First, and this is true for most airlines, the best deals are to be had by booking on the airlines website itself. Never mind all those booking sites between you and the airline. Booking directly gives you a low fare plus a lot of control over your flight schedule, and SEATING. United has a section of sets in the front of coach called Economy Plus. They have lots ( well, comparatively) of leg room and are much sought after. These seats are supposed to be for United’s elite frequent fliers and special customers. Try to get assigned in one of those seats on the phone with a reservation agent and you will be politely told…..not available. BUT, for some reason the computer doesn’t know any of this. Book with United directly on the web, and you will be asked to pick your seats, and guess what, if any of those Economy Plus seats are available, ask and you shall receive. But, please don’t tell anyone.

These days the West Coast is home to several great cruise ships going to the Mexican Riviera. Departure ports are Los Angeles, San Diego, and a couple from San Francisco. Most go to Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas with Mazatlan in between. These are seven day cruises, and I am happy to recommend Princess and the Diamond Princess, a wonderful new ship, with lots of pools, good restaurants, and a putting green that has the sounds of chirping birds to accompany those under the breath mutterings when the ball comes soooooo close, but not, well, you know. Personally, I would spend another day or so and take Carnival’s longer trip that includes Acapulco, a world of it’s own.

Go to the tourist trap El Paradisio for the best red snapper you’ve ever had, and the strongest Margaritas. Make sure and have the pesos to pay the bill, because by the time a few of those Margaritas are in the digestive system, you will no longer be able to convert currency in your head. The first time my wife and I went there, we were swimming in the ocean with our clothes on…. that was before the lunch came to absorb the green kerosene. One time, a guy came up to me on the ship the day after Acapulco and handed me $20. He said thanks for helping me out at the Paradisio yesterday. I had no idea who he was. Just a warning, this stuff sneaks up on you. The great thing about Acapulco is that it is so much like Los Angeles, except in Acapulco, almost everyone speaks English. Oh, and this is not Kathy Lee’s Carnival anymore. Don’t get me wrong, the ships are still fun, but the food is starting to get really good. And the prices are about the best in the business.

For a special treat, particularly if you’ve “done” the Mexican Riviera, take Holland America’s Ryndam out of San Diego. She is the first of the HAL ships to be converted to their $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative which focuses on five areas: spacious, elegant ships and accommodations; sophisticated five-star dining; gracious, unobtrusive service; extensive enrichment programs and activities; and compelling worldwide destinations. Ryndam does a ten day eclectic cruise around the Baja Peninsula.

The ubiquitous Cabo San Lucas of course. Two hints about Cabo. It is against the law to buy prescription drugs in Mexico without a MEXICAN Dr.’s prescription. Of course, everyone buys without that Mexican prescription, but if the police need a few bucks they can, and will arrest you. Then, my friend, you bail yourself out and that will be far more expensive than the $20 it takes to get Senor Dr. to write out what you want. There is a Dr’s office upstairs above the “drug stores” every half a block. Second, be sure and stop by Senor Goldberg’s Mexicatessen. Good bagels and very enjoyable.

You’ll hit Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlan, but also explore Topolobampo, gateway to the Copper Canyon, Loreto, and Pichilinque, La Paz. I can write Pichilinque, but can’t pronounce it. I do know, however, that the fishing is great.

Next column, my wife and I will be comparing two “gourmet” buffets in Las Vegas, and with any luck, will have a review of the Ryndam and the Mecca of Pichilinque La Paz.