garydm

In Curacao today.  Saw all I wanted in a couple hours and when I tried to board was told “there was an incident on the island and we have closed the port.”  Local security locked all from boarding or leaving the dock for about 30 minutes.  The Captain then arrived and we were allowed on board in about 10 minutes.  Hot wait.

Brothers birthday so doing the wine pairing dinner tonight.

Gary

Might try the pizza tonight.

Nice night. Appreciate the captain maintaining a lower speed which results in less vibration and rocking.

Seas were relatively calm this morning but seems the chop is picking up.

Breakfast in Pinnacle which was good as always.

Gary

They have cancelled tomorrow’s scheduled stop in Aruba due to the high winds as we are making only 11 knots.  Seems a little better or we’re getting used to bouncing around.  Took Meclizine again tonight.  I’m not much of a believer in pressure point wrist bands but am wearing them.  One poor lady was in the Neptune this morning in her robe looking green and asking for saltines.

Our most difficult task has been figuring out the times for the games tomorrow as we have been through 3 or 4 time zones.

With  the absence of people in the MDR service has picked up.  I had the snapper tonight and it was rather tasteless.  Other 3 had the scallops and they were tasty.
 

Gary

Being geographically challenged I earlier said we were off Venezuela but we are off Colombia. 
 

Still rocking with the occasional big jolt.  I understand the Captain is awaiting word from Seattle on a possible schedule change.

Gary

16 day cruise.

What is an appropriate beyond the basic tip amount and to whom for exemplary service?  How is the basic divided up?  Thanks.

Gary

Very strong winds off Venezuela resulting in very  rough ride last night which the Captain says will continue for 12 more hours.  This is one of those drawers coming out and then closing experiences.  MDR had areas that were deserted last night.  Having breakfast in Neptune as the walk to the Lido could be dangerous.

Told this is typical but they say it normally lasts only 3-4 hours.

Gary

I think the 18 came from the corkage fee thought!

Internet is very slow which means I think I will post some pictures when I get home.

Had the filet mignon tonight and it was very good. Servers a bit strained tonight.

Have not yet linked up with the fuel barge/ship.
 

GRy

At sea today and have made the left turn towards the canal.  As I understand it we are going to anchor off the west coast to take on fuel because Aruba does not have enough.  Temperature is a pleasant 82 degrees.

Something I had not seen before.  In the MDR during dinner two couples broke out their phones and made multiple FaceTime calls with the speakers on and yelling into the phones.  Like there were not hundreds of people around them who were trying to have nice dinners.

We sail thru the canal tomorrow, always the highlight of this cruise.

Gary

Docked at puerto caldera today about 10 miles south of Puntarenas which had a Princess ship there.  We had a free shuttle into town as there is nothing for tourists at our port.  It was very hot and fairly dirty so we walked around a bit and returned in our nice air conditioned bus for the trip back.  We did a rather disappointing tour here last trip so did not this time.

Captain made up almost all the lost time from our delayed departure from Corinto. There was salt all over the verandah and railing from last night’s windy seas.  Cabin stewards made it all go away.

life is good.

Gary

On Rotterdam now, sent laundry out twice and no issues.  They do a fabulous job.

Gary

Docked at puerto caldera today about 10 miles south of Puntarenas which had a Princess ship there.  We had a free shuttle into town as there is nothing for tourists at our port.  It was very hot and fairly dirty so we walked around a bit and returned in our nice air conditioned bus for the trip back.  We did a rather disappointing tour here last trip so did not this time.

Captain made up almost all the lost time from our delayed departure from Corinto. There was salt all over the verandah and railing from last night’s windy seas.  Cabin stewards made it all go away.

life is good.

Gary

The time at the beach and the lunch was fine.  Ou return trip however included very loud continuous “music” which was quite obnoxious.

Gary

My bad.  I think it is 15%.

Off the coast of Nicaragua with 50 knot crosswinds per the TV.  Rockin and rollin.  Captain delayed departure from Corinto several hours due to the wind.  Glad he did. He really keeps us informed in a succinct manner.  Churning along at 22 knots which probably exacerbates the vibration issue when coupled with the wind.

Walked by Billboard and it was packed.  Very loud.

Service continues to be superb.  Example-sent laundry out at 2pm and back before 8 pm.
 

On to Costa Rica.

Gary

I have been getting the chamomile but I just checked the Neptune and there are half a dozen caffeine free Harney and Sons.  They are excellent.

Sodas are $2.50 plus 18% SC.  Unless you consume a lot I would opt for by the can.  I have bought Diet Coke in each port and taken it aboard.  Always $1 per can.

Gary

Rough seas this afternoon on departing Huatulco.  Captain came on with appreciated announcement during dinner that things would settle down and they have.

Huatulco was hot and has grown since last here.  Only in port for less than six hours.

Had dinner in MDR and I had the always available steak which was very good and cooked perfectly.  Brother found his Chile relleno too spicy but that comes with the territory!  Koes, Alex and Yohannes treat us well.

Really appreciate HAL having all the playoff games on.

In Guatemala tomorrow and visited Antigua on an earlier trip so will probably stay on board.

gary

Ladies in Neptune did a nice spread of dips for the football games yesterday.  They are the best.

Missed dinner in MDR due to games so went to the Lido as they showed fried chicken as an entree.  I envisioned something akin to KFC with maybe mashed potatoes and gravy.  What you got were 3 overcooked chicken nuggets.

Also tried the Dive In once again and asked for a Free Dive which is shown as served between lettuce leaves-I was thinking In N Out Double Double protein style-a diabetics dream. What you get is a patty on some shredded lettuce-no sauce.  I inquired and was told we don’t do it that way here.

Sorry about the orientation.  
 

Weather is very warm and welcome.  Nice cruise.

gary

We deduced it was the salad which I would have never gotten in Mexico but I thought it was safe at the Hyatt.

Feeling  much better!

gary

We did the Resort Beach trip excursion yesterday in Puerto Vallarta.  It went to the Hyatt which has a nice beach.  We had what we thought was a wonderful lunch but my brother and I subsequently became a bit ill.  Problem seems to be resolving itself.  Our wives had no issues.

Sitting in Neptune Lounge enjoying great service from the concierges.  Awaiting the 49ers game!

Gary

Puerto Vallarta Friday

TV is on counter.  I walked back to 7038 and there was no noise or vibration.  We have made the left turn at Cabo and vibration is less.

Gary

Z-we are near the Neptune so a bit forward from your cabin.  Last night we had serious vibration which I assume is speed related as we had none the first night.  I’ll walk back and see if it is present after sun up.

We do have a large flat screen in the cabin.  Cable news is Fox and MSNBC.

Gary

Dinner menu had some great options tonight.  I had prime rib and it was very good.  
 

Tried Dive in for lunch but after waiting 10 minutes cancelled and got the fish and chips from the Lido and it was the right decision.

Booked the Beach Resort excursion in PV and understand it is to a Hyatt hotel.  Anyone done this one?

gary