DAY 16---MAZATLAN, MEXICO

 

Our position today is docked in Mazatlan, Mexico.  We arrived at 9:30 not 7am as our itinerary stated.  It is partly sunny and 90 degrees today.

BACKGROUND INFO:

        Mazatlan is the second largest city in the Mexican state of Sinaloa with a population of nearly 440,000.  It is located across from the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula.  There is a car ferry that runs from Mazatlan to the Peninsula.
        It was founded in 1531 by an army of Spaniards and indigenous people.  By the mid 1800's it developed into a commercial seaport importing equipment from the nearby gold and silver mines.
        In the 1900's film stars like John Wayne, Gary Cooper, John Huston and others came here for sportfishing.  Tourism and fishing are its main industries now.  Today its over 20 miles of sandy beaches lined with resorts, hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops are its main attraction. 
        It also has a rich culture and art community with many galleries and artist's studios.

LAST NIGHT:

Party boat as we left.

This is a waiter in Compass Rose but not ours.  Dara is our waitress.  John is a very tall young man.

                                                      Peter is a wine steward but not ours.

Melissa is our wine steward.  She is a very nice and lovely young lady.  Always excellent service.

                                              My Caesar salad with 6 anchovies, of course.

Finally escargot is back on the menu so enjoyed some as my appetizer.  Snails were very small however.  I enjoy soaking my bread in the garlic butter!

               This is my flourless chocolate cake with chocolate ice cream.  Delicious!

        We did not go to see the comedian.  Just back to the suite as usual lately.  Rebecca had a coughing fit during the night.  I did not sleep well for some reason.

TODAY:

        I stood out on our balcony at 9am as we sailed into the port.  Got these photos and enjoyed the arrival.

        There is a weather station on top of this small island at the entrance.

                                                   The breakwater to protect small boats.

                                                          Some houses on the hill top.

                                   Vidanta Cruises ship--Never heard of it.  The ship was empty.

                              The pilot boat following us in after dropping the pilot off earlier.         

                                                        Restaurant at entrance to harbor.

This is the commercial port and we will be docked behind these two cargo ships.  First is a tanker ship and cargo ship behind it.

                              Lots of new white vans.  Not sure but probably for export.

                                                                        More vans

  

Our parking spot for the day!  Some carts there to transport folks from the commercial area to the terminal.

                                             Lots of antennas on top of the hill in the distance.

                                                                Still more vans

                                                           Carts to transport tours

                                                              The city in the background

                                                                        A cathedral

                                            Some big ocean going commercial fishing boats

                  The Captain is doing a 180 turn to point the ship back towards the entrance.

                                        So now we have this view from our balcony.  YUCK! 

        Siva brought Rebecca's eggs at 8am.  She also streamed her soaps from yesterday:  Bold & Beautiful and The Young & Restless.  We both headed to the fitness center at 9:30.  The fitness trainer left in LA and no one has replaced her.  As a result no one is taking care of it.  Yesterday and today the room was very warm.  Also two of the four treadmills are now inoperative.  Only one has had tv on the monitor for quite a while.  We got a mid-cruise comment card to fill out if we had any issues so I filled it out today.

        The ship held its weekly crew emergency drill this morning.  Today's was a full drill and even included lowering the life boats.

                                               The crew assembled at their life boat stations.

The stewards are responsible for checking that all suites have been evacuated.  Of course, this is simulated during drills.

                                                    Preparing for lowering the life boats.

                                                                    Yea, it floats!!

        Last night we asked Cedric, the new Food & Beverage Director, if the chef might prepare some veal osso bucco with tomato sauce for our dinner tonight.  They make it in Sette Mari but it is in a white wine sauce.  We like the "traditional" way.  Someone called this morning and said the chef could make it for us the day after tomorrow instead.  That is the miso sea bass night so said no.  We have a Prime 7 reservation the next night so it will be prepared for us on the 11th now.  I also asked for creamy polenta to be served with it.

        

                                        Loaded down party boat passing by the balcony.

                                                  Desserts today at La Veranda buffet.

                                             I had some fried scallops and shrimp for lunch.

        We always request they put a scales in our suites.  They are not accurate when at sea, only when docked in a port and the ship is not moving.  So today we weighed for the first time since leaving home.  Good news as Rebecca is only up 1 pound and I'm up 2.  Despite all the food photos I try to eat responsibly.

        Cocktail hour planned in the suite again.  Dinner in Compass Rose.  The show is a production show, "Blazing Boots".  Just not excited about going due to the weak male singers.  I just sent an email about them to the person in charge of entertainment for NCL/Regent/Oceania.  We have known her since 2010.

        Mariner will be sailing again at 6pm for the short 200 mile trip across the Gulf of California to Cabo San Lucas where we will be anchored tomorrow morning by 7am.  There is no dock in Cabo so all ships have to use tenders to ferry passengers to shore.