I read the appropriate chapter before each port of call. The author gives you hints on problems you may face as well as encouraging you to see the important sights. I felt that with his guidance we didn't miss anything, and enjoyed the vacation spots much more. -- Judith Orlopp This is a very quick book to read about the ports you will be visiting. I read it on the airplane on the way to my cruise. It made my trip to the Mexican Riviera a pleasant experience with many helpful hints. -- Paula J. Down This book is a fine guide to cruising the Mexican Riviera and Baja California. It describes the main cruise ships, especially those on the Carnival, Celebrity, Holland-American, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean lines. There's advice on climate, what to wear, both in port and on the ship, and the costs involved. And there are good descriptions of the ports. Anyway, I was on a one-week cruise and found the book very useful. The cruise prices were very reasonable (it was the off-season, but the weather was fine). Do not expect to get seasick: I rarely noticed that the ship was moving. Yes, I liked the food. And the Lido deck. And even the art auctions with the free champagne. As the book explains, cruises are often one week long, with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. These leave from the Los Angeles area: mine started from Long Beach. It's fun being pampered and having all sorts of things to do on board. -- Jill Malter 336-page guide - the most detailed available on this subject. A unique cruise guide offering concise, easy-to-read information on every vessel plying the popular Mexican Riviera region this season. Ship facts include stateroom size, dining options, passenger/crew ratio, crew nationality, ship registry and even when the last refurbishment was completed. This candid book has done your homework for you, reviewing ship itineraries and making you aware of the highlights and potential pitfalls of every one. The author tells how to find bargain rates, when to book and makes you aware of considerations for disabled travelers, solo cruisers and being aboard with young children. Walking tours at each port of call are supplemented by detailed port maps. Ports of call include: Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Catalina Island, Ensenada, Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo, La Paz, Loreto, Manzanillo, Mazatln, Puerto Vallarta, Santa Rosala. Embarkation cities (such as San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Long Beach and more) are included. These combination cruise-sightseeing guides are among our bestsellers, perhaps because of their unique approach that offers in-depth information for the cruiser, plus thorough sightseeing details. The first half of each book is dedicated to the ships and what they offer - passenger/crew ratio, service, amenities, cruise routes, dining options, etc. It gives all the information you need to select a ship to suit your taste, style and budget. The rest of the book is dedicated to making the most of your time ashore, with tips on how to avoid crowds, trip planning and pitfalls to avoid. The authors even tell you which sites are not worth your time. Town maps.
