Just off Navigator (D+ 600 pts) and very disappointed with the gift choice... (we're not wine drinkers so we always get 2 cokes and four bottles of water but this time only one coke and two waters) got a plate of stale/hard chocolate chip cookies on arrival, a plate of two apples and an orange on formal night. Letter in our cabin saying no tote bags or beach towels (which I have way too many of already) had slippers on my choice but didn't even get those.
I did tell our suite steward and concierge and it took 4 days for them to bring our other coke and two more bottles of water. This was probably the worst service we've had to date....and yes I certainly filled out my cruise survey !!!
Our extended family (4 adults/2 kids) had a Waterpark Cabana this past end of April. It included the cabana, waterpark attractions and cabana attendant who supplied towels, water, fresh fruit on arrival and would have brought us lunch and drinks but we opted to do the buffet ourselves. This all inclusive Cabana was a great choice for us and would definitely book it again.
We've cruised to the Mexican Riviera often and will next week again. Have never found the need to use anything other than USD$ for the small amount that we actually spend in port.
We rented a WaterPark Cabana this past April ($699.00) and it worked out great for our extended family of 4 adults and two kids. So glad I booked it when they first became available because about 6 months before sailing they were up to $1200.00 and then sold out.
We usually stay at the Old Town Sheraton (the one across from the old town pier not the newer one with a casino). We prefer to use a taxi...prices vary and regulated by zone. Very easy to do.
We were just in Hutalco this past October during our Panama Canal itinerary. Port times were changed so we just took a taxi into town. Not enough time to do an excursion.
Here's hoping you're happy with Embassy Suites....unfortunately it has been getting bad reviews for quite sometime...tired and run down. We used to say there but not any longer.
FYI....Check out Hyatt Place (it sits right behind ES) get rates with ValueTrips or as a Hyatt membership.
We always do self assist and have no trouble each wheeling our large Travel Pro bags . We've done this at many ports over the years but I must say I've never seen such wonderful service than the Tampa terminal this past October. There were terminal staff lined up at the top of the escalator and almost insisted that they take your bags down for you...and were clearly telling everyone that they didn't want anyone to fall and to hold onto the escalator hand rails. Just amazing efficient service.
We were in Juneau the end of September and most of the shops seemed to stay open late when ships were there...However not sure they would be open that late. Sorry you have such a late port stop there.
USD $'s will be just fine. We were recently there this past October during our Panama Canal itinerary.
We were going to book with Dora but opted to DIY and took a taxi from the port (which itself is amazing with the bird/animal exhibits) to the old walled city and back.
We were just in Cartegena (amazing port terminal with all the birds/animals exhibit) during our October RCI Serenade Panama Canal itinerary. We had no trouble taking a taxi from there to the walled city and back again. Very easy to do and enjoyed our day there.