Catalina Island/Ensenada, Mexico

[beshears]

J&Kcruisers, did you book the tour through Princess? What was the cost, and was it a couple hours or so? When you ate, did you pay for that on your own?

[Whoo]

Catalina is a fun place to rent a cart ..

 

We thought it was great fun to rent a golf cart! We had no plans for Catalina, so we played it by ear. Renting the golf cart was easy, and we saw a lot. Rental places are all along the harbor area- we went with the place that didn't have a long line, and seemed to be efficient. Prices were the same at all of the booths, so go with whatever makes you happy.

 

The Casino was closed to tours the day we were there, otherwise we would have liked to see it.

 

As far as Ensenada goes, we didn't get off the ship the only time we were there (last December), since we docked at sunset and were only going to be there 4 hours. I have booked a future cruise that stops in Ensenada, and have reserved a ship's tour of 2 wineries. Hopefully, I will have a more informed opinion of Ensenada after that cruise! ;)

[beshears]

CruisingJ's, thanks for letting me know there is a beach close to the casino. If you know, is there a charge to be on this beach?

[Jeff in Torrance]

We usually walk off the ship in Ensenada to the main coastal road, and visit the cultural center and art museum, which are both very near the cruise dock. Always interesting art at the museum; and, the cultural center, which really serves the local people, has some interesting things to experience. On the last visit in May we came upon local teens giving a dance and singing event. We also walked into the city, where I purchased a nice leather belt. Leather goods are a good bargain in Mexico. Best of all, no cost to visit these places. We did the wine valley tour last year, which we thoroughly enjoyed. We drank one of the bottles of wine in the ship dining room.

 

The people of Ensenada, like most people in Mexico, are just very friendly and wonderful.

 

The aquarium just outside the cruise dock seems to be progressing.

[Steamboat Holly]

We just got off our first cruise where we stopped in Catalina and Ensenada. On Catalina Island we rented a golf cart and rode around for a while. It is a very pretty place. It reminded me of the pictures I have seen of Greece. My cousin visits a couple times a year and she mentioned zip lining and also taking a Jeep tour to see the buffalo. She recommended Desanso Beach if you want to have some beach time.

 

On Ensenada we got massages at a place called Massage and Facial Care. We saw several people recommend this place on CC, and the reviews on Trip Adviser were really good. Great prices too! We asked him for lunch recommendations. It was a place right by Papas and Beer. The carne asada tacos were really good! The begging was a bit sad and annoying. I want to got back with the kids though. I want them to know just how lucky we are to live in this amazing country. Have a great time on your cruise!

[beshears]

Jeff in Torrence, thanks for getting back with me. An aquarium, how great. I wonder if it will be ready by September? I love to see/go to aquariums.

 

I'll have to check out leather projects/things and see what they have.

 

I understand there is some bargaining there? I love to do that as fun.:)

[Rosefloater]

Jeff in Torrence, thanks for getting back with me. An aquarium, how great. I wonder if it will be ready by September? I love to see/go to aquariums.

 

I'll have to check out leather projects/things and see what they have.

 

I understand there is some bargaining there? I love to do that as fun.:)

 

The aquarium won't be open in September of this year. I doubt it will be open by next year.

 

I have been going to Ensenada for 5 years and they started building the aquarium about the same time.

 

Bargaining is expected in Mexico. More so with the street vendors than the store vendors.

[SadieN]

If you like Aquariums go to the

Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach before or after your cruise.

aquariumofpacific.org

[beshears]

Steamboat Holly, you mentioned Descanso Beach. Do you know if we can walk to it on Catalina Island, or do we need to take a Golf cart or what? Also, if there is a charge to use this beach?

 

I will try to check out that place for the tacos close to Pappas and Beers in Ensenada, Mexico.

[Rosefloater]

Steamboat Holly, you mentioned Descanso Beach. Do you know if we can walk to it on Catalina Island, or do we need to take a Golf cart or what? Also, if there is a charge to use this beach?

 

I will try to check out that place for the tacos close to Pappas and Beers in Ensenada, Mexico.

 

Descanso Beach is located to the left of the Casino. It is about a 15 minute walk from the Green pier (where the tender drops you off).

 

The place to get really good tacos is Taquieria Lindo. It is next door to Hussong's. There are a few tables, but we like to sit at the counter. We really like the Al Pastor (the meat on the spit) and the fish tacos. The owner makes a really good and strong Margarita. Here is the menu:

 

A few doors down from there is a paleta (ice cream) shop. The store looks like it is still being built (even though it isn't), but you should see some tables against 1 wall and the ice cream on the other wall. At both the restaurant and the ice cream place, they speak very little English, but both take American $$. A fruit ice cream pop is about $1.25. We like to get the pineapple, coconut or strawberry popsicles. The hand scooped ice cream is really good also. We like to get the cantaloupe or the key lime ice cream.

[beshears]

Well my friend just called, as she had been out of town. We are so looking forward to this trip.:)

 

I'm looking forward to the "bargaining" on the street.

 

Also, just received good news that we have been moved up to deck 11. Hopefully, that will be a GOOD deck to be on. At least we will know we will be up HIGH. :)

[westcoastvecs]

Ensenada: The winery tour offered through the ship-any line-is fabulous!

and

Catalina is just a beautiful place that makes you feel like you are somewhere quite exotic.

[beshears]

Thanks for letting me know how we can find Descanso Beach on Catalina Island.

 

We will try to find aquieria Lindo next to Hussongs to get those tacos.

[Steamboat Holly]

Oh gosh! Sorry I didn't see you asked a question! Thanks to the PP who answered. We had a golf cart, but it looked like a simple walk from the pier. I believe it was free to use the beach, and they also had cabanas and chairs to rent.

That is the place we had tacos! I was a little disappointed in my fish taco. The fish was a bit soggy. I think it was a fluke though because the rest of the food was REALLY good! I hope you have a great time!

[LadyBowie]

We're stopping at Ensenada March 2014 and I know that my husband would LOVE to fish, even if just from the bank or a pier. Any good places to rent fishing gear or maybe even charter a short fishing trip?

[CopaMom]

I have been to Catalina many many times, and have done most of the excursions there. The glass bottom boat and submarine ride are fun. The land tour (I think it was a small bus) was great... you can see the other side of the island, the wild buffalos, and hear a lot of history. The water tours are fun, too... you see sea lions, eagles, etc. Just walking along the shoreline and looking in the shops is fun, too. There is a small beach at the pier, and another one past the casino (which was mentioned) Both beaches are free to use. All the different tours can be seen, and booked here, http://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/avalon/Tours.php

[beshears]

It sounds like Catalina Island will be something else to check out, which we will be looking forward to.:)