In Cabo first day, got up early to get a Zone 1 sticker but we ended up going to the lounge to leave ship when they were on Zone 5.  Just walked on down to the next tender and off we went, so we can't say how tendering process went for those who don't make an effort to get their zone stickers early. We decided to skip the expensive ship's excursions and found a vendor as we got off the boat that offered us a 45 minute glass bottom boat tour (water taxi) around the beaches and rocks and dropped us off at Medano Beacha and picked us up exactly on time for only $10 a person.  We were the only ones on the water taxi and received great service for a cheap price compared to ship's offering.  Second day just browsed around the various flea markets, there are several within quick walking distance to dock.

Cabo San Lucas

For Puerto Vallarta we booked the Pirate Ship adventure for 9 a.m.  Tried to buy it directly from vendor prior to cruise, but they block off that day for the cruise ship only.  Recommend for at least one time.  Got back to ship around 4 p.m. and went out for shopping.  Not much in this port, a small flea market by ship and Walmart and Sams Club.  You can take a taxi to other shopping areas and beach, but Cabo was a much better shopping area.

Puerto Vallarta

Lots of storage space, quiet and convenient location on ship.

Took a behind the scenes tour of the ship and got to see the control room, laundry, entertainment area, crew area, dining room galley and bridge.We found it easy to take the cabin decks 6, 7 with hallways that spanned the ship all the way to the back elevators and they would drop you right down to Deck 3 in front of the Golden Pearl restaurant.

Carnival Splendor Review

Splendor is a fine ship, it's what you make it

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