(The following piece was submitted by Laura Chapman.)
Sure, there’s nothing quite as tasty as ordering a burrito from a corner bodega or a pair of tacos from a food-truck window (or even sampling the latest chilaquiles fusion dish at some gourmet gastropub). But, though the food will always be delicious, the means of delivery can get a little stale. Luckily, aficionados of Mexican cuisine around Orange County should be happy to know there's an alternative to the same-old, land-bound eatery options—and it's out there waiting in the open waters.
American Pastime
Long, recreational trips on cruises have become important parts of the American tourism industry in port cities along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. In 2011, around 2.8 million passengers were carried on 1,075 cruises, which the US Department of Transportation considered a record-high number. And though the Caribbean remains the most popular nautical destination, Mexico is not far off, with nearly 878,000 passengers choosing to travel south in 2011, making it the third most important destination. This is especially true of Californians looking to vacation in Mexico’s warmer waters. Many of the major cruise ship companies run vessels in the major ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with smaller ports in San Diego and Santa Barbara also welcoming maritime adventures. There's even been talk of establishing cruise access in Orange County, though that possibility may be years in the future.
Seafaring Fiestas
The first part of planning a voyage is, of course, figuring out where the voyage will take you. There are plenty of Mexican destinations to choose from, either along the country's western shores or across the Panama Canal and toward the Yucatan (for longer, more leisurely expeditions). On the west coast, a week-long trip to what's now being called the Mexican Riviera is a popular choice. This area includes such highlights as the glimmering blue waters of Cabo San Lucas and the warm beaches of Acapulco. Cutting across Central America and into the Gulf of Mexico will take you to Cozumel, the sun-speckled island off the Yucatan coast.
After deciding where to go, it's equally important figuring out what cruise line you'll book to get you there. As equally important is determining the amenities offered by each separate craft. And while pool decks and shuffleboard are as important a part of the cruise experience as magical sunsets dipping into the wet horizon, the true fun begins in the dining hall. Make sure to talk with a travel agent or simply check out a cruise line's list of available boats to decide which dining options are best suited for you and your family. A few of the chief cruise companies have Mexican restaurants within their boats. Several of the vessels owned by Carnival house the Blue Iguana Cantina, a Mexican-themed buffet with handmade tacos, a salsa bar, and breakfast burritos. Other companies, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, mix in traditional Mexican staples with other world cuisines in their main dining areas, so don't be surprised to find a tortilla dish right next to an Indian curry. And since nearly all cruises offer room service, you can also ring up made-to-order plates and enjoy a feast within the confines of your room—whether it's a nacho dish as a midnight snack or tacos al pastor to prepare you for a night of maritime entertainment.
Shore Leave
But don't stuff yourself too much onboard the vessel. Leave some space for when you disembark, as very few things beat authentic Mexican dishes cooked and eaten in their native land. Carnival offers a thorough cooking and tasting excursion in Cozumel. A trained chef will teach vacationers how to cook with blue agave and the spicy habañero chili, while leading to an extravagant meal whose menu changes seasonally. So, though you may have a tasty platter of fried masa one year, you may return on another trip to find that they're now serving fish filet wrapped in banana leaves.
Trips to the many cities and lagoon towns of the Mexican Riviera can also yield traditional, local fare, cooked in ways both familiar and different from what diners are used to back home in Orange County. This would be the perfect time to snack on buttered elotes from street vendors, or to mozy on down to local cantinas serving heaping chicken and bean plates seasoned in recipes passed down through several generations of abuelas. Just make sure not to lose yourself in the delicious local flavors and miss out on the call back to the ship. After all, you need to get home in order to tell everyone about the delicious Mexican odyssey you just went through out in the high seas.
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