Go With Gus-Tours Guatemala

If you cruise to Santo Tomas on the eastern side of Guatemala, make sure you take a tour called, "Go With Gus". He does an excellent job plus he asks tourists to bring much needed school supplies to the native children. In the pictures, note the children patiently waiting their turn to receive supplies.

Rio Dulce-Guatemala

If you take a Caribbean cruise and one of the ports of call is Santo Tomas in Guatemala-by all means take a tour of the River Rio Dulce . This is one of the mos beautiful paces I have seen. The river is exquisite with graceful birds and tall cliffs overflowing with lush flora.
It is one of the most primitive places I have visited. There are no roads and travel is done completely by boat. The people live in stilted houses above the water with children playing in small dugout canoes instead of bicycles. Cooking is done on open fires and there is no electricity nor modern conveniences.

Costa Maya, Mexico

One of my favorite beaches in the Caribbean is in a little fishing village-Mahajual-which is about three to four miles from the cruise pier and costs two dollars by taxi. Most tourists don't there as the port has a massive "tourist trap" with a swimming pool and shops that sell "need me nots"-plus numerous bars and restaurants. If you want local color- visit the village. A single main road is lined with a short row of rustic, screened in restaurants and a miniscule grocery; across the street is a long white beach lines with fishing boats and protected with a reef. It is wonderful. You don't get beaten up by the waves-Coronas are one dollar and they bring them to the beach in a bucket with ice.
When you arrive, don't stop where the cab drops you off. Continue walking about a football field down the beach and sit in front of the El Delfin-great food-great drinks and few people.

Cruising the Caribbean-NCL and Royal Caribbean

If you want the vacation of a lifetime-take a cruise. They are the best "Bang for your Buck" in the travel industry. I have been on almost every cruise line-with the exception of Carnival-which I avoid. They are all great-Celebrity being my favorite with Royal Caribbean coming in next and NCL-Norwegian Cruise line- last. All ships are relaxing their dress code-no longer do you need a tux for dinner. Most only have one or two "formal nights" and you can get by with a sport coat or just a shirt and tie.
Many of the new ships have a promenade-a "main street USA" complete with shops, pubs, cars (Check out the real Morgan) making them "strolling friendly" and a lot of fun.
Some folks say they would be bored. Nonsense! There are dozens of activities every day- like rock climbing (Yea-I know-that doesn't interest you)- swimming, educational seminars, gambling (that doesn't interest me). Some ships have ice skating rinks-where you skate for free and see wonderful shows at night. They most all have miniature golf, basketball, plus several bands playing most of the time. Check out the urinal in the one picture. It is a granite wall located near large picture windows. You can look out at the sea- while you ...!
Cruises are very reasonably priced -many under $600 for seven days. Try it-you'll love it!