We arrived in San Diego a couple of days before the cruise to explore the city by Hop on/off bus which we have found to be the most economical and fun way to see a city. We stayed at the Horton Grand Hotel which we found comfortable and central to our needs. The marina was a short 15 minute drive arriving at 11:30 am. We were checked in and on board in another 20 minutes. Aqua class gave us a balcony on the top floor, I recommend port side if sailing from San Diego through the Panama Canal because your cabin faces the coast and it gives you more views other than seaside. Also you will have the sun in the morning with your coffee and shade in the afternoon when the heat is at it's peak. Our first port and our favorite was Cabo San Lucas. We used Viatour to boat out to Lands end for a photo shoot. Viatour is certainly economical but it works out of Me Cabo San Lucas Resort which is difficult to get to from the Cruise port. Another tour Company, Esperanza's Tours (KioskB8 at the port) charged us $40.00 to get there. We found out later it should have cost $4.00. Stupid trusting tourists!

The Viatour was about 45 minutes long, scenic, enjoyable but prepare to get your feet wet as there is no ladder and a high freeboard. We got back to the port by lunch so we walked over to Cabo Wabo Bar to have the best Tequila Shrimp and Coconut Shrimp with fresh Guacamole and salsa washed down with Cabo Wabo Tequila. You must try this! Puerto Vallarta we had nothing planned but we chose a van driven by Raul Villalpando Soto raulvs07@gmail.com from the line of solicitors. Raul is very knowledgeable and loves his city. He was even able to find Hatchables which are are sold out in North America. Whenever a rest stop was requested he got to a clean facility in 5 minutes or less. After our episode in Cabo it was refreshing to find this honest earnest driver and tour guide. I cannot say enough about how much we enjoyed this tour!

Our next stop in Guatemala required a 1.5 hour trip to Antigua from the port. We arranged a private tour through Celebrity so there was only the 4 of us in the air conditioned van. Well worth the extra. Antigua is a charming city where you can imagine yourself in a Spanish colonial town. Costa Rica was not much to celebrate, something simple nothing noteworthy. Read more