Happy Halloween!

Aloha Everyone,

Wishing you a Happy Halloween!

Aloha -- Cathi

Puerto Vallarta

Aloha Everyone,

Our final port of call on this 39-days four back-to-back cruises. After visiting the Flea Market, the two of us walked to a nearby Walmart to stretch our legs on land. Interestingly, we saw many of the Sapphire Princess service staff doing their personal shopping including food snacks like ramen.

Halloween pumpkin carving by the kitchen staff was a chance to show off their creative talents to passengers.  Although some were so far fetched from the traditional Jack-o-lanterns, the reaction from some people were mildly bemused to unfavorable.

Aloha -- Cathi

Port Day, Loreto

Aloha Everyone,

The distant scenery of Loreto depicted a sleepy, small Mexican port. This is the precise image the local tourism authority is trying to promote to visitors.

I really liked Loreto. With a  population of 20,000, the place still looks like what Cabo must have been 20 years ago.  Peel away the veneer and talking to other visitors who have been to Loreto, 20, 15, 10 and even just 5 years ago, oceanfront properties are now dotted with hotels, condominium and townhouses.

I was looking to purchase something useful as a momento from Loreto, but the best thing to take back were photos and songs by 4 members of Mariachi band who welcomed arriving visitors.

Aloha -- Cathi

La Paz Port Day

Aloha Everyone,

Cruise ships function like hotels. Sapphire Princess has 17 divisional heads including Staff Captain, Hotel General Manager, Chief Electrical Officer, Food & Beverage Director, Executive Chef, Senior Doctor, Guest Services Director and the most frequently seen Cruise Director. For most cruisers, it is unlikely for you to meet the Staff Engineer, Environmental Officer, Business Brand Manager, Human Resources Director nor Loyalty & Events Manager.

It took 5 minutes for a sound engineer to adjust the computer accompaniment for 3 performers of a Mariachi band which usually requires at least 8 musicians. 5 additional musicians, including the trumpet section, was pre recorded.

Aloha -- Cathi

Cabo San Lucas, 2nd Port Day

Aloha Everyone,

The port was crowded. Two cruise ships are also anchored. Vendors were all out calling for potential customers.  Some were crude in their approach following us several yards to trying to pry what our interests are. Others were more subtle offering suggestions such as do not change US dollars to pesos. You will get better value by paying in US $.

The weather at 80 degrees Fahrenheit was tolerable and the two of us enjoyed our walk on the pier.

Our main objective for this morning was to purchase a few items we lack for the remaining days of cruising.

Aloha -- Cathi

Cabo San Lucas, Port Day

Aloha Everyone,

Cabo with its ubiquitous rock formations offers mesmerizing, calming scenery especially in the early morning light and during the sunset hours.

There were a number of passengers on the 7th floor promenade deck chairs simply enjoying the beauty of Cabo.

Alfredo’s Pizzeria is located on the 5th floor Piazza deck. Open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Alfredo’s Pizzeria is where one can find excellent pizzas made to your specifications.

J.J. ordered cheese, tomato, olives anchovies with capers. Too salty for me, but I ate a 1/3 of regular slice of 9” pizza supplemented with hot and tasty beef stock with beans soup.

For dessert, we went up to get an ice cream swirl of chocolate and vanilla. Occasional indulgence is good for our emotional health. :-)

Aloha -- Cathi