We didn't actually spend any time in La Guaira, but I had done some research, and knew of several historical sights in Caracas that we wanted to see. We negotiated with a cab driver/guide when we got off the ship, and had a wonderful day.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD Y OU GO OFF THE SHIP AND HIRE A "GUIDE".. There are major problems in Caracas right now and there are protest marches where the participants are expecting tear gas which would be the least of their problems.. Yes, there are some lovely sites in Caracas including the home of Simon Bolivar, but do not go off on your own.... How do I know.. have a dear friend who lives in Caracas and other friends who are from Merida... If you hire a cab driver you may find yourself the victim of a robbery and left two or three hours away from the ship..
Abram: When were you there?
Parrotmom: Thank you for the advice. I was told in another post they did not go to Caracas and we would not go either. I finally figured out La Guaira/ Caracas was the same port. I called Princess and was informed the port would be La Guiara..The representative didn't seem too sure of herself so I am hoping she was wrong and we will have a day at sea.I would think Princess would not stop with the unrest there.
Parrotmom: Thank you for the advice. I was told in another post they did not go to Caracas and we would not go either. I finally figured out La Guaira/ Caracas was the same port. I called Princess and was informed the port would be La Guiara..The representative didn't seem too sure of herself so I am hoping she was wrong and we will have a day at sea.I would think Princess would not stop with the unrest there.
We were there a year ago and only got off the ship to go in the terminal and buy souveniers. I wouldn't have subjected my family to the risks that were there at that time. There was an armed U.S. naval ship on duty in the harbour just in case there was trouble. The terminal had armed guards so we kind of felt safe.
Peter
Peter
They expect the problem to be over by the end of May... I am also very adventurous, but if they stop in Caracas please don't hesitate to take an official ship's tour.. The protests have consisted of tens of thousands of people marching and I don't think there was violence last time...but it is a very dangerous atmosphere and hiring a taxi cab by yourself is the most dangerous thing you could do.. But there is so much to see in this beautiful city (the jewelry shopping is incredible...lol)
To tell the truth I don't think people at the cruise line offices know which end is up and are clueless or just aren't allowed to tell. One of the ports that my husband and I love is Cartegena. Soldiers with guns are at the tourists spots...and are there to protect me, but then I'm not the normal cruiser..
To tell the truth I don't think people at the cruise line offices know which end is up and are clueless or just aren't allowed to tell. One of the ports that my husband and I love is Cartegena. Soldiers with guns are at the tourists spots...and are there to protect me, but then I'm not the normal cruiser..
I've lived in Caracas twice and have lots of friends there. Wish I could give you better advise but I would suggest that you do not wander off alone = the drive from sea up to Caracas is educational, to say the least, in the daylight. The cruise ships used to take people to one of the hotels for lunch and a look-around but not sure what they're doing now. It's all very sad for those of us who love Venezuela and its wonderful citizen. Don't worry - take the ship's tour and you'll be fine. I could go on and on about the problems of this, and many other Latin nations, but that is for another forum.....Suffice it to say that the poor want to keep Chavez in power and the middle and upper classes want him gone primarily because he is nothing more than a Fidel Castro wannabe. Did you know Carlos the Jackal is Venezuelan? Or, that Venezuela is one of the members of OPEC? Or, that the best chocolate in the world comes from there and everyone else's choclate has Venezuelan cocoa in it? All the best......
wpcx2--we are talking as of this moment at 7:00p.m. est of a very dangerous situation and I doubt that the ships will dock. There is a Civil War going on as Iwrite... Cubans have been brought in to fight for Chavez
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?/venezuela_summit_1
Parrotmom: go to the above link for up to date info - the Yahoo news site has lots of stories for you to read. By the way, do you play MahJongg online?
Bye..,..
Parrotmom: go to the above link for up to date info - the Yahoo news site has lots of stories for you to read. By the way, do you play MahJongg online?
Bye..,..
