Jewel Haven Mexican Riviera Photo Review 1/3/16

[3kidsncats]

i'm reading, i'm reading, just so you'll know!!!

 

Nice to have you here Kerry! Maybe will convince you to try NCL one day soon ;-)

[3kidsncats]

We felt a bit like trespassers in the cabin, since the all clear had not yet been announced. We knew ours was ready, because a door down the hall was open and being prepared, and all the notes and announcements addressed to us were on the table --but there was still a sense of being naughty. The problem is, once you walk in that door, you really can't bring yourself to leave until you are ready, lol.

 

Thankfully, the announcement that all cabins were ready came within about 15 minutes or so of our arrival to the stateroom, so settle in time had arrived. We went out to the Courtyard, checked it out, took some photos, and then went up to the sundeck to do the same. It looked the best that day than it did all week -- it was the only time the canopy's and pillows were out on the sunbeds up there, although the individual loungers usually had cushions on them most of the week. We never managed to get up there during port days -- not until after 5ish at any rate, so maybe it was all set up then, and we didn't realize it. I wish we had checked it out, and spent more time there on port days. But there is only so much time in the day. (At one point during the trip, we asked, and Len said he was happy to bring up drinks or snacks to the sundeck, so that is available if you like). Some photos of the sundeck (will post the Courtyard ones later)

 

 

 

 

 

 

We went down to the Entourage area to sign up the youngest two (17 and 14). The actual Entourage area was closed, so you have to go to Splash to do the sign up. It was quick, and painless. We had the chance to view the area for the older kids that first day, so peeked in a snagged a few photos:

 

 

 

 

DD2 didn't end up caring for the Entourage program -- she felt the kids were not very social, and got frustrated with the clique quality there. My DD3 did go to several events during the week, and had fun. She also felt not super connected to it, but met one boy that she enjoyed hanging out with and they attended a few activities together.

[3kidsncats]

We wanted to sign the drink waiver for DD1, but the line at Guest Services was super long -- I also had notes with CC schedules that I hoped to have delivered, but I didn't want to wait in that line, and DD1 really didn't care all that much about being able to buy wine. So we skipped that, bumped into one of our CC rollcall peeps and chatted for a minute.

 

We opted to do a little exploring out on deck, and landed in Spinnakers. The had the football game going on a big screen, so DH was happy to sit down with a drink and watch for a bit. I'm not into football at all, but was ok with just relaxing a bit. The kids took off at that point (back to the cabin -- they loved it there) and we ordered a Mojito for DH and a Mai Tai for me. Both were good, and stiff, but the Mojito was a bit too minty (as was the other one I had later in the week).

 

 

After finishing our drinks, we wandered back to the cabin as DD2 had texted around 2pm that our bags had arrived. We met Alex, our cabin steward as we were coming down the hall -- immediately got a great vibe from him, which just strengthened the rest of the week. Super friendly, great service and just plain nice to be around. He is going on vacation after next weeks cruise, so by the end of this month the port suites will have a new steward. We felt super fortunate to have had him as our steward. He was usually singing while cleaning cabins, which always put a smile on our face.

 

We went to Muster drill in O'Sheehans. That was super, crazy quick. Basically all they did was show us how to use the life vest. As we left, they were announcing the Poolside BBQ -- we were close by, so we zipped over there. The BBQ was all set up, but no one was in line or eating? We asked one of the staff, and were quickly ushered into the food area, and almost immediately behind us a line formed. We weren't very hungry, so selected a few items to taste and found two tables by the windows. A server quickly came over and took our drink order. This was the only BBQ we ended up attending. Mostly due to being busy doing other things, but, the food that one time was pretty bad. The corn on the cob was inedible. Not sure how one manages to make it that bad, but it really was. The pork was tough, and just ok tasting. Not worth the effort or calories. The coleslaw was decent.

 

We took a few minutes to unpack our bags and get truly settled into the cabin, and then went up to the sundeck on the off chance that there was some kind of Haven sailaway party. There wasn't, lol. We ended up on deck 13, just DH, DD3 and I. Music was playing on the pool deck, and there was a festive atmosphere. It was windy, and chilly but too fun to miss.

 

 

 

 

[3kidsncats]

Knowing we would be tired, I had made early reservations for Teppanyaki. We arrived a few minutes early, and DH decided to get some Sake at the Sake Bar. We have fallen in love with some Pear Sake we get at a place in Arizona, and he hoped they might have it, or something else fun and new. But this bartender was really not interested in having customers. Don't know if he was having a bad day, or what. He told DH they only had two kinds of Sake. Pretty bizarre to have a "Sake Bar" that only offers two kinds. When he served it, it was in a regular glass. DH asked about a sake cup, and was told the bar didn't have them -- only the restaurant did. I don't imagine the Sake tastes any different based on the glassware, but it was strange, and off putting. But no biggie -- it was time for dinner!

 

We were escorted back to the table and seated. It took a few minutes for all the parties to be placed, and then the soup and salad was served. A side note, the couple seated at the last two seats of our station were not friendly at all. I tried to say hello, and was ignored. That's kind of uncomfortable, but we just resumed talking amongst ourselves. However, as the meal went on, they got really talkative and friendly, so the social aspect ended on a high note -- so if your table mates are quiet, don't despair as they may liven up as the meal progresses.

 

The soup was yummy. The salad not so much. Mine was frosty -- as in partially frozen. Created an odd, unpleasant texture. We ordered Japanese Martinis. Pretty good, and worth trying. On the sweet side, and very vivid coloring. The chef came out, and the meal got started in earnest. Didn't take many photos, as I wanted to focus on the experience and I know there are many great photos that others have already posted. We ordered: Surf and Turf options, Veggie/noodle plate, Seafood Medley, and a chicken option. Everyone really loved their selections. I have heard reviews both good and bad about Teppanyaki, and our experience was good. The chef was funny, and loved it when he found out that we have been to the Philippines. Food was cooked perfectly, with only one element that was a tad overly salty. Can't even remember which one, it was that minimal.

 

Japanese Martinis

 

 

 

Green Tea Cake

 

The one thing other than the salad that wasn't good, as reported in other reviews, was the Green Tea Cake. DH ordered it -- I warned him it didn't get good reviews but it was too intriguing to pass on. After tasting it, we both agreed that a horse would probably love it, lol. The green tea ice cream that came with it was very nice though, and worth trying. The rest of us had the fruit sashimi and it was divine.

 

After dinner we retired to our cabin and had a lovely, early night. And now it's time for me to get some other things done here at home -- not sure if I will have time to post again today or not. Will try, as I know some are leaving on this itinerary soon and hoping I'll finish before they leave.

[berkley123]

Glad to hear I am now one or your peeps. LOL I am enjoying your review it is bringing back lots of good memories of new and good friends and a great trip. I would have to agree with you so far that the food was mediocre and the service spotty. However this did not deter from a great cruise. We didn't do many meals in the specialty restaurants so won't comment on them. O'Sheehans was the best and was a good place to hang out when the weather wasn't great. I will chime in with any thoughts I might have when I am reading your review.

[3kidsncats]

Glad to hear I am now one or your peeps. LOL I am enjoying your review it is bringing back lots of good memories of new and good friends and a great trip. I would have to agree with you so far that the food was mediocre and the service spotty. However this did not deter from a great cruise. We didn't do many meals in the specialty restaurants so won't comment on them. O'Sheehans was the best and was a good place to hang out when the weather wasn't great. I will chime in with any thoughts I might have when I am reading your review.

 

You've been one of my peeps since day one! Our food experience got better, and mostly the service was really great -- just the odd grumpy bartender on occasion. I did enjoy our lunch in O'Sheehans with you and your lovely wife -- that was the only meal we had there! (Except for the kids -- they were there a few times)

[3kidsncats]

I started the day off right -- with my first time in the window shower! Basically covered some of my thoughts on it already, but have to mention a few more things that I forgot. Recap that I love the nozzle/spray options, pressure and temp were perfection. The drain does make a lot of gurgling sounds, and the door handle inside the shower needs to be replaced. They used a pretty, glass cylinder for the handle. It is smooth, has no edges or texture of any kind. Works great. Until it gets wet and steamy from the shower and then it is slick as can be. I had to take a wash cloth in and set it to the side to use to dry it off, otherwise I couldn't open the door. My DD3 got stuck when she took a shower and was calling for help, but we couldn't hear her out on the balcony.

 

I wandered out to the Courtyard next, and it was completely empty. Yummy looking goodies were set out -- small pastries, fruit, and some bread options. Also coffee, tea, etc. The tables were set with white cloths, and the breakfast menu was waiting. In no time, Len made his first appearance and introduced himself, and then DH came out and we had a nice chat. I got the impression right away that he was recently arrived from the Philippines, as he called my DH "Sir" and then added his first name. We got used to this everywhere in the Philippines, especially in the smaller communities. I was "Ma'am" or "Miss" and then my name. It brought back fond memories, as we really love the Philippines.

 

We did make it a habit of asking all the Filipino staff where they were from --as between us, we've been to quite a few places over there. DH has been there three times, so he's two up on me. The staff always seem super surprised that we've been there, and that we didn't just go to Manila. I love seeing the smiles as they think of home, and family and it seems to matter that we've been, and love their country. On two of the times I was asked where all I'd been, and I mentioned Butuan, and another time Tagum, I got amazed looks of pleasure, as the respective staff members were from those places. Both are very small, and not places many Westerners visit.

 

 

 

 

OK, back on task with the review :-) We ordered breakfast -- the Crab Eggs Benedict for me, and the Waffles with Berries and Cream for DH. Both were perfection! We ended up splitting them, because we each wanted what the others had. The kids came meandering out, and also met Len, and ordered. Within a few minutes of finishing our meal, some more CCers came out and were debating whether to eat there or go to Modernos. I talked them into staying, and we had a great chat --even touched on politics in a positive way! I normally avoid that topic, but it was evident that we could go there without issue. Thoroughly enjoyed it, and it made for a lovely, relaxing morning.

 

 

Edited January 14, 2016 by 3kidsncats
typo

[3kidsncats]

We had our Meet and Greet that morning in Le Bistro. I was so busy chatting with some of our CCers at breakfast, that I just barely made it to the Meet and Greet by the start time. Kind of embarrassing, as I was the one who arranged it, lol.

 

We had a great turnout --and it was nice to see that NCL officer turn out was also good. The senior officer was Claus, the Hotel Director, who commented that this was the first meet and greet that had been arranged in several weeks -- so I think we were feeling pretty good as a group, because at times things were kind of slow on the rollcall. Mostly it was introductions of each of the officers. I didn't take notes, so don't recall them all, except I know the AHD was leaving, as his replacement had come aboard that day - so he noted that he would be leaving in a few days, and the last half of the cruise we could contact his replacement if needed. It was also mentioned that the new Ala Carte menus would be implemented the following week -- so that started this week, on January 10th.

 

 

A huge thank you to DH for snapping these for me :-)

 

We did a gift exchange for those that wanted to participate, and several of us stayed and chatted after the officers left. We had planned a Cabin Crawl after taking a lunch break, so at noon, we all went off to various dining options to grab lunch. We very happily went to lunch at O'Sheehans with Berkley123 and his wife. I'm trying to remember what I ordered --oh yeah, a chicken breast sandwich. It was tasty, but not amazing. DH and I think Berkley123 both ordered the chicken wings. And LW (Lovely Wife) ordered soup if I remember correctly. Service was.....slow to start, and then picked up enough that we were able to finish in time to race to Spinnakers for the Latitudes party -- which just happened to start a half hour before the Cabin Crawl, and in the same place we had agreed to meet.

 

We had some rum punch, and a canape or two (didn't take pics, but they were the same ones in our cabin the day before, and at various times during the week -- so here is a picture from our cabin:

 

 

One of my few pet peeves on this trip -- mostly the first day or so, because after that I was stuffed pretty much 100% of the time and didn't care -- but for some reason the little "afternoon snacks" they bring to the cabin didn't account for the extra people. We would get plates with 4 treats, and there were 6 of us. On the third day, since we had late dinners, I asked for snacks to tide us over, and from that point on we had more than we needed.

 

A couple people from our rollcall won goodies at the Latitudes party -- Hoo Ray!! It was fun to cheer for new friends. At 1:30, all the cabin crawl participants were present and accounted for, and we set off. We started at Berkley123's inside cabin, and then worked our way thru the ship, seeing standard balconies, an aft balcony:

 

Where our hosts Mianmike toasted me with champagne (I'm still blushing) for all the planning. The gesture was much appreciated my friends, and my pleasure to do the planning. :-)

 

Next an aft balcony suite:

 

Where we were treated to more champagne by Oldnursie and her DH, as well as some yummy cheese/crackers and sandwiches. We enjoyed the balcony, and even saw whales!! They were pretty far off, but so fun!

 

[3kidsncats]

It's my vacation, so it's ok to have a bunch of pics of me, right?? DH was having fun taking them, lol

 

 

 

 

After stuffing ourselves, and getting a little toasty on the champagne (which came after the Latitudes Rum Punch) we amble off to the next set of cabins. I think we saw a mini-suite balcony next. I do remember at one point -- before the aft cabins, that we walked down what seemed to be an endless hallway, laughing most of the way. Definitely the most fun group of CCers you could ask for -- awesome group of people! Then we were off to the Haven. I had gotten permission from the butler to do a brief tour of the Haven area, so we showed them the Courtyard and Sundeck as well as the cabin. Two of us in the rollcall had the H4 Family suites, so we visited both -- we had to compare the artwork, after all. We had snacks in our cabin as well (Thank you Richard, our most excellent Butler!!). That's the point where we got to do something extra fun.

 

One of our rollcall members had surprised her family with a switch to the GV, and once the surprise was revealed, was able to check if they were all comfortable with her giving us a tour. Yay!! They were. So we got a wonderful tour of the suite -- quick and quiet as there were some little ones sleeping during the tour - so no photos, but WOW what a treat! It was already a bucket list dream to book it some day, but now it's moved way high on the list. Thank you so much for giving us the chance to see it!!

 

After the cabin crawl was over, DH and I went back to our cabin to relax, chat about the day, and get ready for the Officer's Cocktail Party in the Courtyard. I kept looking at the clock as we got ready -- various girls asking for help with makeup, etc. At 5:25 I was just about ready, for the 5:30 event. Only to find out that the clock was wrong, and it was 5:45!!! Late again :-/

 

Happily, it was only a few feet away. We went out, were greeted immediately, and joined in the fun. Waiters were walking around with canapes and drinks. I had a Cosmo -- very stiff. DH had a glass of champagne and red wine -- because he wanted to make sure I had whatever I wanted in hand immediately. (He's such a keeper). We chatted with our CC friends, and met more of the family, and chatted amongst ourselves. At one point and officer came up and started chatting with my husband while I was facing the other way. I turned and joined in, had a very nice conversation, and heard about his time with NCL. It wasn't until after he left that I found out it was Captain Niklas. Probably better that way, as I was totally comfortable chatting with the random officer, more so than knowing it was the captain.

 

 

 

Our dinner reservations were at Le Bistro that night, but we had some time to kill between the party, and the dinner. So we dragged the kids to Fyzz, thinking it would be fun. It was, in a people watching kind of way. There was a line dance class going on -- so we sat and ordered drinks and watched for a bit. Then we moved to Magnums, since it was next to Le Bistro. I had....two glasses of champagne at Fyzz (well, carried the second to Magnums), so was feeling pretty good while we waited. Bumped into Berkley123 and LW while waiting and laughed and chatted with them. And took selfies.

 

[3kidsncats]

I did mention I'd had a lot to drink right? LOL. We were having fun, that's for sure. OK, here is the real selfie

 

 

They were ready for us a little early at Le Bistro, which was fantastic because it was one of the few times I was really hungry on the cruise. I was really looking forward to trying this restaurant, and the mushroom soup in particular. YUM -- it was so good, I'm still dreaming of it. A few of us had it, and loved it. DD1 had the Onion Soup, but didn't care for it. BF had the Escargot, and loved it. DH had a salad, which he quite enjoyed. For entrees, three of us had the Lobster Tail with artichokes. It was disappointing. I wasn't expecting it to be covered in a sauce, and the sauce was very, very salty. DD3 had the Filet, which she shared, and it was delicious. Also a tad salty, but not so much to complain about for me, if it was my entree. BF had a seafood soup, and DD2 had the Seafood pastry, both of which they enjoyed. BF had not been looking forward to the French restaurant at all, but it ended up being his favorite of the trip.

 

The Lobster Tail

 

Seafood in pastry -- Fruits of the Sea I believe it's called, except it's in French.

 

 

I'm going to have to do one more post to in order to include the desserts.

[3kidsncats]

Caramel, Vanilla, and Lemon Profiteroles

 

Vanilla Creme Brulee

 

Assorted Ice Cream Flavors (Strawberry)

 

Classic Warm Apple Tatin

 

Chocolate Napoleon

 

Can you tell I looked up the menu? LOL Wanted to get the names right.

 

That is just about it for the night. We did meet up with some of our CC group after dinner -- it's a bit of a blur because I had a glass of wine with dinner ;-)

[3kidsncats]

So I was most excited about visiting Cabo San Lucas, of all the ports on this trip. That's because I love to do portraits of my family. I had stumbled across a wedding photographers work in Cabo that I loved, that inspired me to plan a shoot on the beach. I told everyone that that was my one day, if they would please humor me. They are used to me wanting photos, and were game to let me direct their day with the promise of not being hounded too much in the other ports.

 

Which means, my Cabo photos are extensive, and it will take quite a few posts to cover, because we also had some wonderful scenery to enjoy, plus tender experience, water taxi, and lunch in town. Hopefully it's not too boring. I'm very happy with my portraits, in spite of having to shoot them at the worst time of day lighting wise, and hope that they inspire others to take their own pictures.

 

We expected to arrive around 11-11:30, with a noon tender to shore. Breakfast was but a few steps away, and we enjoyed another wonderful meal in the courtyard. I had the Vanilla Challah French Toast with berries -- so yummy!! Doesn't even need syrup. Girls had various egg option -- omelets, sunny side up, etc. Be careful asking for bacon, as you might get a plateful, lol. We also asked Len for some lox -- it became a regular request most days, as it was the perfect flavor, super tender and delicious. DD2 loves it. We didn't linger, as we knew we had to spend a bit more time on makeup (cameras don't "see" it, so it's better to go a little heavier than normal daywear if you're taking pictures) and we also wanted to enjoy the arrival views.

 

They were spectacular!

 

Solmar Beach -- just north of Divorce Beach and Land's end, it hosts several high end resorts -- I hope to visit one of them some day

 

Divorce Beach and the western side of Land's End

 

Southern most point of Land's End -- the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. You can see a hint of Solmar Beach on the left, and harbor on the right

 

[

The eastern exposure of Land's End, with the Arch and Lover's Beach

 

Closer shot of the Arch

 

Lover's Beach leading into Divorce Beach -- the Sea of Cortez is in the foreground, and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Edited January 14, 2016 by 3kidsncats
typo

[janpo]

Loving your trip report and all the pictures are just great . It's great seeing these sights again. Seems like so long ago since we were there and it was only last month.

Edited January 14, 2016 by janpo

[3kidsncats]

Some shots of the balcony activity as we pulled into Cabo -- it was so incredibly beautiful that we were all snapping photos and the excitement was palpable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Couldn't resist taking a shot that showcases the kind of view we had in the bathroom

[3kidsncats]

Loving your trip report and all the pictures are just great . It's great seeing these sights again. Seems like so long ago since we were there and it was only last month.

 

I'm sooo glad! And thanks for letting me know -- I feel a little bit like I'm talking to myself, lol, so it's nice to read some feedback.

[janpo]

I'm sooo glad! And thanks for letting me know -- I feel a little bit like I'm talking to myself, lol, so it's nice to read some feedback.

 

 

Nope! I'm following along!.

 

We ate at teppanyaki also. I had the fruit for desert. The green tea cake picture actually looks as bad as it probably tasted. Haha.

 

We.took a glass bottom boat tour In cabo , not through NCL. Love seeing your arch pics.

Edited January 14, 2016 by janpo

[CthyC]

Thank you so much for this info! We were in the haven in May and also found many people did not know that they opened the one side to the public. Good to know it probably won't be over crowded we relax in the haven all the time. I'm bummed to hear about Jon he was the highlight of our last trip but excited that he got promoted he totally deserved that!

 

Will you please clarify what is open to the public. I am a little confused. If you had a picture that might clear up my confusion. Are you talking about the sun deck? If so, does the private side look the same as the public side? thanks for your help : )

[Wavesprite]

Loving your review and can't wait to see your family portraits on the beach!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[3kidsncats]

 

 

We went to the designated location for the priority tender, and within a few minutes were being escorted down with a group of other suite passengers thru a crew/kitchen area, and down to the deck with tender access. We were the first to board that particular tender, and the rest of the passengers quickly boarded and we moved off. The process was very smooth, although a little nervewracking coming down the stairs as I still had my keycard in my hand and the stairs on that side had openings directly to the ocean. I noticed on our return, we went up the other set of stairs (but still same side of the ship) and those stairs were solid, with no open gaps. DH took some photos with his phone (my camera was safely tucked into a dry bag until we reached our portrait destination) which for some reason came out blue/green. Probably the cool shade from the ship, ocean reflecting up, and the tender had a roof.

 

 

 

The ride was short, but fun, and afforded a beautiful view of the ship. We could also see that they were providing tender service on the other side of the ship as well.

 

 

[3kidsncats]

I did end up grabbing my camera out of its nest because I just couldn't resist the chance at such a great shot. DH was a great helper to get it out, and then safely tucked away again.

 

 

 

DH took this one -- love the light flare

 

Once we arrived on the dock, we went through a little security screening area -- mostly set up for the return, but I think we had to show our bags -- can't remember. Once you leave that area, it is a festive madhouse of hawkers trying to book you on a water taxi or tour, and if you are hungry, they know a better restaurant than wherever you were planning on going. We fended them off, because our first order of business was lunch.

 

Strange, yes, since we just departed the mother lode of "included in your fare" food -- but the kids had just happened to see the Cabo episode of Guy Fieri's Diners, Dives, etc., and very much wanted to try one of the featured places. I knew that 12 noon is the WORST time of day to take photos, so I wanted to occupy everyone until then, without getting too mussed up. That meant finding Solomon's Landing for lunch. We were given directions (that included the requisite, "I know a better place") and walked off towards the lighthouse. All along the way, we were offered, at times aggressively, taxis, tours, and trinkets. We kept seeing the same silver chain necklace, and DH thought it would look good on me, so he actually asked the price of one of the guys -- who wanted $40 for it. DH said no, and kept on walking. By the time we were 5 or so steps away, the price had gone down to $20. The last guy, on the other side of the Marina wanted $1 for the same necklace. It was comical. No, we didn't buy it.

 

We found the restaurant, liked the vibe (although it was heavily promoting it's connection with the Guy Fieri show -- kind of obnoxiously) and were seated. The ambiance was nice, wait staff friendly and plentiful. The prices were not so friendly -- EEK. Since the bulk of our vacation budget had gone into that oh so luxurious Haven suite, expensive meals were not in the plan. I asked the kids to limit themselves to two tacos each, rather than entrees, and we ordered some nachos as well. In the photos, you can see the amount of food we ordered -- which came to over $80. Yikes again I will say, the lemonade DH and I had was really good, and different, and no one got sick, so I guess it was money well spent. The food was tasty enough, but honestly, no where near good enough for that kind of money. It was an experience purchase -- we went, we saw, we were sorry, lol. Seriously, we did have a good time, and the kids were happy. And the mariachi guys came out and asked if we wanted a song -- and offered a few artists they could do -- when they said "Eagles" I said yes, and they started into "Hotel California". They indicated we could sing along, so DH, who sings the music of the Eagles for a living, obliged. It may not have been his best performance, but it was one of the more fun ones. He even provided a little percussion on the glassware. We got a little bit recorded, so will see if I can persuade him to upload it to Youtube for you. The mariachi guys were a bit surprised, and we had someone from another table come over and compliment DH. Before we finished, one of our rollcall friends also came for lunch and was at the table next to us -- it is such a nice feeling to bump into friends while you're out and about.

 

 

 

[3kidsncats]

 

 

 

DH had a small clip of the song he sent me, so here it is-- you click on the photo below, and it takes you to the hosting site so you can watch.

 

We were curious to check out some more of the marina before heading the the photo spot, so continued down a ways. It was pretty hot -- more so than I was expecting based on the forecasts I'd been seeing. BF loves to walk -- he had been worried he would feel trapped on the ship, so I thought a nice walk in the marina would be good. It looks a lot further in photos, so I was pleasantly surprised that it didn't take long at all for us to reach the mall on the far side. I thought the greenery would be a cool place to take a few photos, but everyone wanted to go inside and get some a/c on their bodies. We did a short walk thru the mall -- nice enough, but nothing that made you feel like you needed to go in for. We also used the facilities, since our next stop would have none.

 

Once that was done, we were ready to find a water taxi. I had read that it was about $10 per person for a taxi to the Arches and then to Medano Beach -- we didn't want to do a tour of the Arches, we just wanted transport to and from Lovers Beach, so I had budgeted 150 Pesos each for the ride, which was a little less than $10. I figured I would negotiate -- we were the only ship in port, and it was mid week, so felt confident. They were asking $25 for a tour, but within moments I had made the deal for 150 pesos pp, and we were being escorted to a water taxi. He assisted us onboard, provided life vests, and filled out a little ticket with our names, ship, and his info. Also put down our requested pickup time.

 

 

[Wavesprite]

Excellent singing!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[3kidsncats]

Nope! I'm following along!.

 

We ate at teppanyaki also. I had the fruit for desert. The green tea cake picture actually looks as bad as it probably tasted. Haha.

 

We.took a glass bottom boat tour In cabo , not through NCL. Love seeing your arch pics.

 

It really was not so good, lol. Like eating alfalfa cake.

[3kidsncats]

Will you please clarify what is open to the public. I am a little confused. If you had a picture that might clear up my confusion. Are you talking about the sun deck? If so, does the private side look the same as the public side? thanks for your help : )

 

I didn't get a photo that specifically shows the public side, but there is a deck (15) above the Haven, that has been partitioned into two sides. I only ever went up to it from the Haven, so can't give you specific directions how to get to the public side, other than there is a staircase somewhere on the starboard side deck that goes there. There is a gate separating the public side from the Haven side up on the actual deck. We did see the occasional person on the public side, and we went over there once to take some photos of the shoreline.

[3kidsncats]

Loving your review and can't wait to see your family portraits on the beach!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Yay!! I'm so excited to share them! They are uploading to the host site now, so hopefully will be posting here shortly.