I have been to Acapulco quite a few times in the past 20 years and in my opinion it has gotten too crowded and Americanized. The main street along the beach has Wal-Mart and Target and US fast food places. To really get the beauty of the area you have to get out of town. The feel of the city is you are about as safe as you would be walking around in most US low income urban areas.
Did not make it over to Ixtapa but had a great time strolling through Zihuatenjo shopping, checking out local food and beverage choices. Felt absolutely safe. The ship sailed as the sun was setting which made for great pictures and good time to have dinner out at the fan-tail pool.
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