Wayfairers

Google shows a 53 minute walk from the Cartagena cruise terminal to Old City and it looks like there are a few things to see and places to stop for a cold beverage along the way. Has anyone actually done this walk or is familiar enough with the area to comment on how doable it is?

We’ve been on a stop in Macapa but no one was allowed off the ship. It is typically an inspection port going into the Amazon. I’ve seen online though that Macapa is starting to welcome visitors. Wondering if anyone has been on a cruise and had a port day in Macapa?

I used to never use a TA. Then before covid I found a long cruise we wanted and did a google search for the cruise. Then I contacted 10 of the travel agents/companies that popped up and asked for their best quote with perks included. I chose the one with the best quote/perks that was also very easy to deal with and most responsive to questions. I’ve used her for several cruises now and the 4 cruises that were cancelled during covid. Very happy with her.

I agree. But if you want a more laid back day, Jack’s is a good place to hang out. Lots of crew has been there both times we gone and there is usually a volleyball game.

Oh that is good to know. Thanks again for your input.

Thanks for the info. Definitely plan to return for a multi day safari one day including a balloon flight over migration. The cruise is our intro to Africa….(well Morocco will be a repeat…spent a week and a half there a few years ago). Anyway, we want to experience a short safari or two on this trip to see some animals and Aquila is one we are considering. We will definitely see Table Mountain and Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope, Boulder Beach to see the penguins, Chapmans Peak Drive. Thinking of possibly a hike between Cape Point and Cape of good Hope. At this point I don’t know if we can do all that in one day. We aren’t into seeing buildings and gardens unless they are something really special.

Has anyone done a day trip to Aquila game preserve while docked in Cape Town? I’m looking at options for the 2 days we have there this fall on a cruise ship and thinking Aquila might be fun. I’m wondering if it feels like a zoo…..do you see the fences?

FYI: Kathi updated her blog again yesterday

Thanks. I had read this yesterday after I posted my question here, but I appreciate you looking it up and sharing it.

That is true and I plan to confirm with them. However, I was hoping to hear from some people that have actually done it.

That is cute. Would it also work as a light jacket?

We have Indian visas (expire 2025) from a previous trip in an expired passport. I’ve heard we can use the expired passport with the valid visa, along with our new passport until the visa is expired. Has anyone successfully done that?

Looks like the perfect top!

Hmmmmm….I had read that there are some places (Palestinian areas I believe) that if you have the wrong tour guide you won’t get through checkpoints. Because of that I had chosen to use a ship tour. Having never been there I just don’t know. Thanks so much for your input….have you heard about having issues accessing some areas?

Thanks for the very helpful info. Long and boring drive doesn’t sound too appealing. I’ll look into it more before booking. We will be visiting Israel for the first time on the 2024 HAL World. Don’t think the tour we are on goes to the Dead Sea but I’ll check.

We’ve been to Aqaba before for an ON stop and saw Petra and Wadi Rum. We are going to be there on the HAL Grand Africa this fall and on the HAL World 2024. Both are ON stops. I’m thinking one stop we may go to the Dead Sea. Any suggestions on things to do or experiences with private tour guides?

No special outfit. We do get a fun picture made and enjoy seeing it but don’t buy pics. One photographer told us they get compensated based on pics taken not pics sold so we always get our picture taken whenever we see a photographer.

We ended up walking around the cruiseport shopping area. Didn’t see anything (other shopping or a beach) within walking distance

Thanks for the info

Never did. And we ended up booking a different cruise that didn’t stop here.

This cruise is just a week and when we’ve had a balcony we didn’t use it much so the smaller balcony isn’t an issue. wondering about any perks that come with this room that I might not be aware of.

Ooo…haven’t found that page before. Thanks so much!

Thanks!

Are you referring to FAQs? If so, yes. Was hoping to hear from folks with experience in one of these rooms.

We did something we normally wouldn’t and upgraded for an upcoming Nieuw Amsterdam cruise. We got a Deluxe Spa Verandah Stateroom on the 11th floor. What do we get with this room? Is it a good one?