Ensenada for the first time

[TVanTuyl]

Any opinions on an excursion (I am on Sapphire Princess April 6)? I didn't want to get off the ship initially, but am thinking that maybe we should just so that we can take full advantage of the cruise experience. First question ... on our own or ship excursion? I would hate to go on the cheap and get stuck somewhere!

 

I am leaning towards that the Riviera del Pacifico casino and Bodegas de Santo Tomas winery, both sound interesting. The other two tour options are La Bufadora (I grew up on the coast so this one doesn't really interest me from what I have heard) and the two winery tour. They are all about the same amount of money and the same length of time. I am not a big shopper (other than thrift stores, I love a bargain!) and my sister is on Medifast so two wineries (one which serves cheese and crackers) may be challenging for her.

 

Any thoughts from past first timers to Ensenada?

[CruiserBruce]

You might want to come over to the Mexican Rivera board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=203

 

That is where Ensenada is covered.

[Rosefloater]

As CruiserBruce pointed out go to the Mexican Riviera board. If you are interested in the wine, then definitely do the winery tour that goes to the wineries. The tour that goes to the winery and casino is interesting in the historical sense. The casino is now a museum and the Bodega is just a store, it doesn't produce the wine at the Bodega.

[TVanTuyl]

since it is a California Coastal cruise I assumed I could ask the question here, sorry for my ignorance.

[Jeff in Torrance]

We rarely do "excursions," buy thoroughly enjoyed the wine tour. Not very expensive, and it includes a bottle of wine for each person. We used one in the main dining room, after paying the corkage.

 

On other visits to Ensenada we have walked into the main part of town, and have enjoyed visiting the art museum, which nearby on the main coastal roan just outside the port area. There is also a cultural opportunity across the street from the art museum.

[TVanTuyl]

thanks for the feedback Jeff!

[Rosefloater]

On other visits to Ensenada we have walked into the main part of town, and have enjoyed visiting the art museum, which nearby on the main coastal roan just outside the port area. There is also a cultural opportunity across the street from the art museum.

 

There is also a museum in the old fort/jail on Gastelum off of Lopez Mateos (when you get to Gastelum turn left (head for the water)). The museum is about 1/2 hour at the most.

 

The problem with the art museum is it isn't open all the time and the exhibits are short and change.

[Steamboat Holly]

There is a place in town that gets great reviews for messages. I think it's called "Massages and Facials". I saw it on the Mexican Riviera board. I also looked them up on Travelocity, and the reviews there were good too. When we go to Ensenada in May, we are getting massages and eating tacos. Doesn't it sound divine?!

[SadieN]

We've always felt safe walking around Ensenada, even at night.

 

BUT be careful of the sidewalks. The sidewalks going to and the main street, Ave Lopez have decent to nice pavement. Go off these streets and the sidewalks are dangerous. Open utility boxes. Last month I almost walked (fell) into a basement stairwell.

 

If you can get to the Bufadora after a storm and/or high tide it will put on a show.

[DLepard]

My significant other and I cruised from Long Beach to Ensenada last year. Since I live in San Diego and have been to Mexico enough, we opted to go for a massage. We had a 2 hour couples massage for less than $100. I can't remember the name of the place, but it was less than a mile walking from the cruise pier. SO WORTH IT! The owner is from San Diego and a sweet man. The massages were first rate and no funny business.

[CanWeGoYet?]

You can get a high quality massage at Massage & Facial Care in ensenada. This is the place mentioned by 2 others on the thread. The owner trained in San Diego. Check the reviews on trip advisor, it is a good spa and a great bargain. I have been there 3 times now, it's a must do if I have an Ensenada port stop.

 

Last cruise I also found La Guerrerense food cart - this is a seafood cart about a block or 2 south of Massage & Facial Care. Both within a half mile of the cruise port. Excellent seafood at a great price. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=La+Guerrerensa&source=web&cd=9&cad=rja&ved=0CGEQFjAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsdfoodtravel.com%2Fbaja-restaurant-review-ensenada-mariscos-la-guerrerense%2F&ei=xMNfUeqUOceWiQK1woHYCw&usg=AFQjCNGBT5EabfWY_lGBs9Q4PYRF43UDHA