Idahobaker

With any street vendor, it is expected that you haggle. The problem with a street vendor is the quality of the hat may not be that good. I too had been looking at these, and here's the URL I've been using for information on the different types and qualities. I don't know about pricing

http://www.rampant-books.com/south_america_travel_tips/t_panama_hats_tips.htm

And, this URL gives pricing info. http://www.brentblack.com/

Have fun!:D

Thanks. It's helpful to hear a current opinion. Glad you had fun. We still haven't decided what to do yet, but still have over 7 months!

Gives you more time to look forward to it!

We did the train and bus from Colon to PC and back. Since it was a slow day, we got to ride the train both directions. Very interesting. Whether you ride the train or take My Friend Mario, be sure to have the guide point out the prison where Noriega now lives. It's an absolute dump.

Have fun!:D

I thought I read somewhere that you get free champagne on boarding on Celebrity....like you used to on NCL.

Does this still apply.... can any recent Celebrity cruisers tell me??

When we got on the ship in San Diego on 9/19, it was not just one glass, but all you wanted. It was a great way to start.

We also were given sparkling wine when we got on at our last port in Cartegena. Rick the Cruise Director was standing there in the pouring rain (no pun intended) and giving out glasses of it (they were, naturally, a bit watery). Great cruise!:D

Go for it! After all, your fellow passengers may get a kick out of seeing you thrown overboard by ship's security.:o

I asked you about hotels in Fort Lauderdale near the beach the other day. My question is about our group of 6 hotel rooms Memorial Day weekend 2012 (May 20-27). We just found that the Best Western Plus Oceanside on Seabreeze is already booked up for our pre-cruise stay.

 

My question is this: is this going to be a weekend where we should book soon in Sept, 2011 or can we wait till January, 2012?

I would suggest booking now and guaranteeing with a credit card AS LONG AS there is a cancellation window of 24-72 hours ahead of your arrival date. This will always give you a fall-back position in case nothing else happens.

As an aside, whenever I arrange for a group that large (in my family, I'm not a TA, although I would like to be), I look into private homes and condos that can be rented for a short period.

Have a great trip!

Wha increase! I thought it was only speciallty restaurants that went up?

Yep, premium package went up by $60. It'll probably go up again.