Monarch of the Seas! 9/19 - 9/23

My friends Michelle, Carolyn and I (work friends) are going on a Royal Caribbean 3-night Mexican Riviera cruise from Long Beach to Ensenada! We depart 9/19 and return 9/23. Arriba! We set said on the newly renovated Monarch of the Seas. Here is a brief write-up about it:

"Experience a land of siestas and fiestas. Not to mention Mariachi bands, helicopter rides over sandy beaches, and amazing sunsets. Ole! It's a fiesta in Manzanillo where mariachis play their lively music and colorfully dressed performers present traditional dances. Also tour the cobblestone streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta and the La Cetto Winery in Ensenada."

"Be one of the first to experience the recent stem-to-stern renovation of Monarch of the Seas. Departing from L.A. year-round, this remarkable 2,744-guest cruise ship sets sail for the ultimate Baja cruise vacation. In addition to the spectacular on-shore excitement, you'll enjoy Monarch's state-of-the-art features, like the new, oversized spa and fitness center, specialty Asian-fusion cuisine at Jade, a make-your-own pizzeria, and, of course, Royal Caribbean's signature rock-climbing wall."

"Ensenada, known as Baja's "Love Boat" port, is no longer a sleepy resort town. Each year, some 4.5 million visitors descend on this seaside city 68 miles from the border, joining 325,000 residents. Fishing, processing and shipping have made Ensenada Mexico's second busiest port.It's quite a change from 1542 when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into the sheltered bay in his quest for the mythical Northwest Passage, or sixty years later, when Sebastian Vizcaino named the area Ensenada de Todos los Santos after All Saints' Day. Over the centuries, many have left their mark here, from Spanish missionaries and Russian settlers to gold miners and gamblers. The result is eclectic mix -- from Mexico's oldest winery and Baja's first cantina to a plaza featuring statues of national heroes. In addition to expected attractions like the large tourist shopping area and fish market, Ensenada also offers the unexpected - an elegant Prohibition-era casino and a blowhole that spews water sixty feet into the air." - Casino, chocolate bars, buffets, entertainment, pedicures and more. Woo hoo!

Poor us! :)