Live Emerald Princess Panama Canal LA to Ft. Lauderdale 2/16 to 3/3

[Travelw]

My wife and I disembarked the ship the day you arrived.  I agree food quality was very good i main dining room.  The issue we had was selection of items, at least three days could not find anything that really interests us.

very few people were wearing masks, but many people coughing, sneezing and blowing nose.  We did not get sick but couple we traveled with did get colds.  They brought home Covid test kits with them and tested negative.

Overall very nice and relaxing trip.

[pmallen]

Forgot these.

[pmallen]

Day 9: Puntarenas, Costa Rica.

 

This was a very fun stop. We took the river rafting excursion. This trip was more a float than any sort of whitewater rafting. The Princess version of thuis trip was sold out, so we booked it through Shore Excursions Group, and were very satisfied. Unlike the Primcess excursions, which got picked up right off the ship, we had to walk down to the end of the pier, which took maybe 5 minutes.

 

The trip was about 1 hour 45 min each way, which was the one downside of the trip. Most of it was on the Pan American Highway, much of which was a brand new, 4-lane road.  The rest is pretty rough. We had a half way pit stop where there was food for purchase, bathrooms, and scarlet macaws up in the trees.

 

We arrived at our put in spot, which includes a restaurant and shop. They divided us into two groups and put us in rubber rafts with a guide, who did all the rowing. You will get wet on this trip, so plan accordingly. You also need to be able to get in and out of the raft on some pretty tricky terrain.

 

We floated down river for about 90 min. Along the way, we saw many crocodiles, tons of iguana, and several monkey, both Howlers and Capuchins. And many different birds. The weather was gorgeous. Along the way we pulled out for a brief water and snack break. When we pulled out, they took us back to the putnin, where we had a lunch of rice and beams with chicken or fish, soup, and some ice cream.

 

Juan, our guide on the way up and down, did a great job pointing out sights, and gamely answering questions about Costa Rican politics, history and culture.

 

After we got back from rafting, we wandered the waterfront a bit. Lots of great restaurants in the port area, as well as shopping.

 

Overall, a great port stop.

[Robbie555]

Have you been playing in any of the trivia games or sports contests? If you have, then have you won any of the assorted prizes? I was in the 12/3/22 - 12/18/22 sailing from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and managed to win at least one of the five prizes offered:

 

1. Blue Princess Coaster (most common)

2. Blue Princess Notebook

3. Gray Princess Bag

4. Champagne Bottles

5. Princess medals (hardest to get and may only be awarded in sports contests)

 

Attached are the assorted prizes. As a challenge, try to win at least one of each award.

 

 

[Essiesmom]

Cocoli locks

 

 

[Essiesmom]

Sneaking a peek at Zaandam in the Pedro Miguel locks

 

 

[pmallen]

2 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

Cocoli locks

 

 

That's us!

 

Robie555, yes, we've played trivia a few times, no prizes so far. The "Guess the Commercial" game was HILARIOUS!

[pmallen]

Day 10: At Sea.

 

Not a ton to report here. Another relaxed sea day. Fitness Center, Promenade deck ealk, breakfast, adjourn to the Sanctuary.

 

Tonight we had dinner in Sabatini's. It was fabulous! They've changed the menu recently, and I think it's a lot more like the original. You can try multiple of the appetizers, the pastas are.excellent, and they have veal osso bucco back on the menu. Pro tip: the dessert sampler looks like the way to go. DW wasn't feeling well and skipped dinner, so we're going to to happily go again so she.doesnt miss out.

 

A word about entertainment: we've found it pretty hit or miss. Now, thisnjs extremely subjective, so someone else may have lived it all. But the comedians have been better in Explorers late, where they can let their hair down a bit. There's been one production show so far, which was good. Lots of solo musicians, which hasn't really done it for us. In the lounges some have been quite good, some only so-so.

 

Again, your mileage may vary.

[pmallen]

Day 11: Fuerte Amador (or Puerto Amador, Princess seems conflicted)

 

I woke up with the thrusters firing off at about 4:30 and went onto our balcony to watch our approach. This was advertised as a tender port, but we docked at the still-under-construction cruise terminal. Apparently, they are trying to pitch Panama City as a start/end point for cruises, and the new terminal looks like it will be fabulous. Today, it necessitates a ride from the ship to restaurants/shopping/taxis in the port area.

 

We did the Panama Canal Railroad excursion which was, honestly, only ok. Contrary to the info from Princess, the train ride was round trip, which was nice. I think this might have to do with there not being a lot of ships in right now, so you may have a different experience. The train was nice, and the cars were very comfortable. The guide was OK, but not very patient with . . . silly questions. There is a short bus ride from the ship to the train station in Balboa, and again from the station in Colon to the locks. We went to the observation station at the Agua Clara locks, and caught a ship just leaving the middle lock, but not much else. The gift shop is limited. Coffee is served on the train ride up, with other beverages for sale. The description call for a "light snack," which consisted of a couple slices of turkey in a hot dog bun, with a packet of mayonnaise. I'm not kidding.

 

Back on the train, we got a commemorative snack  box including chips and cookies. There was another beverage service.

 

Overall, it was about an 8 hour day from when we assembled in the theater. Not a terrible trip, but I'd probably do a different one given another chance.

 

Meanwhile, had a fueling operation today off our side of the ship, which was interesting.

 

Pictures of the train, fueling, sunset over Panama Bay and the lights of Panama City.

[pmallen]

Forgot the train.

[Solara]

Wondering about dining rooms.  Michelangelo Deck 5 midship wasn’t listed as open on your patter until 2 days ago. Was it closed?  What’s the reason for that. For dinner, which of the  dining rooms are you finding less crowded the Botticelli Deck 6 aft or Da Vinci Deck 6 Midship?  Also which dining room has more tables for 2 that aren’t on top of each other.  Thanks for doing this live. 

[pmallen]

2 minutes ago, Solara said:

Wondering about dining rooms.  Michelangelo Deck 5 midship wasn’t listed as open on your patter until 2 days ago. Was it closed?  What’s the reason for that. For dinner, which of the  dining rooms are you finding less crowded the Botticelli Deck 6 aft or Da Vinci Deck 6 Midship?  Also which dining room has more tables for 2 that aren’t on top of each other.  Thanks for doing this live. 

Afraid I won't be much help. All three dining rooms have been open throughout. We and our traveling companions like to eat late, around 8pm. On this cruise, that might as well be midnight 😎. We've been at Boticelli and had the same table and wait staff throughout. On the other hand, the line waiting to go into Michaelangelo at straight up 5 reaches clear back to the casino doors.

 

Bottom line, I really can't say what's available or not at popular hours, as we've not really been in any dining rooms then.

[eqj60]

We board this Friday and we're wondering who is the entertainer at Crooner's? 

Many thanks!

[pmallen]

11 minutes ago, eqj60 said:

We board this Friday and we're wondering who is the entertainer at Crooner's? 

Many thanks!

Ryszard Sulek, early, and Kevin Brando late. Both are piano players. Ryszard is more.traditional, Kevin is more a Billy Joel type player, and we like him a lot. In fact, he did a Billy Joel/Elton John cover show in the main theater early on.

[Essiesmom]

Heading out through Agua Clara locks.  Note just about to reach the bridge is Zaandam.

 

 

Edited February 27, 2023 by Essiesmom

[Solara]

2 hours ago, pmallen said:

Afraid I won't be much help. All three dining rooms have been open throughout. We and our traveling companions like to eat late, around 8pm. On this cruise, that might as well be midnight 😎. We've been at Boticelli and had the same table and wait staff throughout. On the other hand, the line waiting to go into Michaelangelo at straight up 5 reaches clear back to the casino doors.

 

Bottom line, I really can't say what's available or not at popular hours, as we've not really been in any dining rooms then.

We eat early at 5.  Did you ever walk by & see lines that early. 

[pd7277]

28 minutes ago, Solara said:

the line waiting to go into Michaelangelo at straight up 5 reaches clear back to the casino doors.

I think this is your answer.

[pmallen]

8 minutes ago, pd7277 said:

I think this is your answer.

That said, I didn't check the others at 5. I'd guess Boticelli isn't as bad. Some some reason, probably location, people seem not to like it as well. Also, you can always make a reservation on the app for whatever time/night you want.

[gottagocit]

Was there a shuttle from the ship through the construction area and into the city for those who want to do a “on your own” day?

Was there a cost for that?

[pmallen]

4 hours ago, gottagocit said:

Was there a shuttle from the ship through the construction area and into the city for those who want to do a “on your own” day?

Was there a cost for that?

In Fuerte Amador? Yes, there was a free shuttle through the construction. 

[gottagocit]

6 hours ago, pmallen said:

In Fuerte Amador? Yes, there was a free shuttle through the construction. 

Yes I was asking about Fuerte Amador.
We have seen reports indicating the security situation there may warrant sticking with a group vs ‘going it alone’ in this port but one really never knows what the actual situation is like based on such reports. So we were curious about the shuttle. Thanks. 

[CalLuvsCrusingToo]

Thanks for letting us follow along.  We get onboard April fools day. Ha

Wondering if any of you is doing a disembark tour in Ft. Laud?

What it is?  Seems theres only the Waterway tour which weve done a few times already....

 

 

[pmallen]

Day 12: Panama Canal Transit

 

This day met and truly exceeded our expectations.  We say the Canal from the train yesterday, but it really doesn't prepare you for the enormity. The day is like the best of a shore excursion amd a sea day cimbined.

 

The afternoon before, the captain announced we were due at the Bridge of the Americas at 7. We got up early and got to the monkey island, the deck above the bridge, by about 6. I've included a picture of the unmarked door on deck 15 starboard that gives you access to this deck.

 

There were quite a few people there already, but there were chairs in the second row still available, so we were good.

 

The entire transit was narrated by Bill Fall, who was quite good. He grew up there when it was still the Canal Zone, so his narrative was a little weighted toward the US presence, former military facilities, what different buildings are used for, and that sort of thing. I can imagine other narrators favoring construction, natural history, navigation, or whatever their particular perspective is. He definitely touched on all that.

 

The Holland America Zaandam was going through the old locks at the same time, which was interesting. Especially when they went through Pedro Miguel, we had a good look at the old lock operation.

 

The Culebra Cut was especially impressive. Note: at construction, it was the Culebra Cut. After the Canal opened, it was renamed after American David Gaillard, who directed the construction of the Cut, and died of a brain tumor just before the Canal opened. In 2000, the name was restored to the original.

 

We loitering a while waiting for tugs before entering the Agua Clara locks in the north end. These really gave a sense of the height of the lake.

 

Between the Cocoli and Agua Clara locks, we left the monkey island, and went up to the Sanctuary. If you can afford this, and can get on early to get a spot, I highly recommend this. We reserved the entire cruise, and this one day made it worth it.

 

This was a truly incredible day!

 

[pmallen]

Day 13: Cartegana.

 

This was a very short call, arriving at 10am, with all aboard at 4:30. The late arrival allowednfkr some pretty incredible views of the city as we got in. I read James Michner's "Caribbean" many years ago, so I had some recollection of the two entrances to the port: Boca Grande (Big Mouth) and Boca Chica (small mouth). Only Boca Chica is useable, amd boy is it ever narrow!

 

We signed up for the old city and fort by land and sea excursion, amd it was hands down the best excursion of the trip. Carlos, our guide was experienced, knowledgeable, and funny.

 

We first boarded a mid-size tour boat, motored around the waterfront for about an hour, looking at walls, and learning the history of the bay fortifications.

 

We then got off the boat and walked a short way to one of the entrances of the walled city. Turns out, this was where enslaved people  would arrive from Africa, and the square in front of us was where they would be auctioned off. The role of slavery in the city and the colony played a prominent role in this portion of the tour, and it really helped provide a complete understanding of the history of the city.

 

After a walking tour and some time on our own, including at a "Princess Approved" jeweler, we got on the bus to go to the San Felipe fortress. We walked about 2/3 of the way up. It's enormous, and the ramps are very steep. Not suitable for people with mobility issues.

 

The views are stunning, and Carlos gave a great recitation of the failed British invasion in 1840-41 led my Admiral Edward Vernon (for whom Mt. Vernon is named).

 

We then returned to the cruise port, amd were let off to wander through an aviary and shopping area on the way back to the ship. There were 3 other cruise ships in port, so this area was something of a zoo.

 

There was no lunch/snack with this tour, so we stopped when we got back at the International Cafe for sandwiches and beer. Really great day.

 

We went up again onto the monkey island to watch sailaway. I've included a picture of the very non-descript door on deck 15 starboard that gives you access to this area.

 

From there, I also took a picture of the balconies to give you a sense of how they work on this class vessel. At the bottom you can see deck 9 (Dolphin) where we are. Note the door between balconies and a large divider, completely uncovered. Going up,  deck 10 (Caribe) has the door and two large dividers. The rest of the decks have the doors, small dividers, and are partially covered.

 

Hope this helps with your cabin selection choices!

[pmallen]

Oh, forgot to mention: it's a long way from Cartegna to Ft. Lauderdale, so we're traveling near max speed (avg 20kts.or so) into 6 ft sweels and pretty good winds. Things are definitely rocking and rolling, but I don't see evidence of anyone having an issue with it.

Edited March 1, 2023 by pmallen