Santo Tom'as suggestions

[carnival2523]

We were wondering what excursions past cruisers enjoyed and recommended.
Thanks you in advance for your input.

[Mary Ellen]

You'll need to be a little more specific - HAL sails ALL over the world.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

sorry I don't have any info on that port. Thought you meant St.Thomas.

Bill

[carnival2523]

I'm sorry, I'm looking for suggestion for excursions while in Santo Tomas, Guatemala. We will be on the Veendam, for the Western sailing. Thank you.

[GA girl]

carnival2523....

We have done the western Caribbean on the Veendam and had a great shore trip in Guatemala. If you go to my personal profile and check on all posts by GA girl you'll find one dated Oct. 14, 2004 titled "looking for info on Santo Tomas de Castilla. This was not a ship excursion but one we booked on the quay where we docked - very reasonable price and a wonderful trip up the Rio Dolce River with several stops. Any questions - I'll try to answer them.

[stevenpgol]

We just got home from the Veendam today. My family of four did the Banana Plantation Tour---we enjoyed it. A bus takes you approx. 25 minutes to the plantation, you see the trees and how they process the bananas. We spent almost an hour there. Then, the bus took us to Marbissa Hotel, where we were treated to sodas and finger sandwiches---spent about 30 minutes there, then about 10-15 minutes back to the ship. A bit pricey, but worth it. I must say that the Guatemalans are so very appreciative of our visit--it is a relatively poor country, average annual salary approx. $3k. As the Veendam was about ready to depart, all of the taxi drivers lined up outside their cars, were waving and honking horns in appreciation--very touching.

We had major safety concerns given the "tourist warnings" from the US Government, so did not want to venture out on our own. In fact, we contemplated staying on the ship during this port stop. No tenders here. The only shopping is 50 meters across from where the ship is docked---a number of vendors set up shop and are ready to bargain!

[RedmondCruiser]

We took a river cruise up the Rio Dolce - had lunch at a hotel on the river and transferred to buses to go to Myan ruins. It was a very interesting tour that was well worth it. I don't know if this tour is still available. If it is I would recommend it.