back to the islands

We are going on a Panama Canal cruise with these stops and Cartagena and Puntarenas. I love snorkeling in the Virgin Islands and Hawaii. Grand Cayman wasn't bad either, but I have been very disappointed in the Bahamas and Jamaica. How is the snorkeling in Aruba, San Juan del Sur and Puerto Vallarta? I love to snorkel, but want plenty to look at. I especially like snorkeling right off the beach! I have heard Costa Rica is not much for snorkeling. Any input would be greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks all! I will try out the meclizine here at home and see if I'm drowsy. Do the wristbands or seabands, work better than the relief bands?

XCSailors, we are a month behind you exactly! Hubby just booked it pretty last minute.

I love to snorkel! St. John and Hawaii got me hooked. I have heard Costa Rica isn't a good snorkel. What about Aruba, Huatulco, or PV? Anyone done these who has also snorkeled St. John or Hawaii? Is it worth it to take my mask and fins on my Panama Canal cruise? And how cold is the water? St. John and the BVI has me spoiled because the coral and fish are amazing AND the water is warm! Thank you for any input!

St. John is one of the most beautiful places on earth! On land and under the sea!! I am sure St. Thomas has nice snorkeling, too. I fly in there and get to St. John as soon as possible! It is my happy place of all the places I have ever been! And so many beautiful places to snorkel!! Some of them might not look the same after Irma and Maria, but a lot of it still looks beautiful!

We have a short stop in Aruba and was wondering whether I should take my snorkel gear. We will only be there from 7-12:30 so we don't have tons of time, but snorkeling is one of my favorite things. I have read snorkeling isn't so good on Aruba. I love to snorkel in St. John, Hawaii and the BVI! We snorkeled at the "best place" in Freeport several years ago and it was disappointing except for the Eagle Ray we saw. Anyway, comparisons on snorkeling between the Virgin Islands and Aruba from someone who has done both, please! If we don't snorkel we will visit Eagle Beach, if we do we will visit Boca Catalina. Thank you for your help!

Thanks everyone! I will test the meclizine one day and see how I feel the next day. Then use it starting the night before. I will also try the other natural things if needed. How successful are the seabirds and easyboy, the relief bands worked pretty well?

Hubby already booked the room and we are neither low or middle.

Thank you both so much! I think I took ginger pills, too! That was long ago. Yes, Keith, I took both simultaneously because once we sailed past the point it hit me hard and just got worse and worse. I had never used either before. Have never touched a patch since. I did take 1/2 of a meclizine on a whale watching tour out of Boston and was afraid I'd get sick, but was alone and didn't want to pass out. I don't remember it making me sleepy so maybe that is my answer to which is less sleep inducing. I want to stay away from whatever knocked me out.

I have cruised 2x and been sick both times to varying degrees. Crossing from San Francisco to Hawaii I used the transderm patch and meclizine. I could not stay awake and had no energy. Once we got to the islands I was fine and didn't need anything. Granted the seas were rough during crossing with the promenade closed because of the 20-24 foot swells. On a Caribbean cruise I had a day or 2 where I just felt nauseous and "not right" and just suffered through it. We are heading out on a 15 day Panama Canal cruise and need help! Hubby is so excited and I am not looking forward to the possible prospect of seasickness. I hate feeling sleepy, but hate the nausea, too! I don't know if it was the patch or the meclizine or both. I have seen the sea bands and also the electronic ones that send pulses to the nerve. Anyone have recommendations? Thank you in advance!

Thanks for your wonderful trip report. I am considering skipping the cruise up and just flying to Alaska doing as much as I can in 7-9 days. I know I want to do Seward, the boat trip there similar to what you did, drive to Anchorage and visit Portage Glacier on the way. Maybe do the Glacier tour by boat out of Whittier, I think. Go to Denali & maybe ride the train. I'd like to get to Homer and Valdez, too. I lived there over 50 years ago and I'd like to see it again. I may have to make 2 trips!

What type of camera did you use to get your close up animal/bird pictures?

Thank you so much! I grew up in several "cold weather" locales: Alaska, Germany, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, and Illinois, but I sure prefer warm weather! I think it can work!

I love summer, swimming, snorkeling, and beaches! To me there is nothing like the Virgin Islands or another tropical place, but I also love nature! I don't like being all bundled up, but I have heard Alaska is just stunning. I know it is. I lived there for 3 years over 50 years ago and I remember driving along Turnagin Arm to Seward and the beautiful mountains. I am afraid I won't enjoy an Alaska cruise because of the cold. Anyone like me gone on an Alaska cruise and can give me advice? I did think the Seattle area and Victoria were lovely, albeit chilly! Seattle is my favorite non beach destination!

Also, I'm looking at booking last minute for this summer. I'm assuming the best balconies face East, correct?

Thank you so much!

It's an odd shape due to a stairwell, but the balcony is larger than most, so I was considering booking it. Does anyone know about this type room. It is aft next to the wrap around room.