cruznbuddies

Great info! We will visit Mazatlan in February for a couple weeks staying out at Torres Mazatlan. We’re  wondering, can we get a city bus from there into the city center? If not what would you suggest as transportation goes? Should we rent a car.Also any other info regarding things to do would be much appreciated !

Just returned from our Panama Canal cruise on Holland America with the first stop being in Aruba. We had nothing planned so decided to walk into town to see what Oranjestad had to offer. We were lucky to run into a tour operator by the name of Graham Paul Livan. He goes by Paul and offered us a 3 hour tour of some island highlights for only $20 pp. It was one of the best tours we did on the cruise. He knew everything there is to know about his island and shared it all with us! He was flexible too and took some of us to the beach while returning others to the ship at the end of the tour. A great day with Paul! Reach him at grahampaull04@gmail.com or just ask for him where the ship docks. You won't be disappointed!!!

I think the first thing to remember is to leave at home anything you don't really need. Of course your passport is often required along with some other things, but life is so much easier and vacations more fun when you're not worrying about losing valuables. Having said that we always use the safe and have never had a problem. Happy travels

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It's perfectly OK to wear white year-round now. I have a "winter-white" dress, slacks, and sweaters.

 

The old rule has fallen by the way-side, and those in warmer climates never followed it. Just accessorize with darker shoes, bags, and scarfs.

I wish it were so...living in Southern Arizona, locals (not snowbirds) seem to follow the rule pretty closely. I personally think it ridiculous; wear what you want if you're comfortable, but I don't see much white after Labor Day around here. Who came up with that anyway?!?

:cool: thanks again...

cap'n chunk, thanks so much for the response. That hike remains one of our favorite things we have done in PV. It was so out of the mainstream, or at least felt that way to us. Thanks for the info on the panga. I know we went home that way, but it's been a couple of years since we were there. So many fun things to do in PV, wanted to get some idea before we cruise.

thanks again.

The last time we were in Puerto Vallarta was for a land vacation - we took the city bus to Boca de Tomatlon and then hiked along the waterfront through the rain forest to Playa Las Animus - loved it!!! As far as I know the only other way to get there is by water taxi. This time we will be in PV on a cruise so time is limited. Does anyone know the approximate cost of a water taxi to/from Playa las Animus?

Sorry...I was saying that I would not have wanted my young daughters exposed to that. Hope you have a great time!

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Not sure if you are aware but with the ages of your daughters, thought you might be warned, a portion of Orient Beach is a nude beach and when we were there last year, we walked down to where all the action is and saw fully nude men...I would

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Thank you!

We'll be in St. Thomas in Nov. aboard the Epic and would like to know if there is a water taxi to Secret Harbour - and if so, how much is it. If not, does anyone know the cost of land taxi? Approximate distance?

Thanks for any input!

We have never left our trays outside, no one we have ever traveled with has left trays outside, your wrong when you say everyone does it. It leaves a cluttered mess outside your door. I always thought it was just the ignorance of those new to cruising.

And it wouldn't be so bad if they were picked up right away, but we have seen trays sit in the hallway all day. Not cool!

Thanks - guess I'll save those baggage fees, huh? Caribbean night - isn't every night Caribbean night :D

White night would probably be doable since most cruisers have some white with them.

It used to be cruise lines had different 'theme' nights, like for instance a 50's night where people - well you get the idea. Does anybody know if they are still doing this and if so, how does one find out what and when?

Thanks

Just my opinion, but I love my travel fins. It not only saves space in my suitcase, but they work great. I have never had a problem with speed or maneuverability. They are designed in a way to help with that issue of them being shorter. Mine are by US Divers.

 

Yours look a bit wider than mine, but I think I'm gonna give them a try. Thanks so much for your response!

I have a question for anyone who might know. I now have two sets of swim fins, one the standard size (long) Body Glove from Costco which I have used for a number of years. Then I just found one of those shorty pairs - Speedo brand, which I have not had an opportunity to try out yet but would take up a lot less space in my suitcase. Now, keeping in mind that I am not short in the natural buoyancy department, would I be as happy with these new short swim fins for snorkeling as with the long ones? Anyone know?

Hi Rosefloater, cost does vary depending on how many people you have. We paid I believe it was $40 pp for 6 of us back in Dec. As for payment, he would not allow us to pay until AFTER the tour. It was an excellent tour. You won't regret booking with him!

Cruisingholly, thanks so much for your review on Rudy and Tour by Van! Really appreciated. Can you tell us more about the ruins? We are using him in Dec. and had thought to do a city tour, but maybe this would be more interesting.

Thanks again. Glad to hear it went well for you.

We, too, have a tour booked with Rudy in early December and in our experience, the way to judge a good tour is by the way the tour operator communicates with you prior to the tour. Every time we have booked a private tour like this online and have had the very positive and friendly, accomodating correspondence with the operator such as we've had with Rudy, the tour has turned out to be wonderful.

I'm not worried, and I agree with you, op - Cruiserdoc. Nothing wrong with doing your homework, booking, and then checking with others who have done the tour. Sometimes you have to get something booked or you're out of luck. I'll be watching this thread to see reviews. Like you all have said, it's go and then pay, so what's to lose!?