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Mexican Riviera Cruise HOP

December 12-19, 2010

Round-trip from Los Angeles, CA

Hosts: Dave and Brenda Neil #26978

Come join your fellow Escapees on a fantastic cruise to the Mexican Riviera. It gets pretty cold that time of year here in the USA. Why not warm up for a few days sailing on board Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas. Just thinking about it will keep you warm all winter.

Today, the Mexican Riviera is the fourth most popular cruise destination in the world and is rapidly building a reputation as a Caribbean alternative, particularly as cruise lines are assigning newer and bigger ships to the region.

Itinerary

Escapees Outing, First Ever on a Cruise

For the first time, we’ll be having an “Escapees Outing.”  What this means is that we’ve chosen a shore excursion that you can choose to attend that will be an Escapees outing.  You’ll need to reserve your space early since shore excursions do fill up quickly.  Once it’s time to go on the excursion, everyone will get together in the meeting room designated by the ship for the excursion, and then your host will go up and get the slips for the whole group so that we’ll all be on the same bus (or two should the number of people warrant it).  What we’ve chosen this time around is:

Mexican Show, Sightseeing and Shopping – MZ27 – out of Mazatlan.  Approximate duration is 4 hours – Price is $34.00 per adult, $24.00 per child

Explore the heart and soul of Mazatlan in this cultural and shopping combination tour.  Take a drive to Vigia Hill for a picture-perfect view of the world’s highest natural lighthouse, offshore islands, and Mazatlan’s scenic coastline.  Continue on to the city’s historic centre for a visit to the 19^th-century cathedral, followed by the remarkable cliff diver’s performance as they jump off the rocky cliff into the ocean below.  Enjoy the views of the coastline in route to Golden Zone where you will experience an amazing show at Spectaculare Theatre.  Marvel in Mexico’s history through its music and traditions colorfully presented by costumed dancers, followed by the world-famous Papantla Flying Indians.  A complimentary traditional Mexican snack will be served during the show, and a cash bar is available.  Following the show, there will be free time to browse and shop at the many craft and jewelry shops located at the Golden Zone shopping area before boarding the motor coach for an approximate 25-minute drive back to the ship.  

Cabo San Lucas

This party town on the southernmost tip of Baja California provides a stunning juxtaposition of sea, desert, and mountains.  Aside from enjoying the beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, water sports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing, are popular and plentiful activities. Cabo's large dock has several shops and open-air stalls where merchants sell everything from woven baskets to shell necklaces and coral jewelry. Cabo's signature landmark is El Arco ("The Arch"), a rock formation at the tip of "Land's End," where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. A boat trip there is a must, if only to come face to face with the hundreds of noisy sea lions who reside on the rock formations. Cruise lines offer a myriad of excursions around El Arco, from glass-bottom boats to catamaran sails. A whale-watching excursion is another "must do," when thousands of California gray whales and other species make their annual migration from colder climates

Mazatlan

Mazatlan is not only a booming resort town but also the largest port on Mexico's Pacific coast. Stroll along Mazatlan's 10-mile seaside promenade, and stop in a local cafe for a snack of shrimp tacos and beer. Dozens of merchants sell jewelry, woven belts, and trinkets along the promenade. More heavy-duty shopping opportunities can be found in town in an area called the Golden Zone. Make sure to visit the historic "old town" section of the city, for its cathedral, marketplace, and the central square, called Plaza Republica. Do try to take one of the open-air taxis, called "Pulmonias," up the steep hillsides for a breathtaking panoramic view of Mazatlan's bays and several small islands and the legendary Sierra Madre mountain range rising behind the town.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is known for its quaint cobblestone streets, "old world" charm, and thriving nightlife. The walkway along the bay is lined with sculptures, many of which are said to bring good luck to those who touch them. But it's the jungle beach experience that sets Puerto Vallarta apart from other Mexican Riviera resorts. Take a boat trip to Yelapa Beach across the Bay of Banderas, tucked at the base of a jungle-covered mountain. A short hike takes you through lush tropical vegetation to a waterfall. You'll think you're on "Fantasy Island." Come to think of it, didn't that show come on after "The Love Boat"?

Socials

We have requested two socials; as soon as they are confirmed, we will post them on the website.  You will also get a letter under your cabin door the first night of cruising with the social dates and times as well as location. 

RV and Car Parking

World Cruise Center Los Angeles (San Pedro)
The World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, California is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) south of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of downtown Los Angeles and 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Long Beach, with easy freeway access from both directions.

Overnight parking is available and no reservations are required.  Most lots are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.  Courtesy shuttles are provided to and from the cruise terminal on scheduled ship days.  Shuttles are not wheelchair accessible.  Parking rates are $1.00 each hour for the first 10 hours, with a $12.00 daily maximum.  Cash, travelers checks and credit cards are accepted.  For more information, call Parking Conceptions at 1-800-540-PARK. 

Driving Directions
From LAX: Travel southbound on the San Diego Freeway (Interstate 405), then southbound on the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110). Exit at Harbor Boulevard and proceed straight through the Harbor Boulevard intersection. Turn right to enter the World Cruise Center.

From downtown Los Angeles: Travel southbound on the Harbor Freeway (Interstate 110). Exit at Harbor Boulevard and proceed straight through the Harbor Boulevard intersection. Turn right to enter the World Cruise Center.

From Long Beach: Travel eastbound on Ocean Boulevard, Seaside Avenue and the Vincent Thomas Bridge (State Highway 47). Exit at Harbor Boulevard and proceed straight through the Harbor Boulevard intersection. Turn right to enter the World Cruise Center.

Magnolia Lake RV Park

RV parking will be available at Magnolia Lake RV Park in Livingston, TX, for people flying out of Houston, TX.  Pricing will be $5.00 per day for dry-camp and $10.00 for full-hookup sites. Sites are available on a first-come first-served basis. If you’d like to stay in your RV for a few days before the cruise, parking is $15.00 per day, full-hookup sites.   No pets may be left in rigs. Make your reservations by calling Darryl Wheeler at Magnolia Lake RV Park at 936-365-4910 or 936-328-9786, or contact him at magnoliarvpark@eastex.net.

Pet Provisions

The following businesses will kennel cats and/or dogs.  The Escapees RV Club does not in any way endorse or recommend these services.  We are just providing you with contact information. 

Livingston

Pricing

Payment

A $250.00 per person deposit is due at time of reservation with the final payment due October 3, 2010.

Reservations

Reservations can be made by calling Dorothy Peterson of Peterson Travel Services at 800-737-6435, or by e-mail at Dorothy@petersoncruises.com.  Air prices are not included in the prices stated above. Air may also be reserved by calling Dorothy Peterson.

Short-term evacuation insurance is now available from SkyMed. For more information on this, you can call 337-263-3030 or e-mail Dick and Marilyn Rogers (SKP #61011) at rogers@skymed.com.