Cabo San Lucas

Our first port of call is Cabo San Lucas, our number one favorite of all the Mexican Riviera. In Cabo the port is too shallow for the ship to enter so they use smaller boats, called tenders, to shuttle you in to port. Norwegian had us queue up at 8:45 a.m. to get  tickets to the tender boats. They called out groups in an orderly fashion to avoid chaos with everyone wanting to go ashore at once. After reaching  shore and clearing security you are greeted by hordes of  vendors who try to sell you tours and boat rides. The ship offered a number of excursions, but we choose to wander on our own and explore the possibilities. There were tons of great shopping and restaurants right at the port. We decided to take a tour of the area on one of the many glass bottom boats ($20 plus $6 in tips.) We motored past Lover's Beach, Divorce Beach and the Arch. Our boat captain got us up close to sea lions and pelicans. I was surprised when I heard our captain say Scooby Do. Sure enough there was a rock formation that resembled Scooby!



Cabo San Lucas Glass Bottom Boat Tour

After our tour We elected to be dropped off at Medano Beach where there are many resorts and hotels with umbrellas and restaurants. We had heard good things  about The Office on the Beach. This is a great spot with tables and umbrellas and some seriously good people watching.We had calamari that came with two tasty salsas. The waiter offered us what he jokingly  called American Salsa; it was ketchup. We also had pico de gallo and guacamole; large portions and absolutely fresh. I almost forgot, they make some large, strong and wonderful margaritas. Musicians stroll by the tables and sing. What a wonderful time on the beach and in all honesty you could say, "I was at the office!"


The Office on the Beach Cabo San Lucas

Cabo Rocks!!

Cruise to Eat or Eat to Cruise?

They call it a "sea day" when you are not going to be in port. I think of those more like "see day" or probably more like "eat day."  There are lots of things to see and eat for sure. Today we are sailing towards Cabo San Lucas and loving it. For breakfast, we chose The Versailles Dining room. It is a sit down affair, quiet with wonderful service. I had scrambled eggs with ham and the wife had an omelet and half grapefruit. There is always a basket of spectacular pastries on the table that will call out your name. If you don't want to indulge have the waiter take them away, otherwise they will leap into your tummy!

We wander the ship and indulge in a game of Wi bowling.On the Norwegian ships they deliver the "Freestyle Daily" which lists the events for the day. There is the pool, casino, spa and loads of other activities, both free and extra cost. Check out the Norwegian University with classes such as 'Classic Martini Tasting' or 'Beer and Food Pairing.'  Additional charges apply but you get booze and food. On this trip, we are returning guests so we treated to Latitudes cocktail reception. Red wine for me and a yellow bird cocktail for her. Canapes of smoked salmon and caviar tickled the pallet.

We often take a quick nap in the afternoon to give us energy for dinner and a show. Back to the Aqua dining room for dinner. We ask for the same waiter and table again. Our waiter's name is Floyd and he is from Jamaica. Great service and a wonderful sense of humor. The wife had ceviche followed by the swordfish and shrimp brochette. I went with the strawberry soup and breast of chicken. We split a plate of warm chocolate cake with coffee. Try the cake at least once, maybe daily!

The stage show was Extreme Vegas. One word:  HOT!  Sleep tight for tomorrow we do Cabo.

Eat some more!

Embarkation

Norwegian Star February, 19 2011

Embarkation can be a love/hate relationship. Excited at the prospect of cruising, you have filled out all the necessary forms and have documents in hand. You have pre-printed you luggage tags and attached them correctly. On arrival at the port, there are porters who will take your baggage and send it to your cabin leaving you with only a  carry on. Once past the airport-like security checkpoint, you wait in line in an orderly fashion and are greeted by a happy person.  They take your picture and issue you a ship card that acts as identification, room key and ship account charge card.  Or at least that is what should happen; sometimes life happens and there are delays. Don't be grumpy, your cruise awaits!  On this occasion, things went well and we were on board in short order.
I will offer some advice:  Pack sparingly!  I watched a newly wed husband doing his best imitation of a pack mule hauling three extra large suitcases and three huge carry on bags. The bride's purse was a large as my suitcase. All this for a seven day cruise!  We each carry a medium sized suitcase and a backpack. So much less to deal with.
Once on board, we checked out our cabin and had lunch in the the Market Buffet (ham and cheese sandwich and a slice of cake for me - sliced beef and vegetables for the wife.) We  attended the mandatory life boat drill,  and celebrated our departure with cocktails.  We always do research in advance and try to know the layout and amenities of each ship. Arm yourself with the available ship map and take a tour. It will make getting around much easier. We chose to eat dinner in the Aqua Restaurant. The wife had the Caesar salad with mahi mahi and I had peach soup and a New York Steak. Norwegian offers what they call 'freestyle dining.' This allows you the luxury of eating when and with whom you want.  Be warned! You could eat twenty four hours a day, save a little space in you tummy for the next meal. We love to cruise - let the party begin!

Norwegian Star Photo Tour