San Francisco is always a nice place to board a cruise ship and sail out under the Golden Gate Bridge. And here was a beautiful cruise ship, the Sun Princess, (Ref 1) departing 2 Oct 99 and so I arranged to be on board. The ship had been consistently reviewed very favorably (Ref 2/Feb 99), (Ref 3/Apr 98), (Ref 4/Apr 98), (Ref 5/Oct 97) and (Ref 6/Jan 96), so there was no reason to postpone trying out the Grand Class of Princess Cruising.

The itinerary was a modest seven-night voyage (Ref 7) to the Mexican Riviera (Ref 8) as part of the annual repositioning from Alaska operations to the Caribbean. A novel reminder of the ship's movements is recorded on the cam images (Ref 9) that are periodically sent to the internet.

The evening departure from Pier 35 at the Embarcadero in San Francisco (Ref 10) was most pleasant. The location of the berthed ship allowed sweeping views of the city and the transbay bridges all lit up. By the time the ship sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge it was windy, dark and cold and everyone disappeared immediately for the inside warmth of dinner and shipmates.

3-4 Oct Sun-Mon. At Sea southeastward-bound along the Baja California coastline. The restful days at sea were most welcome and the exploration of the large ship could proceed at a leisurely pace. It certainly has all the amenities of a modern megaship and it seems to make a nice package. There is little perceivable sense of crowding and movement throughout the ship is easy and direct. The activities are fine and food, especially the pasta which I favor, was excellent so no complaints there. I still dislike the art auctions junk art spilling over into the passageways and public areas. One cannot escape it and their microphones were reporting a $72,000 purchase when I passed it last. I hope the bidder doesn't have regrets after the cruise ends. In any event, I feel the auction activity detracts from the cruise experience and would hope that they could contain it in an out-of-the-way place where it wouldn't intrude. Enough tirade. I found the trip exactly as I had hoped and that should sum it up.

5 Oct. Cabo San Lucas 0700-1800. I joined my tablemates in hiring a minivan to tour the coastal route to San Jose del Cabo which is about twenty miles northeast of Cabo San Lucas. The driver was knowledgeable and most cordial and made every detour and side trip requested of him in fine style. The afternoon was spent at the Melia San Lucas Hotel located on Medano Beach overlooking the huge cruise ship at anchor and the rugged El Arco signature peninsula.

6 Oct. Mazatlan 0700-1800. The ship berthed alongside the Old Mazatlan pier area just a few blocks from the dowtown center. Strolling was in order and a little business was conducted. Hailing an open dunebuggy-type pulmonia was just the ticket for a jaunty return to the ship. Mazatlan has a lot to commend it as a vacation area. I had spent a week here last year while teaching on a navy ship so I felt right at home in the town. I didn't climb El Faro, the 518-ft lighthouse hill top, as I thought I might. Maybe next time. You can see an aerial photo of it by clicking (Ref 11).

7 Oct. Puerto Vallarta 0700-1700. This resort area has been very successful in attracting visitors and has blossomed as a destination center. The marina area has been nicely developed (I remember running aground on a sandbar in the old marina years ago when I was a navigator aboard a three-masted schooner) and hotels have grown south of the airport along attractive Banderas Bay. This was my day to walk and I tramped the shoreline to Camino Real Hotel and got some swimming in as well. Ocean swimming is what I like best and this type of cruise is great for both walking and swimming. My wants are few.

8 Oct. Ixtapa/Zihuatenejo 1200-1830. When we arrived at Zihuatenejo, the surf was up and the ship sent one of the tenders to test the surge pierside. They reported it over a meter and that seems to be the limit for safe operations so the decision was made to forego the stop and enjoy a day at sea. I had spent days there waiting for a ship I missed in Los Angeles so I didn't feel bad at all but some of my shipmates were sorely disappointed as the weather was excellent and, except for the sea condition, looked as if we should be enjoying the big resort development at Ixtapa. Missed ports seem to be more common nowadays. Maybe the increased itineraries, which include more tendered stops, also increase the liklihood that more port cancellations can be expected.

9 Oct. Acapulco debark 0600. Early entrance into the well protected bay of Acapulco is always an interesting approach and so it was this time. Off loading was quick and I was headed by bus and train for the Copper Canyon country, but that is another story.

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