This will be my husband's first cruise, and my second (although my first cruise was in 1984!!), and we'd like some advice from seasoned cruisers about shore excursions in Mazatlan, Puerta Vallarta and/or Cabo San Lucas. Which is the best of the three ports to do some serious shopping? Is it better, in your opinion, to book online before leaving, waiting until we're on the ship to book, or avoid booking via the cruise line at all? Any input is much appreciated by these "wet behind the ears" cruisers! Thanks much!

I just posted another reply under the Star Princess. Have sailed 3 Princess, will be doing another end of November, and Star in the Orient Oct. 2003. We did the ports you mention on the Carnival Spirit in April. When you talk about serious shopping, exactly what do you mean? What are you looking to buy. Cabo is a tendered port, and we were there at the same time the Star was. They use their own boats to transport to shore, so would be better drivers than we faced. There's a few pier booths that you have difficulty bargaining with. A few people said they went in to town, but driving by, looks like the same stores that the ships suggest in all ports. You can do better on your own. Matzailan has stores where the shuttle drops you off. Must take a shuttle in to main building, as it's located in a shipping port. Puerto Vallarta is another story, very clean and wouldn't mind going back there for a long vacation and possibly living. A lot of upscale stores in town, and a great shopping area right off the pier. Bargain, and hold your fee. Don't try to underbid too much like my husband does. Go for a realistic amount, and most will follow you out of the stores. As far as booking online, do it. Follow the simple guidelines, press confirm order, and then print a page (I usually do 3), and keep for your records. You can also do immigration forms, emergency and credit cards numbers the same way. This expedites check in, and you'll be happy you did. I do online all the time when possible, and never have been notr able to get the tour I wanted. If I can be of further help, let me know. Have fun, happy sailing, and let us hear from you when you get back.

All three ports offer shopping but I believe Puerto Vallarta would be most people's favorite. Downtown PV offers several streets of a variety of shopping for products of all kinds. The flea markets on the south side of town (easy walking distance) offer everything imaginable and the prices are very negotiable. A taxi from the ship to downtown is about $5.00 and they are plentiful.

Mazatlan offers a huge flea market (located by the Church spire you will see from the ship to the north west) and the Golden Zone (north of the city) has a number of specialty shops but the area is quite touristy.

Cabo offers limited time for shopping and does not offer the same diversity in shops or products. BTW, a brand new Wal Mart just opened right next to Sam's Club in PV and they are only about a block from the ship. Have a great cruise!

Tom