mexico8

With the way it's going not sure if my hubby will be going to Egypt. 

We are definitely watching the news for updates on the situation there.   Only about 12 days until he is supposed to be going on the trip.   No nails left to bite..........

11 minutes ago, bleacher04 said:

 

Glad to hear that th

 

e turnaround was so quick.  Out of curiosity, did your husband go to the embassy in Ottawa or the consulate in Montreal? (it would depend I know on where you live in Quebec).

They were probably closed because Eid was last week.

He went to the Ottawa embassy (we live in Gatineau so that's where he was supposed to go).

I think you are right about why they were closed

19 minutes ago, dawnvip said:

Glad to hear he got the visa Wendy! Allan and I are looking at a Nile cruise but hesitant due to the visa problems!

What problems do you foresee to get the Visa?   Bob got his in 5 days.   

I guess because of your being in Vancouver it's a little harder? (Once he gets back I will let you know how the Nile cruise was).

Sounds like my scooter - mine is a Travelscoot and fits the description you mention.  Hope it all works out for you.   

I think you made a wise decision.   Enjoy your cruise.

On 3/16/2024 at 12:08 PM, Fouremco said:

Yes, that works now, so both the embassy and consulate forms are here for anyone needing them.

My husband got his Visa in 5 days.   He brought it there in person on Monday afternoon and they called that it could be picked up on Friday.   He went on Monday and they said they would be closed for the rest of the week.    I don't know why but we were happy he got his so quickly.

I agree with some of the posters here that there are some unanswered questions about this whole issue.   

I do feel sorry for the people left behind and not having credit cards etc.   Very unfortunate for all of them. 

I sure hope that those without any funds will replay the couple who did have their credit card.  

IN Puerto Vallarta we find the Guadalahara pharmacies chain  very reliable and doctors here usually recommend that we fill our prescriptions there.   They are numerous ones around town and any taxi driver would be able to bring you to one for about 100 pesos.   There are 2 near Plaza Caracol and perhaps even closer to the port area.   A taxi or Uber driver would be able to find one for you.  

As others stated there is a Walmart across from the  cruise port area also.

IN Puerto Vallarta we find the Guadalahara pharmacies chain  very reliable and doctors here usually recommend that we fill our prescriptions there.   They are numerous ones around town and any taxi driver would be able to bring you to one for about 100 pesos.   There are 2 near Plaza Caracol and perhaps even closer to the port area.   A taxi or Uber driver would be able to find one for you.  

As others stated there is a Walmart across from the  cruise port area also.

Just now, mitsugirly said:

 

Thanks so much for that! I will make a note of it and look for the yellow taxis. Good to know!

 

 

Do the buses stop right at the port where you get off the ship? How do you get them to stop where you need them to? (I'm not even sure I'd know where to tell them lol). I'm not going far. Do they only stop at a certain bus stop only?

I think the bus stop is not far from the port entrance.  It is a main street and you can see the buses coming.   Look for a bus sign and people waiting for the bus.   There are designated stops along the route.  You ask the driver to announce your stop.  If you are going to the Marina then ask the driver to tell you when they get there.  Might be quote the hike to get to where you want at the Marina.  It is a big area.

Might be better to take a taxi to be sure you get to the right place.   The marina is confusing.  There are a couple of places called the Marina.   There is one where the tour boats leave and another where there are stores and restaurants.  I think it would be better to get a taxi or Uber to go there.   Much simpler if you are going to centro and the Malecon to take a bus

7 hours ago, PattiPB said:

Here is a portion of my review of the Panorama from 3/9-16/2024. Hope it helps you:

 

The port days

We did a little of everything in the ports. With disembarking both forward and aft, we had no lines, which was a pleasant surprise. Having done this cruise before, none of the ports were new to us, but all of them were new to M&J. Here is the rundown of what we did:

• Puerto Vallarta - Getting off the ship was easy, as was finding a taxi. For $5 a person, we were taken to the beginning of the Malecon for a nice walk in the beautiful weather. We walked quite a ways down, doing some shopping along the way. We enjoyed the sand sculptures and especially the rock towers on the beach. Very cool. Walking back, we chose a restaurant right on the beach and enjoyed a very authentic and inexpensive meal of fresh seafood. Taxi back that afternoon was $20 again, and easy to find.

• Mazatlan - Booking a private tour through www.Mazatlantours.com, we did a fantastic day at Stone Island. We were greeted at the port and directed to a waiting taxi. On the large, comfortable ship to Stone Island, we were offered drinks and given a great tour inside and outside the harbor. Upon arrival in Stone Island, we were taken to a great beachfront location. The open bar was already flowing, and we spent a few hours lounging on the beach, enjoying a great open-fire lunch, and enjoying the open bar. The tour we booked was only $40 per person, and included everything I mentioned above PLUS two activities per person. Activities included snorkeling, horseback riding and a banana boat! We found this 6 hour excursion a great value for the money and strongly recommend it.  

• Cabo san Lucas - With M&J never doing a seven nighter, we had to go whale watching in Cabo! We booked through the Panorama, so this tour was more pricey than a private option, but we were quite satisfied. The large ship easily help well over the 100+/- people on this tour, and we never felt crowded or had trouble getting a good view. Open bar (are you seeing my theme!) and fresh snacks were offered throughout the three hours, and the three levels of the ship included indoor and outdoor options, with excellent restroom facilities. And THE WHALES!!!! We had incredible views of whales, whale tales, and one whale that breeched over and over again for about half an hour. At $80 per person, the convenience of the tour, the open bar and snacks, the energy and customer service of the staff, and a captain who could find whales nonstop, we felt we got our money’s worth. 

For others cruisers you can get a yellow taxi at the port in Puerto Vallarta and if you pay in pesos you will probably only have to pay about 150 pesos  ($8 US) to go to the Malecon.  They charge per car and not per person (the white taxis seem to charger per person).  

Always best to ask the price before getting in the taxi.  You can also take a regular bus that only costs 10 pesos.   Look for sign in the window that says "Centro".  The bus stop is close to the port.

4 hours ago, canadjineh said:

Friends of ours use the local version of Uber called DiDi when they are in Mazatlan. Cheaper.  They go often and help at orphanages there. We just take the local buses and pay approx $1 USD/$15 MX to get into Centro or all the way thru to the Golden Zone. Air con if you flag a newer looking bus. No transfers though as the different buses are not affilliated but have separate contracts. Price is all the same whichever one you take tho.

Bus fare in PV is 10 pesos and no transfers.   

2 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

 

Is that total or per person? I assume this is for the one in PV?

Yes in PV.  The white taxis seem to charge per person but the regular yellow taxis are total cost - could be 1 to 4 people.  The bigger cars (SUV) might ask for more.  That's why it is best to verify the cost before entering the car.

Thanks to everyone for the information.   It really does not make any sense for us to book a cruise for thousands of dollars to get the extra perks with Sapphire.

Now I know that is the only way to get the 6 points I can rest easy knowing that.   Next cruise after this one we will have the extra points.

In the past we were joined by ships officers at the dining table and they always ordered and paid for the wine and one officer went out of his way to get us a nice discount on something.  That was quite a few years ago.  The good old days.....   The days of wine and roses....... 

2 hours ago, mitsugirly said:

 

Thanks for the info. We haven't been able to figure out what to do in Mazatlan yet (thought we had an excursion over to Deer Island but then the place we were booking with dropped off the face of the earth and stopped answering me in the last 3 weeks).  Love those Pulmonia's. When we stayed in Isla Mujeres Mexico we rented one that looked like a Jeep and had such a blast on it!

 

In Cabo, we won't need a ride (our excursion is right after you get off the dock in the marina).

 

We are needing a ride in La Paz to the marina (past where the free bus takes you to and we are on a time crunch to get there) otherwise we would probably just take the bus and then walk the rest of the way but I think it might be a little too far. 

 

 

In PV, we need a ride from the cruise port around to the other side of the marina at the end.

 

From the cruise port to the marina should only cost about 100 pesos ($8.00 Cdn).   Not far.  Make sure to confirm the price with the taxi driver before you get in.   You can negotiate with some of them.   

There is Uber, taxi and InDriver in Puerto Vallarta.  With a taxi you should verify the cost when you enter the taxi so there are no surprises at the end.

We have a 17 day cruise booked for November on the NCL Jewel.   We need 6 more Latitude points to reach Sapphire status (some nice perks).  Is there any way to get 6 points before the November cruise?  Can we purchase something ahead of time to get those 6 points?

Any info appreciated.  Thanks.

Just now, shof515 said:

azamara is with  Royal Caribbean

Thanks.

Just now, UKstages said:

pretty much everybody knows.

 

azamara is not part of NCL holdings. only norwegian, oceania and regent are owned by NCL.

Thanks for the info.

We took an Azamara cruise last year and wonder if any of the cruise days would count on NCL latitudes program?   I thought I had heard they were part of the same company but can't confirm that.   Anyone know?

12 hours ago, willing292 said:

Can you tell me where you got the application for the visa for Egypt? Although we cancelled our upcoming tour for this spring, I would still like to visit there.  Thanks.

We live close to the Ottawa embassy so my husband went in person to get the Visa.

On 3/3/2024 at 5:30 PM, DanceMomma said:

Unfortunately, 2 days before our cruise departed, they switched ports.  Port Said and Alexandria became Santorini and Gythion.   After spending close to $1,000 on visas for the family (including photos and postage), we never reached Egypt.

What a shame about all the time and money wasted and then to have the ports changed.

Just now, Fouremco said:

Fortunately, they live only a 20-30 minute drive from the embassy in Ottawa.

Thanks for posting that info.  (We are in Mexico until end of March).   He will apply as soon as we get back and he has his photo taken for the Visa application.

We are out of the country and he will apply in early April when we get back home.   Keeping my fingers crossed.......

My husband is booked for a land trip in  April for Egypt and a Nile cruise.   He is retired from the Federal Government.  After reading these posts I am wondering if he will be approved for a Visa.   I am starting to worry he might not get a Visa to visit Egypt.   

On 3/7/2024 at 8:29 AM, scubacruiserx2 said:

 We just submitted our review of our cruise on the CC reviews . This is the unedited narrative followed by the ratings .

 

 We didn't use the Family or Fitness so we didn't review them thus a 1 star.
 We have cruised NCL 5 times before but not recently . We prefer HAL Neptune aft corner suites with a budget of 1 K per day per suite . Like the Star , we are older 67 and 73 . We choose it for the price and destinations . 1st choice was May with a visit to Iceland , Norway and the UK and a weeks stay in Iceland post cruise . It was expensive and the local guides unwilling to work with us . We had chosen a nice suite and booked it .
  In the meantime we looked at other destinations on the Star and liked the one that we chose in January . The guides and post cruise stay were half the price and the same cabin was available for the same price and air fare was less . Thus we canceled Iceland and  choose Antarctica .
  We have been to South America 3 times so we knew the drill . It's not easy with a storm destroying part of embarkation station . You must surrender your passports for the cruise and be bussed from the station to the ship . It was semi controlled chaos with no apparent line for suites . There appeared to be nobody from the ship there . We finally found the line and waited for a Spanish speaking line to empty before they spoke to us . We were sat in a large common area and told that we would be called for Blue # 1 bus . It wasn't long but hey called for Blue # 1 and White #1 . Too many people rushed the bus and there were more people than seats leaving people standing - an unsafe practice for the 10 minute ride in traffic to the ship . There were left over people and another bus behind us . I carried a carry on bag with valuables  between my legs like I always do while some loud mouth lady lectured me telling me NO Bags . I told her to tell the driver and other people with bags . At the ship , the majority of the people were non suite (White ) and went to the 1st ramp including the lady next to us . The few suite people went forward to a less steep ramp . This problem could have been solved by boarding all of the priority people ( Blue first ) and then filled the remaining seats with White and no standing .
  I was a Firefighter/Paramedic for 28 years in Miami responding to the Port of Miami cruise ships and safety and ordering scenes that were chaotic was an everyday part of the job .
  Entering the ship was like Dorothy entering Munchkin Land after  being in a tornado . They were organized and it showed . The room was great and they showed us to a suites lunch in a private room with people being well behaved . We ate most of our lunches there at Cagney's and met the Concierge , Monica . Breakfasts were next door , again private for suites and elites at Moderno .
 The cabin was the best that we ever had and the Butler  Vonn , Concierge Monica and cabin attendant Arlene were excellent . The Itinerary was excellent except they should have spent more than 1 or 2 days in Antarctica which was the real Star of the ship . The ship was in pretty good shape for an older lady .
  Now for the constructive critic . The food could be better quality , embark and disembark streamed lined like in our home port of Ft. Lauderdale . We missed Punta Arenas for the 1st time in 4 trips mainly because we didn't dock , we tendered and it's always windy there and not the place to tender .  If they must tender , it wasn't so bad that they could have done it by using the leeward side to tender first , and turning the ship 180 degrees leaving the other tenders now in the leeward side .
 If we had to use them as lifeboats this is what they should have done , as a real life practice in the event of an emergency like an iceberg strike .  Thus we missed a port  and they missed a good drill . We didn't care for the shows and the policy that says no photos , something that we have always done on land and sea . There was no Bible in the night stand and we tried 3 times before and during the cruise to meet for an interdenominational , self led bible study and or service for 3 days . They did give us a place but refused to allow us to put up a sign in public . They also prohibited us from allowing it to be announced in the Freestyle Daily . They did allow 
Friends of Bill W a public place to meet ( the Library )  and the LGBTQIA+ group a busy public place with a band at the intersection of 2 restaurants in Gatsby's . They were both daily and advertised in the Freestyle Daily . Additionally , the Jewish group met at the same place as us on the Sabbath , but they were given their books for their service and advertised in the Freestyle Daily .
 We hold no ill feelings against these or any groups but would only like equal treatment for our group . HAL does it and has a Mass daily for Catholics , so why not NCL ? This is our 1st CC review as we usually do photo travelogues as our reviews .

 

 Overall 4 

 Cabin 5

 Dining 3

 Embarkation 1

 Entertainment 3

 Family none so we gave it a 1

 Fitness didn't use so we gave it a 1

 Pubic Rooms 3

 Service 5

 40+ Cruises

 Partly handicapped 3 bad knees sometimes needing a walking stick for balance 

 

Whatever happened to equality?   A shame about you not being able to list your service in the Daily. Sure not fair treatment. 

BTW - love the bird photos and descriptions.   Thank you.