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campolady

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    Cartagena, Spain visit on a Monday?

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted · Edited by campolady

    7 hours ago, fernweh_S2 said:

    Thank you Janis for your reply. I already am on the Roll Call. Sorry one more question - Do you know if things are open all day or just until 2pm as we have booked a shore excursion in the morning.  Thanks, Susan Salzmann

    Shops and attractions in Cartagena do generally stay open on Mondays when there is a ship in port but most shut at 1.30-2 p.m. and don't reopen after siesta unless they know your ship is staying in port until late evening in which case some shops will reopen at 5 p.m.; not worth them reopening at 5 p.m. if everyone has to be back on board soon after.

    Looking for Canadian TA for Marella?

    in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

    Posted

    16 hours ago, shook said:

    Good Morning Rodndonna! 

    Thanks very much for the info, I will definitely book Marella directly online - is it through the TUI website that Marella is direct? I couldn't find a website such as marellacruise dot com or anything - closest I found is this one - is this the correct place you use? I am hoping to be able to book excursions etc online prior to the trip so their own website (as opposed to a UK TA) would be the way to go! Thanks!  https://www.tui.co.uk/cruise/ 

    Yes, that is the correct website - Marella is the cruising branch of TUI.  You may find that the website will not accept a Canadian credit card - we live in Spain but when booking have to use our UK bank card - if that is the case you can book by phone.

    • Thanks 1

    Mijas Pueblo

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted · Edited by campolady

    Personally I wouldn't miss the sites of Malaga and it is quite possible to do both Mijas in one day although it would be tiring and not cheap by taxi.

     

    You say that you have the evening in Malaga but what time do you have to be back on board as most Flamenco shows e.g. the one at El Jardin by the Cathedral, don't start until 10 p.m.? Cal y Canto do have an early show with dinner at 8 p.m. with a second show starting at 10 p.m. http://www.elgalloronco.com/en/flamenco-show-cal-y-canto/

     

    Both venues are very popular (and both around a 20 minutes walk from the port) so you would need to pre-book - the show at El Jardin is excellent but a little bit more touristy as they encourage audience participation at the end.

     

     

    Reports of ex-U.K. sailings finishing in Summer 2020

    in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

    Posted

    6 hours ago, Colbrit said:

    Reading on FB- there has been chatter that Marella has confirmed to people that they won’t be doing any ex-UK sailings in summer 2021. I’m not aware of the reasons why.

     

    Should this be the case - can we play the guessing game of where the ships will be based that summer? Are we to expect new destinations/base or are we to interpret one of the ships being retired?

     

     

    Hope they bring back the Malaga departures.  Wouldn't be surprised to see either Celebration or Dream, leave the fleet.

     

    • Like 1

    Can I help with any Malaga info?

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted · Edited by campolady

    2 hours ago, sarahwalker2007 said:

    I see many posts saying that Malaga is a very "walkable" area and that you can really do a DIY tour. My question is are the roads/paths etc wheelchair friendly? One member of our party can't walk far and we are bringing a wheelchair for her. 

     

    thanks!

    sarah

    My husband now uses a wheelchair Sarah and we have just returned from a 3 night stay in Malaga.  On the whole the city is very wheelchair friendly with well maintained pavements and many of the streets pedestrianised (although some roads are cobbled but we didn't find these any problem).  The castle and Alcazaba would be a problem but museums have lifts for people with mobility issues (we visited the Carmen Thyssen museum this time which I would highly recommend).  By law all businesses should have disabled access - although some ramps can be steep; disabled toilets are usually just in the ladies rather than in both ladies and gents.  Hope this helps but please ask again if you have any further queries..

    Malaga- Arab Bath-HoHo bus?

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted · Edited by campolady

    2 hours ago, emarismom said:

    We will be in Malaga next July and I am starting my research early! I am thinking about getting the HoHo  bus from the port.  I would like to visit the Arab Baths, does the hoho go near them?  Also, can anyone suggest an itinerary of sorts to see the sights.  For example, should get off at particular stops and if so, in what order. Thank you in advance for your help.

    Stops 12 and 13 (Plaza Merced and Carmen Thyssen Museum) are the closest to the Arab Baths (about a 5 minutes walk).  https://city-sightseeing.com/en/24/malaga/230/hop-on-hop-off-malaga

     

    I would certainly recommend that you do the full circuit but definitely get off at both Gibralfaro Castle and the Carmen Thyssen museum (the latter is right in the centre of the old city).

     

    I assume that you have seen the recent thread 'Malaga Port Stop' (see below) and you may find the one beneath of some interest (though it has been running for over 4 years so there are a lot of posts to scroll through lol).

     

    Malaga port stop

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted · Edited by campolady

    Have never seen the HOHO bus actually at the terminal car park (we live near Malaga so have sailed from there many times) and according to the website the nearest stop is still La Farola (the terminal building is just below stop no. 7) but the route could have changed recently and it would be ideal if it does now go from the carpark.  https://city-sightseeing.com/en/24/malaga/230/hop-on-hop-off-malaga

    Cartagena Port Stop DIY

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted

    7 hours ago, YoungDubFan said:

    I will be visiting Cartagena next June and will be in port from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm. I will be traveling with my 79 year old mom. We should have access to a shuttle from the port to the center of town. We normally like to walk around and do an overview. I would love to know what are the top 3 things to see. Thanks for any suggestions. 

    CARTAGENA is one of the easiest Mediterranean ports to DIY as the town is compact/easy to get around with some good examples of Modernista architecture. 

     

    The Roman Amphitheatre and Museum is right at the start of the main street opposite the Town Hall at the Plaza de Ayuntamiento and shouldn't be missed (beware though that it is steep and not ideal for people with mobility issues).

     

    It would be a sin not to call into the Valor Chocolate Shop virtually next door to the museum where you will be tempted with all things chocolaty (hand made chocolates, hot chocolate drinks, ice cream, cakes and pastries etc).  

     

    The Santa Florentina is a good indoor market and the town has a good range of shops (especially for shoe lovers as shoemaking is a local industry). 
     

    The castle (Castillo de la Concepcion) is a fascinating place to wander around - best way to access this and see some amazing views of your ship and across the bay is via the panoramic scenic elevator.  

     

    If you like nautical history you will enjoy the Naval Museum.  

     

    A good way to get your bearings, and learn some of the towns history, is by taking a ride on the trolley train. 

    • Thanks 1

    Malaga port stop

    in Spain and Portugal Ports

    Posted

    7 hours ago, YoungDubFan said:

    I’ll be visiting next June and we will be in port from 7am - 6pm. I’m interested in doing the port DIY and would love some suggestions on what to do. I should have access to a shuttle from the port to the center of town. I will be traveling with my 79 year old mother. We normally like to just walk around but would love to know what the top 3 things to see are.

     

    Thanks for any suggestions.

     
    MALAGA CRUISE TERMINAL TO CITY CENTRE
    It is a 1.5 km walk from the cruise terminal to the port gates so, if your ship doesn't provide a free service, a port authority 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. Refurbished within the past few years, 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 US 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 a stylish 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. 

    Port Bar - If you don't want to walk into the city centre there is a bar in the main port/ferry building (opposite the entrance to the port) that is a popular watering hold for local workers - not the most elegant of bars but they offer a good choice of Tapas. This place is a lot cheaper than the bars you will find in the Muelle Uno development within the port grounds.

    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  minutes walk from the cruise terminal by the lighthouse (stop La Farola) and takes you all around the city including a trip up to Gibralfaro Castle. 
     
    MALAGA PARK/PARQUE DE MALAGA
    Situated 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.

    Dress Code

    in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

    Posted

    55 minutes ago, Pensioncruiser said:

    Could I possibly suggest that we all contact Tui after travel and pass on our feelings to them. I have but don't hold out much hope for any action.  🤞 

    I will do so and will post any response I receive on here.

    boarding time

    in Marella Cruises (formerly Thomson)

    Posted

    1 hour ago, anrid73x24 said:

    Hello 

    going on cruise in august out of Corfu      .Discovery 1

    i am going to Corfu for a couple of days beforehand to visit friends.

    What is the earliest time you can board?

    We always do 'cruise only'.  Check what time the first TUI flight is due to land at Corfu; we time our arrival at the port for just before the first coach is due from the airport - check in desks will be open and no queuing.  Don't know what time the first plane lands at Corfu but at Palma and Malaga we have always been on board by 10.30.

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