ccrain

This is a little late in coming, but I finally got it done:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gt7phdulqwekfILroCaCxTeI3zEL1eOu/view?usp=sharing

Illustrated and .pdf'ed. About 4MB.

Who was your captain on your cruise? We will be on the Island beginning Dec 6th, we received an email from Princess that the captain for our cruise would be Michele Tuva. Last year we were on the Star Princess From Vancouver to Los Angeles, he was our captain. He was the friendliest, most outgoing captain we have ever sailed with. He was all over the ship, greeting passengers. When he made announcements over the PA he would begin you hoo, and after the announcement he would say bye bye.

Mariano Manfuso

Thanks for sharing your experiences, we are on the Island December 21, did you try any of the exercise classes, looking forward to Zumba.

 

 

Also on the Panama Canal cruise in Dec 2017, does anyone know what other events/dances/etc. are planned? I can't seem to find anything that tells me what's going on when. Thanks.

 

I went ahead and scanned the patters for the 19 Day R/T LA and the 15 Day LA to FLL cruises. I had to scan Tabloid and in Black and White to prevent hard drive overload, but here are the links:

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tr_NfKmKIJGTC9XnShqtFC-HAZOXufpQ/view?usp=sharing

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kPgbw_XvLkfGHFDbs1OeDArvKTMbr4NM/view?usp=sharing

 

This should give you a good idea as to the kinds of entertainment and theme nights.

 

BUT I don't think Mike or Callie will be on the December cruise so you are at the mercy of the team on-board at the time...

On the 19day Pacific Adventure, do you happen to remember when the formal night were. From your Live Post, I did see the 2nd sea day, as the first one. Mom is 93 and wants to be sure when they are. Is the escape room a charged event, and even if so, how hard was it to get a time for the activity?

Mahalo

Formal nights were 9/25, 10/4 and 10/10.

Escape room was free. As soon as you see it in the Patter, you need to sign up for it. they will run two escape rooms per night on the nights they do them. One early and one late. It is a BLAST!

Thanks for sharing your experiences, we are on the Island December 21, did you try any of the exercise classes, looking forward to Zumba.

 

 

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The only issue with Zumba is that its held on the open deck in the sunshine, where it can be quite hot and steamy. Line dance is typically held right after at the same place..

thank you ccrain. Your live thread has being very informative, I just hope we don't get the rains you did.

 

Questions: are there some parts of the ship that goes dark at night, to facilitate star watching? I figure being out in the middle of the ocean or anchored off Gastun Lake will provide great star gazing opportunities, if the ship's external lights doesn't ruin my night vision

On the designated star gazing nights they try to darken the ship as much as allowed but there is always some lights from the deck areas and MUTS all the time. Its not optimal, but better than a hotel in a city for sure, just not as good as camping out under the stars! The best places for viewing with minimal lights are the splash pool forward and the sports court areas aft on Deck 16.

My live from thread is at:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2545639

Thanks for the info!

 

HC is the buffet?

Yes...

Thanks for the tips! We're going on the Panama Cruise on the Coral in January and will these insights will come in handy.

Any advice on good excursions?

Huatulco

DIY - Beach front Octopus Zeviche and Jet Skiing right off the ship

Excursion - Tequila and Mezcal Tasting

San Juan Del Sur

DIY - Wandering through town, drinking and eating

Excursion - Hacienda Tour

Costa Rica - Punta Arenas

DIY - Go outside the port area

Excursion - Walk in the Clouds

See my live from thread for details...

Just got off the Island after 30+ days and 2 trips into the canal. Thought those of you planning for this itinerary in the next couple of months would appreciate a few tips and tricks...:o

Final tidbits and tips from the Island Princess 2017 Panama Canal transits…

1 – The front viewing decks on 10 and 11 are open during the canal transit and are the best views on the ship. However, keep track of the sun, as there is very limited shade unless the sun is behind the ship – as in morning transit, north bound (Pacific to Atlantic) – the sun will rise in the south east and you will have shade. No chairs – standing room only.

2 – Aft deck 8 is still open for viewing at all times. Much smaller than the forward decks, but a very good aft view. No chairs, standing room only, mind the sun!

3 – There are indoor spaces on Deck 8 that have good views, as well as the HC on Deck 14, of the Canal crossing and are in air conditioning. Not as good as outside, but cooler for sure.

4 – For these cruises (R/T LA and LA to FLL), no excursions were offered during the night in Gatun Lake. But it is a perfect night for a UBD!

5 – On the Island, Sabatini’s becomes Alfredo’s pizza from 11:30 to 14:30. Different toppings, but same crust as the Pizzeria in the Lido Deck.

6 – Orange/Red striping on cabin deck carpets on Port hallways (even cabins) – but not everywhere (like the new cabins on the stern of the ship) – so beware. Blue striping on Starboard hallways (odd cabins). Hopefully this will be fixed during dry dock – unless they are moving away from the color coding – in which case we will all be lost!

7 - The lack of the Universe Lounge is really telling on Zumba and Dance classes. Zumba is held on the open deck on sea days at 0900, but it’s hot and the sun can give your hairline a sunburn in very little time. Stake out your space in the limited shade under the edges of deck 15. Same with Line dance class, but its later in the morning and shade is harder to find. Ballroom dance is held in the wheelhouse, but space is very limited on the dance floor and its hot in the space. The Thai Chi at sea is fun, in the wheel house and not too crowded.

8 – Elevators: Forward Elevators from 7 to 14 ONLY. Midship Elevators from 4 to 15. Aft Elevators from 5 to 14. Atrium Elevators from 5 to 8 ONLY.

9 – Don’t miss Encore – even if you don’t like opera. It’s a very well done show. On the Bayou is another one that is great to see on the Island. Look for the riff on Thriller, you will enjoy it.

10 – Callie replays the MUTS movies on Channel 45 the following day after they air on MUTS.

12 – All of the lectures are also replayed on one of the channels and the DNA/genetic lectures are pretty interesting.

13. – The HC menu has specialty luncheons and dinner stations – like Sushi, Mexican, Gourmet burgers, Mongolian BBQ. Mike has started listing these in the Patter so you can plan lunch and dinner accordingly.

14. – The HC has ice cream every night for dinner behind the dessert counter, but you have to ask for it.

15. – Brewed coffee is only available from 0600 in the Patisserie. They also have specialty teas and the normal specialty coffees. The HC has a specialty coffee machine, but no brewed coffee. Sabatini’s has specialty coffee as well.

16. – The covered pool is basically unused after 1800. Great time for that last minute soak in the hot tub or swim in an air conditioned space.

17. – BOGO – Buy one get one for $1 is in the Wheelhouse from 1530 to 1630 nightly.

18. – Not to miss. Escape Room. Callie’s trivia. Callie’s musical, movie or TV theme trivia. (It’s Mr. Ed Callie, not Mr. Rodgers!) Zumba with Walter/Holly or Amparo. Dancing with Romeo. Liar’s Club. Country Wester Night. Deck Party. Ultimate Balcony Dinner. Mongolian BBQ, Gourmet Burger or German night in HC. Marriage Match Game. Encore and On The Bayou. There are more, but I just can’t think of one right now…

10-27-2017 – Disembarkation and Wrap-Up

Got away without packing and watching everyone else leave, but not this time. Time to go back to work, back to the real world for a while.

This was a really good cruise because of the staff and the fun we had. The locations were secondary. Yes, the canal was neat and some of the locations were fun to visit, but quite frankly we would have had a blast just sitting on the ship the whole time.

Food in the HC was exceptional. Even tried “Gourmet Burger” night. Lamb, beef, chicken and vegetarian patties with a build your own slider bar of fixings was pretty good. Love lamb burgers and the slider concept was great because I was able to eat a lamb and a beef burger. The meat was excellent.

We also tried to watch Wonder Woman at MUTS, but that didn’t work out well. Between the wind, the chilly air and the extremely uncomfortable lounge chairs, we quit halfway through, went to the room and completed watching it on Channel 45.

Disembarkation was timely, transfer to FLL painless – we did not use EZCheck although it was available.

Now on to planning for the next adventure!

Thanks for riding along…

Final tidbits and tips from the Island Princess 2017 Panama Canal transits…

1 – The front viewing decks on 10 and 11 are open during the canal transit and are the best views on the ship. However, keep track of the sun, as there is very limited shade unless the sun is behind the ship – as in morning transit, north bound (Pacific to Atlantic) – the sun will rise in the south east and you will have shade. No chairs – standing room only.

2 – Aft deck 8 is still open for viewing at all times. Much smaller than the forward decks, but a very good aft view. No chairs, standing room only, mind the sun!

3 – There are indoor spaces on Deck 8 that have good views, as well as the HC on Deck 14, of the Canal crossing and are in air conditioning. Not as good as outside, but cooler for sure.

4 – For these cruises (R/T LA and LA to FLL), no excursions were offered during the night in Gatun Lake. But it is a perfect night for a UBD!

5 – On the Island, Sabatini’s becomes Alfredo’s pizza from 11:30 to 14:30. Different toppings, but same crust as the Pizzeria in the Lido Deck.

6 – Orange/Red striping on cabin deck carpets on Port hallways (even cabins) – but not everywhere (like the new cabins on the stern of the ship) – so beware. Blue striping on Starboard hallways (odd cabins). Hopefully this will be fixed during dry dock – unless they are moving away from the color coding – in which case we will all be lost!

7 - The lack of the Universe Lounge is really telling on Zumba and Dance classes. Zumba is held on the open deck on sea days at 0900, but it’s hot and the sun can give your hairline a sunburn in very little time. Stake out your space in the limited shade under the edges of deck 15. Same with Line dance class, but its later in the morning and shade is harder to find. Ballroom dance is held in the wheelhouse, but space is very limited on the dance floor and its hot in the space. The Thai Chi at sea is fun, in the wheel house and not too crowded.

8 – Elevators: Forward Elevators from 7 to 14 ONLY. Midship Elevators from 4 to 15. Aft Elevators from 5 to 14. Atrium Elevators from 5 to 8 ONLY.

9 – Don’t miss Encore – even if you don’t like opera. It’s a very well done show. On the Bayou is another one that is great to see on the Island. Look for the riff on Thriller, you will enjoy it.

10 – Callie replays the MUTS movies on Channel 45 the following day after they air on MUTS.

12 – All of the lectures are also replayed on one of the channels and the DNA/genetic lectures are pretty interesting.

13. – The HC menu has specialty luncheons and dinner stations – like Sushi, Mexican, Gourmet burgers, Mongolian BBQ. Mike has started listing these in the Patter so you can plan lunch and dinner accordingly.

14. – The HC has ice cream every night for dinner behind the dessert counter, but you have to ask for it.

15. – Brewed coffee is only available from 0600 in the Patisserie. They also have specialty teas and the normal specialty coffees. The HC has a specialty coffee machine, but no brewed coffee. Sabatini’s has specialty coffee as well.

16. – The covered pool is basically unused after 1800. Great time for that last minute soak in the hot tub or swim in an air conditioned space.

17. – BOGO – Buy one get one for $1 is in the Wheelhouse from 1530 to 1630 nightly.

18. – Not to miss. Escape Room. Callie’s trivia. Callie’s musical, movie or TV theme trivia. (It’s Mr. Ed Callie, not Mr. Rodgers!) Zumba with Walter/Holly or Amparo. Dancing with Romeo. Liar’s Club. Country Wester Night. Deck Party. Ultimate Balcony Dinner. Mongolian BBQ, Gourmet Burger or German night in HC. Marriage Match Game. Encore and On The Bayou. There are more, but I just can’t think of one right now…

10-25-2017 – At Sea to FLL

Paperwork and prep for packing day. Get all of the cash tips sorted out, nominee cards, etc. Gives me a chance to reflect back over the cruise and remember all the great times we had over the past 5 weeks.

But, yesterday was a short day in Aruba. 1300 to 1830. We did the Atlantis submarine. We’ve done the one off of Waikiki several years ago and wanted to compare them. Its fun and interesting with lots of fish, two shipwrecks and lots and lots of coral. We bottomed at 125 feet as well. The water was not as clear as Hawaii. This limited visibility to around 100 feet, which is not bad, but not as good as say St. Thomas or Grand Cayman. The entire trip took about 2 hours with pickup just down the dock from the ship and about 30 minutes in the actual submarine. If you’ve never done it before, you should at least once in one of the Atlantis locations.

After submarining we did Bayou Café to celebrate our, and Paul and Elizabeth’s, anniversary. Probably the best filet I’ve ever had on a ship. Perfectly cooked, tender and very tasty. Service was extra special, the sides (mushrooms, asparagus, potatoes) cooked perfectly and tasty as well. The lobster tail, an upcharge of $5, was well done as well. Not quite, just a hair, as good as the last one several weeks ago, but that one was near perfect. Judy enjoyed it and that was all that mattered.

A nice quiet evening meal with friends watching the lights come on in Aruba as we sailed away. The perfect evening.

Now back to filling out those cards…

Loved the review of the 19 day LA-LA. We will be doing that in April. Lots of sea days to relax. Wife addicted to a few programs, are you able to hook up a laptop to the TV on the Island to watch downloaded programs. Mahalo!!

I have only tried casting via wireless HDMI from a surface pro 3 and it would not work. The TV screen would not refresh fast enough. Wired is probably a different matter as there are HDMI ports on the TV. Someone else might know the answer to that...

10-23-2017 Cartagena

Our time line through the canal yesterday was about 30 minutes behind the published times in the Patter. Not too delayed like the previous cruise. The Patter times were:

0530 – Pilot Onboard Off Balboa

0630 – Bridge of America’s

0730 to 0840 Miraflores Locks

0905 to 1000 – Pedro Miguel Locks

1015 – Centennial Bridge

1115 – Gamboa

1400 to 1600 – Gatun Locks

1650 – Cristobal breakwater

We had a little bit of a scare going through the locks. In Colorado, when hiking above timberline you have to pay attention to your hair. Even on clear days, but especially on cloudy or thunderstorm days, when your hair stands on end, get down, get flat on the ground, you could be hit by lightning. So we are standing on the port side balcony of Paul and Elizabeth’s suite looking at the line of traffic waiting for the bridge, watching a distant thunderstorm, when I look over and the hair on Paul’s head is standing straight up! We beat a hasty retreat back indoors and under the steel structure of the ship!

This was our first time off the ship in Cartegena. We did the ship’s tour hop-on, hop-off. It’s just a few dollars more than usual and we wanted to make sure we got early seats on the bus. Which we did, even though the ship was a bit late in docking. The HOHO is very uncomfortable. The open air nature, while the bus is moving, is the only saving grace as it was hot for sure, but you still are exposed to the sun and the seats are not comfortable at all. In fact, at the first stop, someone was selling handmade seat cushions!

Because the port time was short (all aboard was 1330), we picked up the bus right on the pier. (According to Paul and Elizabeth, who watched the entire proceedings from deck 7, the jockeying of busses on the small pier between the NCL Sun and the Island was hilarious.) Got to the clock tower about 0900 (stop #2) and started the run around the island. To get back to the ship we would have to drop off the bus at stop #15 and catch a shuttle back to the ship. The walking tour of the walled city takes off from #2 and #15. The walking tour was 90 minutes, but we wanted to spend some time around the port, so we just caught the shuttle. Good thing too.

The port area is a free excursion all by itself. It has a large aviary for various birds, but there are Peacocks and Peahens roaming freely around the area, with Macau’s and monkey’s everywhere. A bat cave, a deer pen, a flamingo pen and just a whole lot of stuff to see, do, eat and shop. Including a Juan Valdez coffee shop. They do have paid WiFi, but everyone we talked to said it was slow, slow, slow. Not worth the $5 for 2 hours.

While the trip around the city on the HOHO was interesting – the fortress is huge – the port area for photos of birds and monkeys is actually better IMHO. And they have beer…

Is there a charge for the specialty nights? I know that there is a charge for the Crab Shack or whatever they call it. We will be on the Island on Dec 6th, hopefully it will have the new beds etc.

 

Enjoying your posts.

No charge for these 'theme' nights in the HC. (Crab Shack is different.) That's why we like the variety in the HC. We had MDR food with Paul and Elizabeth last night in their suite and was not impressed with the menu or the final product. In the HC, if I don't like something, there is at least a half a dozen other things I can try quickly - and there is always the option for a burger or pizza.

As I've said before, and multiple chef's have validated, there is no set menu for the HC. They wing it based on what they have on board. That's why with a good head chef, the HC far exceeds the MDR IMHO.

How is the food at the HC and the MDR? No international cafe on the Island?

Have not been to the MDR the entire time. Food is too good in the HC and they have several specialty nights (Mongolian BBQ, German Night, Stir Fry, Mexican Buffet, etc.) that are just too tempting to pass up.

No IC. Not sure if she will get one in the December dry dock either. The Patisserie still has the full bar and coffee bar, just a limited selection of pastries in the morning, no lunch foods or soups and no dinner selections.

Enjoying your review. Thank you very much. I hope you are feeling better lately. We leave on Tuesday for a Full transit with Celebrity. Was this a private tour or Princess tour?

This was a Princess tour...

10-21-2017 – At Sea to the Canal

Very cloudy and overcast this morning, some rain, definitely a little on the cooler side. Some wind and swell, but not too bad.

Yesterday was a great day in Puntarenas. We did the cloud forest hike up in the mountains – about 3500 feet in elevation, including a tour of a little butterfly garden and a hummingbird garden. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Started out a little on the down side. The tour company stuffed the bus, but two people opted for a different bus, so we were 32 on a small bus with only two spare seats on the whole bus. Not a lot of room to stretch out. With a 1.75 to 2.25 hour ride up and back on winding mountain roads, this could have been a complete disaster. On top of that the bus driver would not turn on the bus Wifi. However, those were the only two negative things about the entire trip. The guide, the itinerary, the food, the locations and the sights made up for all the rest.

Costa Rica is very interesting. We got a whirlwind discussion from Percy (the guide) on everything from geology to politics to education to Costa Rica’s relationships with Nicaragua – and Nicaragua’s invasions of Costa Rica – twice over the past 15 years. Percy’s English and enthusiasm were both top notch. What other guide have you ever had that would stop the bus to jump out and untangle a baby goat from its lead alongside the road? Or hop out of the bus, hop in the back of a farmer’s truck parked next door, grab some fruit out of it, hop back on the bus and show it to you, then put it back? Or slow the bus down, grab some flowers as we went by to show you and explain their significance? Pretty much one of kind guide and one of the best we’ve ever had.

The cloud forest hike was – cloudy, foggy, wet and drizzly. But the vegetation, the birds, flowers, insects, were all fascinating. Varieties of orchids clinging to trees everywhere. Ferns growing on trees, wrapping the trees and killing them, leaving a hollow center. Five swinging bridges, a trek down into the river gorge, slower than the bungie or zip lines of course, a trek back up to the center and lunch. It was fun and ate gigabytes of still and video. They did split the group of 32 into two groups of 16 and we went with a different guide who collected orchids as a hobby. He presently had 160+ varietals in his garden.

Lunch was beans +rice, a slaw, pork, chicken, fish or vegetarian. Judy had the chicken, I had the pork and we shared. A very spicy hot sauce and a slightly spicy hot sauce, but two local brews rounded out the meal. The local brews were too hoppy for our tastes – but that is why you try local stuff – you never know. The meals were great – although once again I had a similar reaction to the food that I had in Nicaragua later on in the evening – so it is me, not the food. Still did not keep me from enjoying the spicy salsa!

It was a long day trip. We did not get back until around 1530 to the room. Then it was shower time.

Last night’s activity highlight was the Magician’s Escape Room! A new game show for long cruises. This one is great, for teams of up to 8 persons, it is a puzzle game, a story game, a team challenge and a lot of fun.

A couple of tips. Take reading glasses if you need them and a camera or phone to take pictures afterwards. Do not miss this one!

10-20-2017 Puntarenas

Early excursion this morning to the Cloud Forest. Definitely did not want to wander around this place on our own after our last visit. Judy is going to give it a go.

Yesterday was the Amaya Hacienda. This was a very nice relaxing visit to a Hacienda on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. About a 45 minute drive from the port and its on the map so you can see where its at on Google.

Nicaragua – the name sends shivers up and down my spine. Having cut my political teeth in the 80’s, this country and El Salvador were top of the list of place NOT to visit ‘voluntarily’ for sure. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The port itself is a typical third world/first world influx mix of shacks and cinder block houses on one end of the spectrum and brand new luxury villas and condos on the other. The people are friendly and industrious, and while there is a police presence, it is not as prevalent as Mexico, nor is it as heavily armed as Guatemala. There is also not as many high pressure ‘vendors’ as in Mexico – and rather than bookmarks, sun glasses appear to be the sales item of choice!

This is a fishing port with boats moored out in the lagoon area. Its not a deep water port and is exposed to the Pacific swell and winds – as is evidenced by the eroded cliffs and rocks around the port entrance. Tendering is required and you can easily see why the port is cancelled due to winds quite often. Beautiful area as you tender in. Relatively clean as well. No piles of garbage around the streets, but definitely the smell of the sea in the air – you know – day old fish!

Tendering was running 60 to 90 minutes behind schedule. No big deal. There were 46 on the tour, minus Judy, so the bus had only about 10 spare seats, but the A/C worked. It was hot and humid, but a cloudy sky and a bit of drizzle cooled things down substantially. Our guide was great. Native Nicaraguan, mixed heritage of Spanish and Italian, he grew up in the states during the war and came back after the reconciliation.

Very proud of what his country has achieved since the war – and he has a good reason. By 2025 the country will be 100% electrified with renewables: wind, solar, biomass and geo-thermal energy. The agrarian economy exports 40% of its production to the US and Canada and has the fertile volcanic soil typical of the region. They still are considering a sea level canal via Lake Nicaragua to counter the Panama Canal – but no one has stepped up to fund it yet.

The Hacienda itself has been converted to a restaurant and entertainment venue, but is still a working cattle ranch with some wind farming. A lot of wind was coming off the lake, and is pretty prevalent as witnessed by the large wind turbines placed all around the Hacienda. The lake was not swimmable as recent rains had turned it muddy brown with large waves and very windy weather. But the Hacienda area had an infinity pool to cool off in. Local merchants with carvings and pottery, a cow milking demonstration, a horse back riding demonstration – Spanish style, a tortilla making demonstration and lunch. You could also wander around the grounds, look for Cayman in the river next door, lounge in a hammock or just kick back with a beer. It was a very nice, enjoyable, relaxing afternoon.

The people were inviting and friendly. The owner was there, and they showed off some local dances from the various time periods of the country, including a very entertaining ‘old man’ and ‘old woman’ dance that was particularly funny.

So I have to be honest about lunch. It was delicious. Probably the best taco I’ve ever had. And you had to put a dollop of everything in the taco and eat it together. Shredded chicken, pork, ground up pork cracklings, refried beans, sweet plantains, a vinegar based slaw and a nice and spicy hot salsa. All together in one bite, it was fantastic.

However, three hours later back at the ship, it was not so comfortable as something did not agree with my digestive system – and I have, what my wife refers to, as a cast iron stomach. And because I had a particularly spicy salsa on my lunch, I knew it was lunch that was the issue – if you know what I mean.

So would I recommend the tour? Yes, with the following caveats. It’s a relaxing, easy going tour. Not an exciting zip line tour like a lot of other people took. You can walk or hike around the grounds a lot if you want. There is a lot to see, flowers, trees, birds, the views over the lake and the twin volcanoes on the island in the middle of the lake. There are other tours that also visit the Hacienda, but they don’t stay for long and don’t have lunch. Lunch is great, but you might want to go easy on the hot salsa.

So off to Puntarenas! Later!

10-19-2017 – San Juan Del Sur

Around 0500 this morning. Awoke to a meteor or UFO shower light show off the ship. Still not sure what, but it sure grabbed my interest. We’ll see if we make it into anchorage this time. The winds appear to be a bit strong with some swell, but not sure what’s going on inside the protected waters. Neither the Coral nor us made it in a couple of weeks ago.

A couple of interesting tidbits from the Captain’s Circle party. Princess is now celebrating passenger milestones – 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000 days at sea, in addition to the top 40, most traveled, etc. That is why we got the 500 day package special treatment. Can’t complain for sure! Nicely done.

Around 68% of the passengers are past passengers, but less than 200 are elite – hence the quicker laundry than last cruise. The most traveled had over 1300 days with the 2nd being over 1100 days and the third, us, at 495. Big gap. Even Paul and Elizabeth, with over 300 days, made the top 40.

The most interesting is the new ships. 4 are on order. 1 is currently under construction and will be the Royal Class – probably very similar to the Majestic. But the Captain specifically mentioned that the remaining three, with deliveries out to 2022, will have the designs tweaked a bit – the changes to be announced later. So it sounds like interior upgrades and/or major reconfigurations of services on the inside – maybe some non-structural changes to the outside. Who knows? But it sounds intriguing.

We have the Hacienda Excursion today – however, I doubt if Judy will be going. A nasty cold coupled with a hot tender ride on potentially rough waters is not a viable option. So I will probably jump on the tour and see what’s up. Seriously contemplating taking a single point and shoot camera and NO BACKPACK! You know, the way we used to go touristing…no wipes, no bug juice, no first aid kit, no towel, no water, no duct tape, no pens, no backup batteries, no charging cords…

We’ll see…Later!

10-18-2017 – At Sea to San Juan Del Sur

We shall see if we actually get off the ship tomorrow. The last time we ran into the tail end of a hurricane with gusts of 90+ knots – which meant no tendering for sure. Last night we ran into a couple of squalls that closed the deck and created a bit of shake rattle and roll, but this morning things are calm with blue skies and HOT weather.

HOT was the theme at Huatulco. This is a very nice and clean community. Security is prevalent but not shotgun toting as in Antigua and very proactive, breaking up a confrontation on the beach seconds after it started. The town of La Crucecita is brand new – only about 40 years old – so no ancient piles of rocks here. The church is very well done and mission style, as is the central park area of almost all Mexican Villages. The selling was not nearly as bad here as in Antigua or Manzanillo. Still there, but not so oppressive. Bookmarks seem to be the selling item of choice.

Even being on a Princess Tequila tour, or because of it, we had to visit several “factories” – a weavers shop, a silver factory and a tequila establishment. The weavers shop was the most intriguing of the “factories” with hand made cloth items – NOT made in China – and definitely reasonably priced for the durability and quality of the material. Had we been in a situation in which Judy could have tried on clothes, we probably would have purchased several hand made blouses and table clothes.

The silver factory had some good deals, but I doubt the owner ‘made’ all of this stuff. We bought a handmade silver cross in Puerto Vallarta and wanted a matching rough made chain to go with it, but could not find anything that jumped out at me. (I am the jewelry shopper of the family.) Did find one silver chain that came close and before I knew it, he was down to $50 (about 75% off) the tag price. Not a bad deal for the quality of the chain, but clearly machine mass produced items, not hand made as I was looking for.

The tequila tasting (305A) was completely different from the Jose Cuervo tequila tasting at Cozumel several years ago (highly recommended as well). We tried smaller pours (pony shots) of 4 tequilas (Blanco, Reposado, a two Anjeo’s), 5 Mezcals (basic, a 2 year reposado, a 4 year reposado, a blended anjeo and an 8 year anjeo), two Mezcal liqueurs (coco and passion fruit), a tequila based margarita and a Mezcal based orange drink. Munchies were home made chips, pico de galleo, guacamole and chipolatas (toasted grasshoppers). Accompaniments of lime and orange slices plus worm salt rounded out the entire setting. As long as you wanted to keep drinking, they would keep pouring.

Needless to say we had a really, really good time – especially the people closer to the bar! This was fun and Eduardo, our guide, was a lot of fun as well. The Mezcal was actually more expensive than the tequila and definitely had a distinctive taste of its own. But what shined was the mezcal derived ‘Irish liqueur’ and the passion fruit liqueur. So good we bought 2 bottles each ($14 each) to take home. Two more Christmas presents down and two more for us!

If you like drinking something different, this is definitely the tour for you.

After the tour we went back to the beach to get some ceviche and wifi. We did get ceviche, but ran into ‘theoretical’ wifi. No bandwidth at all. Could not download anything.

So if you do go ashore and want to hit the beach and update your phone, try the wifi first. Order a beer, try the wifi and if it doesn’t work, move to another restaurant.

As I said before, this tour was HOT. It was hot until we got back to the room and showered. We did make it to Rollin Jay Moore’s early show. He did pretty well. Some misses, lots of laughs, some old jokes, still funny, some new material – same old Jay. One of our favorites and a really nice guy to meet and talk to.

Then we hit Pub night before retiring. Pub night is fun, but I miss the days of the free for all pub nights of Tim Donovan in the Caribbean – and the games of Panama night on our third cruise ever – on the Island in 2004 with then Junior Assistant Cruise Director Samantha Hawker Thomas! While the new Pub night is scripted and includes the singers and dancers, it does lack some of the spontaneity of the old unscripted pub nights and the sometimes tawdry, but funny as all get out, games and jokes.

So while my cold is receding, Judy caught it and is now dealing with it while I care for her like she cared for me. Gives me time to update the blog a bit. Going to sign up for something new today. An escape room game. We’ll see how this works out.

Later!

10-17-2017 – Huatulco

Tequila tasting today, then ceviche, chips and wifi on the beach. Not much happening except normal sea day activities the past couple of days. The service remains top notch, the food in the HC exceptional – especially the cold salads!

It is hot! And humid! Almost unbearable on deck for any length of time. Really hot in the HC with the sun beating down on the windows. Sure can’t stand the direct sun for long. Last cruise it was rainy and kept the heat down. This cruise we get to find out what its like in the sunshine!

Enjoying Paul and Elizabeth’s suite. It will be a great view of the new locks as we go through the canal – especially with their two balconies.

Not only made it to the top 40 luncheon, but also got #3 on the most traveled list. First time for that. Paul and Elizabeth made it to the most traveled luncheon as well.

Since Judy is my resident tequila expert, she will get to try Mezcal for the first time today – along with some blanco, reposado and anjeo tequila. Here’s hoping she doesn’t develop a taste for more expensive stuff than Patron Silver!

Later!

10-15-2017 – Puerto Vallarta

Still fighting that cold. Nyquil, Dayquil, nap, rinse, repeat. Missed Encore on this cruise so I am glad we did it last cruise. Trying to avoid a lot of public exposure. No need to spread it around.

Not going to Wal Mart today. Got everything we needed last time we were here. Nice day. Sunny, clear sky, warm.

Met up with Paul and Elizabeth. They have a suite on the back of the ship. The deck 14 new corner suites DO NOT have a wrap around balcony as the deck plans show – it is two separate balconies. And the balconies are not very deep – no 4 top seating on a single table on the balcony. On the other hand, the Vista suites below them on Deck 12 have much deeper balconies than the deck plans show. I will try and get some pictures later in this cruise.

Judy did the Glockenspiel (an upgraded xylophone) for Octoberfest last night – playing Edelweiss . We also saw Mike Wilson – comedian/impressionist.

The new drink package is a little less than ultimate and we are subject to the new rules – no grandfathering of the old sip and sail. It is not all inclusive. Bottles of wine, canned soda and 1 liter bottles of water are 25% off – not included for free. Drinks are now up to $12, but not more than 15 per day. Gun sodas, milkshakes, small bottles of water, are included. You now have to sign a receipt – like the old days.

Tonight is Country and Western Night. Not sure what we will do. We have an excursion in Huatulco, so hoping this cold improves by then.

Later..

IslandPrincess 19 Day R/T LA Panama Canal Wrap-Up

Tips:

1 – Thefront viewing decks on 10 and 11 are open during the canal transit and are thebest views on the ship. However, keep track of the sun, as there is verylimited shade unless the sun is behind the ship – as in morning transit, northbound (Pacific to Atlantic) – the sun will rise in the south east and you willhave shade. No chairs – standing room only.

2 – Aftdeck 8 is still open for viewing at all times. Much smaller than the forwarddecks, but a very good aft view. No chairs, standing room only, mind the sun!

3 –There are indoor spaces on Deck 8 that have good views, as well as the HC onDeck 14, of the Canal crossing and are in air conditioning. Not as good asoutside, but cooler for sure.

4 – Forthis cruise, no excursions were offered during the night in Gatun Lake. But itis a perfect night for a UBD!

5 – Onthe Island, Sabatini’s becomes Alfredo’s pizza from 11:30 to 14:30. Differenttoppings, but same crust as the Pizzeria in the Lido Deck.

6 –Orange/Red striping on cabin deck carpets on Port hallways (even cabins) – butnot everywhere – so beware. Blue striping on Starboard hallways (odd cabins).Hopefully this will be fixed during dry dock – unless they are moving away fromthe color coding – in which case we will all be lost!

7 - Thelack of the Universe Lounge is really telling on Zumba and Dance classes. Zumbais held on the open deck, but its hot and the sun can give your hairline asunburn in very little time. Stake out your space in the limited shade underthe edges of deck 15. Same with Line dance class, but its later in the morningand shade is harder to find. Ballroom dance is held in the wheelhouse, butspace is very limited on the dance floor and its hot in the space.

8 –Elevators: Forward Elevators from 7 to 14 ONLY. Midship Elevators from 4 to 15.Aft Elevators from 5 to 14. Atrium Elevators from 5 to 8 ONLY.

9 –Don’t miss Encore – even if you don’t like opera. It’s a very well done show.

10 –Don’t stress over things you have no control over – like the weather. It willbe what it will be and that will be that…

10-13-2017– At Sea to Puerto Vallarta

Onenote for the GANG – WE MISS YOU GUYS!

Keptlooking around expecting someone to show up…

Turnaround was relatively painless. There was no in-transit shuffle as it was asimply hurry up and wait. The dozen or so people met in Crooner’s to be sentout to passport control, then out of the building into the street, back upthrough security and into a holding area. Around noon they let us back on theship.

Awaitingus in the cabin was a nice surprise. Chocolate dipped strawberries, a bottle ofgood champagne and a note congratulating us on our 500 cruise days. Didn’t knowwe were that close. Nice touch. Thanks Princess!

Sailawaywas almost identical to the last sailaway. Not nearly as active as the YVRsailaway – go figure. New band. We got to say goodbye to Solutions on ********** and then hello to Equinox as the new party band. Gordon and the orchestraplayed a set in the Wheelhouse and yes he mixed in the theme song to the BradyBunch in the middle of a cha-cha. (That’s how we got to know Gordon manycruises ago.)

Icaught Jim or the other Jim’s cold. So now its Nyquil, Dayquil, soup and sleepfor a few days. Nothing happening in Puerto Vallarta for us but we now haveexcursions scheduled in all the other ports. Will let you know how those go.

That’sit for now. Time for coffee – all by ourselves!

BTW - For those keeping track the most travelled guest had 868 days...we did not make the most traveled...