Berkeley Spring Break 2009, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta

By Sheryl Meeuwsen, Berkeley Center student

Put together five students and one residential coordinator on one boat, and what do you get?…
One of the most amazing spring break trips ever! A week-long cruise that was full of firsts: CIP Berkeley’s first official Spring Break trip, two of the cruisers first time out of the country and three of us (not to mention the Residential Coordinator) going on a cruise for the first time.

The trip was full of amazing activities, from those on the boat itself to the unbelievable shore excursions that we were a part of. On the boat we sat by the pool almost everyday (that was to be expected), watched the Crew Talent Show, watched an ice sculpture being made by the pool, participated in the Rockstar Contest (where Sheryl took on Aaron). We also saw the band Wavelength (which was amazing), went to the End of the Cruise Blowout dance party and took part in the 24-hour buffet (how could anyone argue with that?). Not to mention the pool games: Mr. Sexy-legs contest, the cruise staff/passenger volleyball game and many others. Did I mention that it was above eighty-five degrees almost everyday? Well, it was.

Probably the most amazing part of the entire cruise was the excursions that we took in Mexico. Though we only took two excursions out of the three that we could have, it was well worth it. The first port was in Puerto Vallarta and this excursion was (in my opinion) the best on the entire cruise. We went to Yelapa, where we had the choice of either going sea-kayaking, snorkeling, or both. We also went to Majahuita, it was beautiful!! There was the beach (and more beach!), pictures with iguanas, jewelry for sale, parasailing and so much more. My favorite part was the water, the waves and the different marine life that we saw on the excursion (a mother humpback whale and her baby, a pod of dolphins, and many different fish). It was completely unbelievable.

Then there was Mazatlan, such a beautiful city with such beautiful architecture. And the excursion at Hacienda Las Moras, was unforgettable. We saw peacocks roaming free on the grounds calling to each other and the hour-long horseback ride throughout the resort property was so much fun. The lunch that was served to all the guests was so amazing that it was like we were in a restaurant. The pool was so nice and cool so that you could beat the unbearable heat and kick back and relax.

In Cabo San Lucas we really didn’t do much of an actual excursion because of time constraints, but we still did have fun. Because of the size of the cruise boat we were only able to dock in the middle of water, so we had to take the life boats to port. We then took our time strolling around the little shops that were by the port, buying gifts for everyone at home before heading back to the boat. While our Residential Coordinator, Yasin Johnson, took some time to get some (much deserved, and very missed) bubble gum ice cream, I got the chance to see a pelican for the first time!

The trip is was amazing and one I will never forget, one I can guarantee won’t be forgotten by the rest of the cruisers as well. So enjoy our pictures, and reminisce in some of the highlights of our cruise. We hope you’ll come back next year to learn about how much fun we had at our next Spring Break! I hear CIP Berkeley might be taking on Europe, but don’t say you heard it from me!

CIP Spring Break Travel Program
Students enrolled at CIP have the option of attending a fun and educational travel program one week a year during the college spring break in March.

Students prepare for this trip through a series of class meetings in which they study the language, arts, culture and trip itinerary. Each year an exciting new world destination is chosen and students get the whole cultural experience with staff and their peers.

Learn more about CIP Spring Break

Similar Posts:

• Letter to Parents: Spring Break 2008, Punta Cana
• Bloomington Students Set Sail
• Spring Break 2009 Destinations!
• Get Ready For Spring Break 2010!

View Comments