Live Island - Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale via Panama 17 nights

[Colo Cruiser]

Panama Canal has been our priority cruise for several years. We have pushed it out a couple of times to join family and friends on other cruise destinations.

 

This is the first cruise that we have been involved with CruiseCritic. It has really enhanced our cruise experience! We were very impressed with the officer's participation at the Meet and Greet. We have met a diverse group of people who enjoy cruising and are fun and humorous.

 

 

We have not been conforming to a rigid eating or sleeping schedule. One day we arrived at the Horizon Court 15 minutes before breakfast service ended, so we had some orange juice and then immediately had lunch. We both enjoy the Congee (rice porridge) breakfast offering. The Madras Lamb Curry at lunch was very good (hope they have it again)! We have been trying to eat a bit lightly during the day since we know that we consume quite a few food and liquid calories in the evening.

 

Brett Siborne, the Cruise Director is high energy, very visible, quick witted, very customer focused, and seems amazingly authentic. We stopped him for a quick photo at 11:30 one night and he talked with us at length. We are more impressed with Brett than we have been with any previous CD. We think that the complementing style of Assistant CD, Jason, works very well when they work together at contests or on the morning (Wake) show. The production and content quality of the 'Wake Show' is extremely good compared to similar shows on our previous cruises. The number of dedications sent in by CruiseCritic members is pretty humorous – It seems that the Wake Show is popular with many people. The rest of the cruise staff is fun and likable, too.

 

 

The Maitre D's wine tasting was good and well attended. Silvio Zampieri and several of his senior people gave a fun presentation and paired 6 wines with appropriate appetizers.

 

Anytime dining works great for us – we have been eating after 8:30 every evening and have consistently walked in to get a table of the size that we want (sometimes for two and sometimes with CruiseCritic friends). The person at the desk in the Bordeaux dining room has remembered our names and preferences since the first night and has accommodated us perfectly.

 

We enjoyed singing comedian Elliott Max, whose self deprecating humor included the obligatory buffet and shower jokes but also contained more original material. We were ejected from the Beginning Line Dancing in the interest of safety of the other participants (okay, we ejected ourselves but we are sure there were some of the participants were very experienced). We haven't really attended any of the big dance production shows yet.

 

We are in a balcony cabin on the Baja deck (B645). We like the fact that it is covered. We don't like the fact that our neighbors evidently bought a lot of Cuban cigars in Cabo (not really a big deal, we just don't like our delicate hand washables smelling like Fidel). Our room steward, Larry from the Philippines, is unobtrusive but very responsive and accommodating to our sometimes strange schedule. We have never run out of ice – Yea! The cabin is well maintained and has a good 27 inch (approximate) television. The stateroom viewing guide contains details for the whole cruise (so if we get hooked on a cute romantic comedy or interview with Angelina Jolie, we can figure out when we can catch the rest of it later).

 

Paula (Podgieree), who prepared name tags for the M&G, initiated a CruiseCritic get-together at Sunday's afternoon tea. The fourteen of us who participated had a good time and were probably more boisterous than the typical tea crowd. We had a lunch in the MDR on Tuesday. Vickie is our de facto CruiseCritic Prime Minister. Joe and Amelia are our rock of stability (we know that we can find them at at the end of the main pool during the day or sitting on particular stools at Crooner's during the evening / night). Klaus and Christa have a schedule close to our own and we run into them at the Horizon Court after midnight more times than not. We hope that we are as loving when we are married as long as Klaus and Christa – we know we won't be as active, as Doug will be 91 years old.

 

 

 

We understand that there have been some internet connectivity issues on the ship, but since we are only 'Gold' (and one of us is tight) we are taking advantage of internet cafes in our ports of call.

 

We have not watched a whole movie in Movies Under the Stars (MUTS). We have caught portions and most of a Giants game – MUTS is working well and sound is good. Last year on the Golden Princess we went to MUTS about four times – On this cruise we have been too busy making sure that Joe and Amelia are in their assigned positions or listening to Klaus tell monkey jokes at the Open Mic night.

 

Cabo San Lucas was not really a high priority port for us (and the stop was quite brief). We walked around and bought a few trinkets. We were surprised how much it seems to have grown since our last visit about 5 years ago. We did not take advantage of any of the many offers for a glass bottom boat tour. If you should ever stop in Cabo and are debating about getting off the ship, there is a large indoor souvenir market about 200 meters left after exiting the Tender pier (it is not at all high pressure). We bought a soda and used free internet (with an unfamiliar keyboard layout) at the friendly Theory Cafe (in Plaza Bonita behind Alexander's Restaurant). We walked to Cabo Wabo, but don't really know why (we walk by the one in Tahoe without giving it a second thought).

 

Without a doubt, the high point of our cruise so far (and really of our complete cruise experience) was our participation in the Chef's Table. See our posting in Princess Secrets. Maitre D' Silvio Zampieri, Executive Chef Klaus Baumgarten, and everybody else involved created a great three hour experience!

 

 

Other: The staff throughout the ship are friendly and helpful (of course many may smile at Peggy because they think she is a Filipina). There is Lotion, Shampoo, and Conditioner in the cabin. The power outlets on the desk are too close to use any of my chargers and computer AC adapter at the same time (not really a problem for us). Plenty of hot water and great water pressure. Some people we trust (Ed and Meryl) gave good reports on Sabatini's so we are probably going to eat there. We have spent less than $20 spent in the casino so far. We have done reconnaissance on the 'Secret Spots' to view the Panama Canal (we noticed that Joe and Amelia booked their cabin strategically close to it). Peggy won $60 off on Ionithermie Algae – Detox (unfortunately she is not interested but Doug is very tempted). We have only had the pizza once and afternoon cookies from the cart once (the Margherita pizza is excellent and better than the cookies). We are not making very good progress on our reading (we need to get rid of some books before FLL or face possible excess luggage charges). We are half way through our trip and so far this is our best cruise ever.

 

This was posted using very good WiFi in Puntarenas at:Internet Cyber Puntarrnas (near the Cultural Center and Church)

 

 

Excellent!! Thanks for adding to the live!

 

Really good to see PSD Emilio Mazzi in your photo.

If you see him around please say hello for us. :)

[genevieve7000]

DandP, thank you for your very witty and informative post! This has been a great thread to read. This itinerary is on our wish list!!

[Woobstr112G]

DandP, thank you for your very witty and informative post! This has been a great thread to read. This itinerary is on our wish list!!

 

Allow me to also add my kudos as well......Loved reading it.....:):):)

 

Bob

[csss]

Hope this finds you and Bernie well. Ron was just on the Island before the dry dock with his 90 year old Mom on the final Alaska voyage of the year. They had a lovely time. Where else will you be after this trip? We are off to Europe in 4 weeks to meet the Star, and then will be doing some exploring on land, then a TA on - horrors - another line. Would have done Princess for the TA, but the dates did not work for us this year. Once back in the Caribbean, we are hanging out in San Juan this year. Will be on the Caribbean Princess off and on, again with another line thrown in. A little variety for us this year. Let's compare if our paths will cross again soon...

 

Meanwhile, smooth sailing to you two...

Carole (plus Ron)

[vickie_bernie]

Hope this finds you and Bernie well. Ron was just on the Island before the dry dock with his 90 year old Mom on the final Alaska voyage of the year. They had a lovely time. Where else will you be after this trip? We are off to Europe in 4 weeks to meet the Star, and then will be doing some exploring on land, then a TA on - horrors - another line. Would have done Princess for the TA, but the dates did not work for us this year. Once back in the Caribbean, we are hanging out in San Juan this year. Will be on the Caribbean Princess off and on, again with another line thrown in. A little variety for us this year. Let's compare if our paths will cross again soon...

 

Meanwhile, smooth sailing to you two...

Carole (plus Ron)

 

Nice to hear from you.... we have a back to back planned on the Emerald for January and we are buying two future crusie credits for South America in 2012 Santiago to Rio then Rio to Fort Lauderdale. I am sure we will sail sometime in between. But nothing set.

[vickie_bernie]

hello everyone, i know it has been two days, but yesterday we were in port all day and when i finally got back on and went up to the internet yup you guessed it it was down, and still down in the evening.

 

We are having a GREAT time. The cruise critic gang is wonderful and have made the voyage even better. Craig/Barbara kindly are organizing a the photo staff to take a group picture when we are in Columbia after we sail for those that are interested, he even hand delivered an invitation to attend (so it does help to post your cabin # once on board, we have done lots of activities and knowing the cabin has only helped get the word out).

 

I finally won one of the morning show trivia questions... I won a Panama Note pad.

 

We spent the entire afternoon two days ago in the Sanctuary... ah pure bliss it is just too noisy everywhere else. But be aware the sun is very strong, even with two applications of 50 spf I did get a little red in those sensitive areas.

 

Yesterday we were in Costa Rica and we had a private tour booked - we were met very efficiently as soon as we got off and we were off, there were only 8 of us and we stopped first at the river to see the crocodiles, omg there must of been about 20 of them, huge!!! Then we went to a National Park and did a trail walk for about an hour. Our guide was very good, he pointed out things we just never would of seen. Back in the van and we visited a small resort/village that was cute but really could of been missed. Then we were off to the town of Orinita (sorry not sure of spelling) we sopped for a wonderful lunch of local food. Bernie and I at a huge meal and two beers all for $12. Back to Puteranas and check out the point and then we walked toward the down town. Had HUGE laugh cause Bernie was just ahead of me by about 20 feet and he walked by a bar where a guy was trying to get him to come in, he said "beer, cigars, dancing,..... sex" Bernie turned towards the guy and said "oh no thanks, if I am going to get any sex it will have to be from her" good answer dear! :p

 

I was fading fast, it had been a long day so we were back on board the ship around 3:30, we ordered quick room service and then fell asleep for about an hour. We opted for a later dinner and went to the dining room around 745 and sat with four lovely ladies from Canada. Poor Bernie the only man at the table, he sufferred ! He loved it. Our waiter was Rommel and I have to say so far this voyage he has been the best.

 

i should also say we did go and see the future cruies host (velma) about South America trip on a b2b for 2012 and she was wanting to book us. She tried to book us on the entire 29 days and said oh it was good we were booking early as lots of space etc. Then when we said we would book as two separate voyages and link the two she said not a good idea as you wouldn't get the same cabin and it was cheaper as 29 days. When we explained we would be get fcc for two obc and then the stock credits plus two sailing credits. She said yes that is true but you won't get the same cabin or are not guaranteed the same cabin and that not that many cabins were available. Right then we knew there was no way we would book with her and wait till we got home and used our TA.

 

Last night was very very quiet, there was the international Crew show with If I were not upon the sea, which we opted out of as we have seen many many times. And pretty much every where else there was no body. I think everyone was tired and there wasn't a lot going on, a movie in the Universe Lounge (night and Day) and MUTS was showing something too. We ended up playing mini golf ( at 11 pm ) fun.

 

There was unfortunately a death and the body and family got off yesterday. Also at least one person was taken to the hospital yesterday along with their fellow guests and did not return. I know that Princess took very good care of the families in both cases. I wish both famlies all the best.

 

Clocks went forward an hour last night (we are now two hours ahead of Vancouver time).

 

Today as per the patters: Fisherman's Deck BBQ at noon, English Pub Lunch, Onboard Outlet Sale (get your Alaska souvenirs), Cooking Class, Ceramics at sea, Morning trivia, bingo, pictionary, lecture on Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Closest to the pin contest, elevator roulette (which I will take part in), lecture on the Panama Canal, afternoon tea, water volleyball.

 

computers at sea, Photoshop fix images, basics, beyond basics, micosoft movie maker, and computer basics each is $25.

 

Movie in room Knight and Day, Movies under the Stars Metropolis, Tina Turner concert and Avatar. Tonight Spotlight Showtime Los Gauchos, then Movie Clash of the Titans. Newlwed Not so Newlwed game show. Then Adrian Zame in Concert.

 

Tommorow we are in Fuerto Amador (Panama City) we have another private tour booked to the Embera Indidan Village. Friends are using the same company but for a city tour.

 

Chao for now.

[Colo Cruiser]

What a great day. Busy busy busy. :D

[Colo Cruiser]

[Woobstr112G]

Sounds like a very busy fun filled day. Enjoy your day in Panama as well.....:):):)

 

Bob

[Seal]

Maybe you could ask her to check on whatever cabin numbers (area) you want and see what is available on both cruises--we've picked them that way and linked them later after getting home if it is confusing to the future cruise person--usually they can tell you what is available on #1 and what is available on #2--some of these folks are very good---others not so much !!!

 

Good Luck

 

Nancy:D

[Colo Cruiser]

Maybe you could ask her to check on whatever cabin numbers (area) you want and see what is available on both cruises--we've picked them that way and linked them later after getting home if it is confusing to the future cruise person--usually they can tell you what is available on #1 and what is available on #2--some of these folks are very good---others not so much !!!

 

Good Luck

 

Nancy:D

 

 

I agree with Vickie, dealing with some of those future cruise reps can be frustrating. Some don't know squat. :(

I won't deal face to face with one again.

We search/book when we get home.

[cruzisme]

Thank you Vickie for your updates; glad you are enjoying the CC group and all the various activities etc. onboard. Sounds like you are very busy!

Continue having a good time and we will live vicariously through you!

It is overcast with showers today in Lower Mainland the dollar is almost at par with US. Canucks lost to Anaheim last night.

[countrycruzr]

Thanks so much for the class info! Can't wait to hear about your Embera Village experience as we have this one booked. Have a great time!

[konatyme]

Vickie,

Also can't wait to hear about your Embera Indian village tour. We have one booked in Dec. with MyFriendMario (Did I see a message earlier that you're going on that one as well? Can't remember.) Enjoying all your posts very much & taking notes!!:D

[5:00_Somewhere]

First of all, Vickie, you're a peach for taking the time to post all your live updates. I love reading them! Sounds like a wonderful trip, and is making me look forward all the more to our Panama Canal trip on the Coral next spring.

 

Also, somehow I missed this:

 

lol ahhh the other night we were in Explorer's where Brett was hosting an event and I said hi and he said "are you hosting a live thread as some friends of mine commented on your nice words" I replied "nope couldn't of been my posts as I only said bad things about you Brett --- Kidding" He is really great, very up beat and very approachable. We are looking forward to Kim coming back on in Costa Rica. We have sailed with Brett before but he was deputy cruise director then... he is doing a great job as Cruise Director.

 

That's wonderful. I'm sure he got a kick out of that.

 

Brett was the very first person we ever met on a Princess ship. He was at the top of the gangway taking cruisecards as we boarded our first cruise ever. He was smiling and friendly from the moment we stepped foot on board, and he went out of his way to make sure we (and everyone else) were having a wonderful cruise the entire trip. We kept in touch over the years, cruised with him a few more times and have even gotten together off ship. He's really a great guy, and we're so happy that he finally made CD.

 

Hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise ..., as if there were any doubt. ;)

[vickie_bernie]

Maybe you could ask her to check on whatever cabin numbers (area) you want and see what is available on both cruises--we've picked them that way and linked them later after getting home if it is confusing to the future cruise person--usually they can tell you what is available on #1 and what is available on #2--some of these folks are very good---others not so much !!!

 

Good Luck

 

Nancy:D

 

Can do it better myself when I get home... without pulling my hair out.

 

I agree with Vickie, dealing with some of those future cruise reps can be frustrating. Some don't know squat. :(

I won't deal face to face with one again.

We search/book when we get home.

 

you took the words right out of my mouth.

 

Today we are in Panama, can not talk long as we have to head down to get tender to do Embera Indian Village with My Friend Mario as posted above.

 

Love the bayou for dinner last night, and the Captain Circle Party was yesterday too. Had a great time with Brett and Kim and a few others. Jasper Moose Jaw our mascot is getting a bit of trouble, can't post pictures till i get home as he may get in trouble. He is hoping to get on the morning show... will keep you updated.

 

bye for now oh here is where you can watch us travel thru the panama canal tomorrow Sat... we should be starting around 5 am Central Time.

 

Here is a great link to some live cams try and find us tomorrow as we sail thru the canal. http://www.canal-cruise-panama.com/panama-canal-live-cams.html

[2martinis]

What great postings, thank you. We are also using Mario for the same tour next month . Please tell us how you liked it or was the visit to the village hokey.How comfortable is the canoe trip to get there.Thanks

[Woobstr112G]

Can do it better myself when I get home... without pulling my hair out.

 

 

 

you took the words right out of my mouth.

 

Today we are in Panama, can not talk long as we have to head down to get tender to do Embera Indian Village with My Friend Mario as posted above.

 

Love the bayou for dinner last night, and the Captain Circle Party was yesterday too. Had a great time with Brett and Kim and a few others. Jasper Moose Jaw our mascot is getting a bit of trouble, can't post pictures till i get home as he may get in trouble. He is hoping to get on the morning show... will keep you updated.

 

bye for now oh here is where you can watch us travel thru the panama canal tomorrow Sat... we should be starting around 5 am Central Time.

 

Here is a great link to some live cams try and find us tomorrow as we sail thru the canal. http://www.canal-cruise-panama.com/panama-canal-live-cams.html

 

Vicki;

 

Glad you enjoyed the Bayou. If we ever cruise the Coral or Island, I definitely want to try it.....:):):)

 

Bob

[CruzinNoony]

It sounds like Brett is reading your "live from". We were on the Crown TA Sept. '08 with Brett (DCD) and Kelvin (CD). There are a hoot!! The morning show was not to be missed. We were on a roll and our names were drawn lots of times; it became very amusing! So, if you are reading this, Brett, congratulations on becoming CD and I hope Bob and I are able to travel with you again some time! Meredith:)

[Tophat4321]

Vicki;

 

Glad you enjoyed the Bayou. If we ever cruise the Coral or Island, I definitely want to try it.....:):):)

 

Bob

 

We enjoyed our dinner in the Bayou last April and our next trip on the Coral or Island will return for another fine meal. I passed on the Gater.

[spingal]

Vickie,

 

Here is a strange request!!!

 

If you have a chance can you find out if the saunas in the spa are co-ed or are for men and women only? My folks and I are looking at one of Panama Canal sailings in 2011 on the Island. I noticed there are two saunas in the spa area on the deck plan. My Dad loves using the sauna but prefers that they are not co-ed and instead are for men and women only. I am hoping that one of the saunas is for men and the other is for women.

 

Thank you!! :D:D

 

P.S. Told you it was a strange request!!!

[2Badgers]

Vickie-thanks for the Panama Canal web cams link! We'll be watching you as you transit tomorrow, and cruising through with you in spirit:D

Glad to hear you're having such a great time. Our best to you and Bernie.

-Ann and Keith

[vickie_bernie]

Vickie,

 

Here is a strange request!!!

 

If you have a chance can you find out if the saunas in the spa are co-ed or are for men and women only? My folks and I are looking at one of Panama Canal sailings in 2011 on the Island. I noticed there are two saunas in the spa area on the deck plan. My Dad loves using the sauna but prefers that they are not co-ed and instead are for men and women only. I am hoping that one of the saunas is for men and the other is for women.

 

Thank you!! :D:D

 

P.S. Told you it was a strange request!!!

 

not really strange as I actually know the answer, not co ed. I used them one day. I was the only one in the woman's, didn't attempt to enter the mens :p

 

 

 

We are currently in the Canal, we have cleared the first two sets of locks and are sailing thru the cut towards Gutan Lake. I anticipate we will be at the Gutan locks around 2 pm, 11 Pacific time. Check out the webcams. http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html?cam=Miraflores

 

Our balcony is Port side and is easily recognizable because of all the Canadian flags, one windsock flag.

 

Had a great day, actually excellent day in Panama. Mario jr was there to greet us. Note all the early tenders are for the ships tours so note when booking mario that you will not be able to get a tender until around 9:30. We got the second tender because of elite status, and it was just the two of us on the tour which was led by Mario Sr. who the web site is named after he is teh "real" My friend Mario and told us the story how he got that name. Mario is 65 but my god he is young for his age.

 

The village is everything I expected. The Princess tour went to a different village. The canoes they take you up in are rather easy to manuver, I felt safe, the bench is wooden and you can/will get a little dirty and possibly wet. I can't go into details right now but I will be updated my blog when I get back and will post a link with pictures. Truely amazing you will not be disappointed, and it was extra special because Mario had a group of just us where the hotel tour that was also there had about 22 people!

 

Last night was island deck party and we had a fun time! Hot though... but danced off our dinner. The cruise staff really made it fun.

 

The lecturer Dr. Thomas Ryan is really starting to get on my nerves though... he really needs to keep his political views to himself. And if he says "I'll believe it when I see it" another time I will puke. You can listen to the comentary in your cabin, but even at the highest volumne you can't hear it on your balcony.

 

Well I better get going so i can enjoy the cut.

 

Vickie

 

oh Jasper Moose jaw our mascot will be on the morning show tomorrow or the next day.

[Woobstr112G]

not really strange as I actually know the answer, not co ed. I used them one day. I was the only one in the woman's, didn't attempt to enter the mens :p

 

 

 

We are currently in the Canal, we have cleared the first two sets of locks and are sailing thru the cut towards Gutan Lake. I anticipate we will be at the Gutan locks around 2 pm, 11 Pacific time. Check out the webcams. http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html?cam=Miraflores

 

Our balcony is Port side and is easily recognizable because of all the Canadian flags, one windsock flag.

 

Had a great day, actually excellent day in Panama. Mario jr was there to greet us. Note all the early tenders are for the ships tours so note when booking mario that you will not be able to get a tender until around 9:30. We got the second tender because of elite status, and it was just the two of us on the tour which was led by Mario Sr. who the web site is named after he is teh "real" My friend Mario and told us the story how he got that name. Mario is 65 but my god he is young for his age.

 

The village is everything I expected. The Princess tour went to a different village. The canoes they take you up in are rather easy to manuver, I felt safe, the bench is wooden and you can/will get a little dirty and possibly wet. I can't go into details right now but I will be updated my blog when I get back and will post a link with pictures. Truely amazing you will not be disappointed, and it was extra special because Mario had a group of just us where the hotel tour that was also there had about 22 people!

 

Last night was island deck party and we had a fun time! Hot though... but danced off our dinner. The cruise staff really made it fun.

 

The lecturer Dr. Thomas Ryan is really starting to get on my nerves though... he really needs to keep his political views to himself. And if he says "I'll believe it when I see it" another time I will puke. You can listen to the comentary in your cabin, but even at the highest volumne you can't hear it on your balcony.

 

Well I better get going so i can enjoy the cut.

 

Vickie

 

oh Jasper Moose jaw our mascot will be on the morning show tomorrow or the next day.

 

Vicki;

 

Thanks for the report.....:):):)

 

Bob

[spingal]

Thanks Vickie!!! I will tell my Dad!! Hope to be able to book the 3/30 sailing from Fort Lauderdale to LA.

 

I enjoy reading your posts. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this! :D