Ensenada, Mexico

roll call for 12.14.09 paradise to ensenada

Cinderella — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:56:50 GMT

will anyone be on paradise besides me on dec 14 long beach to ensenada?

Traveling with kids

cagirl116 — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:43:52 GMT

Any suggestions on what to do with kids in Ensenada?

Travel Alert in Mexico

lisa — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:10:30 GMT

Just heard about a travel alert in Mexico. Is there any problem in Ensenada Mexico?

Fox Studios Tour Rosarito

all4fun — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:19:22 GMT

Traveling with hubby and two kids ... 14 and 12. Was exploring excursions for our upcoming Carnival Paradise Cruise on 11/23/09 and found the Fox Studios Tour interesting. Can't seem to find it as an option anymore. Does anyone know if this is still offered through Carnival? Am I just too early to book? Does anyone have any insite on the tour ... worth it??

Taste of Mexico Excursion In Ensanada

LuvMyPride — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:53:51 GMT

Has anyone gone on this excursion lately. I was wondering if they still do the Salsa dance class after the cooking class ?

Thanks and Happy Cruising

Review of Ensenada on 9-3-09

GOOD-BUCK — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:16:09 GMT

We just returned from our cruise on the Paradise out of Long Beach. Great ship & crew.

We were some of the first off the ship around 9 am, took the shuttle bus to town ($3 charge each person for round trip). The shuttle company, Las dunas tours, had a "Tour Guide" on the bus that told you about the tours they offered, but not much about the town. There tours were cheaper that what I had found on line, but we had booked the wine tour thru Carnival (more about that later). Was dropped off 1 block from main shopping street, but not much open until 10-11 am. We were looking for my mother's prescriptions, so we did not look in the other stores much.

There are a lot of bars with specials & they have people at the port passing out information. Examples are Papas & Beer, 6 beers & 4 tequila shots $20 & across the street had $25 for all day beer. Saw a couple of people returning that must have taken advange of the specials, one girl could not walk, 2 guys had to drag her.

Our wine tour was great, the guide lived in Ensenada all her life & was very proud of her town, & gave us lots of interesting facts & trivia. You may be able to get the tour cheaper, but we were so impressed with our guide & tour, it was worth booking thru Carnival for a little more money. The guide & people at the wineries were so nice & spoke English better than I do. The bus was very nice & the countyside was worth the trip even if you do not like wine. The cellars at Casa Pedro Domecq are right out of the movies & you get a free bottle of wine. At Cetto you see the operations, the grounds & views are wonderful. I do not have enough space to discribe everything, but we were very pleased with our choice & if we go to Ensenada again, would do the same tour. Hope this information helps.

Kayaking La Bufadora, Ensenada

reba04 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 04:45:14 GMT

Has anyone kayaked La Bufadora? Can you provide some feedback on how you enjoyed it?

My boyfriend and I are first- time kayakers and I'd like to know how difficult/scary the kayaking around La Bufadora will be. I just watched Shark Week and I'm scared out of my mind!

1. Are there sharks around the area?

2. Are the waters calm or a bit choppy?

3. Are the kayaks doubles or singles?

4. How close to the blowhole will we get?

5. AM I GOING TO GET EATEN BY A SHARK?

Any other feedback will be much appreciated. thanks!

ensenada atv buggy tour

josedelcabo — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:03:30 GMT

thanks for the great time had a blast

Ensenada later in the day

GOOD-BUCK — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:43:30 GMT

We are going to be in Ensenada on Sept. 2 & set up for the wine tasting which should be between 11:30 am- 2:30 pm. Anyone have suggestions for the rest of the day & a good place for lunch. I really wanted to do the cooking class excursion too, but it was at the same time as the wine & alcohol won.

Another question.... We do not sail until 10 pm, how much trouble & cost is it to go back & forth to the ship. We don't know if we want to stay in town or on the beach all that time. Maybe go back to ship for early dinner, then out on the town for a little nightlife. Or back to the ship for lunch & on the town for dinner, anyplace worth the price. Nomally we eat on the ship because it is included in the price & we like the food.

WARNING TO ALL FUTURE ENSENADA VISITORS

kittynyuma — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:25:41 GMT

My husband and I booked a cruise on the Carnival Elation. I am a first time cruiser and made the mistake of putting a deposit down on a excurssian (not thru CARNIVAL- BIG MISTAKE..) We had booked a snorkling trip thru BAJABLUEDIVER there in ENSENADA, MX. A few weeks before the cruise was to take place the port there in Ensenada was closed due to the Swine Flu. I then IMMEDIATLY wrote Sal at BAJABLUEDIVER to get our deposit back. needless to say I have tried to call and write him to get our deposit back. It's been 2 1/2 weeks and Sal at BAJABLUEDIVER refuses to contact us or make any arrangements for returning the deposit. I have repeatidly tried contacting him and NOTHING. I want to say one good lesson learned was always go thru the cruise ship for ALL your excursians at the ports cause you dont want to get RIPED OFF

Here is all the info on this company:

BAJABLUEDIVER IN ENSENADA MX

http://www.bajabluediver.com/index.htm

OWNER IS SAL- NOT A HONEST BUSINESS WILL RIP YOU OFF!!!

LAURA S....

CONTACT US
Owner: Sal Garcia
Phone from US: (011-52-646) 120-3040

Phone # (646) 149-6414

NEXTEL 152*15*41977

Email: Bajabluediver@gmail.com

CON

Booked Last Minute... all excurisions full?

dreday09 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:26:49 GMT

Hi so my friends and I got a great deal on a last minute cruise but I'm checking things out and it seams like a lot of the excurisions are full already... Most of us will be happy with just sitting on a beach but is there a way for us to get from the boat to Rosarito to have a beach to hang on??

Also our first stop is Catalina, same thing how do we get to a beach there??

TIA

ATV Adventure

starbud99 — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:25:53 GMT

WOW! Its amazing! So much Fun... My husband I went on the Cruise to celebrate our 6th anniversary... and now are getting ready to book another. SO much fun... dont miss this excursion!

Jenni

PASSPORT FOR CHILDREN ???

francis — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:26:29 GMT

I checked on the state/passport website but its still unclear to me and I called the phone on website and its a recording, I hate recordings, I like to actually talk to a live person.

Does anyone know if a passport is a must for going on the Ensenada cruise for my 7yr old and 7 mo old?

Cruiseline said not to worry, they are not enforcing it but I dont want to chance it...by not getting one, what do you guys know aboutthe passport/cruising situation?

Thx for the quick hit-backs!

The Nightmare On Carnival Street

Tabi_K — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 04:55:34 GMT

    Ahhh…the cruise. Where you can leave your worries behind, and enjoy visiting new places without the usual cares associated with traveling abroad. At least that’s what you’d think. Well if you are traveling with Carnival, think again. My recent cruise to Mexico, turned into a cruise to hell. Thanks to the uncaring, thoughtless actions (well maybe not so thoughtless. We’ll get into that later) of the Carnival Cruise Lines.

   I’m an attorney in Los Angeles and my trip started out as a gift to a few of my clients, who I invited to join me on a leisurely cruise to Mexico aboard the Carnival cruise ship Paradise. Ms. DeLeon, Mr.Del Rio and Ms. Lopez were the members of my group. We boarded the ship around 2:00PM. At 5:00PM Ms. DeLeon and Mr. Del Rio had not had their baggage delivered to their staterooms. Inquiring at the information desk we were told to check back around 7:00 or 8:00PM. We returned to find a long line which from my brief experience, I can only assume is the norm. We noticed two suitcases sitting in the corner near the information office, unattended. Upon closer examination, we realized these were the errant bags we had been waiting on. Unbelievably, the name and correct room number were visibly marked on the bags that were sitting out where anyone could have grabbed them. Our first glimpse of Carnival Cruises cavalier, irresponsible, and uncaring way in which this company conducts itself. Little did we know then, that soon things would go from bad to worse…

   Not being an experienced cruise ship traveler, we did not buy any land excursions when we booked the trip, having been told we could book them onboard. Upon arrival in Ensenada we went to the area on the ship, where the excursions were being booked, only to find a very long slow moving line. As our on shore time was limited, (The ship was set to sail at 5:30) we decided to disembark and play it by ear. There on the parking area adjacent to the ship and the pier (an area who‘s access is controlled by Carnival, but more on that later), we saw a bus belonging to Dumas Tours, one of the tour operators used by Carnival, and upon inquiring were told we could book a horse back riding excursion directly through the tour company. We agreed, boarded the bus, purchased tickets for the horseback and Bufadora tour, Had we waited in line to book aboard ship, we would in all likelihood, still have been waiting in line at the activity desk.

   We were joined by some fellow passengers who had also chosen to not waste half the day and had booked with Dunas Tours We no sooner had gotten on our horses when the guide, a fellow named Arturo announced he had to go somewhere else, and left us, saying he would return to pick us up. About ten minutes into the ride there was a commotion behind me and turning I saw one of my client, Ms. Lopez laying on the sand motionless. She was unresponsive and in obvious great pain. We would later learn she had a broken pelvis. A man and two women rushed over from the beach to help. One lady ran to her house and called 911.

   Police not an ambulance arrived and called the red cross. The rest of the people returned to the bus after we asked them to have Arturo come to the beach. No one showed up and Mr. Del Rio had to go find them. An hour later Arturo showed up with Roberto the driver. They contacted the tour company and were told to take the other passengers to where another bus could pick them up to continue with the tour. They said they would come back shortly, but at that point I wasn’t exactly ready to hold my breath till their return

   Finally the Red Cross ambulance showed up and things went from bad to worse to worst. Ms Lopez was immobilized and strapped to a gurney and was put in the ambulance. Our guide showed up about then and agreed to take Ms. De Leon and Mr. Del Rio, and followed the ambulance to the hospital. I chose to ride with my friend in the ambulance.

   En route to the hospital the driver announced he had contacted the Paradise and was told to take her to the ship, rather than the hospital. Ten minutes later the driver got another call from the ship saying to take her to the hospital. A few minutes later another call saying to bring her to the ship! I asked the driver if there was another ambulance at the ship but he didn’t answer, and then we arrived at the dock, and were confronted by a security guard who REFUSED TO ALLOW US ONTO THE PIER! Now about this area we were being refused entry into. That area was the one (remember back at the beginning of this) where we initially boarded the tour bus? Good, hold that thought. We’ll get back to that soon.

   The ambulance driver got out and argued back and forth with this security guard, even telling him the ship were the ones who told him to bring her there. The security guard still refused to let us pass. After what seemed like an eternity (in actuality about 30 minutes or so), I finally had to beg the driver to just take us to urgent care. Instead of urgent care we were driven to the Red Cross office. And they were totally unequipped to deal with Ms. Lopez’s injury. I had to tip/bribe the driver to please take us to the hospital. To add insult to injury (literally), I had to assure them I had money to pay.

   Finally having arrived at the emergency room I asked the hospital staff to call the ship so I could ask them to wait, or at least send our belongings to the hospital. The staff refused to call the ship. I then had to leave my friend and get a cab back to the ship to get both our belongings, passports, and money. Not speaking Spanish I was lucky to get a cabbie who spoke a little English and he took me to the ship.

   At 5:00 I arrived back at the ship and rushed to our rooms to pack our things. I called and asked to speak to the Captain. I was refused! I asked for their assistance to help me get back to the hospital to be with my friend. Not only did they refuse, they denied having any knowledge of an injured passenger, and were not responsible for not allowing her back on the ship. The information desk would not even provide me with the name of the head ship officer nor a phone number to call.

   Even though I later was told the ship had capable personnel and even an x-ray machine on board, the truth of the matter was blatantly obvious. Carnival did not want to deal with possibly returning to port, or calling a life-flight helicopter if Ms. Lopez took a turn for the worse.

   You remember that parking lot on the pier we were refused entry into? That parking area is controlled by Carnival, so the Dunas Tour shuttle had to have their permission to enter that area. Why else were we refused access to the pier area? The Security Guard wasn’t acting on his own behalf to refuse us. This creates the appearance of the buses as being associated with the Carnival Cruise line. But as the fine print on the ticket says, they are not responsible for injuries from any tour not purchased aboard ship or booked in advance with the Company. What that fine print doesn’t say, is don’t expect the minimal amount of compassion due you, if for no other reason than that you are a fellow human being, injured in a strange country, your only life line home the cruise ship, that fails to acknowledge your need and would just as soon cast you off, leaving you stuck in a strange land. There was no life preserver offered. Although if it had been, I have a sneaky suspicion it would have most likely been made of lead.

   I was stuck in Ensenada for two and a half days. Two and a half days of sheer hell. Without speaking the language I had to somehow make arrangements to transport Ms. Lopez back to California. After 5 months she is still in horrible pain and unable to return to work, needing a cane to get around. Her injuries will be healing for some time.

   As for Carnival, they have so far refused to reimburse us for the cruise tickets, or my out of pocket expenses I accrued staying with my friend. They have refused my requests for any information on the Dunas Shuttle. In fact they have not even so much as offered an apology. Their attitude is as callous, and reprehensible, as their crew was uncaring and unwilling to step up and act with just a modicum of compassion. So if you want to take a cruise, pay more booking your shore tours through the ship or your travel agency. An if your cruise is to Mexico, bring your Spanish-English Dictionary, and whatever you do, don’t do it with Carnival.

   THIS JUST IN! It seems Carnival lost another couple passengers this week. An elderly couple “apparently” committed suicide by jumping off the same ship (The Paradise) from their room balcony. It got me wondering. All those passengers missing mid cruise “apparently” lost at sea. Fallen overboard? Maybe stalked by a serial killer among the crew and murdered and tossed overboard? My experience begs the question. Is it possible they were killed ashore while not on an authorized excursion? From this experience I wonder if they (Carnival) would have known we were not aboard when they sailed, if I hadn’t gone back for our things, and made such a fuss?

Health concerns

Meema — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:32:13 GMT

are there still flu concerns in ensenada???? let me know, I am thinking of booking a cruise...

Estero Beach

Maggie — Sun, 11 May 2008 17:43:13 GMT

Will be in Ensenada in August. Hoping to spend the day at the beach instead of doing an excursion. Read somewhere that you could take a cab to the Estero Beach Resort and hang out there. Has anyone been before? Is the resort okay with cruise ship visitors using their facilities? Or maybe there is a day use fee. I can't seem to connect with the resort's website. Any info about this beach or others in Ensenada would be welcome. P.S. It will be my husband and I as well as my mother and 13 year old son. Thanks!

What time do we arrive in Ensenada

Larry Loves Cristina — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:05:04 GMT

Does anyone know what time the ships usually arrive in Ensenada?

I want to know how much time we have before we have to get back on the ship...

Spa's

Larry Loves Cristina — Tue, 19 May 2009 17:58:17 GMT

Any spa's in Ensenada?

Suggestions please...

UPDATE ON BAJABLUEDIVER

kittynyuma — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:37:05 GMT

I wanted to post the outcome of my complaint with Sal at Bajabluediver. Today I have recieved the full refund for my deposit that I put down on the excurssion my husband and I was to do when we got to ensenada. Looks like Sal is a reputibable business man! HERE IS HIS LETTER HE WROTE ME TODAY WITH MY DEPOSIT HE SENT THANK YOU SAL Hello Laura, A wonderful morning to you. When I take a deposit, I am committing my services, guaranteeing that I will hold your spots and be prepared for you on time and with a great smile. My services are not contingent upon your mode of transportation not failing you! I could not fill your 2 spots on time so I am out of part of my workday. I have not read or care to read your comments, I only hope you are as forthright as you expect me to be.. It would usually take 60 days for a legitimate refund from any other company. I believe I am doing this in a more than reasonable amount of time.even though I do not agree you are entitled to a full refund, I have not the energy or time, or will even hold any malice in my heart toward you. What I am doing with all other clients is to offer a raincheck plus discoount. I have tried to file a claim against Carnival Cruise lines but to no avail, that is why I had not gotten back to you the last couple of days You should receive notification of FULL REFUND from PAYPAL. I thank you and may GOD bless you

BEWARE OF THIS COMPANY: BAJABLUEDIVER AND OWNER IS SAL.

kittynyuma — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:24:33 GMT

[<b>edited by:</b> kittynyuma at 11:20 AM (GMT -5) on Thu, May 14 2009]
wanted to give everyone a up date on this Company that riped me off of my deposit, I have heard from SAL AT BAJABLUEDIVER here is his email

Hi Laura,

I have been on an out of town emergency for over a week, I just got in a couple of hours ago, have not had a chance to get back to you, noticed you started a PAYPAL dispute, no need for that, will try to get you resolved by tomorrow.

I thank you for your patience in advance,

sal

NEEDLESS TO SAY I HAVE WRITTEN HIM TWO MORE TIMES BECAUSE HE HAS NOT YET SENT ME MY DEPOSIT.

BEWARE-BEWARE-BEWARE-BEWARE-BEWARE NOT A HONEST COMPANY..

BEWARE OF "BAJABLUEDIVER" FOR ANY OF YOUR EXCURSIANS!!

kittynyuma — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:21:56 GMT

Here is all the info on this company:

BAJABLUEDIVER IN ENSENADA MX

http://www.bajabluediver.com/index.htm

OWNER IS SAL- NOT A HONEST BUSINESS WILL RIP YOU OFF!!!

LAURA S....

CONTACT US
Owner: Sal Garcia
Phone from US: (011-52-646) 120-3040

Phone # (646) 149-6414

NEXTEL 152*15*41977

Email: Bajabluediver@gmail.com

Phone # (646) 149-6414

NEXTEL 152*15*41977

Email: Bajabluediver@gmail.com

Food Safety in Mexico/Taco Vendors

wasteman — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 04:00:46 GMT

I have not been to Mexico in many years, does any one have any thoughts about the safety and quality of food availiable in Ensenada. I would love some inexpensive authentic tacos or burritos or carne asada, but I would not appreciate a bout of projectile vomiting later.

Any reccomendations of a good spot? I wold love to feel safe eating from one of the better vendors.

Anyone been on the Jeep Adventure tour?

Crystal — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:00:35 GMT

We are sailing out of Long beach on the Paradise may 11 and we have pre booked the jeep adventure tour in ensenada. It will be me my husband and another couple. I t looks really fun but must be somewhat new because i can find any reviews on it!

JetSki Rentals on Shore?

pancakes — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:29:21 GMT

Hi Guys,

My bf and I are gonna be in Ensenada on May 2 (woot).

Does anyone know if they have jetski rentals when you get there?

Thanks!!

-pancakes

Ensenada with Kids

Jeff — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:37:26 GMT

Hi all - I'm travelling with a 6 year old and an 8 year old on the Elation on April 18th, and I'm really disappointed with the trips on offer at Ensenada as all of them won't take my youngest son !

Does anyone have any ideas as to anything we can do as a family (beaches, trips etc) as it seems that only shopping or 45mins in a motor coach to the blowhole are on offer as neither feel quite right

Carnival representatives / Carnival Assistance, any ideas???