greenscooter

Look up Cabo Sky Tours (powered hang gliding) This activity might be something you would be interested in. The views over Cabo are beautiful!

Flying with Ernesto in a powered hang glider over Lands End (El Arco) and our cruise ship was one of the most unforgettable things I ever did on a cruise. The views are just breathtaking! Ernesto loves flying and sharing the experience with others. For anybody visiting Cabo, this is one experience that, IMO, should not be missed!

Visited Puerto Vallarta in March of this year. We walked along the new Malecon during the day and did the Rhythms of the Night ship excursion to Las Caletas in the evening. We really enjoyed the whole experience and thought the island was beautiful all lit up at night with candles and tiki torches. The boat ride over was a lot of fun and we were fortunate to see a whale as well.

Thank you for the replies. We will be on Carnival as well. We go to Cabo the first two days then, Puerto Vallarta.

I apologize if this has been asked before; but, can anyone who has been to Cabo recently tell me if Cabo observes the same time as ship time? We are scheduled to dock at 9:00am. Trying to work times out for shore excursions. Thank you in advance.

The cruise port terminal ( Esplanade Mall) has numerous tour operators who provide island tours for very reasonable prices. We ended up taking one of these tours after our original excursion we booked got cancelled and were able to choose one that only had 8 people including ourselves in the van.

We stopped at a small spice store on the island and bought several baskets of spices to bring back home as gifts for friends. The tour included the farmers market, small waterfall, Grand Etang Lake, a gorgeous view from a lookout, and a few other places including a chance to get our picture taken with the monkeys for a small fee. Overall, it was a nice tour; nothing particularly WOW! but we did see a lot of the island. Had it not been raining that day, we would have stopped at the beach as well.

Additional info on above post: Friday at 2:00 p.m. with Newark Taxi Service. Received the quote from a gentleman named Albert. Newark Airport list $46 as base fare and I've been reading that 15% is a customary tip. So, I do agree with you 138 East that the quote is a bit high. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Does anybody know if this is a fair price for taxi service?

A sedan for 2 ppl + 2 luggage from Newark Airport to Washington Blvd. in Jersey City -- $55 base fare + tax & $5.00 toll + $11.00 gratuity = $75.

Thanks for the hotel advice and videos. They have been very helpful. Another question: Is there a particular car/taxi/shuttle service you would recommend for us to get from the airport to a hotel in Jersey City? Should we make prior arrangements or just get a taxi at the airport?

Thanks 138 East for your quick response. So, we are looking at $250+ for a hotel and transportation from the airport to the hotel. Are there other hotels you would recommend for us that have access to a grocery store, public transportation into Manhattan, and close to the pier? Obviously, cost is a factor but convenience, ease of transportation is our biggest concerns since we aren't really city people.

If I use Hotwire for a hotel in Newark, what area would I ask for? And, do you have the taxi number I would call if I use the light rail to get from Jersey City to Bayonne? Also, we have never traveled using a train/light rail transportation and we will have 2 suitcases + carry ons. Is the lightrail suitcase friendly?

We are sailing out of Cape Liberty on the EOS on June 8, 2013. We are flying into Newark airport June 7th around 2 pm. Need a hotel near a grocery store to pick up soda for the cruise. Considering staying at the Doubletree in Jersey City; but, would appreciate other recommendations. Would also like to know who we contact to arrange transport from the airport to the hotel as well as from the hotel to the pier and cost.

Also, will we have time to go into Manhattan (WTC/Wall Street area)? I know the SOL/Ellis Island is closed until July so, that is out and I have already been to the Empire State Building/Times Square in NYC. Suggestions?

Others on this board may be more familiar with this than us. We were surprised to have a "EUR exchange rate" charge show up on our visa card. We bought an item for $35US and was charged an additional $15.71US. exchange rate charge. We have used this card in European countries (Portugal, Spain, Germany) before and this is the first time we have ever seen this charge.

It may be just certain Visa card companies that opt to charge this fee; but I thought it would be helpful information to share.

Other observations about Guadeloupe:

The restrooms at the port facilities are very modern and "clean"; some of the duty free shops in the port facilities do not have small bills/coins so, it is a good idea to take some with you for small purchases; take an umbrella or raincoat with you even if it is sunny in port; gas was $7.60/Liter US; and don't let Pointe-de-Pitre color your perception about Guadeloupe: once you leave the capital city, the island is very nice.

My two memorable souvenirs: A black coral ring purchased on Grand Cayman (first cruise) and a few pieces of Earthenwork pottery from Barbados.

The town is easily seen on foot (about hour); We took the ferry over from St. Maarten. At the ferry dock, the taxis all line up - 4 people: $20 each -Includes a tour of the island and they will drop you off & pick you up at St. Jean's Beach (beautiful!). There is a restaurant there- I think it's called Kiko Mo (?) that sells delicious panini sandwiches; but, there are several restaurants to choose from. Window shopping is great; but, the prices may cause some sticker shock! In town there is an ice cream shop that plays Jimmy Buffet music - you have to try some (I think it's $6-7 for one scoop - worth it!) The closest beach (Shell Beach)you can walk to is not very nice: It's full of pebbles and has very choppy water.

We personally thought the tour and day at the beach was well-worth $40. We just asked another couple to go with us and they agreed - The taxi stopped at some scenic areas for us to take photos, showed us some famous person's house, etc... And, we loved the beach.

Just a recommendation: If you do decide to do the taxi route, keep in mind that once the taxis head out, it is more difficult to get one who will include a tour of the island. We walked around the town first, came back to the ferry dock and had to wait about 40 minutes before another couple joined us because the taxis charge full fare ($80 for just 2 people) and don't budge on their rates.

Barbados - on the swim with the turtles you also snorkel over a shipwreck which was pretty good.

St. Lucia - Definitely take an island tour and see the Pitons. We visited a waterfall, botannical gardens, sulphur springs/volcano, ate at the Beacon Restaurant overlooking the Pitons (must see), marigot bay, a bread bakery (best bread/cheese I ever ate!), and so many more places. The island is very hilly and the van ride gets long; but, so worth it!!! We toured with Serenity Tours and it was a fabulous day.

Barbados - Swimming with the giant sea turtles was a memorable experience. Sorry I can't recall who we booked through (independent) but it was an island tour/ snorkeling with turtles. We saw some isolated gorgeous beaches and visited all except one of the parishes on Barbados. Lunch at a local restaurant was included (flying fish). Bottom Bay is one incredibly beautiful beach. I would search for a "best of Barbados" tour that included both island highlights and a swim with the turtles option so you get the best of both.

Antigua - Not great snorkeling. Island tour with beach time is a good option (English Harbor, Nelson's Dockyard, blockhouse). Beautiful beaches! Unfortunately, it has rained every time we have been to Antigua (last time it was torrential downpours) so, we waited til we docked and found a taxi tour that included island highlights/beach.

St. Thomas - my favorite so far has been taking the ferry to Trunk Bay and Caneel Bay on St. John - incredibly beautiful there!!!

Hope this information helps.............