Have cruised on HAL and RCCL and we will be doing the Panama in January with another couple. Would appreciate any comments regarding this particular ship and ports of call which are Aruba (2 days), Punta Rinas, Costa Rica; Acaupoco?(spelling); Cabo San Lucas. Do not do shore excursions as we can usually do the same thing much cheaper,but like to snorkel and see the sites. We are active and in our 40s.<BR>Thanks!

Hi Sherri - my husband and I are also going on that cruise (ends in San Diego, where we live)so I thought I'd say hi. I have actually booked the Panama aerial tram excursion because my understanding is there are no independent tour people at the dock. I thought if I found out to the contrary I could cancel. We are going to rent a vehicle and drive ourselves around Aruba - much cheaper than doing an excursion. There's a lot of info available about the island and where to snorkel, and it's not a big place. I'd read somewhere the Corobici river rafting was a good trip - I would also like to find out if it's easy to find an independent outfit, but understand Puntarenas is not exactly the hub of activity. Cabo is full of shore-based entrepreneurs and your biggest problem will be choosing. The water is quite cool I think. Hope some of this is useful. I too would enjoy some feedback on your question.

Thanks Barbara. So far we've decided on Baby Beach in Aruba. Haven't quite figured out if we're renting a vehicle or just a taxi. In Costa Rica looking at the Canopy Tour where you fly above the rain forest canopy in harnesses. The river rafting trips have gotten good reviews from other posters. Our main focus for Costa Rica is nature/ecotours and for other beach type places, snorkeling. Shopping doesn't even make the list! We will probably finalize some things after Christmas. Thanks again and Merry Christmas!

Just sailed that trip in November. Rented a jeep in Aruba. Had a blast. The island is only 19 miles long and 6 miles wide. Suggest you rent a vehicle. Did the river rafting in Costa Rica, also had a great time. There is nothing to do in Puenterenas. Book a shore excursion in Costa Rica.

In Acapulco hire a driver to take you to the Cliff Divers..The cost to see them is $5.00 I think and that includes a beer or cold drink....very well worth it...then go to the old fleamarket.. In Puntaranes most of the taxis have been grabbed up, but if you get one go toSarchi and ask about a butterfly farm..it gives you chance to see some of the country. At the end of the dock in Punteranas is a fleamarket..very well worthwhile.. You can find some shirts done by the Kuna Indians from the San Blas islands.. Haven't been to Cabo San Lucas in years...they may have a whale watching trip..As for Aruba...the coral bridge, the wooden church and that's about it... head towards a beach..