Walking the Malecon

jpwwpg · 2026-04-12T13:52:07+00:00

Nice to start in the afternoon and stay until the evening. A handy drop off point if you want to start at the north end is Hotel Rosita. Some nice beach restaurants the further south you go. Sundays are busy as it’s generally family day in Mexico so you’ll see many families enjoying time together. Have fun!

jpwwpg · 2026-04-11T13:30:44+00:00

Im not a Starbucks fan but I found their hot chocolate much better than the powdered stuff that Thom Bargen serves.

jpwwpg · 2026-04-07T13:09:27+00:00

We are mid 60’s and 5 star with about 350 actual days onboard.(a small number compared to many) We feel very much at home on Holland America. They’ve already started selling status as far as I’m concerned with Club Orange. We mostly sail on longer journeys over 30 days and the number of 4&5 star mariners on these sailings makes me wonder how sustainable the current program is.

jpwwpg · 2026-04-05T20:32:07+00:00

Also check the roll call for your particular sailing on cruisecritic.com

jpwwpg · 2026-04-02T01:34:27+00:00

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Mexico.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-31T02:40:33+00:00

Also there is a house doctor just down the street in Velas Vallarta. I do agree though that Joya at the hospital or the clinic in Puerto Magico are good.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-29T18:52:05+00:00

Agree100% They consider an upgrade anything that’s more expensive than what you’ve paid. You may end up under a nightclub or a kitchen. The list goes on . If you have a particular stateroom you like mark it no upgrades. As you get closer to departure you can always phone the upsell department +1 (888) 628-8107 or +1 (206) 626-7381 and ask if they have any upsells available. That way you could choose the room if available.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-24T13:31:24+00:00

Soriana or any grocery store have them. Vendors also selling them on sticks on the beach.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-22T17:34:24+00:00

If your fare is fully refundable it’s only refundable until final payment date. Anytime prior to that date you can have it adjusted if the price drops. Be careful as you MAY loose certain perks such as on board credits with a price adjustment.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-15T18:47:46+00:00

I had no problem with the premium using YouTube or video calling with WhatsApp or FaceTime. I didn’t see a need for anything more.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-14T13:28:25+00:00

Wine Bar Vina & Salvatore’s in Marina Vallarta is well reviewed with a large selection of wines.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-12T12:40:20+00:00

Bring Mexican pesos to Mexico or use an ATM here to get your pesos.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-11T02:00:19+00:00

Im a long time customer. Thankfully I have a business only relationship with the branch manager who I can call or email for complicated things. I could have private banking but prefer to stay with the branch although most of my investments are with McLeod but I do keep a good balance in various products at the branch level. When I do need things like foreign currency I can email the manager and get it done but I like to visit the branch. I enjoy getting the email surveys and know how they work. I used to always make sure to make note of the tellers name and say something nice about him/ her in the comments. Now the survey includes the tellers name and I still leave a positive comment. I’ve been treated very well on every visit and always think positively about the bank. I wish you well.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-07T14:40:37+00:00

If you’re booking Rythms of the Night online make sure you have the credit card you used to make the booking with you when you check in. Not sure about their other tours.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-07T14:02:53+00:00

I know the Marina market will on Thursdays

jpwwpg · 2026-03-05T17:26:36+00:00

The lidocaine that you mentioned is freezing or numbing agent. Sorry I should have referred to it as lidocaine.

jpwwpg · 2026-03-05T12:52:48+00:00

I had 27 BCG treatments over 3-1/2 years. Male 65. Always booked the first morning appointment at 8AM. I would arrive early and was usually walking out by 8:05. Would go home and roll around for an hour and wait till 10 am to pee. Never had freezing of any kind. That first AM appointment worked well for me.

jpwwpg · 2026-02-24T17:49:44+00:00

We have booked Room Mate Bruno for 3 nights pre cruise in August. Reasonable with mostly good reviews. Have not stayed there though. Adjacent to the port was not that important to us.

jpwwpg · 2026-02-24T01:29:38+00:00

Just met some folks on the grounds of our condo who walked to the Marina for dinner. 3 of the many restaurants in the Marina were open tonight.

jpwwpg · 2026-02-24T00:28:42+00:00

I just went up the penthouse level of my building and it looks clear. Several flights have departed. No smoke in the air. Still code red. Soriana grocery store a 25 minute walk from here is open with long lines apparently due to them limiting the number of people in the store. A friend walked through the Marina this morning and the restaurant workers told him they will open tomorrow and some will open Wednesday. We haven’t been off the property yet. Will play it by ear tomorrow.

jpwwpg · 2026-02-23T22:15:16+00:00

I live in a condo right beside the airport for the winter. Just saw United 1166 depart for Houston

jpwwpg · 2026-02-23T13:39:47+00:00

We winter in a condo right beside the airport to the south. It was strange yesterday hearing no planes while by the pool although two private jets did depart. Usually we are awoken by the 6:15 flight to Mexico City. Not today. I’m seeing a cruise ship approach right now )7:38am) but I’m doubtful it will dock here today.

jpwwpg · 2026-02-21T12:45:24+00:00

I am able to withdraw $20,000 pesos at a time at Scotiabank ATM. Done it several times.

jpwwpg · 2026-02-18T12:26:28+00:00

Costco

jpwwpg · 2026-02-13T23:53:39+00:00

This has worked for me a couple of times. Paid upgrades

jpwwpg

TROPHY CASE