lillulu

32 minutes ago, DeeniEncinitas said:

Have a wonderful time !!!

We just finished a R//T San Diego to Hawaii/Tahiti on Eurodam we were at Peir 11. Love the Oosterdam and been on her several times!

Smooth Sailings

Denise😊

Thanks Denise! We are so excited. This was suppose to have taken place 8 yrs ago. Due to some  major health issues we were not able to take the cruise. It has taken this long to finally get to take it. It was suppose to be my 50th birthday present. Now it's a belated 58 soon to be 59 birthday present. hah😄

Thanks a bunch guys and gals!!! I appreciate all of this help! The pictures helped a lot!!!

On ‎4‎/‎8‎/‎2019 at 9:50 PM, tommui987 said:

Technically speaking, Aloha Tower is a lighthouse at the ocean-end of Fort Street.

Facing Aloha Tower, Pier 11 would be on your right-hand side.

Thank you very much!!! Hopefully there will be no issues. I would think they know what they are doing.

Thank you to everyone else who have helped with posting. I appreciate it!

1 hour ago, cat shepard said:

I am also on this cruise.

According to https://hawaii.portcall.com/#!?tab=2&port=Oahu

we will dock at Pier 11.

Thank you Cat Shepard. I guess I need to see if they will pick up there. I hope so.

We dock on October 26th. The pride will also be in port at that time. So I am trying to figure out which port we will actually be at as I am trying to book an excursion and schedule a pick up point. They only pick up at :  Pickup location is at the Aloha Tower Marketplace and at Pier 2. That is what they sent me.

So, they are or they are not charging the $10.00 on the Oosterdam?? Just trying to get clarification. 

Thank you

What pier does the Osterdamn dock in when over night in Honolulu Hawaii? Anyone know? Is it Pier 2 or near the Aloha Tower Marketplace? TYIA

NO!!!!

Interesting, to hear, thanks so much for your input!

 

First off, I'm sorry to hear of what must have been an awful and harrowing experience! I hope all is well now. My FIL has had 2 heart attacks, I know how scary that is. I can't imagine having that happen while on a cruise.

 

Basically many of the neighbourhoods that are the places one would want to walk around in and sight-see (parks, cathedrals, plazas) are within walking distance of the port. I don't intend to just hang around among the containers.....

 

I have found very very little information on this port here on Cruise Critic, which is frustrating, to say the least (usually it is a wealth of information!), but research outside of this site has shown me that I can easily walk around a bit and see some of the city on my own. I would love to hear from more people who have been here.

Thank you. He is doing wonderful, thank God. He had open heart surgery in 2016.

Sorry to hear about your father in law. Glad to hear he is doing well. It was scary but more scary being in another country. We were transferred to Barranquilla Colombia. He was in ICU for 6 days then we had a on call nurse come in and with the doctors in the states and the doctors in Columbia they decided he could be transported home with a nurse. She came with oxygen, meds, everything she needed. It was the fastest transition from the hospital, through customs and on the plane I have ever done. I pray we NEVER have to experience that again. Or anyone for that matter.

We are now going to be redoing our Panama Canal cruise but we upt it. We will not be going to This port this time. We will do a full transit and get off in San Diego.Instead of a 10 day, we are doing a 15 day. So, we are praying all goes well and we have a wonderful time.

Be safe and enjoy your cruise.

From what little I can glean, it’s all very touristy right out of the port. We plan to walk around close to the port on our own.

Who said it was touristy??? I have been there. It is far from that. It is a container port. Very crazy port. I wouldn't even try to walk around with all that is going on. We were taken off by an ambulance so we did not see much. But all I saw was a lot of containers. It's very industrial. Good luck. I wish I had pictures but my companion had had a heart attack.That is why we were being removed from the ship by ambulance. We were taken to a urgent care. They could not transport him until midnight as they said that is when it would be the safest.

Enjoy your cruise. Stay safe and have fun.

We will be in Cartenga on Monday October 15th on the Island princess, Can someone recommend a good tour operator other than Dora. She is booked.

Thanks a bunch.

Do you need a tour operator? Have you considered doing it on your own? I made a friend from Cartegena and this is what he sent me for our up and coming trip while we are there. He works for the US Embassy.

The port is only about 10 - 15 minutes from the port so it is easy to get to the Old Town and back without worry of missing the ship. The Old Town is a must see in Cartagena. You can do your own tour and take in the majority of what you want to see and do and be able to do it at your own pace and more cheaply. There are taxis at the port which are authorized and safe. Here are some ideas:

• As you enter the port terminal, there will be someone giving out maps of the city and answering questions. They will give you free maps that are great for getting around the Old Town.

• Walk through the store (the big yellow old house) (visit it in more detail when you return)

• When you get outside the front of the store follow the signs to the taxi area.

• There will be guides that hound you to go on a tour. Even when you say that you want a taxi they will try to take you on a tour.

• Tell the taxi you want to be taken to the Old Town with a stop on the way to take pictures of the fort. To visit the Fort takes a fair amount of time and can be quite hot to climb. Most everyone stops in front to be able to take pictures. Ask the taxi driver how much and there should be a sign saying $20 to the Old Town. Agree before you go and tell him it is a one way fare. Don’t’ let them try to sell you some tour or that they’ll drive you around and also bring you back. The normal fare downtown is about $3 but since they’re inside the port they charge a lot more.

• You can have him drop you off at the clock tower which is one of the main entrances to the Old Town. From there you can do your own walking tour using the map. It has descriptions of the sights on the map. You can do a big loop and see the majority of the sights.

• Along the way you can get a snack, or something to drink as there are many places. There are also several shops if you want to shop any.

• You can come back. Either get any yellow taxi inside the Old Town or by going out the clock tower where you came in and going across the street to in front of the Convention Center. Just tell them that you're going back to the port and that you'll pay $5. They'll want more but if they don't accept it, look for another taxi. It will take on 10 - 15 minutes to get back to the port. As you return, you will go through Manga and there are many beautiful old colonial houses to see.

• When you get back, they will drop you off in front of the port store and it's nice to look around the park and see the birds and other animals. The people in the store are very nice and the prices are fixed (except for the jewelry) and they take credit cards. There is a simulated emerald museum that also has a nice display of emeralds (not for sale.)

• In the Old Town there will be many tourists and, like any place with tourists, watch your belongings. There are tourist police all around and it is very safe. Also lots of people want to sell you things and can be very pushy. Just say no and ignore them. The taxis will also try to take you to shopping places and show you other things but there’s always a charge or they have some connection to make money.

Enjoy your cruise. Stay safe.

Heck! Thank you for your advice lillulu.. at least we will only be around there in daylight. Guess the answer is safety in numbers.

 

Sorry to hear about your companion's illness.

Thank you Scriv. Travel safe.

Just attempted to book Dora on our trip for October 15tg. She is booked. Does anyone have a suggestion as to who else is a good tour operator?

Not sure if you are interested in doing it on your own. They do give a map with information. We made a friend who lives in Cartegena and this is what he had sent me about doing the trip on our own since we are not in port very long. We also wanted to have time to explore the animals at the port before getting back on the ship.

The port is only about 10 - 15 minutes from the port so it is easy to get to the Old Town and back without worry of missing the ship. The Old Town is a must see in Cartagena. You can do your own tour and take in the majority of what you want to see and do and be able to do it at your own pace and more cheaply. There are taxis at the port which are authorized and safe. Here are some ideas:

• As you enter the port terminal, there will be someone giving out maps of the city and answering questions. They will give you free maps that are great for getting around the Old Town.

• Walk through the store (the big yellow old house) (visit it in more detail when you return)

• When you get outside the front of the store follow the signs to the taxi area.

• There will be guides that hound you to go on a tour. Even when you say that you want a taxi they will try to take you on a tour.

• Tell the taxi you want to be taken to the Old Town with a stop on the way to take pictures of the fort. To visit the Fort takes a fair amount of time and can be quite hot to climb. Most everyone stops in front to be able to take pictures. Ask the taxi driver how much and there should be a sign saying $20 to the Old Town. Agree before you go and tell him it is a one way fare. Don’t’ let them try to sell you some tour or that they’ll drive you around and also bring you back. The normal fare downtown is about $3 but since they’re inside the port they charge a lot more.

• You can have him drop you off at the clock tower which is one of the main entrances to the Old Town. From there you can do your own walking tour using the map. It has descriptions of the sights on the map. You can do a big loop and see the majority of the sights.

• Along the way you can get a snack, or something to drink as there are many places. There are also several shops if you want to shop any.

• You can come back. Either get any yellow taxi inside the Old Town or by going out the clock tower where you came in and going across the street to in front of the Convention Center. Just tell them that you're going back to the port and that you'll pay $5. They'll want more but if they don't accept it, look for another taxi. It will take on 10 - 15 minutes to get back to the port. As you return, you will go through Manga and there are many beautiful old colonial houses to see.

• When you get back, they will drop you off in front of the port store and it's nice to look around the park and see the birds and other animals. The people in the store are very nice and the prices are fixed (except for the jewelry) and they take credit cards. There is a simulated emerald museum that also has a nice display of emeralds (not for sale.)

• In the Old Town there will be many tourists and, like any place with tourists, watch your belongings. There are tourist police all around and it is very safe. Also lots of people want to sell you things and can be very pushy. Just say no and ignore them. The taxis will also try to take you to shopping places and show you other things but there’s always a charge or they have some connection to make money.

We are two ladies cruising to Colombia and wanting to do our own thing in Cartagena and Santa Marta.

 

In both places, we want to go into the old centre and walk around and have been advised to take a taxi rather than walk.

 

Feeling a bit timid about the taxis, wondering if they are safe and reliable?

 

Also, we are very uncomfortable haggling, but afraid of being ripped off.... which taxis are the best option for a reasonable rate please? Which currency is best to pay with and is it customary to tip about 10%?

 

Thank you in advance.

All though I did not get to tour Santa Marta I can tell you that the port is crazy with containers every where, It is an industrial container port. We were taken off the ship as my companion had had a heart attack. From what I saw it would not be safe for two woman to go off by their selves,

We were transferred at midnight to a hospital as (that would be the safest time to transport him) according to the urgent clinic we were at. I was also told, after we were transferred that, it would not be safe for my daughter and I to walk 4 city blocks to the hospital. We were told that they could rape us or do whatever they wanted and nothing would be done about it. The hotel hailed the (safe cabs) as they called them, to take us back and forth to the hospital.

We friended a couple from Cartagena who even suggested the same. They were from the American Embassy,

I personally would stick with the cruise ship tours until this stop is checked out more. It is a very new port to most ships.

Enjoy your cruise.

Here is what he sent me on Cartagena,

The port is only about 10 - 15 minutes from the port so it is easy to get to the Old Town and back without worry of missing the ship. The Old Town is a must see in Cartagena. You can do your own tour and take in the majority of what you want to see and do and be able to do it at your own pace and more cheaply. There are taxis at the port which are authorized and safe. Here are some ideas:

• As you enter the port terminal, there will be someone giving out maps of the city and answering questions. They will give you free maps that are great for getting around the Old Town.

• Walk through the store (the big yellow old house) (visit it in more detail when you return)

• When you get outside the front of the store follow the signs to the taxi area.

• There will be guides that hound you to go on a tour. Even when you say that you want a taxi they will try to take you on a tour.

• Tell the taxi you want to be taken to the Old Town with a stop on the way to take pictures of the fort. To visit the Fort takes a fair amount of time and can be quite hot to climb. Most everyone stops in front to be able to take pictures. Ask the taxi driver how much and there should be a sign saying $20 to the Old Town. Agree before you go and tell him it is a one way fare. Don’t’ let them try to sell you some tour or that they’ll drive you around and also bring you back. The normal fare downtown is about $3 but since they’re inside the port they charge a lot more.

• You can have him drop you off at the clock tower which is one of the main entrances to the Old Town. From there you can do your own walking tour using the map. It has descriptions of the sights on the map. You can do a big loop and see the majority of the sights.

• Along the way you can get a snack, or something to drink as there are many places. There are also several shops if you want to shop any.

• You can come back. Either get any yellow taxi inside the Old Town or by going out the clock tower where you came in and going across the street to in front of the Convention Center. Just tell them that you're going back to the port and that you'll pay $5. They'll want more but if they don't accept it, look for another taxi. It will take on 10 - 15 minutes to get back to the port. As you return, you will go through Manga and there are many beautiful old colonial houses to see.

• When you get back, they will drop you off in front of the port store and it's nice to look around the park and see the birds and other animals. The people in the store are very nice and the prices are fixed (except for the jewelry) and they take credit cards. There is a simulated emerald museum that also has a nice display of emeralds (not for sale.)

• In the Old Town there will be many tourists and, like any place with tourists, watch your belongings. There are tourist police all around and it is very safe. Also lots of people want to sell you things and can be very pushy. Just say no and ignore them. The taxis will also try to take you to shopping places and show you other things but there’s always a charge or they have some connection to make money.

We are docking at the Puerto Quetzal dock.

1. How far is the bus trip to the city of Antigua?

2. JimnKaren, what do you mean by this statement? However, there has been some issues with natural calamities that will keep that city from having visitors for several months.

3. We are going to be there October 28th of this year 2018. I booked the DIY Antigua. Now you have me worried. I am wondering if I need to plan something else.

4. Does anyone have any information on a Trolly tour that is offered in Antigua?

I read there was a Volcano eruption. Has anyone been there since this has happened? And do you know what kind of impact it has had on the City and exploring on the DIY tour?

Thank you in advance. I appreciate any information that you can and will share.

We have done Panama Canal a couple times and will be doing it again from SD to Ft Lauderdale on 11/3/18. Here's some ideas.

Puerto Vallarta-Taxi to Marriott Resort and buy a day pass for $40pp. Includes some food credit. We have done this in the past and doing it again.

Cartegena-Dora the Explorer. We have done mud volcano in the past and it was fantastic!

Puerto Quetzal-Going to take ship bus to Antigua and do it on our own or hire a tour guide there.

Corinto-We will not get off the ship-Port does not sound very good. We may change our plans as it gets closer.

Huatalco-Walking to beach near port and renting chairs for the day.

Oh you are getting on the ship after we get off. Have fun!!

We are doing a tour with shipmates in Costa Rica

Cartegena We have some friends who sent us some information who live there and so we are doing that on our own.

Puerto Quetzal, We are taking the ships transportation to Antigua and do it on are own.

Corinto I keep leaning about staying on the ship.

Hutalco I have booked a city tour with Enrique. Posted about it in this threat if others want to join. It's only $38.00 a person.

The Midway allows "kids of all ages" to participate in the Junior Pilot Program!! Many adults get their "wings" as well. If you think she would enjoy the ship I don't think you would have a problem at all. What days of the week will you be in SD? DH works Thursday and Friday PMs and I can assure you he would love to have your daughter receive her wings from him! I'm so sorry you run into all those problems...I can imagine it is very disheartening. LuAnn

LuAnn,

We arrive in port on Saturday November 3rd. We are taking her to the San Diego Zoo for the day. We are staying the night then driving on down the cost towards San Fran. See what we can see. We only have 4 days, then we fly back the 5th day to Fort Lauderdale. Stay the night and then drive home the next morning. I'm wondering if she would enjoy doing the Pilot Program over the Zoo.

The reason we our heading to San Fran is because I've always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. 2 main things. We plan to be back again when we start our travels with a camper. He will be retiring in 4-5 years and we want to go state to state see everything in that state then move on. We our bringing camper because we have two dogs. I just inherited my dads dog (Pom) and I have my Chiweenie. So if not this time, next time. Thank you for the information though. I really appreciate it.

I live in San Diego and have driven to SF many times. Taking highway 1 is awesome but make sure it is completely open after the mud slide over a year ago. I think it has just opened but be sure to check. There are great stops along the way as other posters have mentioned. Another stop is near Pismo Beach to see the Elephant Seals along HWY 1. You can find it on google and hear about their story. They are there in the winter months. Also stop at the Madonna Inn just to have a look. You may want to make reservations in advance at Hearst Castle. Have fun!

Thank you so much. I've been printing off every bodies good advice and recommendations. We are soooo excited beyond words to be blessed enough to get to do this. We are going to make the best of it. We will need a vacation from our vacation when we get back lol...just to rest. But we don't care. We are living life to the fullest!!!

After all the things we have had happen and the scares we have had we need this!!

I apologize as this is not a recommendation on tours but something that is important on this itinerary. Despite us being from souther US and enduring humidity each summer we REALLY APPRECIATED the chill cloths/cool rags we took to wrap around our necks in port and on deck during day going through canal. We purchased from amazon but I think most places like Lowes and Home Depot sells them as well. You simple wet them and ring them out and they stay cool for hours!! We were given that tip by prior travelers to PC .....enjoy your trip

This is a great ideal!! Thanks. On the look for them now. I appreciate the information.

The SD Zoo is a great choice...another venue to consider is the USS Midway. According to Trip Advisor it is the #1 attraction, with the zoo as #2. The ship is located almost right next to the cruise ship dock.

 

They have a "Junior Pilot Program" for the kids, flight simulators, access to the flight deck and hanger bay etc. Kids of all ages seem to love the experience. At the end of the day your daughter can receive her "Junior Pilot Wings".

 

My DH is a docent on the Midway and loves meeting all the people who visit from all over the world. Depending on your time frame in SD you might consider that option as well.

 

Lots to see and do here!! And various areas to stay in as well....downtown, Old Town, the beach areas and Mission Valley. Enjoy!!! LuAnn

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately, it seems, No matter where we go because my daughter has Down Syndrome they don't let her participate. They say it's because of her age. She is a little bitty thing. 4' 6" and 104 pounds. She looks like a little kid but, She is actually 31. As soon as I am honest and give her age I am told NO. She functions on a second grader level. Reads like a second grader. I try to get her involved in the kids activities and was told, NO...she is too old. It gets quite frustrating. When they have a movie night with pizza for example. She would love that, right up her alley (so to speak), I am told NO.

One cruise I actually had to carry her passport around on the ship because she was not allowed in the Casino or Dance Club. They thought she was a kid.We were on a Carnival Ship. I've asked other ships/Lines if she could participate in things and I have been told NO. So, I gave up. I try to find whatever I can to keep her occupied. Most times on Sea days, we are at the pool all day. until a movie is being show, or there is a show to attend.

Thanks again for the information.

Being you are meandering, you might want to pick up highway 1 in San Juan Capistrano and take it to Palos Verdes. You get to see lots of ocean views, sometimes Catalina Island across the channel. Stop at Wayfarers Chapel for stunning views. A few miles north is a Subway and a Starbucks that share a patio with a million dollar view.

 

Head north, go past or through downtown, I believe Griffith Park has some good views of the Hollywood * sign, if that is important to you (Someone help me here please.) Get back on 1 and go north along the coast.

 

We like Padaro Beach Grill in Summerland and their great ocean view (outdoors) (south of Santa Barbara. They used to allow dogs and we would have lunch there after a day of leash free swimming in the Ocean at Rincon.)

 

We like Morro Bay. It’s been awhile but we really enjoyed the seafood and clam chowder at Dorns. There was also an outdoor stand for fresh fish- started with a Z.... I want to say Zambonis but I’m sure I’m wrong. It was really good and we had taken picnics from there to the base of Morro Rock. Cool town.

Thank you for taking the time to post all of this for me. I have printed it off for my records when we leave. I will take all my records I have printed off and use them. Thanks again.

David911 Are you still on here??? I would like to know more about this excursion you are offering. Are you still doing this? The last post about this is from 2011. Post more information please.

Hi, how or where do you book the trolley tour, and where do you pick it up,?

Where did you hear about a trolley tour???

The zoo is the biggest thing to see and I mean, it is BIG. It can easily take a day or at least the remainder of the day you get off the ship. Be sure to get the map and plan your route through the grounds! There is a monorail or trolley that will take you to the highest point, saving you the climb, and buses that you can hop-on-hop-off to save your feet some more.

 

The zoo is the one thing I took my dad and step-mom to when they came to California from New York State! That was their choice when presented with all the good things I could think of in San Diego... like reading the suggestions in that thread I linked to above.

 

I'm sure your daughter will love it! And yourselves.

Yes, we definitely thought the Zoo would be a good choice for her since Alcatraz might not excite her. But I want to make sure she has fun as well as letting Mom see some things that she wants to see. I really appreciate every thing you shared. I think those links will help others as well as they did me.

Thanks!!