CocoKai

Thank you all for your very thoughtful responses. It was Maritime charges by ATT. Our plan has coverage in Mexico, so our phones work in Mexico like they do in the US without any additional cost. We do not need to buy the $10/day International package while in Mexico.

I did think at first that some in our group were not fessing up, but my phone and my husband's phone were in the safe on airplane mode. Funny enough, the 3 young people (23-18) had the LOWEST bill. The only person that was not charged anything had their phone totally turned off. My 83 year old mom was the greatest offender and she has no apps and never uses her phone.

ATT has a "deal" with HAL for Maritime charges and it's $120/pp per week to join for cruising. No one in our group exceeded this number, so if they switched us into this program now, it wouldn't better the situation.

The charges are also posted to our account in the middle of the night when I'm fast asleep and the phone is in the safe. ATT says the times don't match up to anything, so there is no way to piece the puzzle together and see really when the charges incurred.

Lesson learned: Completely turn off the phone and do not turn it on until you are a bit of a distance from the ship. Airplane mode is not enough. It was not only ATT that told me the ship can connect while you are in port, but also the HAL guest relations person I spoke with. I don't know if they were misinformed, but that is the information both sources gave me. Every once in a while you got to bend over and take it because it's not worth the hassle.......this is one of those times.

Our family of 7 was on the Oosterdam at Christmas. We did not opt-in to buy the HAL overly priced cell coverage at sea and all kept our phones on airplane mode while on the ship at sea. When we reached port, we turned our phones on and connected to Mex Telcel. When we got home, we were greeted with a $500 additional cell phone bill.

I contacted our cell carrier (ATT) and they said it's an issue with HAL. You can be OFF the ship and in port and their satellite cell system can push you data (email, location service, etc.) if you are in their range. One ATT rep said the range could be 8 miles.

I contacted HAL and they tell me it has nothing to do with them, even though this is a company they contract with to supply this service.

We all had a great time and were considering dropping another 15k to go next year, but this has left a very bad taste in my mouth. Anyone else have similar problems and how was it resolved?

Renting a car is a great option is Cabo. I would be very cautious of the rate you got, especially if you got it through a 3rd party booking site. Cactus Car and Alamo are the best to deal with in Cabo....no surprises.

Even though the beach is not your cup of tea, Chileno Bay and Santa Maria Bay are both beautiful to see. The snorkel trips usually go to these places. San Jose is a cute town to stroll around in. Just out of town is Flora Farms. If you like farm to table and excellent food in an amazing little paradise, you should definitely arranged to have lunch here.

Another fun option with a car is to head to Todos Santos.

Everyone will be willing to take the US dollar, but when in Mexico, I only deal in the peso. It's over 19 to 1 right now and if I have pesos in my pocket, I will always get a better deal than someone only carrying US. I also like to use the currency of the country I am visiting.

As far as vanilla goes, Costco in the US has it and it will be better than whatever you buy in Walmart. That Walmart does have good donuts though and I'm not a donut eater.

Great! I booked with her months and months ago and as the time draws near, I look forward to this tour. I'm glad to see you enjoyed it.

Edith's is one of my many favorite restaurants in Cabo. It's particularly beautiful at night with the lights, etc. I think the time they open will be your biggest problem. For what you are looking for in an experience, I'd opt for something else. I really like Hacienda Concina y Cantina http://www.haciendacocina.com/. It's close to Edith's (few blocks down and around), but you can easily order cocktails and appetizers without entrees. They have a yummy Mocajete that a number of people can enjoy. Their churros with chocolate and caramel are pretty good too.

Go with Whale Watch Cabo. Marine Biologist on each boat and they want to educate, rather than quickly collect money. The Zodiac boat is a lot of fun. A+ company and while you are enjoying your wonderful whale watch with a few people, you will see the cruise whale watching boats out there packed to the gills.

The food! If you are going to be there for 2 days, I would suggest going to El Farallon for dinner at The Resort at Pedregal. You could also get a driver to take you out to Chileano Bay or Santa Maria Bay and then go to Flora Farms for lunch or dinner. Gardenias is a short stroll from the Medano area and has the best tacos - Cheap! Edith's is always wonderful. Maria Jimenez is excellent and more traditional Mexican food.

Rent a car a drive up to Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach. Los Adobes restaurant has the best Chiles en Nogado. There's a Baja Beans coffee place on the way in or out of TS and the coffee is good and there are mangos all over the ground in the summer season.

Medano Beach is fun to swim and get a fantastic massage at Eden's on the beach by the Arroyo. Coconut shrimp tacos at Omega Water Sports are yummy.

Cabo is a slice of heaven if you explore a bit.