From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 3

[Tinkerbel129]

Does anyone know if there is anything at all in the vicinity that we get dropped off at? Like a decent beach or something? Or is everything far away?


I was looking into Tortuga Island. Calypsocruises.com I sent a few questions to ask how long it takes to get there, how long the total experience is, etc. But the beautiful blue water intriques me.

Let me know what you find out. I thought there would be some snorkeling or beach stuff.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Does anyone know if there is anything at all in the vicinity that we get dropped off at? Like a decent beach or something? Or is everything far away?


I was looking into Tortuga Island. Calypsocruises.com I sent a few questions to ask how long it takes to get there, how long the total experience is, etc. But the beautiful blue water intriques me.

Let me know what you find out too. I was interested in Tortoga Island too, but only if its nearby esp. if we are doing it as a non-official shore excursion. I hope there is at least a beach nearby to do on your own so we aren't totally limited by these extensive shore excursions...

 

[Tinkerbel129]

Let me know what you find out too. I was interested in Tortoga Island too, but only if its nearby esp. if we are doing it as a non-official shore excursion. I hope there is at least a beach nearby to do on your own so we aren't totally limited by these extensive shore excursions...

If Tortoga isn't possible, maybe we can make our way to a beach together.

 

[WDW Princess 71]

If Tortoga isn't possible, maybe we can make our way to a beach together.

sounds good to me! I'm doing research right now on Calypso and Bay Island Tours, two tour companies that do trips to Tortuga Island. it says Tortuga is only 12 miles from Puntarenas- I just wonder why DCL doesnt sponsor an excursion there?

I have looked at DCL, Princess, and Royal Carib so far, and none of them have shore excursions to Tortuga Island- I'm thinking there must be a significant reason why, and now I'm not so sure about doing it. I saw Bay Island tours does one from there, but doesnt arrive back to Puntarenas til 5:15 (our ship leaves at 6)- maybe thats why, not enough time. that is cutting it way too close for me anyway. at this point, unless DCL offers Tortuga, i'm leaning towards the rafting thing if i dont find a suitable beach at the port.

 

[sumeto]

Just looked, we're now up to 21 with the addition of tracyvp. We haven't decided if we'll go with the standard or power but either way, it won't be much per person - less than $3/person if everyone stays in. Anyone else, feel free to let me know if you're interested and I'll get you added! Link of the info is in my signature.

We would like to be added to the list, please.

 

[sumeto]

I am wondering this too. I am really excited about visiting CR, so I would hate to just stay onboard, but 2 hours one way? That seems rather uncomfortable. I'm wondering if they even have bathrooms on the bus or if they stop for a break. Does anyone know if there is anything at all in the vicinity that we get dropped off at? Like a decent beach or something? Or is everything far away?

I wish they would list more information about what is within walking distance from the ship, and what the restroom situation will be in each port, and what the restroom situation would be available on the excursions. This could be very helpful to families with small children and those with medical issues.

 

[WeLuvDCL]

I wish they would list more information about what is within walking distance from the ship, and what the restroom situation will be in each port, and what the restroom situation would be available on the excursions. This could be very helpful to families with small children and those with medical issues.

I've been researching and it doesn't look like there is anything to do near the port, I haven't found any info about a beach nearby - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...e_ship_what_to_do-Province_of_Puntarenas.html

But I did find this on another website:
Hanging Around
Puerto Caldera offers very few facilities for cruise passengers, and there's nothing within walking distance; again, the village of Puntarenas is a 20-minute cab ride from this port. Ships dock opposite a terminal building, at the far end of which are a few souvenir shops and a sitting area with restrooms. You'll be able to pick up gifts -- jewelry, wooden crafts, Costa Rican coffee -- from local vendors but no food or drinks; spring for the bottled water for sale onboard your ship if you'd like to carry something with you.

If your ship docks right in Puntarenas, however, you are steps away from the base of the main tourist drag -- Paseo de los Turistas, which is a wide walkway replete with shopping and dining options that runs parallel to the beach. There's also a cruise terminal across the street from the dock perimeter with restrooms and other facilities, including phone stations. The port offers complimentary shuttle service from the gangway to the main exit if you don't want to walk; it's about 250 yards.

I guess we are docking right in Puntarenas? Maybe all the negative comments I've been finding are those that docked in Puerto Caldera?

 

[Tinkerbel129]

This what I just found for Puntarenas CR....water looks a little rough....not sure how safe it is (yeah, I know, my 1st thought no matter where I travel to)....but at least we might have an idea of the port


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GheSYOW5n9w

 

[LindaBabe]

Good Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Just a little bump back to the top, since it's too early on a Saturday for me to formulate a real thought.

 

[JenKatt]

I've been researching and it doesn't look like there is anything to do near the port, I haven't found any info about a beach nearby - http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...e_ship_what_to_do-Province_of_Puntarenas.html

But I did find this on another website:
Hanging Around
Puerto Caldera offers very few facilities for cruise passengers, and there's nothing within walking distance; again, the village of Puntarenas is a 20-minute cab ride from this port. Ships dock opposite a terminal building, at the far end of which are a few souvenir shops and a sitting area with restrooms. You'll be able to pick up gifts -- jewelry, wooden crafts, Costa Rican coffee -- from local vendors but no food or drinks; spring for the bottled water for sale onboard your ship if you'd like to carry something with you.

If your ship docks right in Puntarenas, however, you are steps away from the base of the main tourist drag -- Paseo de los Turistas, which is a wide walkway replete with shopping and dining options that runs parallel to the beach. There's also a cruise terminal across the street from the dock perimeter with restrooms and other facilities, including phone stations. The port offers complimentary shuttle service from the gangway to the main exit if you don't want to walk; it's about 250 yards.

I guess we are docking right in Puntarenas? Maybe all the negative comments I've been finding are those that docked in Puerto Caldera?

We are docking in Puntarenas. I found that out when I was looking who was docking with us in each port.

 

[sumeto]

Lots of good info. Thanks everyone!

 

[WDW Princess 71]

I am wondering this too. I am really excited about visiting CR, so I would hate to just stay onboard, but 2 hours one way? That seems rather uncomfortable. I'm wondering if they even have bathrooms on the bus or if they stop for a break. Does anyone know if there is anything at all in the vicinity that we get dropped off at? Like a decent beach or something? Or is everything far away?

I wish they would list more information about what is within walking distance from the ship, and what the restroom situation will be in each port, and what the restroom situation would be available on the excursions. This could be very helpful to families with small children and those with medical issues.

I agree, this would be very helpful. At this point since Jen found out we are docking right in Puntarenas, I guess I'm leaning toward checking out that "paseo de turistas" main shopping drag, and possibly the beach if it looks safe, and if not, call it a day and head back on board. The rafting thing looks fun, but the 2 hour trip each way is a huge deterent. I just went rafting last week in the Colorado River in Moab, UT which was so much fun, same class of water rapids as the CR excursion, and I'd like to do it again but not sure I want to waste 4 hours driving round trip to do it. On the other hand, maybe now I'll look into zipping in CR and doing the Las Caletas beach excursion in PV. I thought there would be better beach excursions in CR, thats why I was leaning toward zipping in PV since I heard the port is pretty mediocre with the darn Walmart staring you in the face and not much else, but now I might have to reconsider. Maybe CR is the better zipping port and PV is the better beach port- the Las Caletas DCL excursion sounded pretty fun...

I also read on some websites that the beaches around Puntarenas used to be not safe for swimming due to pollution, but supposedly are safe now...but the fact that neither DCL nor a few other major cruise lines that I researched have no beach excursions for this port, makes me wonder about the safety issue with regard to the water and/or the local area- some websites have referred to Puntarenas as a "run down port" that is struggling to catch on with tourism...

 

[CruznLexi]

Hubby and I rarely do SE I think in 31 cruises we have done 1 . Everything else we have done ourselves. I would love to do the raft thing too but he will not sit on a bus for 2 hours. 30 min maybe. When I had booked the other Panama Canal trips I knew CR was a port to stay on the ship as nothing is close I think we may walk around and then get back on. Printed. Some of the logo and other last night UPS charged. .89 to laminate the one with Peter Pan for me. Linda going to Port Canaveral in Oct where can I see the Manatee's staying at Residence Inn.

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

Well, it looks like because we will be there in high season and only need a one day rental, no company is willing to do a group discount rate. The lowest price I found for an individual renting a 4x4 is $85 at Budget.
While doing some research, I found a few companies to avoid:

American Car Rental ~ Dented/damaged body, dirty interior
Royal Car Rental ~ Same as above, no A/C, tried to charge renter for existing damage
AMIGO Car Rental ~ I came across two separate articles stating the visitor had their car stolen, and then AMIGO wanted 23,000 Aruban Dollars for the lost car. It was speculated that this is a scam, and AMIGO stole the car to collect both from the insurance and from the renter. Beware.

*You can purchase a "visit Aruba plus" card for about 18 USD (including S&H) that will give you discounts on car rentals, activities and restaurants. *

HTH!

 

[Tami0220]

Ok, Calypso Cruises got back to me. Although it sounds and looks wonderful, it takes 2 hrs to go across the bay. The cruise has pools, bar, etc, but it doesnt return to Puentarenas until 5:30 are DCL says we leave at 6 pm. That seems to be cutting it a bit short to me. Other comments....??

 

[danfromca]

Ok, Calypso Cruises got back to me. Although it sounds and looks wonderful, it takes 2 hrs to go across the bay. The cruise has pools, bar, etc, but it doesnt return to Puentarenas until 5:30 are DCL says we leave at 6 pm. That seems to be cutting it a bit short to me. Other comments....??

There is no way I would take a non DCL excursion that returned at 5:30 with the boat leaving at 6. That's placing an aweful lot of trust in the excursion company and fate.

 

[aan1701]

There is no way I would take a non DCL excursion that returned at 5:30 with the boat leaving at 6. That's placing an aweful lot of trust in the excursion company and fate.

This is why we never book outside of DCL. If DW does not have an excursion booked she will not venture more than a 10 min walk from the ship. Also I remember seeing a video or a thread from 2005 that a small group of people got left in PV because they did not make it back in time from the beach. Apparently they had a nice video of the Magic sailing off to the horizon. Well to each their own.

 

[Tami0220]

I have since found another company that returns at 4pm. Am requesting info from them. The island really looks like where I would be interested in spending a day. My idea of a tropical island. I will keep you posted.

 

[JenKatt]

This is why we never book outside of DCL. If DW does not have an excursion booked she will not venture more than a 10 min walk from the ship. Also I remember seeing a video or a thread from 2005 that a small group of people got left in PV because they did not make it back in time from the beach. Apparently they had a nice video of the Magic sailing off to the horizon. Well to each their own.

The only time I've ever seen someone get left behind at a port didn't venture more than 5 minutes from their boat. In fact they watched it sail away. Of course the yard of drinks they had at Carlos and Charlies in Cozumel made them wonder when Carnival painted the boat black. They sobered up really quick when they realized that the painted boat was really the Magic and their boat was the one leaving.
My point being is it doesn't matter what you do on shore as long as you plan well. We've done DCL and non DCL excursions and never had a problem. We do what y'all are doing, planning around arrival and departure times and making sure we have plenty of time. It seems stupid to travel so far and limit yourself to only DCL excursions and what is withing spitting distance of the ship. For those of us with kids this cruise (little ones), we'd be sorely screwed if we only did DCL excursions. Seeing what we've spent on this cruise, you better believe we'll be on board by departure!
But as you always say Alan, to each their own.....

 

[LovesToRun]

There is no way I would take a non DCL excursion that returned at 5:30 with the boat leaving at 6. That's placing an aweful lot of trust in the excursion company and fate.

This has always been a fear of mine! Up to this point, I've only booked DCL excursions for this reason... for insurance that I know the ship would not leave without us no matter what.

But, for this Panama Canal cruise, we're going to try non-DCL excursions, but with *plenty* of time to get back!

I remember on our last cruise in January (Eastern Caribbean), we were docked at St. Maarten, and there was another cruise ship docked on the other side of us. That ship left about an hour before our ship did, and I was out on my veranda, which was facing the dock, watching the other ship leave, and these 2 people came running down the dock screaming and yellingn and waving their hands... the other ship had already pulled way out from the dock and was just starting to leave the harbor. The ship did not come back to pick them up! Oh my gosh, those people were SO upset... crying, yelling... but it obviously wasn't the ship's fault.

So, yes, I'm overly cautious when it comes to venturing off on our own.... we just make sure we're back at the ship a couple hours before it's supposed to leave.