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Scenic Eclipse Trip Report - Panama Canal Cruise October 30, 2019


towel-animal
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Day 5- Utria National Park, Colombia

 

This was the earliest starting day yet. Guests in the first group disembarking for the mangrove boadwalk tour, as well as guests participating in the strenuous hike were required to attend a briefing in the theater at 7:00 AM before leaving the ship at 7:30.  I did the hike, so I was part of the early group. To save some time in the morning, I'd placed my room service breakfast card out the night prior for a 6:30 AM delivery. At 6:45, with no breakfast, I called and was told the kitchen was backed up (apparently many others shared my idea) and it would be up in 5 minutes. With only 10 minutes to eat, my plan backfired. 

 

Guests were warned how strenuous the hike would be if they chose this option — they were right. From start to finish, the tour was extreme. From the moment we stepped into the zodiac, the rain poured on us the whole way. The path we hiked was largely overgrown as it only receives visitors maybe twice on a good year. It was muddy, slippery, steep and of course beautiful. The risks are real, however. Two women got injured on our tour, one resulting in a broken arm. Most however had no trouble keeping up despite the advanced age of many of the participants. Several members of the discovery team were present to assist us during the hard bits and provide medical care to the two who were hurt. The hike was about 3 hours in length, after which we still had the opportunity to see the mangrove/boardwalk if we wished before returning to the ship.

 

We enjoyed lunch at the Yacht Club, but did have to wait in line a bit for a table to open up (this happens frequently as seating is not adequate enough to meet the demand here during peak breakfast and lunch times). After lunch, Scenic brought some local singers and musicians to give a cultural performance which was lovely. A tip about the theater — only the seats in the center section recline. However, only the seats on the left and right hand sections swivel. So keep that in mind if you have a preferred configuration.

 

The rest of the day was spent lounging around the pools and rooftop Jacuzzis. For dinner, we headed to Lumiere to try the new menu, which was fabulous. I tried frog legs for the first time (and yes, they actually do taste like chicken). After dinner, we socialized at the Whiskey Bar until we were among the last to stay up. The venue closed as we left around 11:30 PM. 

 

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Edited by towel-animal
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On 11/2/2019 at 7:43 PM, TahoeTraveler said:

towel-animal, if you happen to have a spa menu and it isn't too much trouble, could you please let me know what services are available?  I'm specifically interested in any nail and hair services they might have. My travel agent did try to get this info from Scenic, but they said they didn't have any info on the spa onboard. Thanks!

 

Here is the Spa menu you requested. We are booked for treatments today so I can give a report later of the experience.

 

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On 11/5/2019 at 11:46 AM, towel-animal said:

 

Here is the Spa menu you requested. We are booked for treatments today so I can give a report later of the experience.

 

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Thanks so much t-a for posting this.  The prices really aren’t bad at all, and I’m thrilled to see that there is someone on board who can fix my nail polish when it chips off...as it invariably will after a week or so!  I hope you continue to have a fabulous time.  We have made it to Lima and are anxiously awaiting your arrival!!!

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Days 6 & 7 at sea were very nice, but perhaps made evident there is a bit a lack of programming onboard by way of activities and entertainment. We did participate in a wine tasting (sign up was required) which was wonderful, another Epicure cooking class, and attended several lectures. There was also a Name that Tune session, trivia and evening karaoke. Plus another vocal performance by Grace. Beyond that, there really is nothing else going on. But quite enjoyable days nonetheless.

 

The Spa area is excellent and our massages and pedicures were great. Also took the opportunity to attend the Body Conditioning class and Pilates with the fitness instructor (signup required). These were great.

 

Koko's has been open twice for lunch, offering a Bento Box which is delicious. Definitely don't miss this.

 

Day 8 at Salaverry was our first port where we were docked at a pier. Three tours were on offer and we elected for a 4 hour city tour which was nice. During the evening, our Scenic Enrich event was a horse show at a local luxury hotel which was so much fun.  We had an impromptu dinner at Lumiere last night and enjoyed their new menu which included the best lamb I have ever tasted, and an unforgettable rum cake dessert.

 

Day 9 at Islas Guanape has seen a bit of rough swells. As such, the submarine tours were cancelled which has led to quite a bit of disappointment as this was the only day sub tours were scheduled for our voyage. I'm feeling the pain as I had a dive confirmed, so was gutted when we heard the cancellation announcement. Helicopter tours were also scrapped today because of the swells. Zodiac tours of the island commenced (Although with some difficulty boarding the boats), and we had a lovely cruise taking in breathtaking wildlife — definitely an experience to remember.

 

We are sad this is our last day, but have had a tremendous time. I will try to post more photos later. I hope this trip report has been helpful and enjoyable. Please let me know if any more questions arise while we are still onboard.

 

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The suite looks rather poor compared to a Seabourn, Silversea or a Regent ship, especially that narrow balcony.   And the Observation Bar is clearly a big mistake. Not a ship I fancy at all.   But many thanks for posting towel-animal, it's been very interesting.

Edited by Fletcher
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Thanks so much for all your great reports and pictures towel-animal.  I am a bit concerned about staying entertained for 30 days on board, especially after your comment about it being somewhat difficult after just 6 or 7 days.  But I am sure Mike and I will find new friends quickly and will manage!!!  I do have a feeling we will be missing at least one Chilean port, perhaps all of them.  Our tour guide today in Lima told us that the cruise lines coming in December have already cancelled all of their Chilean port calls due to the unrest.  I have a feeling Scenic will be doing the same and just hasn’t informed us yet.  Regardless, I hope you have very safe travels home, and again, thank you!!!!

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Our final glimpse of the Eclipse as we took the skies from Lima

 

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Disembarkation and Scenic's transfer to the airport was a totally different and far better experience the the embarkation transfer. They couldn't have made it easier, and Scenic representatives handled luggage all the way through your airline check-in, and escorted you all the way until security. 

 

Our last night of the cruise included the farewell recap, and the Captain's remarks before a fantastic dinner at Elements. Luggage was requested to be place outside your stateroom by 11:00PM that evening.

 

It all feels like a dream and I'm sad it's over now. There were some quirks for sure, but overall we were impressed and I do feel it was worth the year's wait and all the hassles. 

 

I'll wrap up with some final thoughts.

 

What we loved:

  • The service — some we spoke to mentioned having a different experience than us, but from our experience, the staff onboard could not have been more attentive, friendly and found ways to create magic moments throughout.
  • The food (Dinner) — We found it to be some of the best cuisine at sea. Lumiere was superb, and on a good menu Koko's was absolutely fantastic. Elements too was outstanding. And of course the Chef's Table was in a class of its own.
  • Bar service  never waited more than a minute for a drink. Whatever we wanted was always available and drinks were expertly prepared. Delayed refilling of your wine glass is something we've noticed on nearly all cruises, but that was totally a non-issue on the Eclipse. 
  • Social atmosphere — You'll have to go out of your way not to make new friends on this ship. We can attest to the Captain's comment that tables for 2 quickly became tables for four, and then to 6 and 8 throughout the cruise. I'm so thankful to have met such wonderful people and look forward to staying in touch.
  • Tours — while we were surprised by there not being much choice in shore excursions, we found the ones offered were so much fun. Others were not prepared for this part of the experience to be as "expedition-like" as it was, but I loved it.

We we didn't love —

  • Some design elements of the ship — This has been mentioned by other posters and we agree — the main pool inside the buffet restaurant is simply weird (I think I may have been the only one who used it on our trip). Lack of storage in the Spa Suite. Some sightline issues in the theater. Hot tubs are definitely not "hot". And the color palate throughout nearly exclusively of grey and black is a bit dull — a little color would make a world of difference.  
  • Lunch — selections were limited and during "in between" hours, your only option beyond room service is really the tiny selection at Azure. 
  • Other — No voicemail or inbox functionality yet on the phones or tv. No reminder cards about dinner reservations. Steamroom did not work for most of the voyage. No logo items in the boutique. Pizza only available at lunch. 
  • And finally while I understand completely the guest safety must be the top priority, I can't help but wonder if the ship is a bit too overly cautious when it comes to cancelling the submarine tours. This was a major blow to not be able to experience this, and I know many felt the same. 

Some advice:

  • Do your research — especially on the itinerary and tours to be offered so you're aware of the expedition nature of many of the itineraries. 
  • Once onboard — don't delay in making dinner reservations for Lumiere and Teppanyaki. You should have no trouble securing the times you want if you do so on the first day. I recommend asking how many menus will be served at Lumber and making one reservation for each. I also recommend inquiring which day will start the Chef's Table rotation so you can make sure your dinner reservations are made on days that will not conflict with any potential Chef's Table invitation. Speaking of, also head to Guest Reception to make your interest in attending this dinner known. They can add you to a list to pull from if any guests cancel. Also be sure to sign up for your interest in the helicopter and sub tours on the first day.
  • Pack things you aren't afraid to get dirty. This is an expedition ship and the tours often reflect that. I wish I had brought some more outdoorsy clothes and will know better for next time. 
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Towel-Animal, I was also on this cruise (Columbia - Panama Discovery segment).  You have done and outstanding job with your well written chronicle. Thank you for taking the time to provide such a detailed report.  

 

I will admit I am probably the only other passenger other than you on this segment who chose to try the indoor pool in the Yacht Club.  Initially I thought I would only be in the water for a minute of two . However, I actually enjoyed it and stayed to swim for while.  Of course only two bar tenders were around at the time so they were amused.  I would l have stayed longer if I had known about the multiple buttons in this pool that turn on localized water jets.  

 

I will withhold my final judgement on this Yacht Club pool until I cruise the Norwegian Fjords in July where it might become a more viable option given the cold weather.

 

I have attached a photo I took while standing in the pool.   It is a nice view. 

 

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We are currently onboard and fully agree with all your comments and notes.  The food here, especially at Lumiere, is the best we have ever had on any cruise.  We had lobster there and I have never had lobster that perfect on sea or land...it was simply superb.  The service is outstanding, and the staff is doing a fantastic job working through all the issues (yes, the ship is still having issues).  We have a grand deluxe suite, and could not be happier.  We are even managing to work through the lack of visibility of the TV in the mirror (which you did not have to deal with in a Spa Suite).  We have just discovered another bad design flaw that involves the pools/spas on Deck 6 in the Spa, and the deck off the back behind Azure on Deck 5.  For some reason, they cannot drain those spas (I guess perhaps there is some sort of chemical in the water?), and because we are moving up and down forward to back (not side to side), the water from them keeps flying over the edge and down onto folks trying to dine on the outdoor deck at Azure.  This is the first sunny we’ve had since we boarded, and it is a shame that we cannot enjoy the deck fully.  We’ll survive though!!!

 

We have also encountered something we’ve never experienced before on any luxury lines...being told something relatively easy is not possible or just straight out “No.”  When we ate at Lumiere, the sommelier recommended an excellent Fume Blanc that I fell in love with.  When I tried to order it elsewhere, I was told that was not possible, and it would only be served in Lumiere.  I did, however, speak to the maitre D’ at the Yacht Club, and she said that was ridiculous and she would look into it.  We also were told that we could order off the room service menu at both Azure and the Yacht Club (ie...burgers, sandwiches, etc), but then at Azure a different time we were told we could not.  It seems that for some staff anything is possible, and for others, not so much.  I think some kinks just need to be worked out amongst the staff (I do know many are ready to get off the ship for a while as they have been on since the sea trials and have already been extended by 5 weeks).  

 

We really do appreciate all your fantastic reporting, and hope that your travels home were safe and uneventful.

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