Travelling in the shoulder season, which is just before or after the high season, has its advantages. Prices are lower, the crowds are smaller and most people involved in the tourist market are happy to see you. That was the case last week when I cruised the Mexican Riviera aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas.

It’s been a tough year for Mexican Tourism. The recession and the H1N1 flu have hurt them badly. Although it’s been difficult, Mexicans are optimistic about this winter. The typical Riviera ports for cruise ships are Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. Our schedule was turned upside down due to Tropical Storm Patricia, but we managed to visit all three ports.

When we got to Puerto Vallarta, we had an authentic Mexican food experience.

It started with breakfast at La Canoa at Marina Vallarta. It is a simple family restaurant with true eggs ranchero, orange juice, bottled water and coffee for less than $6. It ended with lunch, typically eaten at 2 p.m., at 8 Tostada, which was only about a five-minute drive from the port. I started with a marlin tostada followed by a Mexican version of bouillabaisse that was loaded with fresh fish. Between meals, we drove downtown and then to the old section of Puerto Vallarta.

I spent the morning at the Dolphin Adventure Center where you can swim with dolphins. They are truly amazing when you are up close to them.

The best beach in town is in the Romantic Zone. There is also a pier where you can watch local people fish with nothing more than a line and a hook, no rod or reel needed.