Thread: Pichilinque (La Paz)

La Paz has really turned into a lovely port since we were here 4 years ago. Four years ago I said that I wouldn't want to go back to that place - boy - I would rather go there than to Loreto. Back then we had to pay $2 per person each way to get from the ship to town plus the tip the narrator. This time the shuttle service was free but we still tipped the narrator. Back then we rode on old buses that looked as though they might stop dead in the road. This time we rode beautiful new buses. And when we got to town - we didn't get dropped off at an ordinary bus stop - we went to the new bus terminal (it can hold 3 buses at the same time). You can also book tours from the bus terminal. The road has also been improved. Many places it is 2 lanes in both directions compared to the 1 and 1/2 lanes we had before. The main plaza is still there. But all along the water edge, the sidewalks have been completely bricked over and there are wrought iron benches placed about 20 feet apart so that you can watch the water. Four years ago most of the shops were watch or shoe shops - nothing to really talk about. Most of those have been torn down and replaced with a lot of boutiques selling purses, clothing, perfumes, modern shoes, just about anything you would want or need. La Paz is getting very trendy. There were quite a few more shops that had signs indicating that they would be opening soon.

The cruise terminal has been updated - new wicker chairs with padded seats. Although HAL didn't mention this, but in the cruise terminal you can get shuttles to take you to a beach only 15 minutes away.

The area has really grown - new oil refinery - 2 more piers ( now a total of 3) for ferries and freight traffic. New hotels being built.

A couple of Crystal and Carnival itineraries include this port.

The Carnival Spirit is now scheduled for a handfull of stops there in 2008, and the Elation for one.

Located on a large bay on the Sea of Cortes, La Paz is a favorite beach area for both Mexican and foreign visitors. Shops are concentrated in a five-block area around the Malecon, La Paz’s seaside walkway. You will find a good selection of Mexican folk art, including wooden masks and lacquered boxes from Guerrero, and black pottery from Oaxaca. Look for local artisans in their studios tucked away off the side streets, where you can purchase ceramics or woven wall hangings.

Just found out in the last couple of days that the Norwegian Sun will be doing a series of 11 Sea of Cortez cruises in Sept and Oct 2009 out of San Francisco - pricing looks good - this is a trip that I have long wanted to do and almost booked with HAL but consider myself a little too young to start cruising with - A client at work did the Sea of Cortez on HAL two years ago and still raves about the beauty of the area and how peaceful some of the ports are in comparsion to the better known Riviera stops.

Just have to decide which sailing to book - anyone on any thoughts whether the 18hr trip to Copper Canyon is worth the very long day - considering that I can't sit still for more than an hour or so at a time.

Cheers

Dennis

This area (Sea or Cortez) sure doesn't get its share of press, but I am intrigued by it, so I'd like to hear what you find out, and what you decide to do.

BTW - I think there ARE a lot of younger people who cruise HAL. Just not the ones looking for the 'party hearty' atmosphere found on some other lines.

I booked this one yesterday for the Oct 23, 2009 sailing - this will be my tenth NCL cruise and Gold status in Latitudes - that is another reason for staying with NCL - only 17+ months until this cruise.

Cheers

Dennis aka YVRCruiser

Originally Posted by yvrcruiser

I booked this one yesterday for the Oct 23, 2009 sailing - this will be my tenth NCL cruise and Gold status in Latitudes - that is another reason for staying with NCL - only 17+ months until this cruise.

Cheers

Dennis aka YVRCruiser

Congratulations Dennis

Be sure to start a roll call for this cruise---ya just never know who might be sailing with you.

yes - DO start a roll call.

I must admit I am a little envious. I would like to see the Sea of Cortez.

Maybe one day. But, most probably not. It's outside DH's tolerance range for travel.