The final Mexican Riviera port for this cruise is Manzanillo. In 2006 when Roger and I sailed on this cruise, the Carnival Spirit docked in a commercial port as the cruise ship did not want to tender into the port as it did in Zihuantanejo. So the entry will not be particularly picturesque till we depart and sail out in the evening when you will see the lovely twinkling lights of this busy port city.
You will need to sign-up for a shore excursion or get off the cruise ship to take a taxis cab that you can negotiate on a price prior to stepping in. Important tip to remember! Manzanillo has two parts to its city, the northern resort area on the Santiago Peninsula (Las Brias Hotel and Resort is here) and the busy commercial area down town Manzanillo to the south.
Manzanillo, known for being the Sail fishing Capital, home to Las Hadas Resort and Hotel, where Dudley Moore chased Bo Derek on the beach in the 1979 movie “10” and being one of Mexico’s busiest port are but a few of its highlights. This port city offers great outdoor opportunities such as deep sea fishing, diving, golfing and surfing as well as off road jeeping and ATV beach & jungle adventure. Check the Carnival Cruise shore excursions for specifics.
Manzanillo’s downtown southern area still retains its charming tranquil, laid back feeling of old authentic Mexico. The downtown Zocalo or main plaza will take you to a historical colonial town, as well as a mile long boardwalk and also a Jardin or garden area. If shopping is on your list, off the jardin or garden area on avenida Mexico you will find shops and restaurants that may be of interests to touristas as yourself.
Alongside the Playa Azul and Playa Las Brias on Manzanillo Bay, you will find a number of seafood and open air patio restaurants if you would like to partake in the local seafood adventure. There are additional beaches on the northern side of Las Hadas resort along Santiago Bay such as Playa Santiago and Playa Miramar. These beaches will require transportation, so be sure that you are comfortable in negotiating an agreed upon price with your cab fare. Remember whether it’s one or five in the cab it’s still the same price…so think about sharing and you can also negotiate with the cab by the hour!
Here are some links that may be helpful in your research on what to do in Manzanillo: Wikipedia Manzanillo, Go Manzanillo, Enjoy Mexico, Tom Zap and Mexperience.
Photo: Port of Manzanillo with Carnival Spirit docked, December 2006
In my humble travel experiences, I find that nothing is more eye-opening to understanding the culture and customs of the people and country than to visit their local markets. With the ship being in port for a limited time, visiting the local markets allow for a wide variety of exposure and learning about the way the people live, eat and reside in the community. Market places offer the tourist an opportunity to try local foods, interact and communicate with the local people and also complete that souvenir gift giving custom at often a reasonable price.
