October2018015.JPG.755db1a9fbfbe6391a98b6d8eb6c3336.JPG)
campolady
-
Posts
2,582 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by campolady
-
-
Yes, Spain is opening its borders BUT that does not necessarily mean cruise ships will be allowed to dock. Hotels that do open, and many are saying they will stay closed until 2021, will have to comply to strict restrictions so expect changes from your usual Spanish vacation.
-
On 1/26/2020 at 7:20 AM, BEFdoc said:
Wow,
Thank you for your generosity. We will be staying the day there in November and we have mobility issues. Group tours do not lend well to this and I wonder if you have ever heard of cruisers hiring a taxi for the day for a tour of some of the sights you mentioned? Also, what would be a good taxi company and what would the pricing look like.
Once again thank you for your information.
BSo sorry for the late reply but I have only just seen your post. There are several companies that can offer day tours either by taxi or rickshaw/tuk tuk. Here is a link for a taxi company with tour details https://transfertaximalaga.com/en/tours-prices/ and here is one for rickshaw/tuk tuk tours (the advantage of these is that the vehicles can get into the narrow back streets where cars are sometimes inaccesible) https://www.malaga-rickshaw-tuktuk.com/ . There are also horse and carriage rides available for shorter durations just to give you a taste of the city.
Hope this helps. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask,
-
7 hours ago, Louisa1980 said:
Hi all
Off to the canaries on these dates and wondered how 'chrismassy' the cruise will be? I know the decs will be up but will the cruise have a christmas vibe or will they save the extras for people away with them at Christmas?
We were on Dream in the Canaries that week last year. Apart from the decorations being up, a 'Hunt the Elf' competition and Christmas music there were no special festive events but it did feel Christmassy.
-
On 10/17/2019 at 12:34 PM, edinburgher said:
Be sure that you re buying genuine cigs.
A good warning - there are a lot of fake cigarettes sold in Gibraltar.
-
4 hours ago, Cienfuegos said:
I doubt that Spanish ports outside Catalonia (Malaga, Cartagena, etc) could handle several huge cruise ships and their massive flows of passengers. Much less a turn around, reprovisioning, etc
Although it is a rare event, and we all go down to see it when it happens, Malaga has had up to 7 cruise ships - including some of the largest - in on one day and is a regular reprovisioning port so could take some of the diverted ships if necessary.
Marella Discovery 2 (owned by TUI the same company as own Mein Schiff) was diverted yesterday from Tarragona to Ibiza but as yet their Catalan ports for next week are as scheduled.
-
We are joining D2 again two weeks today. Can anyone who has used a wheelchair on board tell me what happens each time we get on or off the ship? Although this is our 15th cruise it is the first time my husband will need to use his wheelchair each time we go ashore (although he hopefully will be able to walk short distances with his stick whilst on board). Do we use the ordinary gangway and have to carry the chair up and down the steps, or is there a separate less steep one for people with mobility problems? Any advice on this, or any other tips for passengers with mobility problems, would be much appreciated. Thank you.
-
13 hours ago, trojan3000 said:
Doing our first cruise on Marella Explorer in December we have the premium drinks package can you get a full bottle of wine ie with a meal or only by the glass?
Officially only by the glass although my husband and I did get Cava by the bottle each night on Dream last December.
-
We joined Dream on 7th December last year and all the decorations were up - the ship, especially in the reception area and the Orion restaurant, looked lovely.
-
9 hours ago, Shazw48 said:
Is there a forum for this one ?
Which of the six Marella ships are you going on?
Have a look in the 'Roll Call' section on here to see if anyone has started one for your cruise but there never seems many for Marella sailings - however there are often events for individual cruises on the best known social media site where there are groups for each Marella ship.
-
Its a 4-5km walk into Valencia centre depending on where you dock. A long and not particularly interesting walk. Either take a taxi or our ships have always provided a shuttle service.
-
19 hours ago, hkto said:
That logic also applies to organized tours.
Which is why I would always recommend a ships tour for Granada where they will wait for you if you are delayed.
-
I wouldn't risk doing it by public transport. The Granada road is notorious for delays from traffic jams due to road works and accidents.
-
On 10/3/2019 at 11:04 PM, mlkb said:
Has anyone visited Malaga for the day as a port-of-call? Please relay any tips on how to use our time as well as what to enjoy as far as local cuisine and drink. Thank you- any insight will be appreciated.
mikb - hope this helps:-
MALAGA CRUISE TERMINAL TO CITY CENTREIt is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so a shuttle bus is provided at a cost of 5 Euros. If you feel energetic and want to walk through the port you will pass the recently built 'Muelle Uno' ('Pier One') bar. restaurant and shops development that is a good place to break your journey. When you get to the port gates go straight across 2 roads (the second is Malagas main artery the Avenida Alameda Principal) and you will be in the heart of the old city.
SHOPPING
Malaga is a great place for a bit of retail therapy - the main shopping street is the pedestrianized Calle Larios. As well as all the well known international stores, and the big Spanish department store El Corte Ingles, the city is home to many artisan shops many of which specialise in local food produce, hand crafted Silverware and Flamenco clothing.
ARAB BATHS
Missed by most visitors to Malaga the Arab baths are a great place to unwind and be massaged by experts using centuries old techniques.
MARKET
The Ataranzas indoor market, situated one road back from the Avenida Alameda Principal, is a fascinating mix of stalls selling local food produce - the display of fish, meat and fruit/vegetables is amazing. Recently refurbished, decoration of the markets rear wall revealed a spectacular stained glass window that is now a very attractive feature. The market also has several Tapas Bars where you can sample local Sea Food/Fish, Cheeses, Cooked Meats and Wines. The market is a great place to buy Herbs to take home and the delicious local Malaga Almonds should definitely be sampled. http://www.andalucia.com/cities/mala...zas-market.htm
GIBRALFARO CASTLE, ALCAZABA + ROMAN THEATRE
Gibralfaro - Bus 35 from the Parque de Malaga (park opposite the port) will take you right up the hill to the Gibralfaro Castle entrance. Soaring over the city, the 14th century castle was built to defend the citadel and provides spectacular views over Malaga bay and over the Bullring. After visiting the Castle walk back down the hill for less than 5 minutes and you will come to the entrance of the Parador Hotel - a really lovely place to stop for a Coffee break; you can get the bus back into the city centre from outside the Parador gates.
Alcazaba - Situated below the Gibralfaro Castle is the Alcazaba, a fascinating Moorish Citadel with many features similar to those found at the Alhambra in Granada (but without the crowds!). You can buy a reduced price joint entrance ticket for both Gibralfaro and the Alcazaba.
Roman Theatre Ruins and Dig - Situated at the base of the Alcazaba, visitors are now allowed to walk through the ongoing archaeological Dig to get a closer look at the ruins; closed Mondays.
CATHEDRAL
A truly spectacular building known as the One Armed Lady as only one tower was built - probably due to lack of funds but legend has it that money for the second tower was sent to rebel American forces to help them in their battle against the Brits in the War of Independence. Next to the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace Square which is a great place to sit and people watch.
MUSEUMS
Malaga is home to far too many museums to list them all but these are my particular favourites:-
Picasso Museum - a great selection of paintings by Malagas most famous son plus family photos and personal items. The museum also has a second gallery with changing exhibitions such as the Dennis Hopper collection
Carmen Thyssen Museum - art gallery
Glass and Crystal Museum - a personal collection of exquisite crystalware
Motor Museum/Fashion Museum - one of the best motor museums that will fascinate car lovers of all ages and ladies will enjoy the neighbouring Fashion Museum
TAPAS BARS
Malaga is a Foodies paradise. You are spoiled for choice of high class restaurants but, for us, Tapas is the only way to go. Definitely try the local speciality 'Fritura Malaguena' which is a delicious mix of deep fried small fish. Just follow locals into a bar and you won't go far wrong; to get a good feel of the citys bar culture and atmosphere people visiting for the first time may enjoy:
El Pimpi - Accessed down a ginnel off Calle Granada or from immediately opposite the Roman Amphitheatre ruins, El Pimpi is one of the best known bars in Malaga where you can sample local Wines, Hams, Cheeses etc. www.elpimpi.com/en
Bodega Antigua Casa de Guardia - this bar can be accessed either off the main street Avenida Alameda Principal or from opposite the Indoor Market. A Malaga institution (gets packed at lunchtime so visit around noon) it is rumoured to be the oldest bar in the city and was once the prison house. Numerous casks house all varieties of the famous Malaga Wines (fortified wines similar to Sherry) plus wines from other parts of Spain. As you select each glass your running total is chalked up in front of you on the old wooden bar. Good seafood Tapas served too.
Cafeteria Axarquia - A basic café just up from the Casa Antigua de Guardia on the Avenida Alameda Principal. Don't be put off by appearances, the Tapas and Seafood here are excellent (quality and price).
Bar El Jardin - Situated at the rear of the Cathedral (on the left hand side if you face the Cathedral), this is an Art Deco bar/restaurant that serves great Tapas (best Tortilla anywhere IMO). Although slightly dearer than other Tapas Bars, the decor and food make it a place that we never miss when visiting Malaga.
CHURROS
Churros are deep fried Donut-like fingers served with very thick Hot Chocolate or Coffee (dunking is compulsory lol!) can be found in many of Malagas traditional bars but Casa Aranda is a Churros institution visited by people from all over the world.
BEACHES
If walking around a city isn't your thing, Malaga has several beaches close to the city centre. The best known is La Malagueta Beach about 5 minutes walk from the port entrance - the beach is especially popular with locals and is fringed with some good Chiringuitos (beach bar/restaurants)..
HOHO BUS
The sightseeing tour bus stops by the lighthouse just 5 minutes walk from the cruise terminal and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle - fare October 2019 20 Euro per person.MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGASituated just across the road outside the port gates (and by the drop off point for the shittle bus) this is an oasis in the city. Paraqueets, Tropical Trees, small childrens play area and peace + quiet make this a lovely place to relax.-
5
-
1
-
-
8 hours ago, AugustoMagalhaes said:
How is the weather and sea in February, from Barcelona in western mediterranean cruises? Thanks!
We live in the Western Med near Malaga in Southern Spain.
February is a mixed month weather wise. It can be windy making the sea a bit choppy but you should get plenty of sunshine. Daytime temperatures are often in the 60s (can feel considerably warmer in sheltered spots) although it will feel considerably cooler once the sun starts to go down around 4 p.m. Some rain is likely but the good news is that this tends to come in sudden short/very sharp showers rather than prolonged downpours and the sun comes out again as soon as the rain stops - carry a fold-up umbrella in your bag and you will be fine.
Hope this helps.
-
We are going on Discovery 2 for 8 nights on 2nd November - this is our 15th cruise (and third time on D2) but the first time my husband has used a wheelchair. We are in an inside disabled access cabin (7083) not a balcony one - all the outside disabled access cabins were already booked when we contacted the Marella Welfare Dept.
I will post all my findings on how we find things with the wheelchair when we get back.
It may be worth you phoning the Welfare Dept to ask their recommendations - we found them extremely helpful.
-
Should still be pleasantly warm with temperatures around 22-24 degrees but goes cooler as soon as the sun starts to go down around 4 p.m. and can feel quite chilly in an evening.
October is statistically the wettest month here in the Med but luckily rainfall generally comes in short/very sharp showers rather than prolonged downpours and the sun comes out again as soon as the rain stops - carry a fold-up umbrella in your bag and you will be fine
-
19 hours ago, markfull said:
We're doing the Mediterranian Gems cruise on Explorer 2 from Naples 9th Oct.
This is the 1st time we've done the Med and are wondering what the weather is likely to be like at this time of year, so we know what to pack!
We're looking forward to it (except the reported chaos at Naples airport!!). Normally do the trans-atlantic with P&O but have done TUI once before (before the Marella days) to Norway and we fancied a change!
-
Can anyone please tell me how close to the cruise terminal does the HOHO bus stop in Monaco? Many thanks.
-
22 hours ago, Jayneykul said:
Hi Campolady I live on Bredbury Green small world!
My husbands cousin used to live on Bredbury Green (no. 6 if remember correctly). Her name was Joan Stafford. As you say, a very small world.
-
16 hours ago, Jayneykul said:
Title says it all really! Due to go on D2 on Sat, log in for my account not working tried for days to get through given up as a bad job!
Don't know if they will let me mention this on here but if you go to the Marella page on the most famous social media site and send a message they usually reply very quickly.
By the way I see you live at Romiley - we used to live at Marple and I worked in Romiley on Sandy Lane.
-
21 hours ago, hkto said:
Sorry for confusion, to me Muelle Heredia is center (may south of it). Main station near Zambrano rail station is not. But they are not that far apart. IMHO Torremolinos beach is not worth the trip especially if time is short.
Not on the beach topic trip to Mijas on M112 is interesting but probably needs at least 4 hr time commitment
Yes, it is confusing. As most buses go in to Maria Zambrano we al know it as the Malaga central bus station. I agree that Torremolinos (or any other resort) is not worth the trip which is why I suggested La Malagueta beach.
-
23 hours ago, hkto said:
Malaquetta beach is in Malaga proper and in walking distance from dock. This year chair/umbrella rental was 10€. For other Costa del Sol beaches some kind of transport is needed. Torremolinos is 30 min by M121 bus from center of Malaga (not bus station)
You don't need to go into the centre of Malaga to get a bus to Torremolinos as the M110 stops at the Muelle Heredia bus station immediately outside the port entrance (the port entrance is a 1.5km walk from the cruise terminal so use the shuttle bus if you have walking difficulties). http://siu.ctmam.ctan.es/es/horarios_lineas_tabla.php?from=1&linea=1
The journey is quicker by train buy you would need to walk a further 10 minutes to the Malaga Centro (Alameda) railway station; trains rum every 20 minutes.
-
13 hours ago, Sadie65 said:
We will be stopping in Malaga on our Celebrity Cruise in September, 2020.
Which would be the best beach to visit and how should we get there?
La Malagueta beach is only 5 minutes walk from the cruise terminal - just walk out of the entrance and bear right at the lighthouse.
SO much more to see in Malaga than just a beach though.
-
We upgrade even though my husband drinks very little alcohol due to medical issues. We more than get our money back in coffees at the Coffee Port and prefer our soft drinks in cans rather than from a pump or bottle which we often found to be flat; the bottle of water per day in your cabin is also useful.
Still looking for a 2020 cruise?
in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)
Posted · Edited by campolady
Certainly do not think any cruises scheduled to sail from the Canaries wil sail this year. Covid infection rates are rising steadily there, and there are no signs that the Spanish government intends lifting the cruise ship embargo anytime soon.