snowhite1019

Apparently the last time I posted this I had the wrong name. I spoke with Tours with Ellis and he gave me a choice of the following tours. Can anybody recommend any of these - having a hard time deciding. Can definitely be active but not so much that I'm having a hard time keeping up. I have to make a decision soon and was hoping somebody had some input:

Apparently the last time I posted I had the wrong name. Really hoping somebody can give me some input so I can make a decision - not sure what's going on as Cruise Critic used to be incredibly acftive the last time I went on a cruise so I don't know if I'm doing something wrong. I spoke to Tours with Ellis and he has 3 different rain forest tours which I've listed below. I really want to see the beauty, possibly waterfalls and maybe go swimming in a pool. We can definitely handle some activity but can't handle a lot of climbing or high exertion. They all sound wonderful and I am confused as to which one to choose - has anybody gone on any of these and, if so, can you recommend one:

1. Charco Azul (blue pool)/Guavate (the pork highway). This is my favorite and in my opinion the best as it offers something for everyone. If youI are interested in a beautiful not to strenous walk through a rain forest this is it. Its all indigenous flora of Puerto Rico except for the bamboo which is everywhere after crossing four bridges you will get to Charco Azul where you can swim or just enjoy the beauty. From there we will go to the world famous Guavate where you can partake of the best roast pig in the world, we will go to Andrew Zimmer's favorite you'll even see his picture on the wall. This is a tour of the real Puerto Rico that most tourist never get to see. The cost is $ 50 pp. minimum $150. (food not included)

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/charco-azul-carite-forest/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkxH0WKSRg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs9pVUIdS24

2. Charco Frio (cold pool). This is located in the rain forest on the back side of El Yunque and its definately one of the most if not the most beautiful pool on the island, you can swim jump from a rope swing or just enjoy. Its a more strenuous hike about 20 minutes with a climb down some rocks to get to the pool. On the way in we stop at the Basillo house where you can change and use the facilities. From there we will take the beach road back where we will stop at a local restaurant for lunch or for groups of 6 or more Mrs. Basillo will cook a wonderful dinner for you. The cost is $65 pp. minimum $ 195. (food not included) This tour is not available on Saturdays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob0vVfCxbsQ

https://www.yelp.com/biz/loiza-beach-loiza

3.Last but certainly not least El Yunque National Park this is the rain forest most frequented by tourists, most of the flora you see has been planted and is not indigenous of Puerto Rico. We will stop at Coco Falls and then on to Yokohu tower from there I will take you to a beautiful place to swim away from the crowds you can even zip line there. From El Yunque we will take the beach road back and stop for lunch. The cost is $ 50 pp. minimum $150. If you want to zip line the cost is $65 pp. minimum $195. Plus the cost of the Zip Line.

(food not included)

Nassau and San Juan. I know they have snorkeling with turtles in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten but I'm just not sure who to book it with

Can anybody recommend a good company that offers a snorkeling tour which includes "snorkeling with turtles"? I obviously want somebody who is a good guide as well as taking us to some of the better snorkeling sites.

Thanks.

Barb

I spoke to Captain Bob and he has 3 different rain forest tours which I've listed below. I really want to see the beauty, possibly waterfalls and maybe go swimming in a pool. We can definitely handle some activity but can't handle a lot of climbing or high exertion. They all sound wonderful and I am confused as to which one to choose - has anybody gone on any of these and, if so, can you recommend one:

1. Charco Azul (blue pool)/Guavate (the pork highway). This is my favorite and in my opinion the best as it offers something for everyone. If youI are interested in a beautiful not to strenous walk through a rain forest this is it. Its all indigenous flora of Puerto Rico except for the bamboo which is everywhere after crossing four bridges you will get to Charco Azul where you can swim or just enjoy the beauty. From there we will go to the world famous Guavate where you can partake of the best roast pig in the world, we will go to Andrew Zimmer's favorite you'll even see his picture on the wall. This is a tour of the real Puerto Rico that most tourist never get to see. The cost is $ 50 pp. minimum $150. (food not included)

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/charco-azul-carite-forest/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDkxH0WKSRg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs9pVUIdS24

2. Charco Frio (cold pool). This is located in the rain forest on the back side of El Yunque and its definately one of the most if not the most beautiful pool on the island, you can swim jump from a rope swing or just enjoy. Its a more strenuous hike about 20 minutes with a climb down some rocks to get to the pool. On the way in we stop at the Basillo house where you can change and use the facilities. From there we will take the beach road back where we will stop at a local restaurant for lunch or for groups of 6 or more Mrs. Basillo will cook a wonderful dinner for you. The cost is $65 pp. minimum $ 195. (food not included) This tour is not available on Saturdays

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob0vVfCxbsQ

https://www.yelp.com/biz/loiza-beach-loiza

3.Last but certainly not least El Yunque National Park this is the rain forest most frequented by tourists, most of the flora you see has been planted and is not indigenous of Puerto Rico. We will stop at Coco Falls and then on to Yokohu tower from there I will take you to a beautiful place to swim away from the crowds you can even zip line there. From El Yunque we will take the beach road back and stop for lunch. The cost is $ 50 pp. minimum $150. If you want to zip line the cost is $65 pp. minimum $195. Plus the cost of the Zip Line.

(food not included)

I have read a lot of good things about Captain Bob Ellis and I wanted to look at what type of tours he offers but I can't seem to find a website. Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks.

Barbara

Has anybody been on these excursions recently - the last post was around 2012 from my search. I am trying to figure out if the snorkeling is good and which would you recommend. I am not an expert but I do love going snorkeling and since the time in Nassau is so short I am looking to do it through the ship. My thought is if either of these is worth it, I'll go on the trip otherwise just stay on the ship. I also understand that if the weather conditions aren't that good the snorkeling may not be great regardless of where we go.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

My husband and I are considering an Alaskan cruise in 2018 and I have several questions - I know some of the answers will be subjective but that's okay - just trying to get people's thoughts. My husband and I are late 50's early 60's - healthy and fairly active and I'm wondering the following:

• Would 7 days or 10 days be better and why?
  
• Is there a cruise line that you would recommend for this cruise? We have been on Carnival and Royal - I like both but preferred Royal Caribbean. In saying this, I must also state the RC ships were the larger ones (Freedom and Oasis class);
  
• What month is best for cruising?
  
• Can you use the pools on the ship or is it too chilly?
  
• Is a balcony preferable for this cruise?
  
• Are there excursions that people consider a "must do" - especially beautiful or unusual nature experiences.
  

Thanks in advance for all your help.:hearteyes:

Thanks everyone - I really appreciate all your help. I will now start to focus a little more on finding the right ship and itinerary. :cool:

Barb

My hubby and I are thinking about taking a 7 or 8 day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean (we've been to Western Caribbean twice - once on Carnival and once on Royal. I'd like some suggestions as to what people think would be an enjoyable cruise for us. We love sea days, history, snorkeling, relaxing and having fun. I know there are a lot of cruises out there and it gets a little overwhelming trying to figure them out. We are open to other lines than the ones we've gone on as we loved both but this timeI would really like to try out a balcony and I do love the bigger boats. We are in our late 50's and one of us just turned 60....Yikes! Love to see shows, go to comedy clubs, drink and eat. Looking for relaxation and stress free.....Please feel free to give suggestions on cruise lines, ports, etc. I'd love to hear from you all - we're looking to go in October or November (not Thanksgiving). Hope to hear soon.

Thanks.

Barb

We are planning a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise with my family during the summer (with several 20 something kids). Would anyone recommend one over the other and why?

Thanks

I have always booked my own cruises (a grand total of 2 so I'm by no means an expert). However, a couple of people have told me that I might want to try a travel agent as you can get upgrades, on board credits, etc. I am not sure if there is value in it or not. Can anyone just give me thoughts about the pros and cons of using an agent. Not asking for names, just your thoughts on whether I'm better of booking myself or using an agent.

Thanks.

Barbara