ljgordon54

Wow, such good information. You have given me lots to think about. I am so glad I found this thread. I will share this with my husband and be back if/when we have question.

Thank you both so much for the input. I can do either early October or March 2019 (though I would hate to wait that long!) Would we see NL in early October or is the best bet for that March? That is our quest and bucket list--to see NL.

We are planning a 12 day round trip next year in Oct-Mar time period. This conversation has been great. I really want to go in November, 2018. Any reports of that time? NL are a MUST! Good weather would be nice, and some fall color.

Canuck Gal -

 

I just got back from a HAL cruise (12/16- 12/23) that visited Santo Tomas, Guatemala. We did not have a "prebooked" tour with Go with Gus. Basically when we arrived in the port, it was raining off and on. We decided to visit the yellow port building for some shopping and then decided to see if we could book a Rio Dulce tour. Most of the folks hell bent on getting on a tour first were already gone (this was around 9:30 am or so). We walked up to Happy Fish and got their tour info and then right next door is Go with Gus (both are in the yellow port building). We went with Go with Gus and they put us in a boat with Happy Fish tour folks.. not a problem. We did the tour of the Rio Dulce. To me this was so beautiful - lush, green, off the beaten path with lots of birds flying and hanging out. We toured a typical river house, sampled a just made corn tortilla and used their bathroom. We then visited the hot springs (you could take a dip) or you could visit the bathroom and have a beer. Last stop was Livingston. Just a walk around the town and then a stop for a quick lunch at Happy Fish's restaurant. Those that booked with Happy Fish got lunch.. us with the Go with Gus tour just sat there.. waiting for those folks to finish lunch. We could have ordered food but it would have cost us. I really wasn't hungry (listen, I needed to skip a meal after all of the ship food I was eating!) I bought some organic Guatemala coffee beans there while I waited. If lunch is really important to you on this tour, make sure it's included in your tour deal. I think I paid just as much as the folks that got lunch but I wasn't concerned with missing beans/rice with fish. As far as the boat ride to the Rio Dulce. It was about 30-45 minutes long. VERY ROUGH in parts. I think this is due to the designs of the boats, the open water and chop of that area. If you have a bad back or have mobility problems I suggest you DO NOT do this tour. Once you get into the Rio Dulce the ride smooths out and it is very calm (but fast). You WILL get WET if you are sitting on either side of the boat on the way to and back from the Rio Dulce. Keep this in mind and pack your electronics in zip lock bags within your travel bag. The seats along the sides are the best seats for filming the Rio Dulce. Once we were done with the tour, it was VERY ROUGH getting out of the boat and back on the dock. Someone with bad knees would have a hard time. All in all I really enjoyed touring the Rio Dulce, it was one of the highlights of my trip.

 

Teressa

WOW! Thanks so much for such a thorough review. I am looking at this port and your helped a lot!

We will be going to Cozumel in November on Nieuw Amsterdam. Does anyone know which dock HA uses?

Thanks for the ask/answer. I had the same question.

See you on board!

Janet

I don't know which ship you are on, but my memory is that all HAL ships except the Prinsendam have a card room. I know the Prinsendam used to have one, but I can't picture one right now.

 

Do be aware, however, that some cruises have bridge players on board, and the card room(s) are booked by the group.

However, if you're just looking for a table some place so a few people can play, there's always some place to deal.

We are on the Neiw Amsterdam, and thanks!

Is there a game room or card room? We are going with a couple who loves bridge and card games.

Good to hear about Dive Cabo.

 

Was also considering Baja Dive. Any one have experience with them??

 

Thanks

Also looking at Manta Divers. The advantage with them is they offer a 3-tank dive, close by. The Dive Cabo only has a 1-tank dive and it leaves about noon.

DH and I used Dive Cabo to get our Open Water cert on a land trip to Cabo last spring. They were fantastic! They took great care of us. I like that they group divers into small groups 3-5 divers per DM. The dive boat never felt too crowded. They also take photos and video for you and give you the DVD.

Thank you so much! I will go ahead and book with them. I feel more confident when I hear from a "friend" with similar likes!

Janet

I have been in touch with Dive Cabo, since we can't dive with the Princess Cruise (my husband is over 65.) They have a 1 tank dive available that should meet our timeline. I would love to hear anyone's opinion of them or who to use. We are sailing Dec. 20.

Janet