Mare10

Thank you so much!  On all my Princess cruises I've really enjoyed sitting in Crooners in the evenings, and there have been some great performers there.  I'll check out the Wheelhouse Bar!  We don't go til next April but it's fun reading the posts and getting excited about cruising again!

1 hour ago, Jeter02 said:

So what they were doing with the piano is they have two different piano players and a guitarist and sometimes violin is to play by The wheelhouse bar by Crown Grill which is lovely. And sometimes they'll play the piano and other live music down in the Piazza. The Ocean boulevard who's there band currently on board a lot of time still performing the Vista lounge in the back of the ship as well.

If there is no Crooners..... is there another piano bar on the ship?  Hope so!!!!

Bill... was that a private excursion?  Any suggestions for San Juan Del Sur?

Thanks!  I think I found an excursion!  Did you ever do the Corobici River Raft Float Scenic Drive and Lunch?  It's through the cruise line but looks like a lot of fun and not too expensive!

3 hours ago, BillB48 said:

 

 That one they like to hide!  You have to look under Caribbean forums to find it.  Guess the powers that be did want Costa Rica to have access to the Pacific😉.  Here's the link...  https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/120-costa-rica/

20 hours ago, BillB48 said:

 

One Canal cruise is like eating one potato chip!  My next cruise and it is a Canal cruise is scheduled for February, so I too have fingers crossed.  Have read nothing but positive things on this forum about Dora in Cartagena.  Congrats on the big Five-0!!

Bill.... another question for you!  I noticed someone asking about Costa Rica on this board and were told there's a board for Costa Rica..... I'm not seeing it!  Thanks in advance.

6 hours ago, BillB48 said:

Forgot to add one thing... in Costa Rica, if you select a tour that includes the oxcart factory, in the past the factory was closed on Sunday.  So if you call at Puntarenas on a Sunday that part of the tour may be a bust.

Good to know!  We are scheduled to be there on a Sunday!

6 hours ago, BillB48 said:

Here's to good luck there will be no cancellation!  Except for San Juan del Sur (haven't been there) there is nothing inherently unsafe about selecting a non ship excursion.  Often times you can find excursions arranged by fellow cruisers from your Roll Call using reputable operators. Of course, sometimes it is just easier to go through the ship and there are the usual ad hoc tour operators near the pier if wish to go that route.  Ft. Amador is probably where you have the broadest slate of tours... you will need to decide if you want tours of Panama City and its history, eco type tour that includes a overhead tram through the jungle canopy (not a zip), a tour that includes the Embera Indians or dig a little deeper into the workings of the Canal.

Thanks so much Bill!   Actually I did book a tour in Cartagena that several from our cc roll call have joined.  It's a tour with Dora that was highly recommended by friends.  Having been to Mexico a few times we decided to skip that for excursions.  I'll keep looking for ones in the other ports.  We know this will most likely be our only time on this cruise and want to make the most of it for our 50th wedding anniversary!

I hope I'm asking this in the right forum!  We are booked for our first Panama Canal Cruise in April next year.  While I'm well aware that it may be cancelled, I'm still looking forward to it and planning excursions gives me something to do!  We'll be aboard the Coral and sail from Ft Lauderdale to LA.  There are so many excursions to choose from it's overwhelming.  Some are quite pricey as well!  For safety in these areas I'm assuming we should go through the Cruise Line for excursions.  I'm mostly looking for advice in Ft Amador Panama, Puntarenas Costa Rica and San Juan Del Sur Nicaragua.  Appreciate any suggestions you can give me!  We are "seniors" but relatively active.  I just don't do zip lines!  Thank you in advance!

Marilyn

I appreciate all the input!!!!  I’ll be on these boards a lot now that we have our cruise scheduled.  Planning and researching is a big part of the fun!!!!!!

We decided on a Mini Suite since we're celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary!  Went with a starboard side near the aft.  It wasn't that much more in cost!   Now for all the rest of the planning!  CC has helped me so much on each cruise we go on.  😊

20 minutes ago, jasbo49 said:

I hope you're aware of this site:

 

http://www.cruisedeckplans.com/Princess/odell/res76zxu/princessbalconies/index.html

 

It is indispensable when trying to figure out which balconies are covered. We had a starboard balcony when we made the same trip. I think covered balconies are a good idea. When we went (December 2015) it was brutally hot from Aruba through the canal. So be ready for that.

 

Jim

Thanks Jim.... yes I have discovered that site.  It's very helpful!  I think we will definitely get a covered balcony on the starboard side.  

After all the good advice I have had on these boards we are ready to book our cruise.  We will do the 15 day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to LA. Wondering about cabin choice.  We will be looking for a balcony cabin and assume we should get covered or partially covered.  Does it matter which side of the ship we’re on..... port side or starboard?  Appreciate any advice!!!!!!!

We are planning ahead and hope to take a Panama Canal cruise in January, 2022.  Could someone please let me know about when we might be able to book this?  Thank you!

I’m so glad I asked the question here.  Really appreciate all the wonderful comments!  In re-reading the posts it seems like we should do the full transit from Ft Lauderdale to LA.  Not many recommended the round trip LA trip.  It seems we should also try for a balcony starboard side!  I enjoy the research!  

Great!!!!!  What cabin did you choose?

I really appreciate everyone's input!!!!!  This research is part of the fun for sure!  For those that recommend the aft cabins have you noticed much engine noise or bumpiness?  On a Hawaiian Islands cruise we had a mini suite in the way aft.... Grand Princess.  The hubby wasn't keen on the noisiness!  

After all the tips I've ordered the book that was recommended!!!!!!

Love Cruise Critic!

Thank you Georgie for your quick response.  I will focus on the Florida to LA full transit on Princess!  The research is a good part of the fun.  This is the one cruise my hubby is really interested in.... excited!!!!!

I haven't posted here in a long time as we haven't been able to cruise for awhile!  We have decided on a Panama Canal Cruise for the upcoming 50th wedding anniversary.  I'm just starting to research.  We live in Southern California so are looking at the 19 day round trip LA or we could fly to Florida and do the 15 day back to LA.  This will probably be our only time to do a cruise to Panama so would love opinions on which cruise to pick.  I think we would prefer the Coral through the old locks just from what I've already read.  Thanks in advance for your opinions!

Thank you. We booked massages in Cabo at Eden. Read lots of good reviews and it’s very reasonable,

Thank you for the reply! Which port is that in?

Going for my first time on a Princess cruise of the Mexican Rivera. Would love to find a place for a good massage. Does anyone have suggestions in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan or Cabo. Would rather not venture too far away from the port. Thanks!

Thank you Tim! Enjoy your cruise!

Enjoyed your review and so sorry about the mix up regarding scattering the ashes.

Did you ever go to Crooners at night? We'll be on the Ruby May 13th and would love to know who is at the piano!

Thanks.:)