Disney Cruise to Mexico - January 2023
Our itinerary went from San Diego > Catalina Island > Ensenada > San Diego
Day 1 - January 1 - Arrival
We flew into San Diego on New Year's Day, the day before we embarked on to the Disney Wonder. We checked in to the Wyndham San Diego Bayside and got a port side room on the 12th floor so we can see the Disney Wonder come into port in the early morning of the day we were to get on. We woke up at 6am to watch her arrive.
Day 2 - January 2 - Embarkation Day
Since we were up at 6am, I went to get breakfast for the family at Hazelwoods On the Bay, which is conveniently located right in front of the hotel. Since our embarkation wasn't until 11am (I think), we finished up breakfast, packed up and Kati and Mia went to the playground next door to the hotel.
I will say San Diego near the port is well kept and you don't get an unsafe feeling when walking around. There didn't seem to be a lot of people in the area when we were there. We have been there twice and never felt unsafe.
OK, back to the itinerary. I met up with Kati and Mia at the park since we had a little bit of time before we had to head to the port, which was across the street, until it was time to go.
At embarkation time we had to line up outside the port before heading inside to check in. I still wasn't excited, not until we actually got into the port and spoke with the cast members to check in.
This was the "zombie" like hoard outside of the cruise terminal waiting for the cast members to allow us in.
The most exciting part was that moment we walked through the gangway onto the ship into the atrium. I've been on the Disney Wonder a number of times and it always makes me go through the emotions of seeing the beauty of the atrium as I cross from the gangway into the ship. Fun fact, if you have never been on a Disney cruise before, they announce your family name through the speakers of the atrium and you walk on with cast members on each side of you cheering you on. It's always a cool feeling.
The rest of the day consisted of getting to our room, eating at the buffet for lunch and exploring the ship. Later in the evening we had dinner at Triton's restaurant. Triton's is a fusion of French and American fare and served during a 4-course supper.
Day 3 - January 3 - Catalina
We were supposed to go to Catalina island, but the weather wasn't cooperating. The ship was supposed to sit off shore and we were going to use tender boats to get to the island. It was raining and windy and the seas were choppy. We can see the island in the foggy distance, but I knew we weren't going to get to the island. Oh well, that just means we have to try again another time!
The rest of the day was spent doing activities around the ship. It was also cold that day so we spent our time inside. There is a lot to do on the ship for adults, teens, kids, toddlers, and families.
Kati and I did do a spa treatment. It's an amazing experience when you're on a cruise. First you get a foot massage in warm scented water, followed by a private hot tub. Then you get your massage. They give you an option of a full body wrap, Swedish massage, or hot stone massage. I did the hot stones and it was excellent. The last thing you do after the massage is sit on the bed to relax and they give you fruit like chocolate dipped strawberries.
Day 4 - January 4 - Ensenada
We arrive at Ensenada, Mexico. The weather was nice enough to swim, at least Mia thought so. It was still too breezy for Kati and me. We had one excursion planned. We previously went to Ensenada on another cruise a few years prior and we didn't get off the ship because we didn't see anything we wanted to do. This time we decided to do an excursion to the beach to Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico. It was a small private beach about 1.5 hours north of the port. We took a bus with a number of other Disney cruisers. I remember the tour guide was very informative as we drove up the coast.
At the private beach we had tables, loungers, and huge bed type places on the beach to relax at. We had veggie tacos made fresh along with virgin Piña colada. The staff there were nice and brought food and drinks to you on the beach. The place was only for the people on the excursion so it wasn't crowded at all. Maybe 25 people at the most.
After a day at the beach, we made our way back to the ship. Once we were checked back in on the ship it was time to get back into the pool because Mia loves the water.
Later in the evening it was Pirate Night. Pirate night is on most Disney cruises except for some like the Alaska itinerary, it's prohibited because of the wildlife. Pirate night consists of a dance party, a special dinner menu, character meet and greets and the characters are all dressed in the different pirate outfits, and fireworks at the end of the night. A lot of people dress like pirates also. Mia was no exception. Here she is getting her pirate costume and makeup in the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique on the ship.
Day 5 - January 5 - Day at sea
There's not much to report on this day. Mostly because I'm writing this months after we went because I just created this new website. But we did different activities on the ship like meet and greet and take photos with characters and enjoyed the last stage show before we had to get off the ship the following morning.
