rebeccajo68

So it is my understanding that since November 2017, we can now purchase Cuban cigars outside of Cuba and bring them back to the US. Is that correct?

My sister and I used Syltravel to tour Costa Rica and do the Torteguero canal. We were the only ones booked for our tour so we received a lot of personal attention. I would recommend them if you don't want to be part of a big group. They went out of their way to show us lots of things a bigger tour could not accommodate. We saw the banana plantation operation, the canal, a very nice beach and ended up in town. The only thing I would have liked to do differently would have been to visit a market place to shop instead of the tourist shop we did stop at. I had wanted to see a sloth and our guide found one in a tree in the middle of town and went out of her way to take me there to see it. Very good excursion.

I can't really tell you anything yet but am booked on panama canal cruise in December in one of those cabins.

Just booked with SylTravel - Edgard Maso for the Tortuguero Canal Tour. Does anyone have any experience with them?

It was a good cruise. I had a great time seeing new things and the ship was fun.

r

I promised to write about the Renaissance when I returned from my cruise. WELLLLLLL it is just about the nicest place I've ever stayed in. I loved the service and the place is just beautiful. I asked for an early check in and was in my room by 12:30. The mall and eateries/bars were within a few steps from the hotel. What a lovely time I had there. There was a martini bar that was very popular with lots of tables on the outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. I ate at an Italian Restaurant there and then went to the Cheesecake Factory for a little dessert. I asked for Government Rate since I work for the state of Tennessee and my rate was $139 plus taxes. They didn't ask for any kind of identification though. I've asked for Gov't rate several times but no one ever asks for ID.

 

I would surely recommend this property for a great start to anyone's cruise.

No, didn't get it through Priceline (although I've tried for weeks). I called them direct and asked for Government rate (I work for the state). That is what they offered me. I wanted to get one of those $80 priceline deals but I never won (even after several people taught me how to bid). <G>
But I'm happy with the Renaissance. Sounds like it will be a wonderful experience.

Thanks for the upbeat thoughts guys. I think it looks beautiful on the website.
Nothing wrong with DoubleTree Belly....I just thought if I was going to pay that kind of money I'd rather be in a newer hotel. It is very close to the car rental places too and connected to a MALL!! <G>
Wish I had luck with priceline but I think I'll be happy even spending that extra money. It will definately start my week off with a bang!!!! <G>
Bec

I decided to try another hotel because I had a bad feeling about Doubletree. I got the same $139 rate at Renaissance which I think (tell me Ken) I'll like better than Doubletree. I'm still trying priceline....but even today I got turned down after going all the way to $100. I'm renting a car and the car rental place will take me and pick me up at the port so I guess paying $139 without having to pay for a shuttle is ok.

Oh, I tried 3 stars too for the ones I could. I get to try again tomorrow then. I 'll let you know how it went. You've been a lot of help Signman. Thanks

I got to bid lots of times today thanks to you......but still didn't win anything. Started at 65 and went to 85 I think. Anyway, I'll try again day after tomorrow. Thanks for everything. Now I know what a "free" bid is all about.

Thanks for all your help Signman....like you said, I think I've got it now. Can't wait until I can try out my new found knowledge.

r

The only zone with 4 stars is Airport-Westshore. So all other zones offer free rebids. Start bidding at $70 and up the bid by $5 for each re-bid. Do not change stars.

Then if no luck, start a completely new bid at the 3 star level for Westshore, at $70. You have only 2 rebids here, by adding Brandon and North. You can add Downtown as a final rebid, if you don't mind staying there if your final bid is accepted.

Good luck.

SOOOOOOOOOOOO

I thought (from the posts on this board) we shouldn't bid on anything except airport/westshore and downtown??? So I bid 4 stars Westshore for $70, then the re-bids are on the different zones? So next I'd choose downtown and bid $75. The next pick another zone and bid $80 and so forth.

LOL

Do I always sound that awful!!!

 

Well....when I can bid I start with 4 stars and airport area for $60

Then add Downtown and 3 starts for $70

 

Should I do it differently?

I haven't had any luck on priceline and so I'm still at Doubletree at $139. It sounds wonderful but I feel awful spending that much for one night. I told them that I work for the state here in Tennessee but they said Gov't rate was only if you worked for the government in Florida.

 

Any suggestions?

How'd you get that $70 on priceline. I have tried that every 3 days. Haven't won yet!!!

After reading, reading, reading, <G>

I booked the Doubletree at 139. I'm flying into Orlando and renting a car to drive there (not sure which rental car company would have best rate). I'm thinking after reading this site that Doubletree would be great for someone traveling alone and not familiar with the area since it seems to be in a very safe area and nearby things like the International Mall for entertainment pre-cruise evening. Also they take you to the port for free (I asked). How do you arrange for a rental car after disembarking? I need to be able to leave the ship, get a car and drive back to Orlando for a 3:30 flight. Is that doable?

I called the hotel direct and that was the rate they quoted me. No, I did not prepay so yes I will still try priceline. Any suggestions? I've NEVER won on priceline but then I only just tried within the last week or so.

Thanks so much for that. I called and they do have a shuttle from the airport and one to the port. How do you get from the port back to the airport on return?

Booked Doubletree on West Cypress for $139. Is this ok for a single person? Good area and all. I hear there is a shuttle from the airport but not sure about to port. If I get there early in the day, what kinds of things are nearby to see?

Well, I'm trying to fly out of Knoxville but there are no flights on Delta that fit the time constraints for less than $450 so far. I'll probably have to drive to Atlanta and fly from there. Yuck. I'm trying to use a credit I have with Delta so that is why I have to use them. I heard they were thinking of striking too...YIKES

Been reading this site forever!!! What a lot of information. Do I have this right.

I'm traveling to Tampa on 4/7/06. Need a safe area for sure. Trying Priceline, downtown for $60.00 3 star. Never have tried priceline but if I have my facts right, the places will all be acceptable should I win a room.

Now all I have to do is get a flight for less than $500!!!! Have to book Delta and can't seem to find anything less than that.

I'm also a young 55 and would love to be able to find someone with whom I could cruise once or twice a year. I'm just now going on my first cruise but am hooked after reading about cruising so much on this sight. I always vacation alone anyway...so it would be nice to cruise alone with a nice roomate.

Rebecca

I'm 55 and just now going on my first cruise. Although I have a roomate, she is a young lady from my church whom I do not know. If this turns out well, I would love to cruise some different places and It would be grand to meet some other singles to double up with. I'm also like a lot on these boards who love to mingle but like their alone time too.

Rebecca