MilVet

We will be in Manzanillo in Feb. Looking for ideas as to a resort who offers an all inclusive day pass and transportation ideas for getting there from the port. We have never been to this port before. Thanks so much

We'll be there in Feb also. Got a quote from the Barceló Karmina Palace Deluxe for $60US PP, includes food & drinks, 9 to 5. My best guess for a taxi is around 180 - 200 pesos, one way for up to three passengers.

I have a similar question. Doing a B2B on CCL Triumph, Galveston - San Juan - Galveston. Like the OP, we will end the first cruise in a U.S. port (SJ). Some people will continue on the B2B (like us) back to TX but some are only doing the first cruise and some will get on in SJ and only do the second cruise. We will be in SJ from 8AM to 10 PM, 14 hours. I know we have to clear customs and have done that on previous B2B's but was wondering how the process will work if we want to get off/on several times during the day, i.e., get off early, clear customs, go into Old SJ for a while, get back on the ship, clean up and then get off again for some more on shore time. I am aware of the in-transit pass and getting new S&S cards before initially getting off but not sure if that will be the thing used to allow people to come and go as they wish.

Had a discussion with the National Park Service ticket concession company after trying to purchase tickets on-line for the Memorial. Seems like the geniuses at NPS changed how far in advance you can purchase tickets...it's now 24 hours. I have written my Congressman about this...if you are as "disappointed" as me about this change, please write yours.

Check out the Heritage Kitchen at the four way stop a little north of 7 mile. All the locals (bus drivers & cabbies) know this place.

I have had contact with the Hotel Puntarenas Beach and the Doubletree regarding a day pass or use of their facilities for our one day in port during August. The Doubletree asked to contact them a week before our arrival (like they're going to be real busy in August:rolleyes:) but since we're coming from Tampa to Long Beach it might be difficult. The Hotel Puntarenas Beach said we were welcome. Anyone dealt with either of these two hotels or another that might be suitable for a couple hours of pool side relaxation, food and drinks?

We have seen two places that interest us, Netto Bar (Green Rum) and Terrace Plaza (Pastechi). Is that walkable or would it be best to take a taxi? They are located several blocks up Breedestraat from the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. Not sure of the safety issue.

We are interested in finding a place that makes stroopwafels (or a store), pastechi and a batidos that might be close to the cruise pier. Our plan is to catch the bus and go to Palm Beach (Radisson). We'll be there from 8AM to 10PM

we are booked on freedom in July. What is the approx wait time for your time dining? Also, will u get a table for two or are u seated with others? Thanks!

Wait time...about that long. We have had no wait and have had a 15 minute wait

Hostess will ask you your preference for table. You may have to wait for a table of two.

Just got off the Carnival Legend this morning. DW & I are diamond so the CCL on board person escorted us to the gangway. Great, BUT, we do not do self assist so after we passed thru customs we had to wait for all the self assist to get off and clear thru customs, about an hour before we could retrieve our luggage. Then a CCL rep escorted me back into the luggage area to retrieve our bags. This is not a CCL issue since customs has control. This procedure needs to be fixed. I could see no reason why the CCL rep could not have escorted us back into the luggage area as soon as that area was cleared.

I have been researching Puerto Vallarta an have read about going to Old Town and also about going to Malecon.

I am wondering if Malecon is in the Old Town area or within walking distance of each other.

I understand we would have to take a taxi or bus to either place but can't figure out where they are in relation to each other.

 

Thanks for any input,

Mary

Try google maps or wikimapia

We always look at the excursions available thru the ship. Look at the cruise lines web site. Once you pick, maybe 2 to 3 excursions then look at this site, trip advisor, google it and look for a tour that has some positive reviews. Sometimes you find things to do that are not offered thru a ship but start with the ship's.

Did anyone mention that the balconies are no smoking?

Hubby and I just returned from our 5 day Paradise cruise.

 

Thanks to all who helped us plan our trip.

 

We stayed at Holiday Inn Rocky Point. Nice area. Hotel check in a breeze. Staff very friendly. Room was O.K. Hotel somewhat dated but beds were comfy. Breakfast was good. Again staff very friendly and helpful. The Breakfast attendant even helped a disabled guest and got his breakfast for him.

Kudos to her.

 

We parked our car for duration of cruise. No problems. Shuttle was waiting when we got off the ship at 9:30. Didn't even have to call.

 

Post cruise we went to St Pete's and stayed at The Keystone. Loved this place. Clean but an older Hotel. We were on first floor with outdoor entry. Perfect for us as we smoke. Pool was warm. No coffee at Hotel but you can walk just around the corner to The Hurricaine. You also go there to get ice. There's a little place across the street on the beach that has a snack bar.

 

We drove up to Madeira Beach and went to Bubba Gumps. It was a bit pricey but very good. We loved the beach and walked down to the fishing pier. Met lots of friendly people and the seashells are amazing. Especially at low tide.

 

Sunsets were amazing but of course we are on vacation and had drink in hand. It's gotta be the palm tree's too.

 

We also went to Tampa Bay Brewing company in YBor on our way back to Orlando. Neat place and good food.

 

We also saw the Ted Peters smoked fish place. Both these were featured on Diners Drive Inns and Dives with Guy Fieti. Everyone we talked to at St Petes knows about Ted Peters and was highly recommended. Next trip. :p

 

We hated to leave but all vacations must come to an end.:(

 

Se were back home in northern Michigan. 40 degree's and have to work at 2.

 

Thanks for all your info. I'll be happy to answer any questions one might have.

 

Mary n Dave

Ah-h-h, the Hurricane. Best place to get a grouper sandwich (IMO)

As of last month the carts were $80. Our ship also skipped GT last month and sent Nathan an email for a refund. I think the email is a little hinky in GT so had to send a second time. Got a response next day and a full refund the following day.

BTW, we rented from him before and have never had any issues.

What about filling up the tank with gas - were there gas stations throughout the island? Anybody know the cost of gasoline on Grand Turk?

 

Thanks!

Liz

There's a gas station across the street from the Clocktower which is on the main road to the lighthouse. In the middle of town.

I have seen several posts on various boards about a military discount offered by Carnival, but when I booked our cruise on their website I never saw it.

 

How do I get this discount?

 

Thanks,

Tamara

With CCL there are several ways to get a good discount. Everyone has there own opinion, here's mine: I use a CCL PVP who has been very good to us. We usually book the early saver rate which allows us to get any discounts available up until a week before the cruise. We also purchase the $100 vouchers while on board which we use on our next cruise (you DO NOT need to book a cruise at the time you purchase a voucher). The $100 you paid for the voucher goes towards your overall payment plus you get $100 OBC. Vouchers are good for 2 years and can be turned in for a full refund. Watch for the current reules because CCL has a tendency to change them as time goes on. As far as checking the rates I look at both *********** and CCL's websites to price cabins. If you have interline privileges then a CCL PVP can help you. We also have friends who gamble on the ships and they get a discount for that (not sure what it is or how much they spend on gambling).

We will be cruising 1/12 out of POM and will be parking 2 cars. We are considering using United Airport Parking as the charges at the Port seem beyond the budget. I have researched the board and have found mixed reviews-but many are old. Has anyone used them recentlly and would you recommend them? Mahalo for your help.

Anyone in the group have a handicap placard? If so, you can park at the POM for free. Bring the placard, registration for the placard, person's ID, and proof of sailing after the cruise.

Just pull into the the parking lot(s) (there are several), get the ticket from the dispenser and park anywhere (you don't need to park in a handicap spot). When you leave after the cruise just show the 4 documents and they will not charge you.