Island Princess 10-Day Panama Canal Review - Not quite LIVE ... but close

[sunshine nana]

What a great review! Thanks. We plan on doing the 10 day as soon as DH retires (he can't get away in the winter). One question, did you talk with anyone who did the train excursion along the Canal? DH is a train buff and wants to go to the Pacific on the train.

[SweetAngel]

One question, did you talk with anyone who did the train excursion along the Canal? DH is a train buff and wants to go to the Pacific on the train.

 

No, I didn't talk to anyone who took the train. Anyone else want to jump in here?

 

I remember that when I was choosing my excursions, I did read a lot of good reviews on the train ride.

 

For me, though, I felt the Panama Canal should be toured the way it was designed ... by water through the locks.

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – More from the National Museum of Costa Rica

 

I want to say a couple more things about the National Museum. Our guide talked so much about these things that I guess I feel compelled not to leave them out.

 

If you look at the picture of the building, you can still see bullet holes in the corner turrets from the Civil War of 1948.

 

 

Many of the artifacts in the museum are ancient. There is a jade carving that is 2500 years old! The lighting on that piece was not very good for my camera, but here is another carved piece of jade from the museum.

 

 

A separate vault houses a collection of Pre-Columbian gold jewelry and figurines. Here is an eagle.

 

 

Other objects of interest are the metates (grinding stones). The Costa Rican metates are more ornately designed than ones you’ve probably seen anywhere else. Some of the metates are the size of a small bed and are believed to be part of the funeral rite.

 

 

There is also a pretty outdoor courtyard with native plants and a view of the city.

 

 

And since I have room for one more picture here, I’ll include the giant pictograph.

 

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – Stop #4: Shopping in Moravia

 

As our bus drove through San Jose, our guide pointed out other sites around the city such as the University of Costa Rica.

 

 

This picture shows a busy section of the city. McDonalds is common throughout the Caribbean, but this was the first Burger King I saw.

 

 

In the pleasant district of Moravia, we made our final stop.

 

 

We spent about 30 minutes shopping at a little gift shop here. Being a butterfly lover, I splurged on one of the blue morphos shown here ($16). I really loved Costa Rica, and I wanted to take something beautiful home with me to remember the country.

 

 

The guide did not talk quite as much on the way back (which is fairly standard on these types of tours). This was the time to relax or read a book. I watched the scenery as the rain moved in.

 

Although we ran out of time to try and fit in the pineapple plantation, our guide still wanted to do something special for us. He asked the bus driver to stop on the side of the road, and then both of them ran out to collect a poisonous frog to show us. It was the strawberry poison frog. Yes, it was poisonous! The bus driver carried it down the aisle in a drinking glass to show everyone. JD also saw this same kind of frog on his own private tour, so I have included both of our pictures here.

 

 

Honestly, this tour was a bargain at $94. For that price you got:

· a bus drive across the country (Gas alone would cost you that much.)

· a 10-hour tour with a great guide and great driver

· admission to two national treasures

· lunch in a truly enchanting gourmet restaurant

[Miss Bea]

Thank you for such a wonderful review. I will be on this cruise Jan 29th with five friends. When you finish this report, I will be sending it to them.

 

Do you think the portside cabins vs starboard provided the best views?

 

I'm anxious to see what you have to say in the next report.

[JeunosDad]

Hello everyone. I didn't plan an excursion for myself in Costa Rica ahead of time but after I got off the ship, I decided wanted to see a rain forest. I met a guy who runs his own private tours named Joshua and he turned out to be very helpful.

 

Joshua is very friendly and reliable. He drove me to the Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Center and waited 3 hours for me there while I took the tour and then drove me back to the ship. I recommend him if you are interested in a private tour for a group of 4 or less people.

 

He can take you anywhere you would like to go. His website is http://joshuatours.tripod.com

 

 

Keep up the great review Angel. It's awesome! :)

[SweetAngel]

Hi JD! :)

 

So, JD just told you where he went. We'll be posting some pictures to show you a little of what he saw.

 

The ship also has an excursion that goes to Veragua Rainforest Research and Adventure Center.

 

Here is the Princess description to give you an idea of what JD did while he was there:

 

"See Costa Rica's best snake, frog, and butterfly exhibitions, in an unparalleled interactive set-up, designed and managed under the scientific expertise of the National Biodiversity Institute (INBio), a world-renowned research and conservation organization that discovers new wildlife species every year. Next embark the state-of-the-art open-air aerial gondola that will take you on an enchanting ride through the canopy level of the rainforest. During the ride admire 300-year-old trees and enjoy fantastic uninterrupted views of the virgin rainforest in the largest national park in Central America. Upon reaching the river, disembark and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the rainforest on the "Trail of the Giants," so named due to the gigantic trees that line the trails. View the magnificent two-tiered, 65-foot-tall Puma Waterfall. Your adventure culminates in a visit to the biological research station managed by the INBio."

[Jaberwocky]

Angel,

I am loving your review, as we will be on the Island in March. Could you tell me if there were any scrapbooking classes offered while you were on the cruise? Thanks!

[SweetAngel]

Do you think the portside cabins vs starboard provided the best views?

Good question.

I definitely would prefer portside because, on this cruise, that was the side that was usually turned toward the countries as we approached and when docked. Our balcony breakfast in Cartegena would not have been so amazing if we were on Starboard side.

In the Panama Canal, the welcome building with its sign and flag are also on portside (the South American side).

The beautiful mountains of Costa Rica and the sites of Aruba are both on portside as you approach.

Only in Jamaica were we docked in the opposite direction. There the starboard side got the best view.

[SweetAngel]

Could you tell me if there were any scrapbooking classes offered while you were on the cruise?

 

I could not find any scrapbooking classes listed in the daily Patters.

 

On Day 2, there was a class called “Arts & Crafts @ Sea.” They made travel diaries. There was a $7 charge for materials.

 

On Day 3, there was a flower arranging class (charge for materials).

 

There were also several Ceramics @ Sea classes (usually about $35).

[RickEk]

No, I didn't talk to anyone who took the train. Anyone else want to jump in here?

 

I remember that when I was choosing my excursions, I did read a lot of good reviews on the train ride.

 

For me, though, I felt the Panama Canal should be toured the way it was designed ... by water through the locks.

 

On our first cruise to the Canal, we took the train. It was very interesting, we saw the Bridge of the Americas and the locks at Miraflores from their Visitor Center.

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – JD’s Veragua Rainforest Pictures

 

You can see the collection of JD’s pictures from Veragua Rainforest at:

 

http://s362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/moonbutterfly1/Island%20Princess%20Oct%202009/Island%20Princess%20Ports/Costa%20Rica/Veragua%20Rainforest/

 

Here are some highlights –

 

Aerial Gondola

 

 

 

 

The Veragua Rainforest

 

 

 

Trail of the Giants leading through the National Park

 

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – JD’s Veragua Rainforest Pictures

 

Savage’s Thin-Toed Frog

 

 

Butterfly Display

 

 

ButterflyGarden

 

 

 

Puma Waterfall

 

 

[jt1120]

We leave on Friday and I can't thank you enough for the pictures and review. You are one special person, sweet angel!

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – Back Onboard

 

NOTE - The ship does not change its time to Costa Rica time, so it is important to remember to set your watches to ship time when you are ashore.

 

Even after my long excursion, I was not nearly as tired as yesterday. Maybe it was the Costa Rican magic. Maybe it was because I knew I could finally sleep in tomorrow.

 

I watched sailaway from my balcony, still wearing my Costa Rican flower.

 

 

A balcony is a big splurge. I know that sometimes you can save enough money with an interior cabin to buy yourself another whole cruise. But, for me, the balcony adds a great deal to my enjoyment. When you have an interior room, it can be dark, tight, and even claustrophobic. You have to run out to a deck somewhere just to check the weather or appreciate the scenery. You end up using your room only to dress and sleep.

 

But when you have a balcony, you truly enjoy coming to the room after a long day. A full wall of windows makes the room seem so much bigger! It’s relaxing and refreshing to have that personal space to take in the wonderful outdoor surroundings. Sometimes eating out on the balcony is much more enjoyable than eating a gourmet meal in the dining room. And watching sailaway from your balcony, when you don’t have any more energy to run out to a deck and stand with a bunch of strangers, is so serenely satisfying.

 

All Aboard was 5:30 pm, just in time for dinner. Horizon Court had an Oktoberfest Dinner Buffet from 5:30-11:00 pm, but we ate in the dining room. JD and I told each other about our different trips over dinner. I was really happy that he decided to get off the ship and go see Costa Rica. It was just too beautiful to miss.

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – Italian Night in the Dining Room

 

Dinner tonight was very special. It was Italian Night in the dining room, and all the waiters dressed in traditional striped Italian shirts.

 

 

The Italian theme went right along with all of the Italian art I had seen today at the National Theater. Everyone was hungry from the long day ashore, so the Bordeaux Dining Room was pretty busy. There was no chance of getting a window seat tonight. Even so, we did not have to wait to eat, not even for a table-for-two.

 

For an appetizer, we had the cheese plate.

 

 

Tonight, the barley soup had meat and seasonings added to it, so I thought I’d give it a second try. Now this was very good. This must have been the version that yesterday’s waiter was trying to recommend.

 

 

I had the shrimp entrée and JD had the entrée below. Both were wonderful -- as we have come to expect with Princess.

 

 

Tonight’s dessert was my absolute favorite of the entire cruise! It was called Frutta e Fruiti di Bosco Gratinati. It was a vanilla custard with tangy berries. It was the perfect dessert for berry lovers like me.

 

 

The dessert choices were so appealing that JD even gave up his Love Boat Dream. He tried the Tiramisu, which was a great dessert for coffee lovers.

 

[SweetAngel]

Day 7 – Nightlife Onboard

 

Even though this was a port day, there were a lot of activities going onboard Island Princess tonight. The Production Show was “Motor City.” It’s one of the good ones, so be sure to see it. We arrived about 20 minutes early to get good seats up close and center again. The singers and dancers on this ship are as good as it gets. When you sit up close, you can see the great expression on their faces.

 

After the show, we hurried back to the room to put on our jeans for the Country and Western Hoe-Down Party in Explorer’s Lounge at 9:15. This was great fun! It is amazing how much activity the cruise directors can pack into one hour. First they did a bunch of line dances – all dances that we learned in class throughout the week. Then the cruise directors did a line dance of their own. They invited us to try and follow them, but no one could do it. Next, there was a slow dance, which was a smart way to get all the couples on the floor for the next activity …a fun and easy hoe-down circle dance with partners. They taught us the dance first. Then, once we got going, we switched partners a bunch of times. It was a good old time!

 

Before anyone could leave the dance floor, the cruise directors arranged us into a circle for a shootout cowboy game. This was an elimination game where you had to react fast (or die). Everyone eventually got "shot" until there were only two players left … and guess what … JD was one of the winners! Then the two remaining players had an old-fashioned shootout with a surprise ending. JD won a Princess tote bag.

 

Now you see why we had to buy the cruise DVD. After the Mr. Island Princess competition and winning the shootout, JD was just one of the stars of the whole video. Nearly everyone onboard knew him by now. Every now and then, someone would even stop and compliment him on his ballet skills. :)

 

At 10:15, the cowboy party was suddenly transformed into a game show, Jeopardy. There were a lot of people playing and the mood was very festive. The trivia questions were divided into categories, and the cruise directors kept bringing us play money for our correct answers. There were a couple answers that only a few teams could guess. We always enjoyed getting those ones right.

 

At 11 pm was Country Karaoke (but you were not limited to country songs). It was nice just to sing for fun without having to be in competition. A lot of people stayed to watch the singers. Since JD and I sang at every karaoke event, the cruise directors were getting to know us pretty well.

 

There were only a handful of kids on this whole ship, and we hardly even saw them the whole cruise. Tonight, though, two young girls sang karaoke. I thought it was nice for them to get to do that with us … and they sang very well.

 

Then there was dancing to Cruise Director Amanda’s DJ music. All of these events happened in one location, Explorer’s Lounge, one right after the other. There were other events going on elsewhere throughout the ship as well, a blackjack special in the Casino, Roger Carr playing piano in Crooner’s Bar, the Rosie Quartet in Wheelhouse Bar, The Dino Fiumara Trio in the Bayou Café, and Comedian Jason Neisdtadt in the Universe Lounge.

 

We had been sailing a whole week now. We had wonderful weather, visited several fascinating countries (all on schedule) and participated in so very many onboard activities. It was hard to believe we had two more sea days and another port still ahead! This was my first 10-day cruise, and having that extra time onboard was perfect. JD and I really got to know the ship. Now it will be much harder for me to settle with 7-day cruises in the future. :(

 

Then, something strange – Now this doesn’t happen to most people, but JD and I got stuck in the elevator!

 

 

You know that emergency button? Well, it does actually work, and fast too. A voice came on the speaker and asked, “Can I help you?”

 

If I was alone … or if I was with a bunch of strangers ... then it might have been unpleasant. But it was just JD and me, and I have to say we enjoyed those 10 minutes.

 

Since I hadn’t won any prizes yet (and not due to lack of trying), I was really hoping Princess would give us some little token or gesture for our inconvenience, but alas, no. A maintenance man simply pulled apart the doors (Hmm, maybe we could have tried that???) and sent us on our merry way.

[caribill]

Then, something strange – Now this doesn’t happen to most people, but JD and I got stuck in the elevator!

 

 

 

Great photo for the quarterly Princess photo contest.

[Matti]

Wow, that must have been an interesting cruising experience.

 

You're lucky it wasn't in one of those glass elevators in the atrium. That would have looked weird to the people standing outside :p.

[Colo Cruiser]

Fantastic review!! Thank you for taking the time to put this all together.

[sloney]

Hi Sweet Angel,

 

Another person wrote a reveiw of their Island princess cruise and she said that the bed linens were worn, torn, and full of holes. Could you please comment on that?

 

BTW, I love your review. It sounds like you had the best time!

 

sloney

[Richard in Panama]

Great review! Thanks for all the pictures and observations and all the work! Regards, Richard

[sunsetbeachgal]

Hi Angel!

 

We are on the Island right now-it is wonderful! We enjoyed your review to get us excited about this excursion-today is our second sea day, so tomorrow we start off with these wonderful ports!

 

To the person who asked about complaints about linens and bedding-none here, and our traveling companions are happy with everything as well. Everything is just wonderful so far!

[west coast cruiser]

Hi Angel!

 

We are on the Island right now-it is wonderful! We enjoyed your review to get us excited about this excursion-today is our second sea day, so tomorrow we start off with these wonderful ports!

 

To the person who asked about complaints about linens and bedding-none here, and our traveling companions are happy with everything as well. Everything is just wonderful so far!

 

Glad to hear you are enjoying the cruise. I hope we get some more posts from you. We will be on the Island on Jan. 9th.

WCC

[west coast cruiser]

Sweet Angel,

Thank you so much for the time you have put into this review. It is much appreciated and I have really enjoyed it. We will be on the Jan. 9th cruise.

WCC