We opted to explore the city on our own and visited the San Felipe Fortress and the Santa Clara Hotel for a late lunch. We took a cab from the ship to the fortress so we could explore it at our own pace and then a cab from the fortress to the hotel. Friends stateside recommended the hotel restaurant for an authentic experience of Cartagena life among the well to do. The Hotel was a lovely experience and located right inside the old city. The food and drinks were very traditional and sitting around the courtyard takes you back in time which was very nice. Don't let the cab drivers overcharge you, they charged us $20 from the ship to the fortress and then we took a cab to the hotel where they told us it should have only been $10 which is what we paid on the return trip. If you are not adventurous opt for a tour package in the $50 range especially if it takes you to the fortress, the palace and the sanctuary. We paid about that for cabs and the fortress entry fee.

Cartagena (Colombia)

This was an interesting experience as we took off on a school bus to the Mayan city of Altun Ha which we were able to climb the ruins and learn the fascinating history of the civilizations who lived at these Mayan sites. Our tour guide was funny as she told us we were getting the Belize massage for free on the bus: legs, backside, shoulders which we would appreciate after climbing the ruins. The drive through the city was quick but a nice contrast to the rural and ancient parts of the country.

Panama Canal Railroad Journey by train and bus. Glad we signed up for this instead of the same trip by dome car which was more expensive but we saw the same things and also got to walk into the dome car to see what those views were. We passed through the Gatun Locks and saw many of the sights like the causeway, the former US military base and the new parallel canal that is being constructed. We then transferred from the train to the bus. Everything including the modest lunch was well organized. I think in this port there are lots of options but if you have never experienced the Panama Canal take one of the tours it is well worth it.

We always take a mid ship cabin on higher decks. This was the first time we took a cabin in the rear of the ship after reading all the reviews on that location. Have to agree with the majority: it was a long walk from the elevators but a really good location if you like the quiet part of the ship and absolutely great views of sunsets. The long walk did not bother us but allowed us to feel like we were working off some of the calories we were putting on from all the food and beverages. It was great not having cabins above you as the cabins in the back have no overhead cabins to block the views, you really feel like you are in your own ship. We enjoyed it every evening.

We left round trip Fort Lauderdale, FL and made stops at Grand Cayman; Cartagena, Columbia; Colon, Panama; Puerto Limon, Costa Rica; Belize; and Cozumel, Mexico.Staff and waiters and bartenders were also in a festive mood which made it even more enjoyable.

Celebrity Equinox Review

Holiday Cruise did not disappoint

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