Day 79 Sea Day

Our original Captain, Todd McBain got back onboard at Acapulco and already he has made a BIG impression. We knew how lovely he was before he got off in Dubai but compared to his replacement, he is even more special. This morning, at breakfast, he entered the Horizon Buffet and spoke to almost everyone at the tables. We even got a photo with him, he is just lovely and a great communicator. I think he got the message as everyone almost kissed his feet to welcome him back. I actually feel safer with him at the helm. And we may have made Dublin with him!! Who knows. Pics of the extravaganza buffet lunch.
Yesterday during my laundry time, (its becoming very tense in there by the day), the gossip was that 4 people had been put off the ship due to laundry rage. 8 have passed away I open the door very slowly when I HAVE to go in anticipation. I also heard that The Beatles Tribute Band are getting back on for the last week, HURRAH.
So now 2 days at sea then we arrive in Los Angeles.

Day 78 Manzanillo Mexico

Each and every night, we receive our Princess Patter, and it informs us of things to do and see in each port. So according to PP there was not much to do and see here and the words were, The town itself may not inspire". Well whoever wrote that must have rocks in their head!! We walked off the ship with music blaring from loudspeakers in the middle of the town. This certainly made an instant impression and created a lively atmosphere. As I had had one too many cocktails in Acapulco, we only intended to stay out for an hour or so! This did not happen once we found all the colourful, busy and inexpensive little shops. It was bustling with families as it was a Sunday, people smiled all day long and said hello. We loved it here. The coronas were available in all the bars but we could not find any to buy to bring back on the ship. One interesting thing is the pharmacy's are just open front shops and anyone can buy anything, without a prescription! We saw many passengers stocking up on antibiotics, pills etc. Cheap too, I think I heard $3 for penicillin, 24 tablets. It was very hot and we lasted over 4 hours so did well. A beautiful port and we would love to come back here. Many people did tours, (there was only about 4 offered) and everyone loved what they did.

Day 77 Acapulco

Acapulco was a magnificent sight as we sailed in to the bay early in the morning. It was still dark and the lights were twinkling all along the coast. As the sun came up, looked even more beautiful. We had nothing planned here, once again just do our own thing. In the terminal, which was very well set up. lots of tours and taxis were being offered so we decided to walk around then come back and catch a taxi for a tour around....this never happened as we ran out of time! Not too worry as we had a brilliant time anyway. We (Maureen, Kim and us) had a look around the Old Fort, which dates back to the 16th century then walked along the old streets towards the town and markets. It was very steamy, when the sun came out in the afternoon it was very hot. A lot of the food for the restaurants is prepared on the footpath or in open kitchens....you wouldn't want to eat any of it. We asked for directions a few times but no one spoke English which was the first time that's happened for us. Apparently the city has "tour guides", men wearing blue shirts who insist they are just there to help tourists find their way, but the one that found us took us all the way to a "Princess" preferred shop. George was not impressed. Anyway all was not lost as Maureen bought a lovely necklace and bracelet.

The heat was draining so we found a beach bar and had a couple of cocktails, (we had ice in our drinks, aaah, so we pray we don't get TD), it was a lovely spot.

Sailaway was great, with friends and more drinks!! A great day, probably we wouldn't visit Acapulco on its own but on another cruise, yes definitely.

 

Acapulco 1