Last Port of Call in Mexico

May 2, 2014

We have a respite from the port visits as we spend a day at sea on the way to Puerto Vallarta.  The weather continues hot and humid.  The crew has now removed all the condiment containers, butter and bread from the tables and crew members are constantly wiping down hard surfaces with disinfectant to try and contain the spread of the GI illness.  The crew has been silent on the number of passengers and crew affected.  People with symptoms are being asked to stay in their cabins for at least 24 hours after the cessation of symptoms, but it is not clear whether all are reporting symptoms or complying with the directions.

May 3, 2013

Arriving in Puerto Vallarta early we had time for a quick breakfast before heading on a tour of a Tequila factory and a driving and walking tour of the old town, cathedral and countryside.  Port security was the tightest we have seen yet, with all bags searched both on departure and arrival for food and fruits and vegetables.  The Malecon in the old city has been vastly improved since our last visit, with a new walkway and pedestrian only area where there had been stone streets with high curbs.

The infection control measures remain in effect on board the ship.  The smell of disinfectant is everywhere and the crew is actively wiping down door handles, elevator buttons and handrails.  There are crew members at the entrance of all dining areas squirting hand sanitizer on each guest before entering the areas.

We departed Puerto Vallarta and are headed north the 1000 miles to San Diego.  The next two days are at sea, and we are finished with shore excursions.  Hopefully the crew will get the GI illness under control over the next few days, since passengers will not be going on shore and potentially getting re-infected from the food and drink ashore.