As in many of Mexico’s coastal cities, walking is the best way to see the old town. The beach on Stone Island, and day trips to the Sierra Madre Mountains and the towns of Concordia and Copala received favourable comments from fellow passengers.

In Puerto Vallarta, we had an authentic Mexican food experience. It started with breakfast at La Canoa at Marina Vallarta. The simple family restaurant served eggs ranchero, orange juice, bottled water and coffee for less than $6. It ended with lunch at 8 Tostada, a five-minute drive from the port, and a marlin tostada followed by a type of bouillabaisse loaded with fresh fish.

Between meals, we drove around downtown and the old town, and I spent time at the Dolphin Adventure Centre, where you can swim with dolphins. For more details, go to vallarta-adventures.com.

The best beach in town is in the Romantic Zone, where people fish from a pier with nothing more than a line and a hook, no rod nor reel.