|
f-mattox
|
 |
« Reply #4 on: June 27, 2008, 08:16:18 PM » |
|
Hello, Betty; sorry it took so long to get back to you.
The only port in Mexico we visited on our Panama Canal cruise this April was Huatulco. We saw all the other Mexican ports in 2006 and 2000. But the shore excursions don't change that much year-to-year. You mention you have cruised to Mexico several times so I won't bore you with what I'm sure you alrerady know.
Cabo San Lucas - "Historic Pirate Ship and Snorkel Tour"; this wasn't like the longer, kid oriented pirate ship adventure in Puerto Vallarta. We motored out past Los Arcos and, as the song says, "cut the engines, set the sails". This wasn't just a replica, but an authentic late 1800's sailing ship, and quite a thrill to be actually "sailing'. Then back into the bay for snorkeling (for those that so desired) and refreshments. Not a long tour (about 3 hours) But great fun.
Puerto Vallarta - We've done the "Mexican Fiesta", which we enjoyed, and the "City and Costal Drive", which we didn't. We now just take a cab into the center of town and kick around on our own. We did hear many good reports about the "Colonial Treasures" tour.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo - We took a bus to Ixtapa and spent some time at one of the great resort hotels right on the beach, which was very nice; but I would have rather just stayed in Zihuatanejo. It has nice beaches and is very quaint and uncrowded--just fun to walk around, shop, and soak up the atmosphere.
Acapulco - one of the most beautiful bays to sail into and out of--be sure to be on deck or on your balcony for that. We have taken the "City Highlights" and "Best of. . ." tours. Both give you a good overview of the city. But there are many other options.
Huatulco - This was one of the highlights and biggest surprises of our cruise. A beautiful planned resort community, not unlike Ixtapa, with great roads, beautiful landscaping, lush resorts, beautiful beaches and bays. We took the "By Land and Sea" tour, which as the name implies, a (large) catamaran ride along the coast and a coach ride around the town and resorts. Highly recommend.
Puerto Quetzal - "Filadelfia Coffee Estate and Colonial Antiqua". Normally I shy away from tours that visit any kind of "estate" or "plantation" or "ranch"; they are usually just an opportunity to buy whatever product is made there--and this one had its sales pitch. But it was also one of the most interesting and enjoyable excursions of the cruise. Of course my wife and I are avid coffee drinkers; but it was so much more than that. The lunch at the estate was one of the best meals on the trip--white glove service, and all. And Antigua is just a gem or a city. It is a long ride from the ship, but the roads are excellent and the scenery, with the volcanoes and lush vegetation, is spectacular.
Nicaragua - Our port was San Juan del Sur, and I see yours is Puerto Corinto, but they are fairly close and I assume would have some of the same excursions. We did the "Colonial Granada & Isletas Boat Ride". The boat ride around the archipelago in Lake Nicaragua, with the backdrop of the volcanoes, was stunning and a great photo op. The city tour and the lunch were also very good. The trip from the port was rugged because of a lot of roadwork; but you are docking at a different port, so shouldn't have that problem.
Puntarenas - On previous trips to Costa Rica we have done excursions to San Juan and Sarchi. It is an absolutely beautiful country, so you can't go wrong, whatever you do. On our last trip we did the "Nature Cruise & Train Ride". The nature cruise was a real kick; kind of like the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland--except the wildlife was real. The train ride was interesting; vintage cars that took you through the countryside, with some views of Costa Rica that the Chamber of Commerce could not have been too happy about. Even a wealthy country like Costa Rica has some grinding poverty too.
Fuerte Amador - We were coming from Ft. Lauderdale, and so did not stop there.
Well, I hope this helps a little. It's difficult to suggest things to others, not knowing their interests; but this at least gives you our impressions of the tours we took. If you have any questions about Island Princess, please just ask. It's one of our favorite ships, and we've spent 30 days on her in the last year.
Rick
|
