ajtraveler66

We are looking for a cruise that would depart from some major port on the West Coast of North America and go to Hawaii.  Once there, we would then stay in a resort for a few days and then catch another cruise that would return us to the mainland.

What are the usual hours for "Indulge"?  Is "Indulge" open for lunch on days when the ship is at port?

We will be on the NCL Prima in January 2025.  Where are we likely to dock?  One dock I've read about is Amber Cove.  Another is at the site of Taino Bay.  Or is it possible there is a different one altogether.  Curious because Taino Bay looks very appealing from what I've seen in some videos.

Sorry .... We did the sunet cruise with Captain Andy's.  I should have specified.

That's why it was important that we be there for 2 days.  (I checked the website, and I see that there are plenty of other options ... some you could probably do with just one day in Kauai).

IT WAS WONDERFUL!!!

When we were on the Pride of America, the ship spent two nights on Kauai.  Because we were there for two nights, we were able to book an excursion with Captain Andy's that took us along the Napali Coast.  IT WAS FANTASTIC!  (See attachment below).  {We didn't get it thru NCL}.

Check your itinerary ... and if you are in Kauai for 2 nights, definitely look into this one!  However, if you are only there for one night, it might be difficult to fit it into your plans.  

https://www.napali.com/

We'd love to find a nice restaurant for lunch where we can kick back and enjoy the scenery (preferably with a beach view).  We're figuring either within walking distance of the tender drop off or on 7-Mile Beach.  (We'll be there on a Tuesday).

We're at port from 9-4, so a lunch anytime between 11 and 1:30 would probably work for us.  We'll make reservations if they take them if you think they would be helpful.

Seafood is a must ... and it must include shrimp as we have one in our party who ONLY eats shrimp when it comes to seafood ...  

As for the cost, it'll be our excursion for the day....so unless it's ridiculously high ... we'll be okay with the cost.

Our original plan in Cartagena was to rent a taxi and then go on to the walled city.  But as we came out of the port area we were 'politely encouraged' to take a tour by solicitation.  They told us the cost ($40 per pereson) and showed us the things that we would see.  We all looked at one another (our party of four) and decided ... 'what the heck, let's do it'.  The tour was fast-paced and we saw many things.  At the end we were taken to a restaurant where we had a wonderful meal (and, of course, the meal was not included...and we expected that).

So I guess what I'm saying here is don't be afraid to go with an excursion not offered by the ship.  Someone named Grey organized our group of 8....but then someone else took over as guide a few blocks later .... his name escapes me, but he was very good and very knowledgeable.

We took a risk, and luckily we won.  Had I known what I know now, I probably would have researched online to find a reputable tour guide in advance.  I do remember hearing great things about Dora (not to take away from the one that we took).  As I said, we just took the plunge and ended up lucking out.

BUT WHATEVER YOU DO ... Don't miss the Walled City of Cartegena.  And be sure to spend some quality time in the bird area near the port on your return.  That, in and of itself, is a nice excursion just right off the ship.

Looking for restaurant/bar suggestions for some good kick-back time while in Tortola.  We'd prefer it being relatively near the port, but a short taxi ride will be okay if it's out best option.

We did this excursion back in 2020.  Beautiful place.  Unfortunately we made the mistake of going to a restaurant (I forget the name, but it was nice).  We waited a huge amount of time to be seated, get our meal, etc.  ....   My suggestion .... forget doing food .... spend all of your time on that wonderful beach area.  By the time we got out of the restaurant, we only had about 20-30 minutes to enjoy the beach.  (I looked it up.  It was Hendo's Hideout.  Trust me, I'm not knocking the restaurant....it was nice.  We just wasted too much precious beach time while there.)

Don't miss this wonderful complimentary Chinese/Asian restaurant.  We were on "The Star" back in April and dined there four times on our 15-day Mediterranan cruise.  Sadly, it's only on "The Star".  I can't understand why "Ginza" is not offered on other ships.  It's a small restauarant, but it's definitely worth a wait if you cannot get right in right away.

We're going to be on "The Bliss" later this month.  And if "Ginza" were on 'The Bliss', I can assure you that we'd definitely be going several times.

Wow.  Thanks for the info.

We are wanting to know the cost of renting a lounger in the VIBE area of the ship.  We are only interested in 'renting for a day' a couple of times during our 14-day cruise.

Friends have told us to be sure and have fish and coconut rice while in the walled city of Cartagena.  

Any restuarants to recommend for these two items?  Will we have luck just walking around and finding one?  Or should we zoom in on just one restaurant, call ahead, and make the reservations.

Also... will most take U.S. Credit cards ....  and what about paying for the taxi/uber ... will they take credit cards .... or will we need the local currency?

For the sake of saving time ... a good restaurant near an emerald souviner shop would work perfectly for our plans.

On 11/11/2023 at 5:47 PM, Turtles06 said:

Will this be your first visit to Cartagena?  I realize everyone's interests are different, but we've been there twice, and imho it's far too interesting a city to spend the time on a shopping tour.  Is there no NCL tour of the walled city?  Again, YMMV.

Yes...our first.  Someone in our party of four recently talked to a sibling who has spent time in Cartegena.  We were given pretty much the same advice that you've shared.  One thing that was mentioned was to be sure--while we are there--to get some seafood along with coconut rice. Looking forward to that day, hoping the weather will cooperate. 

Our ship doesn't offer many excursions at Manzanillo ... and it doesn't look as though there's that much to do right at the port.  So here's what I'm thinking/hoping we might be able to do.  Is there a nice beach restaurant/bar relatively close by that we could easily walk/taxi/bus/uber to ... and then play it be ear from there?  Any beach restaurant/bar that you could suggest?  We'd be perfectly content to kick back an hour or so there, walk around for a bit, and then just make our way back to the ship.

We are trying to decide what to do while at port in Cartagena, Colombia, while on our Panama Canal cruise this January.  

We are seniors, and we really do like the idea of taking an excursion through the ship.  We currently don't have very many excursions from which to choose, but one of the excursions is a shopping tour into Cartegena.  It will include going to Las Bovedas and La Serrezuela.  Also included is a stop for coffee, a stop for rum, and a place to see/shop for emeralds (name of store is not mentioned).  

If you have taken this excursion, is there a reasonable amount of freedom as you browse/shop?  (In other words are you free to roam...and then meet at a designated place at a designated time, etc., etc.).  Also share your general thoughts.

Your input is appreciated.

We are trying to decide what to do while at port in Cartagena, Colombia, while on our Panama Canal cruise this January.  

We are seniors, and we really do like the idea of taking an excursion through the ship.  We currently don't have very many excursions from which to choose, but one of the excursions is a shopping tour into Cartegena.  It will include going to Las Bovedas and La Serrezuela.  Also included is a stop for coffee, a stop for rum, and a place to see/shop for emeralds (name of store is not mentioned).  

If you have taken this excursion, is there a reasonable amount of freedom as you browse/shop?  (In other words are you free to roam...and then meet at a designated place at a designated time, etc., etc.).  Also share your general thoughts.

Your input is appreciated.

Any suggestions on what to do while in Manzanilla?  I see there is a ship excursion to Karmina Palace Resort that doesn't look too bad.  But we are open to some other ideas.  It would be great if there were some beach-side (or near beach-side) restaurants relatively near the cruise port. Sometimes that's all the entertainment we need while at port. I look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.

We will be at Puerto Vallarta in January 2024.  Just going to the Malecon is one option we are considering for the day.  However, we are also considering doing a day pass to a resort instead.  Going to an all-inclusive resort would be nice, but it is not a make-or-break for us.  We are eager to read your recommendations based either from your experience or from your research.  Thanks.  (A nice beach-side restaurant along the Malecon might be a nice compromise).

We are torn between two excursions for our time at Panama: "Panama Canal Experience" and "Two Oceans By Railroad".  Have any of you been on either of these?  According to the description, you do get to see the locks in action at the end of thet 'railroad' excursion.  Hard to decide.

Thanks for the replies.  Hoping to hear about those who have actually been on this NCL shore excursion.  We feel uneasy about venturing out into Acapulco on our own and would feel more comfortable with the ship's excursion.

NCL offers an excursion at the Panama port (Pacific Terminal) called "Two Oceans By Railroad".  At the end of the train ride, the participant is supposed to get a close-up view of how the locks work.

For those of you who have taken this excursion, please share your thoughts.  I realize it's expensive, but if it's truly 'more than just taking a train ride' we will probably be interested.

Thanks.

Thanks for that info.  I'm now thinking that since the Bliss is using the new locks that we'll be okay.  I'm excited about seeing the canal, but my main reason for choosing this cruise is to also set my foot in South America.

And what you say about rumors is so true.  That said, if you think I need to delete this post (since I'm the one who started it) I will do so...not sure how to do that, however.  Please advise if you think it's wise.

I've heard nothing yet, and I hope I don't.  But I have read that due to the drought, some cruise lines are re-routing/canceling some Panama Canal cruises.  Just wondering if anyone has heard anything one way or the other.  Not sure if it's a factor or not, but the NCL Bliss is to go through the new canal as opposed to the original.

Really looking forward to the trip, and I hope it doesn't change things.  Our cruise is Jan 12 -27.

I've checked out the "Food Republic" menu.  For those of you who have been to this restaurant as a 'free choice', what did you think of the food?  What do you actually get 'free' before you have to start paying for 'additional' items?  (For instance, I know at Le Bistro ... you are limited as to the number of items that you can order).