Dmason1

Pitcairn Islands

Has anyone been there? What happens when the cruise ship docks there? Is there anything to do on the island, or is it just selling of crafts?

There are only 50 permanent inhabitants of the island, most of them descendants of the Bounty mutineers!

Has anybody visited the Casa Orquideas near Golfito? Hints on how to go there separate from the ship tours?

We used Romecabs in Civitavecchia and the service was terrific!! The very professional driver was there waiting for us when we got off the ship (even though our departure from the ship was earlier than I had expected) along with his beautiful Mercedes limousine! The car was comfortable and clean, and he drove well and safely, delivering us right to our hotel in Rome. For the two of us, the fare was 130 euros, which was about the same price that Holland America would have charged us for a bus to the center of town, where we would have had to get a taxi to the hotel.

Romecabs charges a bit more for more passengers, but the limo was plenty big enough for four people (or more), and splitting that fare four ways would be an even better bargain.

We signed up for Romecabs ahead of time on their website, and I paid in advance using Paypal, so we wouldn't have to worry about paying that much in cash right off the ship. The confirmation letter from Romecabs provides a local phone number you can call in Civitavecchia if you need to. Everything was extremely easy and efficient.

The whole experience was a delightful pleasant surprise, and a nice beginning to our Italian sojourn.

Can someone suggest things to do on a SECOND visit to Cartagena? We were there a few years ago, and visited the Roman Theater and Concepcion castle, and really liked them both. This time (end of March), we'd appreciate suggestions for other sites in or near Cartagena. What about the organized ship (Holland's Oosterdam) tours to Elche or Murcia? Are they worth it? Are those trips that one could do independently?

Another question about Malaga: how does one get to the Museo Picasso from the port area? Walking distance? Buses? and how far is the Museo Picasso from Alcazaba? Can you go from one to the other by foot?

How do you get from the port to the Alcanzaba? Can you walk? Buses?

Am I right that there are two different botanical gardens on Monte? the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (private, 10 euros) and the Madeira Botanical Gardens (public and free?). Which is the best one, and what is the best way to get there independently? (We're there March 29 on the Oosterdam).

If I have things right, there are two botanical gardens on Monte, where the cable car takes you: the Monte Palace Tropical Gardens (private, cost 10 euros0; and the Madeira Botanical Gardens, which I guess is public and free. The former gets better reviews on Tripadvisor. What do experienced cruisers have to say? Which is better? What's the best way to do it on your own?

(We'll be there March 29 on Oosterdam).

Where on Cruise Critic can I find information and hints about independent travel in the ports? We would prefer to travel on our own, rather than take the official ship tours, and I assume there are hints about this here, but I can only find reviews of the official ship tours.