slome131

We go in April Zurich -Paris..when do we receive travel docs? I can't seem to look up our SwissAir reservation LAX-ZUR on the airline's site.

Also...as far as bringing money...should I just put funds in a new debit acct & put our trip (play) money in it? Instead of bringing credit cards, in case they get stolen? Opinions on this?

happycat0014: I see that you were on the same cruise last year that we are going on this April. Would you be able to share your thoughts on the itinerary, please? We are going on Viking and have booked the train excursion from Basel going into the mountains. Other than that, we are booked on the included tours - do you have suggestions, as far as "can't miss" or "don't bother"? We are both active and open to going off the beaten path to mingle with locals. TYVM

Ok, tks for your input . We hired a private tour w/him & he's been upfront w/everything so far. I'll post how things went after our tour.

Most of the taxi or van drivers and guides will go where you want. Make a list of what you want to see and do, then show it to them and settle on a price and the amount of time.

 

If you want to go inside the fort and La Popa, there is an admission fee at both places, and the driver will need to know how much time you expect to stay at each place.

 

If you do the walled city last, you may want to consider releasing the taxi or van there, and spend as much time as you want, then grab a taxi back to the port. The taxis are all over the place outside the clock tower and don't charge much to take you back.

 

Most of the tours will take you to the dungeons in the walled city for shopping, then back to the ship unless you release them.

 

When you get off the ship, look for a kiosk on the dock (information booth) and ask them for a map of the walled city.

We are booked with a private tour with "Grupo Maximo Agency" in Cartagena. Anyone familiar with him?

Also, he asked for passport #s, saying: " the port is managed by a private company, who requires this info to know who has been picked up, by which guides, companies and transportation vehicles. It stems from the past to make sure authorities know where the cruise passengers are at all times." Anyone heard if this is true (giving passport info)?

"thanks" for any feedback!

Working in the health field, I've learned to always ask for a straw with my drinks, load up on Airborne or Emergen & put a little Neosporene in each nostril while flying. Being in an airplane for a few hours & having your immune system weakened from the stress of traveling are perfect conditions for a cold (or worse). And you KNOW someone on your flight probably has a fever! 'Keep it to yourself', is what I say. Safe travels 🐳

I highly recommend Chucho Underwater (not to be confused with Chucho Divers). We have went diving with him on 3 different cruises that stopped in Cozumel and wouldn't think of diving with anyone else there. Safe diving and have a GREAT cruise!

 

http://chucho-underwater.com/

We will use them...tks for recommendation. Any opinions for dive outfits in Costa Rica or Cayman? Or land tours in Cartagena or Panama ?

sorry, no. we'll be on celebrity 3/25(?) in cozumel. enjoy your trip!

hi ABQrobin- i will let my husband know there are other divers that will be on this cruise....he and another friend are experienced divers; so more than a beginners dive is what they will be interested in.

'thank you' for info.

any divers on celebrity equinox ... cozumel 3/25th? in port 8a-5p.

We have a couple of PADI divers that want to make the most of our port time in GC & Belize; using an independent company (not crowded tours). Anyone have good experiences with dive companies out there? Recommendations appreciated. Missed GC on our last go around (9 years ago...seas were too high for the tenders - 21' rollers).

do you recommend a scuba company to go out with...or will there be enough time in port to explore the outer reefs?