Pirate Adventure

AAAARRR!!

Is that what the pirates say?

Well today we went on a princess excursion on a pirate ship and I can’t say too many good things about it. By that I mean it was GREAT!!!

As the shipped docked we could see our pirate vessel docked just across the bay. It was not quite daylight but we could make it out.

I was so very surprised to see that Puerto Vallarta was such a big modern bustling city. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my camera has a setting I could use to capture the city lights.

As we watched the Norwegian Star approached the dock. It came so close that I am certain that passengers on the front of the Grand could have reached out and touched the Star.

We had ordered room service breakfast and we had arranged a wake up call. But we were so fascinated by the passing of the Star that we didn’t hear the knock on our door. We were out on the balcony so the room service people had to call us to get us to come to the door.

We had breakfast and got ready to disembark. The sky was dark and the cloud cover was very thick and heavy. We were certain it would rain on us today. Ken packed umbrellas and rain ponchos just in case.

On the dock we were met by a performing Mexican Mariachi band and costumed pirates. We took pictures and before long we were met by what turned out to be our personal pirate PEPPE. He would be our personal guide for the rest of the day. At first he referred to me a Mamma and then as the day progressed Ken and I became Grandma and Grandpa. I can’t say that I was thrilled by this but I guess that is a title we have earned and some people are not that fortunate.

First thing was to give our menu selection for the noon meal. Ken and I both choose shrimp and steak, a surf and turf. The other choices were ribs or cordon Blue or chicken breasts or burgers.

Next we were guided on board and given our seats and PFD’s and offered drinks. This was the first of many many offers of beverages. The choices were for water, soft drinks, beer, and cocktails of all kinds including mai tais, margaritas, pina colodas, and drinks like rum and coke. There would be available all day at no extra charge.

There was lots of music and dancing, I remarked that it was an aerobics class on the sea. There was a lot of movement of the ship and I was soon very glad that I had brought along Gravol. No stabilizers here.

Next we were directed down to the galley where we were served a full breakfast of breads, scrambled eggs, ham, coffee, juice and cereal. The food was fresh and hot and you could have all you wanted. We certainly did not need to eat breakfast onboard the Grand.

We went topside and Peppe did a drawing on our forearms. Some people had scars applied to their faces and the little children were given beards and it was lots of fun.

A drama was enacted involving sword fights and cannon fire and people being thrown overboard and walking the plank. It was well acted and a lot of fun. All the while the liquor flowed. The skies cleared and we did not need our umbrellas, instead we needed suntan lotion.

After about 2 hour of sailing we were tendered into a wonderful beach where we were given front row chairs with views of the beach and the water activities. There were Kayaks and banana boats and buggy boards, snorkeling and playing in the waves and beach volleyball. Peppe brought us beer. The captain led the children on a treasure hunt. It was like watching the pied piper. The treasure was chocolate coins covered in gold foil paper. The beach was lovely and sandy and Ken and I both went into the water. We had worn swim suits under our clothes because we were told there would not be facilities at the beach.

Two hours passed quickly and before we knew it we were headed back to the Marigalante. At one pointer the pirate captain told us about the history of the vessel. Apparently it is a replica of the Santa Maria. It was really very special , constructed of heavy timbers and very well maintained. The decorations were amazing with skeletons hanging from the riggings and imprisoned in the brig.

We were directed to the galley where we were served a sumptuous meal, hot and delicious and more than ample.

Topside again the alcohol continued to flow and we were treated to acrobatics and a sword fight and a musical contest. There were prizes of very nice tee shirts awarded during the six hour excursion.

This was the best shore excursion ever and we highly recommend it. We had one problem in that we did not bring much cash with us and we would have like to tip more generously and could not.

We  had left the ship around 8:15 and we did not return until almost 3:30.

By now we are tired after spending that much time in the fresh sea air.

Back on board we decided it was a perfect time to go to the sanctuary hot tub. They have wonderful showers there and we could wash off the salt water. My ankle would enjoy the hot water, it was swollen again.

We returned to our stateroom to watch the Star maneuver from her birth and skim past us. Then we dressed for dinner. We were not very hungry so we ate light. I had a pasta dish and Ken had scallops. Of course I had to have the sugar free dessert.

After dinner we debated about going to the Princess theatre for the comedian. But both of us were tired from our very full day so we decided to call it a day and return to our room. It was not long before we were both asleep.

Tomorrow is the first of 2 sea days before we return to San Pedro and pier 93. We are looking forward to the rest and relaxation it will afford.