joanvb

I'm looking at Pullmantur for a Ta next year. What is best way to get to Panama. What can I expect to pay for flights? Was the ship/food etc ok?

 

 

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Don't know about flights etc, I am from the UK.

Food was good, not quite as much choice in the buffet as other lines but enough.Food was more European, which I liked. Dinner menu was the same for 2 weeks, but 7 courses and at least 3 choices in each and they did add specials the last few nights. No buffet in the evening, only pizza. Wine was good with meals or you could upgrade for one or two euros a glass. You could have as much as you wanted all day.

Not a big ship but lots to do. No problem with English, all announcements in English and Spanish and all staff speak both.

I really enjoyed it and would certainly cruise with them again. Joan

Hi all

 

So if we want to dine in the same area we need to contact the Maitre Di

 

I guess the first people on the ship should inquire. I know we hope to be on as early as possible. We are staying in Santurce just a short cab ride to the ship.

 

If anyone wants to post their cabin numbers just do it and hopefully we can compile a list before we leave on Thursday. I usually check this board once a day.

 

I will start I want to be able to sit with other solo English speaking cruisers or English speaking couples.

 

Pat

cabin 7052

 

Just post your first name and cabin number I will keep a log and hopefully be onboard early enough to find out when to see the maitre de

 

pat

Hi. I would like to join in but I don';t board until Lisbon sp we might need another thread for this. My name is JoanB and cabin no 5515, Not too long to go now!! Let us know what it is like onboard if you can!! JoanB

Naomi, This is Ted from our May cruise I am going again next month with you. Is there anyone else we know who will be going from that cruise. I never did get your contact info so if you could email me I would very much like to chat with you. tenick@gmail.com. See you soon.

Hi, can you tell me what sort of cereals thay have on the ship. ie are they in the small packets or in diespensers? I as because I am diabetic and some of the carton ones are ok for me. Thanks and lok forward to meeting you on board. JoanB

Hi everyone:

 

My husband and I are taking this cruise from Bilbao--getting off in Aruba. Would everyone on this roll call like to meet up on embarkation day--or the day after? If so, we could maybe arrange to meet somewhere at a certain time. Maybe to identify ourselves we could wear mardi gras beads? I think you can still get them at the $store.

If anyone wants to do this, just reply to this post and I'll keep a record of our names.

 

Doreen & Jim

Hi, I would like to meet up but don't board till Lisbon so maybe you could do another one later as well. Think there are a few boarding in Lisbon. Sorry no beads but hope to see yours!! JoanB

Hi All

 

I just e-mailed my friend Mario about a transfer and tour upon debarcation.

-kity along with a drop off at a central point Callto be able to get to our hotels.

 

I am interested in this and I will have to give him a number once he e-mails me back with pricing and a suggested tour.

 

Please anyone who is interested please get back to me so I can give him a count.

 

Thanks

Pat Novak-Call

 

 

PS

 

also e-mail me with the maximum amount you are willing to spend and where you would like to be dropped off.

 

Thanks again

 

patricianovakcall@yahoo.com

Hi Pat

I have just posted a list of the people who have expressed an interest for the tour before I saw your post. Count me in. JoanB

Hi Pat and Joan,

thank you for your suggestions for a disembarkation tour.

We, two sisters from Germany, would be interested in joining

a tour to the locks and the rain forest and a transfer to Panama

city.

 

Christine

Hi Christine and all

You are welcome to join the tour. I don't know how to start a new thread ao I am posting below the people who have expressed an interest to join the tour.

joanvb Joan Wales UK

Pjnc Pat Murrells SC

Uchan Christine + 1 Germany

Wreckless13 Keith/Doreen Montreal

Wvbville Couple Barboursville WV

CalebMonroe

Katct Kat

aviana Monica N Sarasota FL

So that makes 10 todate. Apologies if I have missed anyone, add yourself to the list and maybe fill in your details. It would be good if someone could do a spreadsheet for this tour and also for everyone on this rollcall. Sorry, I don't know how to do one as you can see!!

When we have a better idea of how many people are definately interested we could get a few quotes. I am sure there will be more people on the cruise who may want to join too, but maybe better not to make it too big a group. Just about a month to go, I am looking forward to the cruise and meeting you all. Maybe when we have a full list of everyone on this rollcall we can approach Cruise Critic or the ship to arrange a welcome meeting for us, or alternatively, arrange our own meet and greet. JoanB

Heyyyyy,

 

UK guy travelling alone jumping on at Lisbon - Colon! This cruise is the beginning of an 18 month backpacking adventure across Latin America!

 

Have been backpacking a few years now but my Spanish is still very minimal haha!

 

Looking forward to meeting some new friends/future travel-buddies onboard! :)

 

Dan

Hi Dan, I am also getting on in Lisbon, I am from Wales. I lived in Chile for a year in 75/76 and travelled back by bus from Santiago to New York which took 6 months. I didn't have much Spanish as I lived with English speakers but I picked up enough and loads of people speak English. I look forward to chatting to you on board. JoanB

Hi All

 

Do we know for sure if there are any 110 outlets in the cabins? Do I have to bring a voltage converter and adapters?

 

I know my tablet will need recharging.

 

Other than that I hope all are surviving this really strange summer.

 

Have a good week

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

In thecabin description on the Pullmantur site it just says 220V. As it is an ex RCL ship I would have thought it would have both, maybe it was refitted. JoanB

I took the cruise May 28 from Cartagena, Columbia to Lisbon, my first Pullmantur cruise, and had a wonderful time. I expected that the drinks would be low grade and was very pleased that even Baileys is on the list. Even if you want something not on the included list, the premium you pay is $1 or $2 .

The food was good, be prepared that there are breaks between meals that the buffet is closed.

The later dining was actually nice. And the language (my lack of Spanish) was not a problem.

When I found out the ship returned to Central America in September I wanted to take it back but my original plans had me back in the states at the end of August. I just found out I don't need to be back then and was thrilled I could still book this cruise.

I'm looking forward to making many new friends.

Naomi Helton

What sort of cereals are served at breakfast? I ask this as I am diabetic and the ones in packets are ok as I can see the amount of sugar in them but those in dispensers which are on some cruises are more tricky.

I am interested in the trivia quizes, how were they?

Glad you enjoyed the trip I am looking forward to it and meeting you and everyone else on board. JoanB

Hi All

 

Is anyone besides me interested in a disembarkation tour to the locks (canal) a sightseeing tour (not too much heavy walking) and a airport hotel drop off?

 

I am staying at the Riande Airport Hotel and would like to be dropped off there or at a central location to get a cab to the hotel after the tour.

 

Anyone else interested?

 

I looked at My Friend Mario and they will sort of customize a tour for you.

 

If anyone is interested post a answer and I will contact them to inquire about pricing and times.

 

Have a great day will be looking forward to seeing everyone on the ship.

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

 

PS I have a 11:46AM flight on the 3rd with Copa do I need to be at the airport 2 or 3 hours before the flight? Anyone familiar with the airport?

 

thanks

pat

Hi Pat

I am interested in doing a tour from the cruise port to Panama City. I have enquired with several companies. Mario seems the best, they quoted $60 per person for a tour to the rain forest, fort and locks expansion plus $10 to Panama City, so $70pp in total. Leave about 9.00am arrive about 4.00pm.

Roadrunne quoted $399 for 6, $66pp or $369 for 4, $92pp for thge same sort of tour.

Easy Travel $125pp and Barefoot Tours $110pp same sort of tour.

What we need to know is how many people are interested and what sort of places they want to visit and where they want to be dropped off in the city. ie the bus station or a big Mall where it would be easy to get a taxi to each hotel etc.

Let's get a list of all interested to start with. Maybe start a new thread, I don't know how to do that!!

JoanB

My wife and I are booked on this trip (Bilbao to Colon). We have cruised many times but never with this cruise line and are a little apprehensive regarding the language barrier and some adverse comments regarding the ship. us Were both from UK but live in Cyprus at the moment , this cruise is the central part of our 50th celebration heading from Cyprus to Istanbul, Bilbao, Colon, Panama, New York, Las Vegas , then home. It would be great to meet up with some fellow passengers No strangers on this voyage ---- only friends we havent met as yet

Look forward to meeting you. I am from Wales and getting on in Lisbon. I don't think there will be a langusge problem as all announcements are made in English as well as Spanish and all staff speak English.

JoanB

Hi

 

I was thinking of this and having them drop me in panama city if possible and then take a cab to my hotel.

 

Anyone else have any ideas

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

I am also thinking of this. There are places near to Colon to visit and then see the locks on the way to Panama City. I'm sre we could hire a taxi or something for several people and be dropped off either at the bus station where it would be easy to take a cab to each hotel or get the driver to take us. JoanB

Does anyone know if Pullmantur has transfers after the arrival in Colon? Specifically I found they have some tours to the locks and on to shopping in Panama City for ~$70, but they appear to return to Colon. Do they have transfers to Panama City and if so where can you find them on their website? I would rather not have to pay upwards of $150 to travel solo taxi from Colon to my hotel in Panama City if I don't have to. Thanks for any responses.

I'm sure there will be enough people to share transport from the port to the city. Will check nearer the time. JoanB

Hi!

After reading all the threads, I decided to book cruise on board the Monarch. Leaving from Lisbon to Panama.Feel more comfortable in regards to English speaking on board. Also, was concerned about getting from Colon to Panama City since the train does not run a Sunday but more comfortable after reading threads. I will be flying out on Oct 3rd or 4th on Delta to Tampa Florida . I live in Sarasota so perfect. Just returned in April took transatlantic on Celebrity From Ft. Lauderdale to Southhampton via Lisbon and other ports.

Monica N. Sarasota Fl.

Hope to meet everyone on board

I am also getting on in Lisbon and look forward to meeting everyone. I will stay in a hostel for 2 nights in Panama City before I fly to the Galapagos Islands for 10 days. Will stay in hostels there too. I love hostels, free wifi, usually a kitchen and I meet like minded people. I'm sure there will be enogh people to share transport from the port to the city. JoanB

Hi

 

Does anyone know if there are 110 outlets in the cabins?

 

Also is anyone planning to stay over the night before in the Santurce area that is flying into Bilboa that wants to share a cab?

 

This trip is going to be a challenge flying four different airlines with different baggage rules.

 

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

Pretty sure there will be 110 outlets. Most cruise ships I have been on have both, 110 and 220. It's an ex Royal Caribbean ship. Joan

OK I bit the bullet and booked Bilbao to Aruba - traveling solo so I hope to meet up with friendly, chatty dinner companions for the Monarch's early (?!) dinner service...anyone?

Deb from Vancouver, Canada

Hi Deb

I will join you for the early dinner but I don't get on board until Lisbon.

Joan

When I was researching this trip months ago I looked at ways of getting from Colon to Panama City and there were local operaters who could do a transfer with some sightseeing included . I'm sure we could get together a small group if necessary. Joan

Oh, I forgot to mention I am a solo traveller too. Been to 177 countries in my 70 years and wandering about Panama City on my own would not phase me. Have to be really careful tho!! I was there in 1976 for a few days on my way back from Sanatiago, Chile to New York by bus, took 6 months. Joan

Hi All

 

I am almost ready to book this cruise. I have a question for anyone who can help.

UR Will Pullmantur have a shuttle in to the city or have a Paid Excursion for a tour of either the Canal or the city after debarcation? I can not decide if I want to just fly back home or spend a couple of days in Panama. (tour of canal) Since I am a solo traveler I am not about to go out on my own in Panama.

 

Thanks for your help

 

pat

murrells inlet, sc

When I was researching this trip months ago I looked at ways of getting from Colon to Panama City and there were local operaters who could do a transfer with some sightseeing included . I'm sure we could get together a small group if necessary. Joan

Hi All

 

Is any one leaving from the east coast that has already made their air reservations? I am still getting outrageous prices for air fare.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

I have not booked the cruise yet, since I want to get the air done first.

 

I think I have to fly in a day early stay in a hotel either in Bilbo or near the port for one night. That is ok it will give me a little time to see the area.

 

Hopefully I get this all worked out since I have never done the transatlantic and it will be a first.

 

Everyone have a good holiday

 

pat

myrtle beach, sc

Hi I have booked this cruise and am leaving from Lisbon, it might be easier to fly in to there than Bilbao. I don't know how near you are to New York but norwegian.com fly from there to Europe at reasonable one way rates. You could also try an 'open-jaw' fare from the US to Europe then back from Panama.

I am going to the Galapagos Islands after a few days in Panama City then flying back to Miami from Ecuadori then from Fort Lauderdale to the UK with Norwegian, I have flown them several times. You have to pay extra for bags, food etc but 10kg, 22lbs carry on is enough for me.

Hope this helps.....Joan

If people have not booked the May transatlantic they could book the return to Panama.

 

We are booked on the September 17th departure out of Bilboa, Spain to Colon.

We have a large exterior for a total of $1,140 including port charges for two including the drinks package. I will start a roll call soon to see if there is anyone else going.

We like to spend some time in Europe and become haggard travelers then chill out on the ship back to the west.

 

Also, for those of you going to Colon to take the ship spend some time in Panama. It is a beautiful place if you get of Panama City.

We live about an hour west of Panama City. It is very tropical and like Hawaii in weather and vegetation.

 

Copa is THE BEST airline to Panama however Spirit also has non-stop filights out of FLL that can be cheap even after all the add on fees.

 

If you are not familiar with Panama I would advise getting a transfer to Colon directly to the port. Yes you can go to Albrook and take a bus but Albrook station is usually bustling with alot of buses going everywhere. If you stayed at the Wyndhum Albrook Mall then it would be convenient to take a bus from Albrook. It use to be the Tryp. It is a nice hotel and Albrook Mall is HUGE.

 

We have used My friend Mario for transfer and tours in Panama. http://www.bscpma.com/mfm/index.htm . There a lot of Tripadvisor reviews of Mario.

Linda

Hi I have just booked the Monarch from Lisbon to Colon on 19 Sept. as a solo traveller and English speaker but I can get by in Spanish, just about!! I was looking for a roll call for my cruise when I came across your post. I am doing this cruise to go on to the Galapagos islands. Please let me know where the roll call is located. Thanks Joan from N Wales UK.