After the extreme adventure yesterday in Acapulco I was SO looking forward to the next item on the agenda…  The Spa Villa!

Disney Cruise Lines took the area that used to host one of the fitness rooms and turned it into a set of private ocean side treatment rooms that include massage beds, an outdoor lounger for two and a hot tub. You select a package that dictates the amount of time you spend in the room.  Ours was the middle of the road option – The Couples Choice package which allows for just over 2 hours of total bliss and your choice of treatments from a villa menu.

We arrived at the Vista Spa and completed the usual paperwork.

 

Then we were lead back beyond the glass doors to our little slice of heaven for the next two hours. We were introduced to our hostesses and given robes for our fist stop…  a foot bath ritual.

     

They put bubbling body treatments into the hot tub and we relaxed to the sound of the waves as the ship sailed on its way to…  wherever – frankly I was relaxed I didn’t really care. LOL

I also discovered what Chris must have been like as a child in a bubble bath.  He was very distracted by the bubbles and seemed to enjoy doing everything possible to keep them away from him. Not sure … but maybe ha was attacked by a falling bottle of Mr. Bubble in his youth?  Of course the jets just blew them back at him, so it was a lost cause, but it was fun! I am going to have to ask my mother in-law about my anti-bubble theory.

 

25 minutes later the hostesses began our treatments.  Chris opted for the Hot Stones massage and I did a half body (neck and back) stone massage and a mini facial.  It was about an hour for the treatment phase and was wonderful!

 

After the treatments we went back out on the verandah and enjoyed a tea service with fresh fruit and relaxed for another 20 minutes or so.

Reluctantly we left the villa and Linda and I met up for a wine tasting. Today it was champagne and sparkling wines.  yum!  We learned about how to tell the quality of a bottle by its bubbles and the look of the cork.  was very cool… plus we got to do some tasting too!

 

Tonight Chris and I tried Topsiders for dinner allowing me to catch up on my blogs and to catch the finale of dancing with the stars..  ( a sick addiction…I know) I am under strict instructions to not reveal the winner to our table mates as they have taped it and don’t want to know.  We’ll see how long they hold out before curiosity gets the best of them.

Tomorrow – Puerto Vallarta and the tale of dolphin training and zip lines.

 

 

 

 

After the extreme adventure yesterday in Acapulco I was SO looking forward to the next item on the agenda…  The Spa Villa! < more... >

We arrived into the port of Acapulco around 10:30am – a bit earlier the expected. One good thing about arriving after the crack of dawn is  we were awake and preparing for the day so had a chance to really enjoy the scenery as we slowly pulled into the bay.  We pulled up the dock and were greeted by waves and cheers from the locals. The Captain parallel parked this baby like it was no bigger then a VW bug. And there were plenty of those around!

   

  

Todays agenda?  No… not cliff divers. Not even Senor Frogs… That would be way too predictable. Chris and I opted for the wonderful world of High speed shot-over jet boats! Our friend and client Sandy came along and we boarded the bus for the site of our adventure.

We winded our way up thru  the golden zone and along the cliffs to the canals. Along the way we stopped at an overlook that takes your breath away.  Sandy and I posed for a pic then it was back on the bus.

 

The ride was about 45 minutes past markets, beach front bars and restaurants and other traditional Mexican wonders like…  Costco, Sams Club, KFC, Burger King, and many versions of the American embassy – aka… McDonalds.  ya.   I know.  The bus guide happily pointed out that they do not, under any circumstances allow a Taco Bell franchise in the area.

Moving on.

We arrived at a eco park and were told they had two boats that each held 9 or 10 plus the driver. We had a group of 36, so the first group of 18 got off the bus and the rest of us continued on a city tour that included the Fairmont Princess – site of a few movies and was the resort of choice for the Hollywood elite.

Once we returned to the dock the second group got all suited up and were boarded on our boat. When you first arrive you do notice a sulfur like odor and the water is brownish so you do have your suspicions on how clean the water is in the canal.  However our guide explained the eco systems and the natural causes for the conditions. Its much easier to accept after a little education.

   

The guide changes between slow moving natural science lessons where we learn about the giant termite nests as well as the wildlife in the area.. see the baby bird in the nest?

 

…. and flying down the narrow channels that once hosted the film crew of African Queen among other s… at 30 – 40 mph.

Wanna see what happens when he signals with his index finger in the air in a circular motion?

   

It was a blast… and I will be looking for other shot-over boat excursions on future trips!

After a long day getting soaked, we returned to the ship and went to an early dinner. After checking out the menu at our dining room,  Deb, Chris . Linda and I opted for Palo.. again.

Check our Chris… he cleans up nice….

   

OH!  and did I mention – they have chocolate souflees?!

We ended the night by gazing at the lights of the city.

Tomorrow… Day at Sea!

 

We arrived into the port of Acapulco around 10:30am – a bit earlier the expected. One good thing about arriving after the crack of dawn is  we were awake and preparing for the day so had a chance to really enjoy the scenery as we slowly pulled into the bay. < more... >

A second day at sea… I must admit I was skeptical about how I would do with so many days at sea….  but now that I am over halfway through the voyage I really like the forced relaxation. 

Today is much like yesterday.  A warm, clear morning although the sea is slightly rougher. But don’t put to much into that.  Below is a pic that illustrates how smooth its been.  I am amazed that we have had slight  1– 4 ft swells on average and frankly I could had a much better nights sleep with a bit more rocking and rolling.  Not this time … so far. Even the birds find drafting off the ship a pleasurable experience.

 

Oh!  I forgot to talk about the PINS!!!!
Many of us heard about the overnight sleeping in the hallway extravaganza on the first Panama Canal Crossing. PJ parties all around to stake out your turn in line for a commemorative pin. This time was a much more sane processes.  While the pin set is limited, the numbers currently available pretty much guarantee each cabin at least 1 set.  They provide a order form, you write in your preference and they provide a return day and time for you to return and pick up your order. Luckily I was able to purchase two full sets and a couple of extra large pins for friends.

Here is what the set looks like on the map they provide:

But all good sea days must come to an end and tomorrow morning we sail into the port of Acapulco!

A second day at sea… I must admit I was skeptical about how I would do with so many days at sea….  but now that I am over halfway through the voyage I really like the forced relaxation. 

Today is much like yesterday.  A warm, clear morning although the sea is slightly rougher. < more... >