A Good Time Was Had by All

Although I have cruised to the Mexican Riviera on a Card Player Cruises poker trip at least a dozen times, the recent cruise to this destination was chock-full of new and exciting adventures. In Mazatlan, I went horseback riding for the first time in 25 years. In Puerto Vallarta, my group took a thrilling ATV ride and even stopped midway for a swim in a river. In Cabo San Lucas, the day started with a swim at Lovers Beach, followed by lunch at Georgio's and cocktails at Cabo Wabo.

My favorite activity, though, was an afternoon spent at a friend's home in Puerto Vallarta. Don Busby, who I met while playing poker in Mesquite, Nevada, has a 24,000-square-foot home overlooking Banderas Bay that has 10 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, and incredible views from all four of its levels. He invited us to experience a Mexican fiesta, an offer that was too good to refuse. We were warmly greeted by bartenders bearing pitchers of margaritas, then led to a huge spread of homemade authentic Mexican food. After a swim in the pool and Jacuzzi, five masseurs arrived to rub away any aches and pains. What a great afternoon, but it ended all too soon.

Meanwhile, those passengers who were not on our tours got to experience many of the other fun activities that Mexico has to offer: shopping, wonderful beaches, parasailing, golf, kayaking, snorkeling, tours of the tequila factory, fishing, Señor Frogs, and more. Shipboard life was great, too, with entertaining shows, trivia, poker seminars, karaoke, poolside games, bingo, aerobics, and dancing.

I guess I forgot to mention the poker action. We had three tournaments and lots of live games with limits from $1-$2 to $20-$40. There was even a Chinese poker game! Thanks to everyone who made this trip so special!

Now, let's play poker!

Editor's note: Linda always enjoys getting reader feedback, ideas, and suggestions. Please feel free to e-mail her or write to her c/o the Card Player office.