Tien and Paul's Travels: May 2024

We had not planned another cruise when we came back from the Caribbean. However, we could not help but book a seven day cruise early in the year to visit Mexican Riviera from Port of Los Angeles. Ports of call were: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. We were in Cabo a few years back and Puerto Vallarta on our honeymoon in January 1981. It's about time to re-visit Puerto Vallarta after forty three years!.

Even in short notice, we hoped that some of the West Coast siblings can go on the cruise with us. Finally, Phuong and some of her friends booked the cruise for the same destination and the same date. Only about two, three weeks before departure, we found out Phuong won't be on the same ship with us. We sailed with Princess while Phuong and friends cruised on a Carnival ship. Lesson learned!. Need extra assurance when booking to make sure we are on the same cruise.!

The Discovery Princess at Port of Los Angeles.

Our room on deck 14th.

Leaving Port of Los Angeles.

Beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

First formal night.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: A resort city on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. It's known for the beaches and water-based activities such as whale watching, boating, sailing etc... We didn't take any boat trip this time. Instead, we enjoyed walking around the marina and commercial center.

Coming in to Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo San Lucas, located on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula.

UNESCO World Heritage Site plaque by city center.

Marina with lighthouse in the background.

Waiting for ....?

Fresh catch of the day at busy waterfront.

Commercial center.

El Medano Ejidal neighborhood in Cabo.

From our balcony when the ship is ready to set sail.

Leaving Cabo San Lucas.

Mazatlan: is a historic city in Mexico and also a beach resort. Located due east from the tip of the Baja California peninsula, along the Pacific shoreline. Nick name "The Pearl of the Pacific", Mazatland is known for its long malecon and sandy beaches.

Coming to Mazatlan cruise port.

Iglesia Maria del Mar in Playa Sur, a few blocks from cruise port.

Follow the "Blue line" to city's historic center.

Angela Peralta Theater.

Plaza Machado

Inside The Mazatlan Cathedral.

The Mazatlan Cathedral in the Plaza Republic.

Plaza Republic.

Produce stall in city market.

Rainbow houses in historic center.

"The Beatles" statues.

On "Liverpool".

Along the malecon - Playa Olas Altas.

Olas Altas.

Waiting for the "diving" event.

The "diving" tower in the background.

Malecon - Balcones De Loma Linda neighborhood.

Diver jumping from the tower.

Mazatlan in the Sinaloa State.

Ready for departure.

The "Elegant" Yacht at cruise terminal.

Leaving cruise terminal.

Leaving Mazatlan.

Puerto Vallarta: is a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast. Like Cabo and Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta is known for its beaches and water sports. We took a walking tour excursion from the ship to visit the historic city center and El Malecon, a beachside promenade. Along the way, we tried to locate our hotel (Hotel Gloria) in Puerto Vallarta where we stayed in January 1981. No luck. Lots of changes with all new buildings since we were here last. Seems like we are here for the first time!.

View of Walmart shopping center from our balcony.

The Discovery Princess at the cruise terminal, across Walmart.

Sculpture on El Malecon.

Popular beachside promenade, across from city center.

Contemporary sculptures on El Malecon.

Seahorse sculpture @ El Malecon. We recognize the old "seahorse" and some part of the malecon. The contemporary signage is a new addition to the promenade .