RCCI's Cartagena excursions: Can I stay behind & not come back on the bus???

[Gunga Jim]

The Cartagena excursions for the Oct/Nov 08 Panama cruise are not posted yet on RCCI's website.

 

I've been to Cartagena before and this time I'd like to spend the whole day exploring the old city and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (the Radiance will be in port from 8-5).

 

Since the excursions are usually about 4-5 hours in length, should I just skip what RCCI has lined-up and take a taxi, or take one of RCCI's excursions into the city, but come back on my own at the end of the day (do they let you do that -- not come back on the bus)? If I take one of their excursions, I'll get off the ship faster, right?

 

If anyone has taken the city excursion(s), explored on their own, or done both, you're insights would be much appreciated -- Thanks!

 

--Jim

[leoandhugh]

We have been in Cartagena on several cruises and have never taken a ship's excursion. There have always been plenty of taxis at the tourist office at the pier. Last time we took a taxi to the old town inside the walls, had him drive us around many of the streets, and he left us at the stores and boutiques built into the old dungeons of the old city. After exploring that area and finding a cafe for lunch and a beer, we took another taxi back to the ship.

That is probably what we will do this year because we are on Radiance Oct 26 SanDiego/FLL. We have always found Cartagena to be a fascinating city - all that old Spanish Main history and wonderfully restored colonial buildings compared to the high rise hotels and condos of the new town.:)

[cb at sea]

Yeah--I wouldn't pay for an excursion that you're not going to use! If this is a tender port, just go early--you'll get on the 1st one--if not, the 2nd! Not a huge delay.

[truffles2]

Also, please don't ever leave an excursion (RCI or otherwise) without letting the tour guide know. Often, they will wait and wait (because they have a head count) and it will hold up everyone else.

[Gunga Jim]

Thanks All! It sounds like seeing good ol' Cartagena on my own is the way to do it. There's so much to see in the old city and I think doing the excursion during the first half of the day and my own thing the other half would only complicate things. Thanks again! --Jim :)