This was our second sailing on the Sapphire Princess to the Mexican Riviera- we did the same itinerary last January. I have to say that much on this sailing was an improvement over last year, particularly in the quality of the food.

We were originally booked on the Carnival Splendor, but our cruise was cancelled when repairs to the ship took longer than expected. Fortunately we had buffered the cruise with extra days pre-cruise and we were able to quickly book the Sapphire.

We made a mistake in cancelling our hotel in Long Beach (Marriott) and booking in San Pedro. There is not a good selection of hotels in San Pedro and we booked the Vagabond Inn which is an older motel that was quite dismal. It did, however allow us to spend a day wandering the old part of the town and the farmer's market. We had a great dinner at the San Pedro Fish Market where you buy your very fresh fish and seafood and they cook it right there on the wharf. Nothing fancy, but the best salmon I have ever tasted. I understand on weekends they are lined up out the door. Read more