Limon, Costa Rica - shopping

[green_rd]

Is there any shopping in the pier area? The DW is particularly interested in coffee?

Gracias

[lulu48]

Originally Posted by green_rd

Is there any shopping in the pier area? The DW is particularly interested in coffee?

Gracias

Right near the port gate (inside) they have vendor stalls with coffee & other handicrafts
Or you can walk a few blocks up & left to the supermarket

[johnthed0g]

On the subject of coffee, we bought Blue Mountain in Jamaica at the shops by the pier... now either our taste buds have deteriorated with everything else, or it was not as good as we remember, or more likely this was not the best place to buy coffee!! Any thoughts??

[robh]

Originally Posted by johnthed0g

On the subject of coffee, we bought Blue Mountain in Jamaica at the shops by the pier... now either our taste buds have deteriorated with everything else, or it was not as good as we remember, or more likely this was not the best place to buy coffee!! Any thoughts??

Same packages sold in other airports and cruise terminals and stores across the Caribbean
I'd say it was the length of time sitting on a warm shelf as coffee deteriorates over time in taste

[Snoozeman]

Originally Posted by green_rd

Is there any shopping in the pier area? The DW is particularly interested in coffee?

Gracias

It's no place I would care to shop. You'll see why.

[Lakers Fan]

We were there in our cruise last month .We were warned to not leave the immediate area where the ship docked on our own . There were a lot of flea market type booths to buy things .We did see people leave the area but only a handful.

[lulu48]

Originally Posted by Henry43

We were there in our cruise last month .We were warned to not leave the immediate area where the ship docked on our own .

Why?
What did they warn you about

[Lakers Fan]

Being assaulted

[lulu48]

Originally Posted by Henry43

Being assaulted

OK
Will watch for that next time

[Lakers Fan]

Check out the US State Department web site .You can insert your e-mail address and get daily updates on crime in various cruise sites .

[Snoozeman]

The primary things you can buy outside the port fence are: fast food fried chicken, lottery tickets, and hookers. Plenty of that. Throw in panhandlers, drunks, a few very poor souvenir stands, and a couple of seedy bars and you have it. Even the park is fenced off to keep people out. Be prepared!

And I like seedy bars.

[Lakers Fan]

I was told by a ships officer that people are hired to pretend to be tourists to lure real tourists outside of the docking area .

[lulu48]

We walked up into town around 2-4 blocks to the shops no problem but you just need to be aware of your surroundings
We had GUIDES approach us just outside the gate but just told them no thank you & they did leave us alone


If you are uncomfortable in a port you should stay with the ship
We did not get off in Jamaica but lots of people love it there ...it is a personal choice
guess you will not be going to Mexico either

[robh]

Originally Posted by Snoozeman

The primary things you can buy outside the port fence are: fast food fried chicken, lottery tickets, and hookers. Plenty of that. Throw in panhandlers, drunks, a few very poor souvenir stands, and a couple of seedy bars and you have it. Even the park is fenced off to keep people out. Be prepared!

And I like seedy bars.

Snoozeman
Even the parks are fenced off in middle of London UK but the gates are locked at night. Does that make London unsafe?

[Snoozeman]

I do not judge. I haven't told anyone to go or not go. I haven't even said if it was good or bad. I'm just saying what to expect. Everyone can make their own decisions.

The fence is to keep the derelicts from sleeping in the park. You will see them on the streets of Limon. I have no idea if they are drunk or strung out on drugs, but they are there lying in the street.

What does London have to do with anything?

[robh]

Makes you wonder if the port is that unsafe why the cruiseline does not cancel the port

[robh]

fenced parks... makes sense to me to state London as another location that wants ot ensure you are safe if you walk in after hours

[Snoozeman]

The port has built a nice little shopping area within the 'port security fence' for the tourists. You can get coffee and crafts there. All the shuttles and tours meet inside as well. Very safe there. When you leave that secured area into the streets of Limon then you see what I described. We really enjoy our stay there. We have friends who own property there. It's a beautiful country. As to Limon, I'm just describing what I have witnessed.

[robh]

Originally Posted by Snoozeman

The port has built a nice little shopping area within the 'port security fence' for the tourists. You can get coffee and crafts there. All the shuttles and tours meet inside as well. Very safe there. When you leave that secured area into the streets of Limon then you see what I described. We really enjoy our stay there. We have friends who own property there. It's a beautiful country. As to Limon, I'm just describing what I have witnessed.

Actually that description aplies to a lot of ports around the world where governments want to get more tourists and invest in the port area but of course cannot change the country overnight.
I can take you to cities in Canada and the States where the same situation applies especially after dark

[RNKCruisers]

My husband and I are on the Carnival Freedom in October of this year and I am looking at a Shoping and Beach break excursion through Carnival and am wondering if anyone else had done this.

"The beach and a little shopping, what could be better! Come along with us on an excursion into the beauty and diversity of Costa Rica’s Puerto Viejo.

On this tour you will:

Travel by bus for an approximate 1 ½ hour ride along a scenic coastline.
Visit the southernmost part of Costa Rica at Puerto Viejo -“Old Port”- a vibrant, multicultural piece of the country’s ecological and human history. Much English is spoken here. Awarded the “Blue Ecological Flag,” an exceptional award given to eco-friendly beaches by the government of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo always strives to maintain a high-standard of excellence for you to appreciate.
Upon arrival, commence your day at the beach as you are greeted and given the opportunity to change into your swimsuit.
Then take a dip in the refreshing tropical waters, or just lazily bask on the sand.
The region of Puerto Viejo is very rich in bio-diversity, and while wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed they are not uncommon. You may see toucans, monkeys, or even sloth hanging from ancient trees, so have your camera ready!
Order a sandwich, some juice and tropical fruits, and refresh yourself before hitting the local shops in an authentic villa, just a short drive away, which still maintains the old Caribbean easygoing way of life.
Enjoy a brief shopping spree before you re-board your transport for the return trip to port. Be sure to pick up a souvenir or two to remind you of your relaxing day at the beach in the renowned Puerto Viejo.
Note: Please bring with you a swim suit, a towel, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, strap-on sandals to walk in the beach, a camera to take beautiful pictures".

Any info is greatly appreciated.