DAY 24 DAY 13 SERENITY

CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO

We began last evening with a  visit to  the Crystal Cove.

These are the  menus  from Waterside.

We dined at Prego with friends Ed and Patti.    One  of the aspects of cruising we have enjoyed since our first cruise is the opportunity to meet and get to know people.  If one goes to a hotel for a week it is not often that they might meet many people as they do on a  cruise.  Coincidentally, Ed  and Patti were  one of the couples who  attended the Vintage Room earlier in the day.  We hadn't realized  they  would be there until we arrived to the  Vintage Room.

We first got to know Ed and Patti in 2014 on an overland Safari Program in South Africa and since that time have sailed with them other times and kept up our friendship from home.  They are wonderful people and we are so glad they are on this first segment of the World Cruise.

The additional entree was Sea Bass over pasta and it was amazing. As soon as waiter Giuseppe mentioned the additional item I said to myself "sold". LOL. We tried a new Italian Red wine that is now available in Prego which was nice.
We had a great time with them at dinner between the delicious food, wonderful service, the beautiful dining venue and lovely conversation.

We didn't make it to the entertainment which featured Sweet Soul Music featuring hits from Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight Stevie Wonder and more.

We were anchored off Cabo so there was very little movement of Serenity but we still managed to get a good night sleep.  LOL.

After one day off from exercise Keith returned to the Fitness Center for an early morning workout followed by breakfast in our room.

CABOS SAN LUCAS

Cabos is a resort city located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.  Its overall population is 85,000 residents.  Cabo is located on the same latitude as Hawaii at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula.  


It consistently is ranked as one of the top Mexico tourist destinations.  In addition to its pretty beaches it is home to a wide range of wildlife including sharks, rays, dorado and striped marlin. 


The temperature is fairly consistent throughout the  year with highs ranging from 70’s  to low 80’s (Fahrenheit).


Major attractions include:


El Arco; a natural rock arc at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.


Playa del Medano; it includes several miles of safe swimming beach.


Marina Boardwalk; this is the official name of the boardwalk where the tender pier is located which is a marina lined with bars, restaurants and shopping.

​We do want to mention there is another side to Cabo in the evening.   We didn't see it ourselves but at least on a Saturday night it was out in  full force.  There are many clubs on at least one street which attract lots of young  people  including  young  adults.  Several are three story and  have an atrium where there is loud music, dancing and drinking.  Not our cup of tea but obviously popular with the young ones.


We took  the tender over to the tender pier.  Surrounding this area is a walkway which takes you into the city of Cabo San Lucas.  We sat near fellow guest Howard and enjoyed a lovely conversation with  him.  We also chatted with a woman on her first World Cruise and with Photo Manager Neil.  We also Along the walkway you will find numerous shops  and restaurants along with several companies where you can make arrangements  to go out on a boat for pleasure,  sightseeing or  for fishing.

When we got off we saw the Grand Princess Tenders.   We sailed Grand Princess on a family twelve day cruise in 1999 of the Mediterranean.   At the time Grand Princess was the largest passenger ship.   By the  following year  Royal Caribbean Intnerational had the largest ship.  We picked it as most ships sailing the Mediterranean were on the older side unlike today.   Also our son was 13 and our daughter 17  and we felt that there would be more activities for them in addition to the time we spent touring.  We were right.  By the time  we returned back to the ship two additional ships were anchored.  This included  the  Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ship called Joy and the Regent Mariner who  we have  seen two times on  this  trip including while transiting the Panama Canal.


At the end of the walkway you see the city.  The city has lots of shopping, restaurants, cafes, clubs and hotels.  Lots of tourists visit for daytime enjoyment and  for its nightlife.

In the years since our last visit we see additional changes around the Marina and in the town with several more buildings including more shopping, clubs  and  restaurants.  We saw a couple of clubs we  mentioned earlier.   It  was  quiet in town  since  it was  Sunday  morning but during our time  it got busier with the additional passengers from the four cruise ships.   As you see in various parts of Mexico lots of pharmacies selling items which require prescriptions in the United States for purchase.  There are lots of individuals and companies selling tours.  We saw people taking a  Zumba  Class outdoors.

When Keith visited here for the first time it was part of a employee recognition event.  They stayed at two hotels about forty five minutes from the city.  One night they did take everyone to the Hard Rock Cafe which Keith wanted to find.  We found it but we are not sure this is the original one.

Many places will be showing the NFL Championship Games so for those who want to eat and drink they have an alternative spot to watch.

As we were walking around the Marina we saw friends Joe and Maria Kita who we have known since 2007.  Joe teaches Memoir Writing and is leading  the Book Club for the first and second legs of the World Cruise.   Maria and Joe  also  teach  the Yoga  classes  which Anne Marie  loves taking.

By the time we returned  to the Tender Pier it had gotten fairly warm and as the day continued  it became hot.   For most  of our walk we were able to stay near shady areas which was nice.  We saw  Team Serenity Member Johnny who was manning the cold beverage  area.

Back on the ship we enjoyed lunch at Marketplace and a leisurely afternoon on-board Serenity.  This included a walk for Anne Marie and Paddle Tennis for Keith.   Keith also is getting together with dear friend Bob  and  yesterday  Anne Marie got  together wit dear  Friend Glo, Bob's wife.

We wanted to mention both National  Football League  Championship games were shown on  the big screen television and  in each guest room.  Crystal Cruises is  very good about making arrangements and paying  the additional fees  to show these types of events.  The Super Bowl will be shown as well and  we believe it will start early afternoon where we are sailing at the time.

Following is the daily Reflections Program.

Cheers,

​Anne Marie & Keith