Ensenada Port Stop

[queenofcruzin]

Nice, I am still mulling it over, despite all the negative comments about Ensenada, maybe getting out of town, the pictures from the wineries look great. Maybe just touch up photos, but I just tried some Baja wine(as part of my research) not bad...In touch with a guy who does private tours, Steven Dryden, pictures on other cruise sites, people happy with him...as I say, still mulling it over....

[penny3333]

You never know until you try it for yourself. I think if you stick with a ship's tour, you'd be ok. Haven't had any Baja wine, so can't comment. I really take what f-mattox says to heart, though. He has been many places and knows which ports are good/bad. But you'd probably be mad if you didn't venture out at least once. I like to give each port a chance.

[queenofcruzin]

Yeah, and I have now until Oct to drink more wine. I really do take f-mattox and Dave Beers to heart, they have great info they are generous to share, and I appreciate that so much. It would be the last day of the cruise, so sitting in the Solarium may be all I am up for

[f-mattox]

Thank you for the kind words, queenofcruzin and Penny. I'm sure we have all traveled enough to know that several people can take the same cruise or excursion and come away with very different opinions. And I would hope nobody would make a decision based on only one or two opinions.

Obviously Digitalrick enjoyed his time there and based on that, who knows, someday I may try the tour muself, since I cruise that way often. After all, sometimes the best thing to do is just go find out for ourselves!

But whatever you do, have a wonderful cruise, and please let us know how it goes.

Analogue)Rick

[hannibal]

My girlfriend and I took an RCI cruise last May which stopped in Ensenada. The port looks like a dump and not much in the town. We found a bar that was playing Santana DVD's, we had a blast. It is sad that we had to have a good time in a bar, however with a positive attitude anyone should be able to have fun anywhere.

[Cruise Fanatic]

It has been six years since I was Ensenada, but I didn't see anything wrong with it then. A typical Mexican port. In May 2006 I was in Ensenada but had to stay on the ship for meetings. My friend however; went into town by herself. Check out this site. The Ensenada Blow Hole is a popular shore excursion.

[Beecruiser]

I went on two cruises last year with RC that stopped in Ensenada (once with my family and once with friends)and went into town both times. Both Dave and Rick are right - it's a dump. However, my sons (15, 13, and 10) had a blast shopping for bargains and so did my friends and I. Just be careful!! I also heard from others that the blow hole was a fun trip, and the winery tour sounds good. However, if I go again, I think I'd use the Ensenada day as the perfect chance to hang out by the pool when it is quiet and isn't as crowded!!

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[queenofcruzin]

I will continue my research on Baja Wines, but I appreciate the feedback from others who have gone into town. I was just interested on feedback from others who may toured the wineries.

[hannibal]

My girlfriend is always wondering what will happen to us when go to places that not that great. I always tell her, this is a place that makes lots of money off of tourist. If somebody attacks you for some reason I always feel that others will defend you to protect their profits. My rule is don't act up, and enjoy these places in the day light. The darkness can cover things up. Enjoy life where ever you are.

[f-mattox]

hannibal, you have the right idea; just follow some basic safety rules: go with a group--dosen't have to be a ship excursion; stay in the tourist areas--don't wander "off the beaten path;" keep a low profile; dress conservatively, don't wear expensive watches and jewelry; don't flash big wads of cash. Don't drink to excess and just be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine.