Acapulco

A beautiful morning as Arcadia sailed into Acapulco Bay.

Good Day Everyone,

A very enjoyable call at Acapulco on Wednesday. Dazzling with all the charms of the best of Mexico, there is no doubt that Acapulco is one of the world's greatest resorts. Ringed by mountains and fringed with glorious beaches, the city's site is superb. This is the place to sample a margarita or thrill to the death - defying divers at La Quebrada.

During my years with Princess Cruises I got to know Acapulco very well. Every other weekend we would arrive in Acapulco at 0800 hours on a Friday and sail at 1800 hours on the Sunday. The Saturday was the turnaround day and the following Saturday we would be in Los Angeles. This was on the original Island Princess.

My birthday is on the 27th of the month and I remember having a fantastic 27th birthday on the 27th in Acapulco, dancing the night away at Fantasy Nightclub! Lynn Potter who was an Assistant Purser at the time organised the outing. I wonder if Lynn reads this blog? Fun times to look back on. So you could say that I am very fond of Acapulco. More recently I have been doing fly cruise turnarounds here for Arcadia.

The Headliners Theatre cast enjoy a break ashore.

What does Cherry our Port Presenter recommend doing?

Hola Acapulco!

Glitz and glamour – high rise hotels and fast food joints – casinos and nightlife: if you’re going ‘loco down in Acapulco’ you’ll have to choose carefully as there is so much to see and do.

If you’ve seen the amazing and death defying cliff divers before, what will you do this time? Will it be the thrills and adrenalin infused jet-boat ride (get ready to scream and get very wet indeed) or will you dissolve into an emotional puddle over the plight of the baby turtles? Nobody returns from this one without having shed a few tears. Oh decisions, decisions.

So, how do you choose? Don’t ask me; I love them both equally. My answer on this occasion is the jet-boat (but only because the turtle tour has sold out) and then book immediately to return to Acapulco so that you can release a baby turtle next time round.

Have fun amigos. Adios!

Thanks for that Cherry.

Jackie our Passenger Services Manager sorting our some quayside business with Felipe.

Our passengers returning from the Bay Cruise.

Local crafts on sale.

From L to R our lovely photographers - Emma, Grace and Lynette.

Plenty of places to sit and soak up the atmosphere - can you believe we are in Acapulco already?

A bust of the Governor of Acapulco.

Beautiful white beach all around the bay.

Can't get much closer than this.......

One for my 'Vintage' readers - an old Army Jeep.

The Pelicans are after the fish..........

Catch of the day.

The fishing boats - this part of the bay is 'working'.

It is always lovely to see your ship in new surroundings.

A perfect day for taking a stroll on the strip.

Spectacular views as we sailed into port.

Arcadia alongside her berth.

I just love the VW Beetle Taxis.

Acapulco Charlies on the dockside.

It is a delight to have Murray Walker sailing with us as our Guest Speaker.

We really needed a longer berth therefore to facilitate another gangways for our returning passengers we had to use the aft storing doors - James, Derek, Bob and Jackie assess the area.

A soon as we loaded our stores the Team put the sparkle back so we could get the gangway arranged.

A hive of activity on the dock.

It was great to see our Ship's Agents again - Brenda and Daniel. I knew Brenda's Father - Enrique Hernandez. Enrique used to call me Jaime (pronounced hi me) Carlos - Spanish for James Charles of course! Fond memories of Enrique.

The 'A' watch are being 'ticked on' for lunch time service at The Belvedere Food Court. Ticked on is a ship term for reporting for duty.

Cruise Director Nigel and Choreographer Director Jerry Robinson enjoy the sail in to Acapulco.

Gerry left us today to fly back to the UK.

Ken Vard, Naval Historian and Elaine Delmar - Jazz Singer enjoy the sail in.

Taken from above The Orchid Restaurant.

Arcadia approaching her berth.

The view across the Neptunes Pool. It could be you leaning over the ship's rail!

Flags of arrival...............

Arcadia entering the bay.

Morning Coffee View - oh so smooth - the sea and the coffee!

Sun rise on the aft end of Arcadia.

The modern sky scrappers are very interesting along the strip.

Give me the money honey. I used US Dollars.

One of my favourites in Acapulco - Hard Rock Cafe.

Planet Hollywood.

When nothing less will do................

Needless to say another memorable day for us Arcadians. I hope you enjoyed this blog visit to Acapulco. Thanks for all your messages, please keep them coming. I wonder if Elaine has all the ironing done?!! Goeff W - not siure when Steve is joing Artemis - in about 6 weeks time I would say. Greetings to John Usher in Olso, Norway! I have met your family on board Steve and Fiona from Pembrokshire in Wales. Best wishes also to Tom and Maureen Foy - get well soon Maureen and go easy on the 'fair trade' bananas!

Next port Zihuatanejo.

Best wishes,

James.

Manana!