guatamala or costa rica?

[babyorca]

if you had to choose one of those ports, which would you choose? guatamala or costa rica? i'm researching for a panama canal full and am interested in both but most lines don't do both.
i am picking between X, hal and princess.
thanks for any and all input!

[lorekauf]

Originally Posted by babyorca

if you had to choose one of those ports, which would you choose? guatamala or costa rica? i'm researching for a panama canal full and am interested in both but most lines don't do both.
i am picking between X, hal and princess.
thanks for any and all input!

Personally I would pick Costa Rica. I've been there a number of times and I quite like it. I've been to Guatamala as well and I liked it too....just think Costa Rica is a little nicer.

[RedmondCruiser]

Costa Rica --- as long as they dock at Punta Arenas and not Porta Caldera. We were last docked at Porta Caldera and we gave it a "poor rating " --- there is nothing at Porta Caldera.

Guatamala is a decent stop but don't eat at the restuarant at the pier -- its a rip off. If you want to shop for jade - go further back in the stalls --- the first stalls don't give any bargins.

[wwinfl91]

Guatemala has more historic cities and sites to visit. Costa Rica is nice because almost everyone speaks english and has a lot of ecological places to visit.

I would go with Guatemala but I like history.

Also it makes a difference if you are talking about a West coast or East coast cruise. The Mayan sites that are available in eastern Guatemala would make that my choice.

We have been to both countries several times on cruises on both coasts.

Have a great next cruise.

[Randy H]

Since this is also a Panama Passage, Holland has more outside space to view the Canal... they also do Panama buns...

For the canal alone I would do Holland.