Town looks just like what you see on TV. We took a wine country bus tour. Had an excellent tour guide who gave us a lot of information on the town and the area. Went to two wineries, had lots of samples and food. Price was very reasonable. $49 per person - booked through Carnival. The landscape was really beautiful and this was in December. I can just imagine what it looks like when everything is in full bloom.

Ensenada

Two days in Cabo. this is a Tendered port. A small boat takes you off of the Ship and into the pier. The ship leaves at night, goes to sea, does a big circle and then re anchors the next day. 

We did the Dolphin Swim the first day. The facility is within walking distance of the pier. It was a great experience. 

The second day we hired a water taxi for $15 dollars (half the price if you book through Carnival) got the same tour to Los Arcos, a reef, etc, got off the boat at Lover's Beach and picked back up around 2 hours later. Make sure you take some dollar bills with you if you do this. You will need assistance getting on and off the taxi's and should tip the guys waiting to help you. Just don't tip too much. We only had a $5 and a couple of $20 with us. They expect a tip coming and going and $5 is way too much to tip. 

Both days were beautiful and the beach was wonderful. Not a lot of people at all. 

We ate lunch at Tequila Sharks, right on the pier. Their fish tacos were incredible. Also had my picture taken with a lion cub. They are raising money for a refuge so even though I wasn't thrilled with the two lion cubs kept in a crib, the money is for a good cause. 

Only thing we didn't like was the multitudes of vendors begging for business. It was disconcerting.

Cabo San Lucas

We loved Puerto Vallarta. The pier is beautiful. Unfortunately, we didn't really see any of the city as we had booked a 7 hour Extreme Canopy excursion. We had the best time of our lives on this adventure. If you get the opportunity, do this excursion or one like it. 

45 minutes on a zodiac across the bay, 45 minutes or so on a safari truck winding up the mountain through a village, past two tequila factories, safety instructions, 45 minutes on a mule to the first zip line - 18 zips, 2 rappels (one beside a waterfall and the other a straight 90 ft drop)hiking, rope and suspension bridges. 

Then on the way back across the bay we were treated to pelican rock, our pilot threw bread into the water and hundreds of huge angel fish came up and he spotted a gigantic manta ray and cruised over to it. It was right beside the boat. Fantastic. 

We definitely would like to plan a vacation just in this area for a week or two.

Puerto Vallarta

Not our favorite. Town was 'set' up for tourists, but wasn't all that tourist friendly. Very crowded, Might be better if actually stayed there for a week or so and really learned the area.

Manzanillo

Very clean and well appointed. Huge full bathroom, plenty of closet space (more than we could use), very comfortable bed. Fabulous balcony with great view. Never heard any noise from anyone. Only complaint - not enough accessible plugs. Only one in main room. Bathroom has one for a shaver.

As a first time cruiser (with VIP status due to our room), I did expect some extra handling as outlined by Carnival, but I also felt that was a very small thing to complain about so I let it go.We will actually go with a smaller stateroom (with a balcony of course) next time as this was really too much room for us.

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