely possibility of ending up blind because of the force of pressure as they enter the water. Crazy.

Our driver took us to his favorite market (it just happened to be owned by his sister), and there we once again perused silver jewelery and stuff. I did buy a cute little outfit for a baby neice.

Through town to wealthy homes on the far side. Families like Frank Sinatra's and Sylvester Stallone have beautiful homes here. Frank's has 5 pools.



Back to the ship and to the theatre for a folkloric show. The dancers were from Acapulco and they were excellent, giving a good display of dances from around Mexico. Their costumes were gorgeous, we've never seen better. There was the token lasso thrower too and he was also really good.

Our supper again was in the dining room and I had Asian duck, very nice.

We stood outside and walked around deck 11 to enjoy the last sights of Acapulco. There was a forest fire high on the mountainside and the wind was making it move quickly. Dusk came quickly and the city lights started to sparkle all around the beautiful harbour. It really made an lovely impression.

We stood outside until the last of the lights were behind us, the wind picked up and we headed inside for the rest of the evening.

Day 6 AT SEA

Ah, a day to relax and use more of the ship facilities. Or so we had hoped. We had breakfast at 9 a.m. and shortly after decided to at least walk some of the 12 floors of the ship and check out spaces.

The day really warmed up and Berne and I found a shaded corner of deck 13 where we laid on our chaises and read for 30 min or so.

A light lunch at windjammer cafe. Dinner in the dining room. We always feel so well cared for there, the staff is very well trained to be attentive (and correct).

The show was Pat Boland, the man of a thousand voices. We had fun listening to him and the theatre went crazy when he finished the night with a couple of Elvis songs. It was super entertainment.

An hour later we all went to the Schooner Bar to sing along to Irish tunes with James Barr. We were all disappointed with the music there. The piano sounded tinny, James did not lead the singing but seemed to want to sing his own renditions. It is the only event that has not been up to par on this whole trip.

It was very late and we had a great sleep.

Thursday's child has far to go...

To Mazatlan today


Up quite early again and off to the smorg breakfast area (Windjammer Cafe) on the 11th floor. There we selected nourishing food that would keep us going for a number of hours.

Our ship is tied to dock here so we are free to come and go.

Because we are 6 people one taxi is not a workable solution. I talked with a young woman who had a van and driver and would take us around to the high point of Mazatlan. We climbed aboard, included two dark skinned ladies from North Carolina and we were taken to a viewpoint. We watched a cliff diver dive into a very small space between rocks. The surf tosses him around at the bottom and he's got to make sure he doesn't get tossed up on the very sharp rocks.

Mazatlan, which is an Indian word meaning deer, was conquered/settled by the French. You can see the history in the classic architecture. It is definitely classic French rather than the ornate Spanish influence.

We stopped at a beautiful cathedral (Our Lady of Guadaloupe). It was built in the 1700s and a lot the money ( think it was $70,000.) was donated by local Jewish people who seem to have come from Israel. Their only stipulation was that the star of David was to be in the windows and a star on the front of the church. They are beautifully incorporated. Some years later the Jews moved to Mexico city and that is where the Jewish Mexicans remain.

We walked around the market area and through some very interesting stores – fabric, high end clothing, low end shoes, and the highlight was a classy bakery. They had made a large rectangular cake, iced it in white basket weave, set it on wheels, added a stroller handle and pulled up shade to make the whole thing look like a baby carriage. A young lady there told us it was meant for a baby shower. I didn't think to take a picture but Berne and I sure ooed and awed.

By lunch time we ended at a great restaurant on the beach. I had a shrimp cocktail, Jim had calamari. The two ladies travelling with us had large deep fried fish. They said it was fabulous – they had learned how to eat it from travelling in the Caribbean. (They tore the whole thing apart with their hands and proceeded to eat, piece by piece.

I had a chance to use the internet before reboarding the ship so I caught up on emails, etc. The wireless on board seems very slow – especially when you're paying 65 cents a minute.

We dressed for an elegant supper again. Certainly have no complaints about the food or service – only the calories – and even that is our choice!

We all enjoyed another evening of entertainment in the theatre. It was a song and dance show of 60s and 70s music and they really do a great job of entertaining.

We then found a 40s and 50s dance club in a lounge and had fun watching. I couldn't get Jim up on the floor, even for a slow dance. He's so afraid of doing something poorly. I was very dissappointed, to say the least. Next time I'll travel with my brothers so they can give me a little swing around the room.

It's amazing what we can pack into a day and the bed is very welcoming at night.

The Peurto Vallarta I didn't see

Friday

Peurto Vallarta today. Oops, not me, I get to stay home near the toilet. I guess I ate something yesterday that didn't agree with my stomach and now I pay the penalty. Didn't feel well all morning so I slept again and when I woke up at nearly 3 I felt recovered. I sent for a large pot of green tea (to rehydrate me) and from then on I was better.

Berne, Brian, Ruth and Jim went into PV and really enjoyed the sights there. It is definitely a place we will want to come back to and spend some time getting to know the area.

Jim and I went to the dining room again, the other family went to the smorg. After that it was the show again in the Aurora theatre. A young couple did illusionist tricks and they were phenomenal. The show was called 'Fallon Magic'. He is Michael Fallon. He showed a photo of their best magic trick to date – it was a sweet picture of their 11 month daughter.

B&B and Jim went off to some club after that but the Mankys and myself headed to our beds.

A Stop at Mazatlan

Mazatlan

Up quite early again and off to the smorg breakfast area (Windjammer Cafe) on the 11th floor. There we selected nourishing food that would keep us going for a number of hours.

Our ship is tied to dock here so we are free to come and go.

Because we are 6 people one taxi is not a workable solution. I talked with a young woman who had a van and driver and would take us around to the high point of Mazatlan. We climbed aboard, included two dark skinned ladies from North Carolina and we were taken to a viewpoint. We watched a cliff diver dive into a very small space between rocks. The surf tosses him around at the bottom and he's got to make sure he doesn't get tossed up on the very sharp rocks.

Mazatlan, which is an Indian word meaning deer, was conquered/settled by the French. You can see the history in the classic architecture. It is definitely classic French rather than the ornate Spanish influence.

We stopped at a beautiful cathedral (Our Lady of Guadaloupe). It was built in the 1700s and a lot the money ( think it was $70,000.) was donated by local Jewish people who seem to have come from Israel. Their only stipulation was that the star of David was to be in the windows and a star on the front of the church. They are beautifully incorporated. Some years later the Jews moved to Mexico city and that is where the Jewish Mexicans remain.

We walked around the market area and through some very interesting stores – fabric, high end clothing, low end shoes, and the highlight was a classy bakery. They had made a large rectangular cake, iced it in white basket weave, set it on wheels, added a stroller handle and pulled up shade to make the whole thing look like a baby carriage. A young lady there told us it was meant for a baby shower. I didn't think to take a picture but Berne and I sure ooed and awed.

By lunch time we ended at a great restaurant on the beach. I had a shrimp cocktail, Jim had calamari. The two ladies travelling with us had large deep fried fish. They said it was fabulous – they had learned how to eat it from travelling in the Caribbean. (They tore the whole thing apart with their hands and proceeded to eat, piece by piece.

I had a chance to use the internet before reboarding the ship so I caught up on emails, etc. The wireless on board seems very slow – especially when you're paying 65 cents a minute.

We dressed for an elegant supper again. Certainly have no complaints about the food or service – only the calories – and even that is our choice!

We all enjoyed another evening of entertainment in the theatre. It was a song and dance show of 60s and 70s music and they really do a great job of entertaining.

We then found a 40s and 50s dance club in a lounge and had fun watching. I couldn't get Jim up on the floor, even for a slow dance. He's so afraid of doing something poorly. I was very dissappointed, to say the least. Next time I'll travel with my brothers so they can give me a little swing around the room.

It's amazing what we can pack into a day and the bed is very welcoming at night.

Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas visit today. It is a lovely touristy city, perched on the bottom of the Baja California. I love the Mexican style of architecture and the rich colours they choose to decorate their hotels.

We took a 'tender' from ship into harbour through quite rough water. The tenders had a difficult time getting up against our huge ship but it was managed.

Many people from our ship went on selected tours; snorking, parasailing, glass bottom boats, atving in the desert, a drive to Todo Santos, etc. We, the money watchers, chose to walk through the town, along the sandy beaches and enjoy the simple views.

It is a gorgeous bay and the water was warm and a beautiful turquoise. The swells would have been great fun to play in. So many options for enjoying and if we had two days we would certainly do some swimming.

We walked 7 miles on our little excursion but made it back to the ship in time to get cleaned up and somewhat rested and then go for supper in our lovely dining room.

The gang is playing cards this evening, waiting for a late variety show in the theatre.

Cruising Today

Aboard on Tuesday

We travelled south along the outside of BajaCalifornia. We can't see land and have only seen two other sea vessels.

The day was somewhat breezy and cool. So much so that we finally found a corner with sun and sat there so long that we've ended up with our first sunburn. Tomorrow we'll be smarter?

We met a very nice older couple at lunch. They are from San Diego and go to Rick Warren's huge church. (Rick Warren is the author of “The Purpose Driven Life”). We met Jack and Dot later as we strolled on deck 12 and after a nice visit in the sun we played mini golf with them. He loves golfing but this crazy little course is challenging, more so when the deck is also pitching somewhat from side to side.

It takes 4 and a half loops around deck 11 to cover a mile, we haven't done it yet.

We listened to a spiel today that wasted the best part of an hour. We thought we'd learn about our shore visits but she was only interested in telling us where the diamond stores were. Are people really THAT interested?

The meals in the main dining room are very nice. The menu is varied and all the meals are well presented. We have 2 servers at our table of six. Of course these two guys (Roberto and Emir) also serve 2 other tables so they are definitely busy. Tonight was formal night and we all dressed up for the occasion.

We watched people on a rock climbing wall today. Jim may work up enough courage to do it.

We were entertained this evening at another theatre event. Two men from 'The Happenings' (a 1966 recording duo). As most of the crowd is 'older' we all appreciated the sentimental songs they sang – with very good voices!

A day full of new experiences and we are definitely glad to be here.

A Surreal Day

Monday, monday.

After a refreshing sleep we woke to a rain freshened city. By the end of the day we were sailing the Pacific Ocean headed toward Cabo San Lucas.

We walked the harbour walk to see our ship awaiting our boarding. Too early to check in, we headed up Ash St. and onto India Ave to once more take in the charm of 'Little Italy'. We stopped at our favourite cafe, intending to have lunch but we were a bit early so had to order breakfast. A little more protein to keep us going for a few more hours.

At noon we were met by our shuttle driver and had all our luggage and us moved to the ship. Then we started the process of check-in. We were unburdened of our suitcases which were several hours later delivered to our rooms. We stood in long lines which quickly moved through check in – even down to signing a report that we have not had flu symptoms in the last 48 hours. We also walked through a checkpoint similar to getting on a plane where we had our hand luggage x-rayed and then we walked through the x-ray station too. At least we didn't have to take our shoes off. We were photographed in front of a scenic background (we can buy it for $20.) and then photographed again for ID. After all that we climbed the stairway and came aboard.

We are in 3028, Manky's are in 3030, and Chambers are in 3038, each with a large porthole window, more than 1 metre in diameter, for a view of the port side. That means we get to see Mexico all the way south.

It is a beautiful cruise ship. Other people who have cruised before are impressed by how well appointed the whole place is. Lots of marble and tile. The dining room is elegant and our appointed waiter is very accommodating.

We had a little snack in the Windjammer cafe and dinner in the dining room and then were well entertained in a large theatre. We listened to some great music near a central bar for a while, Jim and I sat out on the deck and looked at stars for a short time (it was chilly) and then decided it was time to retire to our very accommodating chambers.

Our room has a king bed, lots of drawers and closet space, many mirrors, a desk, tv, and a little settee. A very nice piece of art hangs over the settee. There are tons of light fixtures in our room too. A good sized bathroom is ours as well. Shower, cabinets, shelving, sink and toilet.

We will be very comfortable here.