By: Angel Green, Senior Manager Sales & Marketing Integration
I loved my 7 Day Mexican Riviera cruise with Princess, aboard the beautiful Ruby Princess. The ships name pretty much say it all, a jewel in and of itself. Ports of call included Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. This Western Mexico scenic coastline extends around the Baja Peninsula.
Puerto Vallarta
Our first port of call was Puerto Vallarta that included a stop at San Miguel Archangel Parish church in El Pitillal. This area was full of traditions and street vendors. The church was once a palapa-roofed church. It has been transformed into a stone church with two brick bell towers with a clock between each tower. Inside are beautiful and some very exquisite and unique wood carvings. There is a 26 foot all resurrected Jesus Christ hanging over the alter and almost appears to be floating.
Our second stop included a stop at one of Puerto Vallarta’s mode endearing landmarks, the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. The cathedral features a gilded crown, a replica of one worn by Carlota, empress of Mexico. The original crown was damaged during a 1995 earthquake. However, a replica was replaced by sculptor Octavio Gonzales. While the interior of the church seemed a bit plain, the white-washed walls have richly detailed moldings, stained glass windows and gilt-trimmed altar create a charming and intimate sacred site. Be prepared for all the tourist going to and from the church as this is a very busy and heavily populated area.
Our third stop was at the Tequila Hacienda Distillery. Here we experienced the fascinating process of tequila making from its origin the blue agave cactus plant. I think the tequila sample tasting was probably the highlight of the tour for many in our group tour. They all left as very happy travelers!
Our visit would not have been complete without the opportunity to do some shopping along well-worn cobblestone streets. Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city with so many things to explore, beaches, botanical gardens, golf or whatever makes you happy.
Related: View Princess Cruises Destinations And Onboard Activities!
Mazatlán
Our second port of call on our Mexican Riviera cruise with Princess was Mazatlán, which means “Place of the Deer”. Our first stop was to see the Cliff Divers at the Malecon. Here we observed high-flying divers perform acrobatic and dangerous plunges into the rocky surf from a 59-foot high ledge.
Our next visit was at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception the world’s only Roman Catholic Church with the Star of David displayed in each of its 28 stained-glass windows. Inside the Cathedral is furnished with a magnificent collection of baroque altars, gold leaf decorated murals, crystal chandeliers, religious sculptures and an organ specially built in Paris. This is the main religious building in Mazatlán.
Our second stop while in the old Mazatlán was visit to the area known as the Plaza Revolution for an afternoon of bargain shopping with all the street vendors.
Cabo San Lucas
Our third and final port of call was Cabo San Lucas referred to as the sparkling jewel in the Mexican Riviera crown. Today was filled with adventure as we took a scenic drive through the Baja California desert terrain. Lots of indigenous vegetation and outstanding Cardon Cactus plants!
Our next stop was at a local class-blowing factory. It was awesome to see the artisans at work. There were glass turtles, flowers, humming birds and even Christmas trip lights.
Our final stop was at one of the area’s most renowned restaurants. There we were served complimentary beverages while taking in a panoramic view of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas. You will have the opportunity to purchase a meal if you choose to. But most of us was taken back by the view and simply forgot to order food. Breathtaking view!
My Mexican Riviera cruise with Princess was relaxing, fun and beautiful. I would recommend this cruise to anyone!
Angel Green
Senior Manager Sales & Marketing Integration
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