Cruise Ninja: October 2012

This is our fist time in the port of Ensenda Mexico. We wake up to an overcast morning and continue our routine of taking photos and having an early breakfast at the LaPlaya Grille on Lido Deck.

Carnival Spirit view from pool

The bird that "guards" Carnival Spirit Pool

Breakfast Carnival Spirit LaPlaya Grill

Pastries Carnival Spirit
We venture out on deck to see the port of Ensenda with The Carnival Spirit's sister ship Carnival Inspiration docked nearby. The Inspiration does what we hear called "booze cruises", three and four day mini cruises starting under $300. We prefer at least seven days on board.

Carnival Ships Spirit and Inspiration docked in Ensenada Mexico
Just outside the port there are buses that will shuttle you to the downtown square for couple of dollars each way. It really is not a long distance and could be walked if you are up for it. I had heard the fish market ( Mercado de Mariscos) was a great place for photos so we bused it over there. The outside does not look like much but inside there is huge array of seafood at prices that made me want to stock up and take some home. Customs might be an issue there, but I was told by one of the fish vendors that local restaurants would cook purchases for you. Next trip I will skip breakfast and have fish tacos instead. After our cruise I saw Chef Rick Bayless feature Mariscos El Norteno on his TV series, it is just a few feet from the Market.

Mercado de Mariscos Ensenda Mexico

Fishing Dock Ensenada Mexico

Mariscos El Norteno Ensenada Mexico
We wander around for several hours taking in the sights and buying souvenirs to take home.The sun is out and we decide to head back to the Spirit for some pool time.

Carnival Inspiration docked in Ensenada Mexico
It's time for dinner and a show. During our cruise we put down $100 towards a "future cruise",next cruise the money will be applied and an additional $100 will be credited toward our on board expense account.

Crabcake Carnival Spirit Empire Dining Room

Prime Rib Carnival Spirit Empire Dining Room

Towel Heart Carnival Spirit.
We pack our luggage tonight and leave it outside to be taken off ship the next day when we arrive back in San Diego. It has been a fantastic nine day cruise. The Carnival Spirit crew has treated us like royalty and we are already plotting our next Carnival Fun Ship Cruise. On the next cruise I will strive to take more pictures and document our fun.

After two fun days in Cabo San Lucas one might think a day at sea would be boring. That would be incorrect. There is always something fun to do on a Carnival Fun Ship! Today we began the day by taking a class on making the towel animals we love. The assistant cruise director and staff patiently instructed us on the simple assembly. We also purchased the Carnival book but I must report we have not made a single towel animal at home. It is much more fun when someone else makes them for you.

Taking a class on making towel animals
After the class we wandered the ship and took pictures of some places on board.On fun place that no one seems to use was "the jungle." It runs around the exterior of the Pharaoh's Place Main Lounge on deck 3(Atlantic.) It is great spot to bring coffee or drinks and enjoy the view in a quiet place.