Thread: Going ashore

Originally Posted by cruisin' chick

the last few times in Ensenada, we just went to the marketplace at the pier, take a few photos of the ship, and then back on the ship. I'm not a fan of that city and already gone on a tour and did shopping in town on another cruise.

Ensenada is not a desirable port stop, it is a convenience for the cruise lines for when they have to visit a foreign port. The destination is usually part of a Hawaiin cruise from Ca. or short Ca. cruises. But, it is far better than going to the Fanning Islands (for the same reason) that some of us have done on NCL Hawaii cruises from Honolulu. Think NCL has since given up on the Fanning Islands.

Paul

Originally Posted by cruise4me

Ensenada is not a desirable port stop, it is a convenience for the cruise lines for when they have to visit a foreign port. The destination is usually part of a Hawaiin cruise from Ca. or short Ca. cruises. But, it is far better than going to the Fanning Islands (for the same reason) that some of us have done on NCL Hawaii cruises from Honolulu. Think NCL has since given up on the Fanning Islands.

Paul

Unless I'm booked on a tour then definately wait and take my time. I spend too much time rushing around at home. On a cruise it seems almost a requirement to chill out and take things easy. Besides I HATE QUEUING. My aunt (we're all of English heritage) told me once that the English see a queue and automatically join it - without having any idea what they're queuing for! Something to do with getting rations in the war. They had endless queues for food apparently.

Originally Posted by hanna

I feel it is only right to take my time! Its vacation after all.

That about says it all. I hate waiting in line for anything.

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

What do you do about going ashore when in a port and not doing a tour?

lanky lad,
We too wait for the initial crowd to pass when either docked or tendering when not touring.

When tendering, we process to the tender station when the announcement is made that no need to proceed to the lounge or part of the ship for a ticket to take a boat to shore.

It depends on what island or port will be coming into.

If it is St Thomas, we will most likely walk to stretch the legs since being on the ship for awhile. Last minute shopping at our favorite shops on the island. Having lunch at the Greenhouse Restaurant and experiencing American and Local fare, very tasty.

We have exhausted many of the tours and areas over the past 20+ years of cruising and landing at many of the islands of the Caribbean, not much to do once seen everything.

To avoid this problem, we do try to select cruises with different islands we have not been to before.

If it is an island we are not interested in to tours, we will again walk, shop and eat.
Or we will search out the local beach and see if it worth it.

Again, there is also the ship that can be all yours while everyone is off doing their own thing. Nice and quiet but yes limited activities are available onboard.

We like just sitting on the balcony and taking in the sun and listening to the old IPOD.

Thanks everyone, now I know why I have no trouble getting off early.

Sometimes it pays to be off the ship early that way you get to see the port without the crowds

Originally Posted by Lanky Lad

Thanks everyone, now I know why I have no trouble getting off early.

Sometimes it pays to be off the ship early that way you get to see the port without the crowds

I know many people will get off early if shopping, before the stores even open just
to get off.

Many will get off early if they want good spots on the beaches too!

Originally Posted by cruise4me

Ensenada is not a desirable port stop, it is a convenience for the cruise lines for when they have to visit a foreign port. The destination is usually part of a Hawaiin cruise from Ca. or short Ca. cruises. But, it is far better than going to the Fanning Islands (for the same reason) that some of us have done on NCL Hawaii cruises from Honolulu. Think NCL has since given up on the Fanning Islands.

Paul

Which is why many of us would like the Passenger Vessels Services Act to be eliminated. People take the Hawaiian cruise to see Hawaii, not Mexico. On our Hawaiian cruise, most people seemed to have stayed onboard in Ensenada. Probably because many of the passengers on our cruise had already been to Ensenada too many times before.

Originally Posted by cruisin' chick

Which is why many of us would like the Passenger Vessels Services Act to be eliminated. People take the Hawaiian cruise to see Hawaii, not Mexico. On our Hawaiian cruise, most people seemed to have stayed onboard in Ensenada. Probably because many of the passengers on our cruise had already been to Ensenada too many times before.

Agree! The original intent of this act had nothing to do with cruise ships.

just wait untill the crowds have gone. oh and i'm a brit and i HATE queques!!!!!!

Hey we are on vacation, there is no rush to get off the ship. We don't purchase excursions anymore. So getting off can wait a bit. We also enjoy having breakfast at a slow pace. Then head off to shore and explore on our own or do some shopping(especially in St. Martin). Often we head to the beach.