seagunthera

I'm wondering if anyone has taken one of these tours over the past 6 or so months since the original post?  I'll be in SJ the first week of August (dock at 3:30) and would love to do this!

On 6/13/2019 at 8:20 AM, blue_water said:

Yes renting a vehicle is a great way to experience Tortola! We’ve only rented from Jerry’s in the West End while staying on Tortola so we don’t have any experience with outfits in Road Town. But I see decent reviews for Hertz and itgo near the cruise dock. Dede is excellent if available to you. The soft-top Jeep is very common here, I would recommend that or another 4x4 vehicle, not necessarily for the 4-wheel drive, but ground clearance for some unpaved roads like Belmont to Smuggler’s Cove if you choose that. But if there has been rain there can be some wash-out on the switchbacks, or if the road surface is just wet the 4-wheel drive can give you better traction in steeper areas. Expect to pay ~$50 -60 with insurance included

 

There is a “spine” the length of the island and there are steep inclines like “the elevator” and a couple switchbacks to get over but really not a big deal for an experienced driver. The north shore is where most of the nicer beaches are located, but it’s nice to have a “self-guided” map showing points of interest along the way. You can find much on out of the way places to stop by googling, and the agency should give you info as well. This site has basic driving requirements -

http://www.bvivacation.com/transportation/bvi-driving-tips.php#.XQJoucopBvI

 

I have an itinerary I shared with friends some years ago that is still useful if you’d like that?

 

I would love to see your itinerary!

 

You're welcome.  I've gone back and forth second guessing myself but have decided to stick with my instincts (cancelled independent tour) and will just play it by ear.  We leave in the morning so I'll report back if I get any more info while on board.

On 2/3/2019 at 8:47 PM, Kingofcool1947 said:

 

Sorry, you are wrong.  Not trying to scare anyone.  Just informational.

This article was recently in Condé Nast :

https://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/the-most-dangerous-cities-in-mexico-to-avoid-at-all-costs.html/

I’ve been cruising to Mexico (Mexican Riviera, and Mayan cruises) and land vacations, for at least 15 years without incident.  But,  my comment was to explain to the poster why you see highly visible Mexican armed police and military presence in popular tourist cities where cruise ships visit.

Enjoy your cruise.  And safe travels.

King

 

Thanks for this.  I have traveled dozens of time to the MR, all without incident.  This time however, I have decided to cancel my tour which would require a 45 minute drive from the port.  Our gov't has issued a Level 4 alert (do not travel).  In all my days, I've never seen a Level 4.  It makes sense with the El Chapo/drug cartel situation and still, many say they felt totally safe while there.  For me, it's about being in the wrong place at the wrong time which, agreeably could happen anywhere in the world, but the chances in Sinaloa at this particular time seem at an all time high in my opinion.  

Not sure what we'll do that day...have yet to be in a port and not get off the ship!

On 1/30/2019 at 12:29 PM, Dididi said:

Bostonjet,

 

We'll be on the Emerald Princess on the same itinerary in two week so your thoughtful and fair review is most timely.  I had been on the fence about SHARE despite loving Curtis Stone's fish stew -- only times I have asked for seconds on a cruise ship.  After looking at your photos, we'll give it a try.  Your positive outlook is contagious!

We'll also be on the Emerald (2/17), I'm assuming the entertainment will be the same?  Do you happen to know if our sailing is the first MR itinerary of the season on the Emerald (was hoping to catch at least one review)?

On 1/30/2019 at 12:29 PM, Dididi said:

Bostonjet,

 

We'll be on the Emerald Princess on the same itinerary in two week so your thoughtful and fair review is most timely.  I had been on the fence about SHARE despite loving Curtis Stone's fish stew -- only times I have asked for seconds on a cruise ship.  After looking at your photos, we'll give it a try.  Your positive outlook is contagious!

We'll also be on the Emerald (2/17), I'm assuming the entertainment will be the same?  Do you happen to know if our sailing is the first MR itinerary of the season on the Emerald (was hoping to catch at least one review)?

Thanks for reposting.  I've travelled a bunch and rarely see this Level 4 advisory so it definitely gives me pause (especially since I'm traveling with my young daughter).

Love to hear what the "local" Canadians/Americans have to say.  Staying around the port is one thing, my concern was about traveling 45 minutes by car to the turtle spot my daughter wanted to visit.

This is what is included in the US Travel Advisory...

Sinaloa State – Level 4: Do not travel due to crime. Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based and operating in Sinaloa state. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel in most areas of the Sinaloa.

Mazatlan: U.S. government travel is permitted only in Zona Dorada, the historic town center, and direct routes to and from these locations and the airport or the cruise ship terminal.

Los Mochis and Port Topolobampo: U.S. government travel is permitted within the city and the port, as well as direct routes to and from these locations and the airport.

So let me start by saying I've done this itinerary at least a half dozen times and various other Mexico cruises (Ensenada, Cabo, etc.) and have always felt safe going on excursions with independent operators.  This time around however, I am quite concerned about the Level 4 travel warning for Mazatlan which has a "do not travel" description. The other ports have remained steady at a Level 2 over the years but the state of Sinaloa now has a Level 4 (which I have never seen before).  

I originally booked a tour to Turtle Farms but am now thinking twice as it requires a 45 minute drive from the cruise port. 

Am interested to hear everyone's thoughts and experiences. 

Great to know they made it in one week then not the next. For anyone who has been on the tour- are there bench seats or individual seats? I’m wondering if my 10 year old can lay down on the way back?

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We have both booked next month.

 

The way I figure it, I may never be back so if I miss it, I'd miss it. Don't wanna miss either of these adventures.

Good point!

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I’m toying with doing both TA 8-1 and copter 4:15- 7:30. I’ll have my 10 yer old in tow. Is this too much? We’re sailing the Solstice on 7/10 and wondering how awesome TA will be just sitting on our balcony and taking it all in?

Thanks!

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Have booked helicopter/dog sledding to Mendenhall and was wondering if I would see enough of the glacier or would people also recommend doing the Tracy Arm excursion? They obviously both would happen the same day- Tracy Arm-8-1pm then helicopter 4:30-7:30.

Too much? Thanks everyone!

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My son and I just returned home from the June 3 - June 10 Emerald Princess Cruise. We had a great time! We got all the way into Tracy Arm Fjord. Shelley Gill , the on board Naturalist, said we were the first Cruise ship to get in that far. It was definitely a Wow!! experience. She was very excited about it! She had nothing but kudos for the Captains ability to navigate through Tracy Arm. It was one of the high points of the cruise. Tracy Arm is absolutely beautiful. It was awesome watching the ship turn around in such a small area. I think I heard Shelley say that the ship only had a 40 feet clearance. We chose not to do the small boat excursion through Tracy Arm, instead we did the Mendenhall/ Whale Watching tour in Juneau. On the cruise the week before ours, they could not get in tp Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm.

Thanks for the update! I’m sailing July 10th and am thinking we, too, will be able to make it in if you did (tho we’re on Celebrity). I have a balcony cabin and am traveling with a 10 year old so I’m wondering what you all think the pro’s and con’s are to booking excursion vs. staying on balcony. All this assuming the ship has access like you did. What will we miss (sounds like stopping for wildlife) if we choose to stay on ship? Will we see/hear calving? Not worried about price, just the 5hr trip and daughter possibly getting bored. Advice please!

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The discounts come and go , but not on a schedule. No one here really knows how long this one might last.

But do they get better than this, say 20%?

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There is currently a 10% discount. Anyone know if it gets better than this or should I jump on the 10 before it disappears (and if so, how long do you think I have)? Thanks!

Wondering if they serve crepes at any of the dining venues? My daughter loves them!

Thanks all:)

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I’ll be on Celebrity Solstice in July- they offer this excursion at 8am then my itinerary lists us as being in Juneau from 1:30-10pm. This is my first Alaskan cruise so apologies if this is a stupid question- how do we get on the catamaran at 8:00am and does it just drop us in Juneau when done?

Also- I’d like to take the Mendenhall glacier/dog sledding tour with TEMSCO later that day. If we’re there 1:30-10:00 and I decide to do Tracy Arm excursion, what time should I book the flight/sledding? And is that too much in one day? I’m young (ish) and am traveling with my 10 year old daughter.

Thanks so much for your guidance!

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Still limited to PE. You can check availability within the app - it has become easier since the last app update as they have separated airports and cruise ports.

Bummer. Thanks for the response:)

We used this on our last cruise a few months back out of Ft. Lauderdale. I leave again in a few days on another cruise, this time out of Galveston. Can anyone tell me if that port/customs uses the Mobile Passport system?

Does anyone know if Galveston is using it yet? I leave in a few days:)

Despite the recent posts about RC pulling out of Falmouth in the near future due to possible safety issues, I've decided not to book a tour through the ship and instead am going to Braco stables for a private ride w/ my daughter. Is my adventurous side clouding my judgement here? Also, I've arranged to have a driver take us around for a few hours after the ride. Problem is, I have no idea where to go. We want to experience an authentic lunch but beyond that, need suggestions of where to go. Help!

I'm planning on Ubering it and was wondering where at the port do you go to be picked up on disembarkation day? Is there a specified area? Also, same question for Hobby...flying in and want to Uber to Galveston.

Thanks for your help:)

Nice hotel in a good location but much more $$$ than many who sail out of Galveston are willing to pay.

She asked for a good hotel in a good neighborhood, etc. Thought this fit the bill.