elbodans Posted January 11, 2023 #1 Share Posted January 11, 2023 Hello all! I used this forum when I was planning my cruise--which stopped in Colon but did not transit the canal--so I'd like to return the favor by providing some info for those doing research on the ports of Cartagena, Colon, and Puerto Limon. I wrote a whole big destination guide featuring these ports (as well as Ocho Rios and MSC's private island) on my ad-free, promotion-free blog. It's a hobby of mine and you reading these posts benefits me in no way. I simply created this information because I had questions before I sailed and I want to help others plan their trip. I hope this is helpful! Happy cruising! Cartagena Port Day: http://www.suitcasescholar.com/2023/01/10/pirates-of-the-caribbean-cartagena-by-cruise-ship/ Colon Port Day (Panama Canal by Ferry excursion): http://www.suitcasescholar.com/2023/01/10/transiting-the-panama-canal-by-ferry-an-msc-cruise-ship-excursion/ Puerto Limon Port Day: http://www.suitcasescholar.com/2023/01/10/a-port-day-in-puerto-limon-costa-rica-veragua-rainforest-and-the-tortuguero-canals/ 15 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njhorseman Posted January 11, 2023 #2 Share Posted January 11, 2023 19 minutes ago, elbodans said: Hello all! I used this forum when I was planning my cruise--which stopped in Colon but did not transit the canal--so I'd like to return the favor by providing some info for those doing research on the ports of Cartagena, Colon, and Puerto Limon. I think it would be more useful and appropriate to post your Cartagena and Puerto Limon reviews on the Colombia and Costa Rica boards, respectively. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruiserBruce Posted January 11, 2023 #3 Share Posted January 11, 2023 8 minutes ago, njhorseman said: I think it would be more useful and appropriate to post your Cartagena and Puerto Limon reviews on the Colombia and Costa Rica boards, respectively. Agree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbodans Posted January 11, 2023 Author #4 Share Posted January 11, 2023 1 hour ago, njhorseman said: I think it would be more useful and appropriate to post your Cartagena and Puerto Limon reviews on the Colombia and Costa Rica boards, respectively. I'm happy to do that. I didn't see those forums on the destination list. I'll search. Thanks. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robins11 Posted January 11, 2023 #5 Share Posted January 11, 2023 thank you very much. Very useful insights and information Appreciate it John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quillwercruisers Posted January 12, 2023 #6 Share Posted January 12, 2023 Thank you for the information! Your pictures are awesome! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mocha9 Posted January 12, 2023 #7 Share Posted January 12, 2023 Thanks, elbodans for all the info. It is very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njhorseman Posted January 13, 2023 #8 Share Posted January 13, 2023 On 1/11/2023 at 3:46 PM, elbodans said: I'm happy to do that. I didn't see those forums on the destination list. I'll search. Thanks. It looks like you didn't find the Costa Rica board. Under the Ports of call heading click on "Caribbean and it will list the individual islands of the Caribbean as well as countries or parts of countries with a Caribbean coastline. Or you can just follow this link: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/120-costa-rica/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JHawk63 Posted January 13, 2023 #9 Share Posted January 13, 2023 Thanks for the info! Cartagena & Colon are both stops on upcoming cruise & this was very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
annpharm Posted January 13, 2023 #10 Share Posted January 13, 2023 So helpful!! We will be going to all of these ports in March Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbodans Posted January 14, 2023 Author #11 Share Posted January 14, 2023 On 1/12/2023 at 8:02 PM, njhorseman said: It looks like you didn't find the Costa Rica board. Under the Ports of call heading click on "Caribbean and it will list the individual islands of the Caribbean as well as countries or parts of countries with a Caribbean coastline. Or you can just follow this link: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/120-costa-rica/ Thank you! I actually found the Colombia one and then had to go to work and have not had time to return here since. I'll re post the CR one when I can. Thank you for the link! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v3cruiser Posted January 14, 2023 #12 Share Posted January 14, 2023 did you know of may cruisers who just took a taxi to and from the old city? Last time we visited cartegena there was a water taxi from port to the old city but that is no longer offered. we want to do our own thing and afraid HOPO tour would limit our time in places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashland Posted January 15, 2023 #13 Share Posted January 15, 2023 9 hours ago, v3cruiser said: did you know of may cruisers who just took a taxi to and from the old city? Last time we visited cartegena there was a water taxi from port to the old city but that is no longer offered. we want to do our own thing and afraid HOPO tour would limit our time in places. We were just in Cartegena (amazing port terminal with all the birds/animals exhibit) during our October RCI Serenade Panama Canal itinerary. We had no trouble taking a taxi from there to the walled city and back again. Very easy to do and enjoyed our day there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraDav Posted January 15, 2023 #14 Share Posted January 15, 2023 Thank you for the reviews they are awesome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v3cruiser Posted January 17, 2023 #15 Share Posted January 17, 2023 On 1/14/2023 at 8:30 PM, Ashland said: We were just in Cartegena (amazing port terminal with all the birds/animals exhibit) during our October RCI Serenade Panama Canal itinerary. We had no trouble taking a taxi from there to the walled city and back again. Very easy to do and enjoyed our day there. Fantastic to know! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
My & Mau Posted January 22, 2023 #16 Share Posted January 22, 2023 Thank you so much for sharing your travels elbodans; Bravo👏🏻 for doing such a great job!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbodans Posted January 23, 2023 Author #17 Share Posted January 23, 2023 On 1/14/2023 at 12:18 PM, v3cruiser said: did you know of may cruisers who just took a taxi to and from the old city? Last time we visited cartegena there was a water taxi from port to the old city but that is no longer offered. we want to do our own thing and afraid HOPO tour would limit our time in places. Yes. Many people I spoke to took a taxi and my BFF I was traveling with took a taxi back--rather than waiting for the return bus offered by her excursion. So yes, I'd say a taxi both ways is the best option. It's not far; the traffic will be crazy in the morning but without traffic it is 15 minutes from the port area to the old city. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realnice46 Posted January 26, 2023 #18 Share Posted January 26, 2023 On 1/13/2023 at 7:23 PM, elbodans said: Thank you! I actually found the Colombia one and then had to go to work and have not had time to return here since. I'll re post the CR one when I can. Thank you for the link! I was able to find your posts, I don’t care where you put it. Thank you. I get so angry at the people that tell you what you should have done. A lot of times certain boards are not very active. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceans 818 Posted January 26, 2023 #19 Share Posted January 26, 2023 Thank you for the interesting take on your excursions. Very informative and not boring at all! We're looking into doing this cruise in Dec/23 and appreciate your taking the time to post your beautiful pics and give helpful information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tw67 Posted February 8, 2023 #20 Share Posted February 8, 2023 @elbodans thank you so much for your reviews/blogs! In November we are sailing on Carnival to Colon, and the ship is not doing a partial transit. I have been looking for this tour to book, but unfortunately even though Carnival in the past has done this tour, they aren't offering it on our cruise. It is kind of a disappointment. At this time they are only offering 6 excursions. I think that part of the problem is that we are only there from 7 am until 4 pm. I have also enjoyed reading your other excursions, we are also stopping at them. Thanks again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Negril60 Posted March 8, 2023 #21 Share Posted March 8, 2023 Thank you so much for your detailed report. I am cruising on the Caribbean princess in two weeks the same itinerary. This has been so helpful to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buffy4454 Posted March 11, 2023 #22 Share Posted March 11, 2023 Thank you for the detailed post. It is exactly what someone needs to know when planning. I love your writing style also. Great job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HiCCCs Posted March 12, 2023 #23 Share Posted March 12, 2023 Question for folks who have taken the Panama Canal before and brought binoculars....or those who did not and wished that they had brought them. What are the pros and cons about bringing them? If you are recommending to bring them, what would we be looking for that would get missed on not as appreciated with the naked eye? Thanks for your thoughts on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mskitty22 Posted August 6, 2023 #24 Share Posted August 6, 2023 On 1/11/2023 at 3:46 PM, elbodans said: I'm happy to do that. I didn't see those forums on the destination list. I'll search. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mskitty22 Posted August 6, 2023 #25 Share Posted August 6, 2023 thank you for posting here as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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