Motorcycle Gma

On 3/20/2023 at 4:11 AM, unclegrandpa said:

You have to have a pass from the the forest service in order to be able to park at the main entrance to El Yunque. I have been trying to obtain one. It has not been possible. I was able to get one a year ago but never went. I understand they sell out instantly. You can still enter some parts of El Yunque from another side. However, that is far from the major trails such as El Yunque trail or the Tower Trail.

Can you tell me where to look for this car parking pass? Thx

I’m going to be in PR for a few days & want to do the bio-luminescent tours. I know the moon needs to be small, but my best bet is a half moon on October 6. I’m planning to go to the best spot in Vieques, Mosquito Bay. Anyone done this? It requires I take a ferry & spend the night which will end up costing about $300 plus $65 fees per person. Is it worth doing for $400 with a half moon?? 

Thanks for the referral to Premier.  Can I ask, what if your flight is late or missed and you've already pre-paid?  PSUBoater, you mention it goes on the ferry?  Is that just for you since you live on the islands?  I assume I will find this shuttle at Ground Transportation near or outside the Baggage Claim?  Thanks

Well, I tried looking on the FAQ section.  Didn't find this.  What is best way for two 60ish and 70ish sisters to get from airport to our Hampton Inn Downtown (reasonably priced)?  Shuttle or Uber?  Which shuttle?  We'd do public rail, but I have shoulder injury and concerned about lugging the big rolly bay.

Thanks

Help, I'm arriving Friday, july 29 at Sea Tac on SW Air and staying downtown at Hampton Inn Downtown. How to get from Airport to hotel?  Is rail easy or not recommended?  I've done rail in Europe, but not here at home. I don't travel lightly, but I can handle my large rolly bag and small rolly bag. I've heard $70 for airport shuttle to downtown.  How much is Uber?  Wish we would have known about other hotel options, but i thought being close to downtown would be fun with the attractions. I hope the Hampton is an OK choice. Thanks for any help.

We plan to take a shared shuttle to Pier. Thanks 

Thank you Disneyochem!

On 7/14/2022 at 6:43 PM, kona_wahine said:

We took the shuttle out to the glacier and really glad we did. We hiked to the waterfall, and then the short trail to the better view of the glacier. We spent maybe and hour and a half there. You would probably have plenty of time to do both the tram and the glacier. We had a dog sled excursion after the glacier. Fun. 

How hard or long are these hikes?  My sister is a bit of a wimp, but she walked 3 miles the other day in Texas heat!  Thanks for the advice. Wish I could do the dog sled too.  So much to do, so little money... Just quit my job. 🙂

On 7/14/2022 at 6:33 PM, disneyochem said:

I wouldn’t buy a tram ticket until you know what the weather is like.  You can purchase those tickets the day of.  It’s a great excursion but better when you have the opportunity to see the incredible view!  Lots of hiking up at the top as well.

 

There are a number of vendors who will sell you a ticket to ride the bus to Mendenhall Glacier.  Current price is $45/person which includes admission, transport there and back.  If you have a National park pass, they will knock $5 off the price.  No need to book ahead of time—lots of vendors, lots of busses.  They are located next to the tram ride.

 

I can’t give you any information about the helicopter rides but two weeks ago when I was in Juneau, there were a number of vendors who approached me about buying a helicopter ride.  I wasn’t interested but there are vendors who seem to be selling day of tours.

This sounds good, thank you. I was going to go with Juneau Shuttle. Good to know about the National Park Pass, I think we have one.  Good idea on the tram too.  Thanks

Should we take the Juneau shuttle or Tram to the top?  We arrive on a Wednesday, Aug. 3.  I'm just 2 weeks out and have NOTHING booked.

Help!  I'd also like to know if anyone has done a last minute Helicopter ride in any port, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan??  They are so expensive!

Thanks

2 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

Hopefully it's cleared up by Saturday but be extremely careful if there's ice...especially on bridges. I once had a car lose control on a iced bridge in Texas and knock me into a ditch. Then while I was sitting there another car lost control and hit me in the ditch. Then an 18-wheeler almost jackknifed in the same spot. Be very careful. 

Yes, Texans don't know how to drive in the snow or ice.  Sorry that happened to you. How scary.

Last year, we had a tiny ice storm and about a 100 car pile up on our local freeway.  6 people were killed. It was black ice and during the early commute. 

I'm hoping the storm misses us. 

Yes, Discover Roatan seems to have passes to Infinity Beach. They also offer various other combinations of tours. Check it out. Of course, Victor Bodden tours will also take you anywhere you want.

So, I've only cruised in winter once.  Lucky me, I'm booked on the Carnival Vista this weekend. We are predicted to get an ice storm in North & Central Texas, Wednesday - Friday with temps in the teens at night.  I was to drive to port on Saturday, DFW to Galveston. That is still my plan; I can't get off work any earlier to leave during the day on Friday. 

I know some flights might be affected and maybe some other guests will have trouble getting there?  Does Carnival ever hold the ship in cases like this?? I'm worried how long my 4 hour drive might be -- I might miss the 3:00 pm cut off.

I have insurance, but it only covers flying cancellations, not driving in bad weather (unless I wreck).  I'm hoping the storm misses us, but they're predicting 1/2 inch of ice or more. 

7 minutes ago, Motorcycle Gma said:

I just had Covid diagnosed on 1/13.  I tested positive all the way through 1/21/22. I finally got my negative test the following Monday, 1/24/22.  My co-worker who was sick (that I caught this from) got her negative result about 1/18  She clearly had Covid before me, but still I was frustrated that I had to keep away from my husband for that full 10+ days.  I made my husband test on 1/21/22. He was negative.  Hoping he's still negative because our cruise is this Saturday!

 

Can anyone tell me how to use this silly Emed and the Navica app?  I tried downloading the app. It asked me if I was ready to test.  That didn't seem right, so I stopped the download.  I'm sure this is in the thread somewhere also!  I have so much to do, I don't have time to hunt. Appreciate any tips. Do I need an appointment with Emed??  It's certainly not clear on their website.

I found the answer, thanks to whomever posted this....  

We used the same tests for a Princess cruise last December, we both passed!  When you get the kits, download their app, very easy.  Tests were easy, logged on and we had a person monitor the test.  They exit the screen but leave a timer on, at 15 minutes someone else came on and asked us what the results were, I dont think they could actually see them.  Once they accept your response they submit your results in your app. also send you and email.  Very smooth process for both of us.  When were went to the terminal we just showed the app. with results......very easy, good luck!!!!

20 hours ago, lindya said:

For those who had covid recently, how long did it take for you to test negative afterwards with a rapid ( not PCR) test..I know this is going to vary....just trying to get an estimated time frame from anyone who actually experienced this...our cruise is being rebooked due to positive result and I'm trying to get an idea how soon we can reschedule. 

I just had Covid diagnosed on 1/13.  I tested positive all the way through 1/21/22. I finally got my negative test the following Monday, 1/24/22.  My co-worker who was sick (that I caught this from) got her negative result about 1/18  She clearly had Covid before me, but still I was frustrated that I had to keep away from my husband for that full 10+ days.  I made my husband test on 1/21/22. He was negative.  Hoping he's still negative because our cruise is this Saturday!

Can anyone tell me how to use this silly Emed and the Navica app?  I tried downloading the app. It asked me if I was ready to test.  That didn't seem right, so I stopped the download.  I'm sure this is in the thread somewhere also!  I have so much to do, I don't have time to hunt. Appreciate any tips. Do I need an appointment with Emed??  It's certainly not clear on their website.

Thank you all so much.  I didn't find all of @mitsugirly's Cozumel snorkel reviews, but I did find the one on Sky Reef.  I'm definitely going to check that reef out!!   We have an ICE STORM hitting and now I'm struggling with the stress of driving thru ice to get to our departure, and the covid tests, and UGH... 

I hope I make it after all this research and work. I'm so ready for a cruise. It's been over 2 years since I was on the Ruby in Australia.  Thanks again!

Dive with Martin is still in business!  Yay. We used to dive with them for years. Great operation. I wasn't sure they made it through the death of owner and Covid. Need to contact them ahead of time. Most dive shops leave early, like 8am. If your ship docks after that, you might miss there morning dive. The afternoon dive is usually 1:00. This is the problem we always had with cruising and diving.

We used a Female owned dive operation last time. She picked us up at the port. Sorry I don't remember the name. If I find it, I'll let you know. She picked us up even during a rain storm. We went diving and it was fine at the reef.

Are reservations required at Money Bar?  What is cost or can you pay as you go?  We mainly want to snorkel.  Thanks

I can't even find the pricing on the Money Bar.  Really, it must be pricey if it's not on their website!

Funny you mentioned Park Royal. We have stayed there several times and gone to El Cid which was El Ceibo I think previously (a dive hotel?). It is really close to one of the piers.  Is the airplane wreck still there in front of El Cid?  We used to snorkel there and did shore dives occasionally.  We haven't snorkeled in Coz in many years. We always dive, but now we're getting older and diving isn't as attractive anymore. We also stayed at Casa Del Mar once or twice. Not sure if that's the same as the Del Mar you mentioned.

So, you think the snorkeling is best to the South. That would make sense because that's where the dive boats always take us, to Palancar Reef, etc.  I never cared for sandy snorkeling. I want to see actual reefs which we used to be able to see right near some of the shores, but it has been many years and I know some hurricanes have hit. We liked the snorkeling at El Coz in 1995, LOL. The fish were plentiful, but so was the FIRE coral. My hubs learned that the hard way!

11 hours ago, JohninDC said:

Money Bar is the only one of the bunch that has good snorkeling from the shore. Nachi offers a snorkeling tour (extra fee); not sure about snorkeling tours from Paradise Beach?

 

But no pool at Money Bar - for a pool you will need to go to Nachi Cocom (small pool) or Paradise Beach (HUGE POOL).

 

In the past we have hit MB early to snorkel, had some snacks and drinks, then cabbed to Nachi for the rest of the day. Might be an option if you have a long port day.

That sounds like a plan. Thank you for the info.  I thought all these places had good snorkeling.  It sounds like hit Money Bar first and then Nachi.  There are some really BAD reviews on Nachi right now.  I guess mostly from ppl who's cruises were cancelled & they didn't get their money back. What about Mr. Sanchos??  Is there snorkeling there??  Thank you again.

We were there years ago. I don't remember if it was through a cruise or land tour.  We did take the ferry over and then a bus. We did the underground caves first, then checked out the butterfly area. I believe we also floated through the mangroves which was fun. I also LOVED the snorkeling here. There were beautiful purple fans and stuff right near the cove/beach area.  We did check out the ruins, but I thought they were not that great since we had already been to Tulum and Chichenitzzha (sp). 

I consider it a theme park only nature related. We picked and chose what we wanted to do most and it was an enjoyable day. 

We will be in Coz in about 10 days. I'm looking for a place with good snorkeling, a beach (rock or sandy) is fine.  We mainly want to snorkel and aren't into the party scene.  I would like some amenities, a pool, chairs and maybe a beach massage?  We will probably bring our own snorkel gear.

We honeymooned in Cozumel in 1995 and did land tours there for 10 years after that.  Our honeymoon was at El Cozumeleno (sp?) on the North side of the island.  I thought about getting a resort day pass there just for old times sake.  Not sure if there is any snorkeling there anymore. I know it would be a long drive from the pier. 

Thanks for any advice.   

I'm sailing in just 8 days and can't decide what to do in Roatan.  There are THREE ships in Roatan that day, so I might be too late!

Spouse wants to do the Shipwreck dive. I've dug around and found the Prince Albert is in about 60-70 feet of water. I can't see how snorkeling there would be very beneficial. You wouldn't see much in 60-70 feet.  It's like $80-90 each to do the shipwreck snorkel and they don't take you anywhere afterwards, just back to ship.

I know snorkeling is very good at West Bay/Infinity.  Would it be possible to hire a snorkel boat there to take me to a different wreck?  Are there boats on that beach for hire??   I've heard there is a smaller shipwreck called the Palmetto, but I don't know where it is or how to get to it.  I was told I have to hire the 3 stop snorkel boat for $80-90 to get there.

What if it rains?  I'm toying with the idea of just hiring a private driver from Bodden and telling them to take me snorkeling.  They only have a one hour snorkel boat listed as one of their regular excursions.

I have been to Roatan twice, but only did scuba diving. So, I don't remember much about the island. I'd like to see some of the island especially if it rains.  We are kinda retired from diving these days.  Thanks for any advice!

Thanks for the information. I can't go the night before or I would definitely do that to save the stress. I work until 6:00pm in Dallas.  I guess I could drive part-way to the north part of Houston and maybe stay somewhere like Conroe or Spring. That would give me extra time in the morning.

I wonder what time one has to be on-board Carnival Vista if we are departing at 4:00? Is is two hours before?

How much time should I allow coming from southern side of Dallas to Galveston on cruise day, a Saturday morning, February 5??

I had a horror story one time going to a Houston meeting on a Saturday morning, trying to arrive by 1:00 pm.  We didn't make it because of a big traffic jam.  Should I allow 5 hours?  6 hours to be safe??  I'm not concerned with Dallas to Houston proper, I know I can do it in 3-4 hours.  The part from about Spring to Galveston is what concerns me. Is there major construction??  I guess I will look at Google this Saturday morning to see what it says! 

They want me to set up an appointment time to check in at Port.  I have no idea. If I leave the house at 8:00 am, I could be there by 1:00 or 2:00?  TIA.

Yes, I’m excited about it. It’s about the only good find I’ve done so far. I haven’t planned our Sydney days at all! First day we may take ferry to Watson’s bay, eat & then Bondi Beach to Coogee. Maybe just Watson’s, lunch & scenic bus ride back. We’ll be jet lagged. Did you guys do the Bondi Beach walk?