Princess Cruise Lines - Dawn Princess
For those cruising veterans out there who have been to every place the Caribbean has to offer, Princess Cruise Lines has developed a new kind of cruise that will appeal to everyone, both in destinations and price. For only $799 per person, cruisers get an 11-day cruise through the Mexican Riviera on Princess Cruise Lines' Dawn Princess. With some of the best sunsets, warmest weather and most exciting activities in the world, a cruise through Mexico is perfect for the whole family.
The Dawn Princess sails from San Francisco, CA so for all those west coasters, this is the perfect opportunity to cruise right from your own backyard, without all the airport hassle. Anyone not from the west coast should take the time to enjoy all San Francisco has to offer before sailing away on what will be sure to be an unforgettable adventure. From San Francisco, the Dawn Princess will spend two days at sea, while on its way to Mazatlan, Mexico. While at sea, cruisers should take advantage of all of the ships amenities including a casino, duty-free shopping, health centers and spa, sports deck, disco, virtual golf course, and of course enchanting dining experiences including a steakhouse and a wine and caviar bar.
The first stop, Mazatlan, is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico, marking the beginning of the Mexican tropics. Located just below the Tropic of Cancer, it is perpetually summer in Mazatlan, making it a destination that is prefect for a visit year round. Since it is an extremely popular port of call for cruise ships, tours are offered to see the surrounding villages as well as a variety of other excursions. These include kayaking, banana boating, boogie boarding, snorkeling, and para-sailing excursions as well as a sunset tour of the city, and a tequila tour, where guests will learn just how their favorite (or detested) drink is made. Known as the "Pearl of the Pacific" due to its miles of golden beaches and blue lagoons, the island is truly a beauty that should be seen.
After another day of sailing the seas, the Dawn Princess will arrive in Acapulco, Mexico. Known for its towering cliffs and its beautiful white beaches, Acapulco is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. World renowned for its glamorous lifestyle, tourists can enjoy a spectacular night life, great amusement parks, and of course the vision of beer drinking donkeys. For the sports enthusiast, Acapulco has tons to offer including five different golf courses, hundreds of tennis courts, and countless beach and water sports. While in Acapulco, remember to make time for the beach; whether you prefer fun and the sun or relaxation and solitude, Acapulco has a beach for everyone's taste.
The next stop on the Dawn Princess are the two towns of Zihiatanejo and Ixtapa, Mexico. Located only four miles apart, these two towns could not differ more in both history and culture. In Zihiatanejo, tourists should explore the small village charm and rustic setting or take a nature hike along the coastline. Visit local fishing villages or a mango or coconut plantation. Looking for more of the all-inclusive vacation? Wander over to Ixtapa, where guests can enjoy world-class golf courses, extravagant shopping and dining, and beautiful white sand beaches. This stop on the cruise has something for everyone and perfect for the tourist who is looking for a little of everything.
The Dawn Princess's next adventure is Puerto Vallerta, Mexico, a colonial city surrounded by rich, tropical jungles. Once a sleepy, seaside village, the town still enjoys century-old traditions and a laid-back pace of life. Some of the most popular attractions are a jungle hike to a 150 ft waterfall and attending the local bullfights. Active vacationers find Puerto Vallerta a great place for all beach and water activities in addition to golf, tennis and bungee jumping. All of this can be found in the atmosphere of a traditional Mexican village with cobblestone streets and friendly people against a background a beautiful tropical paradise. The island is full of small shops and boutiques that sell great arts and crafts, so be sure to check them out before sailing off for the last destination of the cruise.
The last stop for the Dawn Princess is the infamous Cabo San Luca, Mexico. Known as a party town, located on the southernmost tip of Baja, California, it provides a spectacular blend of sea, mountains and desert. Cabo has grown immensely in the past few decades, with new resorts frequented by many celebrities. Aside from the popular activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and various other water sports, guests in Cabo San Luca can enjoy beautiful scenery and abundant wild life. At night the tourists go crazy at "Cabo Wabo Cantina." Shopping is a must in Cabo San Luca with many open-air stalls and shops where merchants sell great shell necklaces, coral jewelry and woven baskets.
All of these destinations being in Mexico make the exchange of currency a little easier on the cruise guests. The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, which is worth a little less than one tenth of the US dollar. It is beneficial to exchange the US dollar ahead of time, since most places in Mexico will either accept the dollar at an extremely poor exchange rate or exchange it for a large fee.
