Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

INCLUDED WITH YOUR VOYAGE

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico TRADITIONS OF PUERTO VALLARTA

PUERTO VALLARTA OLD TOWN

Join your friendly local guide for a narrated exploration of Puerto Vallarta. As you travel through the bustling city of today you may never guess that its origins date back to a tiny fishing village in the early 19th century. As you explore, your local guide will delve into the rich history and culture of the city. Feel the ocean breeze on a stroll along the Malecón which features beautiful bronze statues, scenic views, and local shops to explore. In Old Town, take some time to do some shopping, enjoy a complimentary refreshment or stop in to one of the air-conditioned facilities.

THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

This exquisite parish in the center of Puerto Vallarta is perhaps the city’s most recognizable landmark. The marvelous church was crafted with a melding of different architectural styles, from neoclassical to renaissance. A visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe will provide a glimpse into the evolution of Puerto Vallarta as you learn about the changes the church underwent over time. The original ornate crown was added to the building in 1965 and it remained until an earthquake in 1995. In 2009, the current concrete crown was placed on top of the structure.

PLAYA GRANDE & RIO BENDITO

The journey continues through the small village of Playa Grande, where you will learn about the local culture in the town where time appears to stand still. At Rio Bendito, discover the traditional distilling process of tequila. Once local experts teach you about the distillery and the authentic Mexican spirit, enjoy a tasting of Rio Bendito’s variety of flavors and feel free to purchase your favorite. Complete your day with a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens or purchase a Mexican lunch or cocktail at the open-air restaurant. Back on the vessel, enjoy a nice siesta to sleep off your savory samples.

Please note: This excursion is only available for guests sailing the full 15-day itinerary from San Diego to San José.

Puerto Vallarta Premium Experience WILDLIFE SPOTTING & SAILING ON THE BAY OF BANDERAS HIGHLIGHTS

SET SAIL ON THE BAY OF BANDERAS

Climb aboard and prepare to set sail for the Bay of Banderas. This small group excursion takes you on to a classic vessel for an aquatic adventure you will never forget. Glide across the deep blue waters of the bay making your way along the coastline of Puerto Vallarta. While you’ll certainly enjoy stunning views of the city, you will surely want to keep an eye on the water itself!

SPOT LOCAL WILDLIFE!

Your local guide has a keen eye for spotting the local marine life that inhabits the Bay of Banderas. Throughout your journey, you will search for the likes of dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful tropical fish. Your search may work up an appetite, so there will be hearty snacks and beverages available onboard – national open bar drinks included. Enjoy the tasty treat as you watch your remarkable surroundings pass by and feel the warm breeze of your sunny day in Mexico.

Please note: This excursion is only available for guests sailing the full 15-day itinerary from San Diego to San José.

HALF-DAY $79

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. RESERVE TODAY!

Puerto Vallarta Premium Experience MOUNTAINTOP CULINARY CREATIONS HIGHLIGHTS

UNLEASH YOUR INNER CHEF

On this culinary experience unlike any other you will unleash your inner chef while learning how to source, purchase, and craft fresh ingredients into authentic Mexican cuisine. Travel through Puerto Vallarta off the beaten path far from conventional restaurant chains to the local marketplaces frequented by the city’s residents. Exploring a vast market can be daunting, but rest assured your local guide will lead you to the proper vendors, showing you how to select the freshest ingredients at an unbeatable price.

MEET YOUR EXPERT CHEF ON THE MOUNTAINTOP

With your fresh produce in hand, reboard the motorcoach to continue the culinary adventure. Leaving the bustling city streets behind you, ascend on a scenic drive to our rustic, mountaintop country kitchen. Here, you’ll meet an expert chef, who’s eager to share local techniques and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

CRAFT TRADITIONAL MEXICAN CUISINE

Spread out your ingredients and get ready to prepare your handmade lunch with the best methods imaginable. Chop, cut, and crush your way to an excellent full lunch cooked over an adobe wood stove. After learning the ins and outs of crafting traditional items like tasty tortillas and savory salsas it’s time to dive into your delectable meal. Afterward, sit back and relax on the scenic mountaintop property before making your way back to the ship.

Please note: This excursion is only available for guests sailing the full 15-day itinerary from San Diego to San José.

HALF-DAY $79

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. RESERVE TODAY!

Puerto Vallarta is a special tourist destination on the west coast of the Mexican state of Jalisco. The modern town dates from the mid-1800s and its port from 1885. Puerto Vallarta grew organically from being a fishing village, into a world-class tourist destination. Tourism is a major economic activity because of the climate, scenery, tropical beaches, and rich culture. Mexican city dwellers discovered the clear sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets, and clear emerald-blue waters in the 1950s. Hollywood and the jet-set fell in love with the place in the early 1960s; John Huston frequently brought Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Ava Gardner with him for long holiday weekends. Little by little, with part luck and lots of local effort and promotion, Puerto Vallarta evolved into a welcoming and modern resort area with lots to do, gourmet restaurants, and top hotels.

Puerto Vallarta Premium Experience PRE-CRUISE SPIRIT OF PUERTO VALLARTA HIGHLIGHTS

NARRATED JOURNEY THROUGH PUERTO VALLARTA

Join your friendly local guide for a narrated exploration of Puerto Vallarta. As you travel through the bustling city of today you may never guess that its origins date back to a tiny fishing village in the early 19th century. During your exploration, your local guide will delve into the rich history and culture of the city. Feel the ocean breeze on a stroll along the Malecón which features beautiful bronze statues, scenic views, and local shops to explore. In Old Town, take some time to do some shopping, enjoy a complimentary refreshment or stop in to one of the air-conditioned facilities.

VISIT THE CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Your exploration of the city continues to the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This exquisite parish in the center of Puerto Vallarta is perhaps the city’s most recognizable landmark. The marvelous church was crafted with a melding of different architectural styles, from neoclassical to renaissance. A visit to Our Lady of Guadalupe will provide a glimpse into the evolution of Puerto Vallarta as you learn about the changes the church underwent over time. The original ornate crown was added to the building in 1965 and it remained until an earthquake in 1995. In 2009, the current concrete crown was placed on top of the structure.

DISCOVER THE DISTILLING PROCESS AT RIO BENDITO

As you say goodbye to the bustling sector of Puerto Vallarta, you’ll travel toward the more remote areas of the region through the small village of Playa Grande, where you will learn about the local culture in the town where time appears to stand still. At Rio Bendito, discover the traditional distilling process of tequila. Once local experts teach you about the distillery and the authentic Mexican spirit, enjoy a tasting of Rio Bendito’s variety of flavors and feel free to purchase your favorite. Complete your day with a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens or purchase a Mexican lunch or cocktail at the open-air restaurant. Back on the vessel, enjoy a nice siesta to sleep off your savory samples.

Please note: This excursion is only available for guests embarking in Puerto Vallarta.

HALF-DAY $79

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE. RESERVE TODAY!