Classic Panama Canal post trip review.

[knoxclone]

IMG_4920.HEICIMG_4920.HEICIMG_4920.HEICDeparted the Star yesterday in Ft. Lauderdale and am still wondering where my room service breakfast is!!! 🙂

 

Trip began with ominous weather 10 day weather reports of rain... lots of rain. Hurricane Lisa had blown through a couple days prior.  Good but completely FULL flights from ATL to PTY. Lots of red viking bag tags, and I would guess that more than half the flight was bound for the Viking Star. 

 

PTY airport is fairly compact, with good signage in both Spanish and English. Immigration and customs were a breeze! No need to worry about currency because the official currency is Panama is the good ole American dollar.  Likewise, every single county freely and encouraged payment on US$.

 

It was and had been raining steadily throughout the flight and upon arrival. Viking met us directly and herded trailers into groups, passed out bottled water and we loaded the buses. There was a local guide on board who did a nice running commentary on Panama City, the canal zone ect.  He  worked for many years for the US Air Force in the canal zone, and he had no accent at all.  A pax asked him where he learned English and he said he had actually gone to 4 years of high school in Kansas. He said the trip normally took around an hour - but both due to the weather and the rush hour traffic might be longer.

 

As we neared the port area, we could see the Star in the distance, and continued to drive along a peninsula  with beautiful flowers walking paths etc, and then we made a left turn.... into a muddy sandy track. Slogging past rusted heavy duty equipment, old shipping containers and tin metal shacks... we continued for approx 5 minutes and nervously started making jokes about being lost.  The guide was on the phone... and after a few more minutes, of traveling in the mud, suddenly a concrete pier and the Star popped into view!  Turns out they are fixing the main entrance, and needed the buses to reroute for a couple  days!

 

We were reunited with our luggage and we went through Panamanian security at the ship, and then handed luggage back off to Viking crew.  Greeted on board w champagne.  total time from when we left the airport was probably closer to 90 minutes. We went to stateroom, met our steward, changed and went to the Restaurant for dinner.  When we returned, our luggage had been delivered. We were in Stateroom 3061, so the lowest category.

 

After dinner, we went to guest services, were we were able to secure reservations for both Manfredis and the Chefs table, as well as sign up for the on board cooking class offered ( thank you to all those who passed on that secret!!)  We were also able to add the Horseback excursion in Roatan, which we were unable to book online.   Then off to sleep to be rested for the Canal transit which started bright and early the next morning!

[knoxclone]

IMG_4920.HEIC

[knoxclone]

Day 2 - The TRANSIT!

Woke up  at 6am  to dreary rain - but that's ok... we are going thru the canal! Bloody Mary in hand, we stood on the explorers lounge outside deck and waited.  And waited. And waited. Turned out that even though the pilot boarded the Star at 6m, we did not actually enter the canal until closer to 8am. I have to say it was fascinating - at least to me. we watched the entrance three the first set of locks and the went down to watch transit from balcony for a while. 

 

There was narration and explanations which you could only hear from outside - or on the bridge cam.  Problem with the bridge cam is that you had to have the volume turned waaay up to hear narration, and when he stopped talking and the music resumed, you rattled the glass!!    When we were getting close to Gatun Lake, we went back up to the infinity pool area.  The rain had slowed and eventually stopped. 

 

They  originally anticipated it could take up to 7 hours or more to transit, but it was much quicker than that.   We did get to watch several large cargo vessels passing us in the other side - which was very interesting as well. 

 

Have not figured out how to actually post the photos.. sorry 🙂

 

[OneSixtyToOne]

11 minutes ago, knoxclone said:

Have not figured out how to actually post the photos.. sorry

Use the Add Files button on the bottom of the posting window. After the file is uploaded you can insert it into the post.

[Azulann]

Look forward to the rest of your review.

I loved  the transit of the Panama Canal many years ago. It is a wonder of the world. 

My dear friend was on the same cruise. She said she had a great time. 

[knoxclone]

I forgot to mention that we, along with what seemed  like every other pax headed to the winter garden for tea.  Staff  commandeered Mamsens and the Explorer lounge to accommodate the crowd. 

 

We had been notified that we had been added to the Roatan Horseback riding excursion, because many pax had chosen not to get the Yellow Fever vaccination, and therefore could not leave ship and cancelled their excursions. However, the day before we were to arrive at Roatan, Honduras changed the requirement... so there were some unhappy people. 

 

We looked at the menu at the restaurant, and decided to take our chances at Mandfredis.  Walked up at about 6:45 and host said of we could wait 20 min or so, we could be accommodated.  So we walked over to the living room bar, ordered a drink and less than 15 minutes, the host found us, and insisted on carrying our drinks to our awaiting table-- next to the window.  🙂

 

[knoxclone]

The next morning we woke up to bright sunshine in Colon, Panama, which we have decided is the armpit of Central America. 

We started w room service breakfast which arrived hot and on time, but lacking coffee cups. (luckily we had some next to the coffee maker!).

 

We had chosen the aeral tram excursion, which was meh at best. 45 min bus ride to a resort that has partially reopened for a" comfort stop".   We did see two monkeys run the tree and something that was like a large hedgehog (cant remember name) o the ride. We then went to the sloth rehabilitation center which was interesting and educational.  We then walked to the butterfly house and a frog garden.  We then got back on the bus to the tram.  I was led to believe it was a guided tour up the side to the top and we would see some birds, animals etc.  Nope.  Only animal we saw was a coati ( kind of a jungle raccoon which hangs out under the tram begin for food) At the top is a short walk . maybe 200 yards to an observation tower to look at the canal and Lake Gatun.

 

So it was really just long hot ride ride over the jungle tops. The guide really tried, but she did not have a lot to work with....

 

Sidebar - during my conversation with the Excursion director, I mentioned the tram ride and he defended it saying it was supposed to be a "birdie view" of the jungle canopy, not a nature viewing excursion...  Hmmm. But I think part of the problem. is there is just not much  for excursions without going back to panama city.

 

They provided a box lunch for the ride back to the ship. Basic sandwich, plantain chip and some sort of powdered sugar desert that was delicious!! Ride back was a bit shorter, but the areas w drove through conformed my opinion that Colon is nasty. 

 

Sailaway was scheduled for 5pm.  We cleaned up and hustled to explorer lounge for the view.  The crew was busily doing the pre sail stuff, rolling up carpets, taking down tent etc. and then we waited. After about 40n minutes, the local Port guys walked under a big tent pulled out chairs and a table and started playing what looked like dominos.

 

We continued to watch the action down on the port, and finally decided to head back to our room as the sun was starting to set and it was clear we were not going anywhere soon.

 

We were in a DV3 on the Starboard side, so our balcony had an excellent view of the port activities.  During that time, a battered truck towing a flatbed trailer pulled up, with an enormous anchor.  a guy started taking pictures, gesturing wildly, and yelling win rapid fire Spanish. Other guys came, looking at the anchor, they took more pictures and went back to their dominos.  This went on for probably 30 minutes.

 

During this time, three viking buses arrived at the Port ( it was well after 6:30pm). they offloaded and left, but there was no movement to leave port.  a few minutes later another bus showed up w more pax. Then a police car showed up.  (During this time a fork lift driver came around the corner and removed the anchor and took it away somewhere.) 

 

Then an ambulance showed up. Sadly, the gurney went up onto the ship and crew cam down with several pieces of luggage and an elderly male.  The gurney followed with a lady, most likely his wife. It was, however, it was a positive sign hat she was sitting upright and talking to the crew.  Secretly praying the ambulance was taking her to Panama city and a local colon medical center.  

 

We finally lifted anchor after 8pm.  I later spoke to some folks who had been on the late buses and and the guide seemed to think the back on board time was just a suggestion, and encouraged them to keep shopping!

[knoxclone]

Costa Rica - Puerto Limón. Again, we woke up to beautiful sunshine.  We had the later 11:15 Tortuuga canal excursion, so we had leisurely breakfast in the restaurant.  Did I mention there was not a pistachio bun to be found on board?  I was sad. 🙂 

 

This was one of the BEST nature excursions we have been on. Loaded the bus and headed out,  We also had one of the best tour guides Irene,.  She was simply great. Had not been on the bus more than 15 min when the driver hits the brakes and pulls over to show is a sloth hanging in a tree right next to road. When we reached the canal dock, we were handed a bag of plantains, bottled water and a banana and boarded the boats. (I should mention bus was very nice with wifi and power ports)

 

We saw, multiple howler monkeys, spider monkeys a variety of lizards, iguanas, water birds, sloths ( including mother and baby) and a large caiman.  Outstanding excursion. 

 

[knoxclone]

the sloth photo is actually from inside the bus, taken with my little i phone se!

[knoxclone]

10 hours ago, OneSixtyToOne said:

Use the Add Files button on the bottom of the posting window. After the file is uploaded you can insert it into the post.

THANK YOU!!

[nanabeth]

11 hours ago, knoxclone said:

Costa Rica - Puerto Limón. Again, we woke up to beautiful sunshine.  We had the later 11:15 Tortuuga canal excursion

Was this the included excursion?

[knoxclone]

Yes, it was the included excursion. 

[knoxclone]

The back on board time was was scheduled for 4m, but again, tour buses returning late delayed the departure until almost 6pm.  I think they are still trying to work the kinks out w new excursion vendors/ tours guides etc. but since the next day was a sea day, there was no rush.

[knoxclone]

"The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month".

Remembrance /Veterans Day was recognized by the Captain and crew of the Star on our first sea day.  

 

The military on board Historian did a very nice presentation on WW1, and the significance of November 11th.  There was a moment of silence observed aboard the Star as directed by Captain Lars and then veterans aboard from all countries were recognized and invited to a private event later that afternoon. 

 

The sun was again shining, and  general sea day activities commences including baggo, trivia and several guest lecture presentations.  

 

A "Taste of the Caribbean" buffet was prepared in the world cafe and near the pool and the crew were freely handing out margaritas and pina coladas to the guests. 

 

Lots of pool action - but very few chair hogs!  I was surprised, given some earlier CC conversations, but there was never any struggle to find an available lounger, especially near the infinity pool. I think that padded loungers near the windows may have been more desirable given the temperatures and the sunshine. 

 

Went to the "Future Travel presentation" to learn about any booking specials, new itineraries etc.  Other than the 6m final payment and  some small OBC to use on the current cruise, there were no great incentives and many of the 23 cruises, and  24 are almost completely sold out.   most likely due to the $25 deposit marketing campaign Viking had earlier this fall. He said it was nuts on board when they announced it. 

 

I had a mg w/ him later and asked about when '25 would be available and he said Viking was  considering redoing several routes, due to issues with the host countries, and did not expect to see many '25 schedules for at least another 6-8 months, at least for Ocean. 

 

[Liz Masterson]

28 minutes ago, knoxclone said:

The back on board time was was scheduled for 4m, but again, tour buses returning late delayed the departure until almost 6pm.  I think they are still trying to work the kinks out w new excursion vendors/ tours guides etc. but since the next day was a sea day, there was no rush.

I wonder if the tardy guides might have been notified by the ship about the medical situation requiring a later sail away… 

[knoxclone]

Woke up in Roatan to another sunny bright morning - so much for the predicted week of rain! 

 

This was our horseback excursion, and our small group of 12 gathered together and left on time in a large van. The guide was a very engaging young man named trey, who was incredibly proud of his island history and and provided a great narrative on the 20 min trip to the "Luna Beach resort".  Upon arriving, we were given a short tour of the facilities, and then a comfort stop before heading over to meet our mounts. 

 

The resort itself had been damaged both by weather and covid, but you can see they were working hard to completely reopen.  After a short safety briefing and we were matched with our horses.  Our wranglers Walter and Kevin were very helpful and engaging and after we were all saddled up we headed into the " Roatan jungle".  Actually, it was really nice, and with a wide level of riding abilities, it was a great way to enjoy the island.  we actually followed a stream that leads from the hills down to the beach, so it was more natural vs. a hacked path through the trees.

 

 The horses (I think there about 15 or so total) were all "rescue" horses and had previously been used to haul produce and other ag products.  When they purchased them and brought them to the island last year, the did not realize that several of the mares were pregnant, and they had a bit of a baby boom earlier this summer. As a result, we had 3 or 4 foals that would walk the trail w/us and mama, and then take off, and then rejoin the group, which was amusing. 

We made a big loop going up and around the hillside and then then the beach suddenly opened up in front of us.  we crossed the beach and entered the water, where we were told we could go as deep as our comfort level permitted. It was refreshing and  classic " surf riding".  We made our way back to pen area where we posed for photos and dismounted. (They did have mounting blocks for easy of  on/off).  

 

Helmets were provided and required, and water shoes or crocs are a must, because your feet and legs up to knee or mid thigh will get soaked. (one lady was wearing hiking type sneakers  but luckily, they had a a few pair of crocs on hand so she was able to save her foot ware.)

 

After the ride, we had about 90 minutes to enjoy the beach, or get a drink or snack. We ordered ceveche - which was fabulous and came with a side of plantains. 

 

[knoxclone]

Back after the horseback excursion we enjoyed the infinity pool and then headed to tea. late dinner in restaurant, and as I have some dietary restrictions, I chose my meal in the am.  By the time, I got to dessert, (which was the cheese plate)I was stuffed, and I asked it they could just put some wrap on my desert and so I could take to my room. 

 

"No, no, no need... we will run i up to your stateroom"... and by the time we finished coffee and  returned to the room, it had been delivered, along with additional bread and fruit!   That's the viking service touch that spoils you!

[knoxclone]

On to another bright and sunny day - this time in Belize! This was our first and only tender port of the voyage.

 

Our excursion for the day was the snorkling, but we decided to head a little early and walk around a bit - which proved to be a bit of a mistake.  Upon arriving at the Port, it was clear that Hurricane Lisa and done much more damage than in the previous islands. Almost all the shops and restaurants were closed, with the exception of the diamond shops, a couple t shirt shops and one bar.  

We left the port to walk to the lighthouse a short distance away, and the damage was evident.  Many of the houses were missing window, fences and parts of roofs,  The Raddison had part of the roof gone and many window out based what we could see. Lots of construction was happening just in the small area that we walked.  We headed back to port area, and realized that we should try to find something to eat, but other than the bar there was nothing. and it had a waiting line of people.  

 

Resigned to being hungry, we hustled over to the catamaran to join the snorking group. We loaded on and the last couples were joining us holding to go boxes of food.  I think they heard our stomachs rumble.  Next thing, they were inviting us to join them with their french fries and fish fritters.  🙂 They evidently had seen us waiting in the line and then finally walking away empty handed to met the excursion. That was so generous of them, and they refused anything but our thanks.

 

We headed out to the reef and dropped anchor while they passed out equipment and conducted safety briefing. The divided group into the more experienced and "newbies" and then broke the group into smaller numbers with assigned crew members.  They were incredibly patient w the first timers and I was impressed they had an EMT on board as well.  

 

They did apologize about the visibility  -  due to the hurricane stirring up the sea bed and warned us to be aware of the unusually large number of jelly fish - again brought in by the storm.  While visibility was not the advertised "crystal clear" it was actually quite decent and we saw quite a few varieties of fish and coral.  The guides would pull the group together and bring up starfish and explain the different types of coral, identify the fish. I estimate we probably spent 45 min to an hour in the water. Again the guides were very good at allowing folks to swim at their own pace.  Once back on board, they talked a little about Belize and the reef and the efforts to protect it etc.  We motored slowly back in and stopped to watch a pod of dolphins, which was an added treat.  

 

I must add that most of us were stung by the jellies - but it was more like and mosquito bite - itchy and the EMT was ready with the vinegar and peroxide wipes to ease the itch!  The proffered rum punch also helped ease the sting! 🙂 

 

[knoxclone]

If it sunny and Monday, it must be Cozumel! 

This was a lazy day, I got a massage and stayed on the ship. Sister did the included Mayan ruins tour ands said it should have been called the Lizard tour! 🙂  Said that there tons of iguanas darting around the ruins, and spent more time looking at ground than up at ruins!  She said it was educational and the guide was good. 

 

We had Chefs Table for dinner Routes Des Indes.  Initially I was not wowed, started w was a carrot cardamon cream, which I was not crazy about.

The starter was a spicy tuna with Szechuan peppercorns - and holy smokes! that made your mouth tingle - It was really flavorful, but I was ready for the ginger granita to cool dow my mouth!  The main course was a beef tenderloin w warm spices and it was melt in your mouth incredible!!  It was followed by a apple tart tatin which I did not care for - but I am also not a fan of apple pie.

 

[knoxclone]

The next two days were seas days ( due to the missing Key West stop), which were very relaxing, and which I took the chance to have the Spanish cooking class, which was excellent and so much fun - Again thanks to those who passed on the information about checking immediately after boarding!

 

Chef de Cusine Christian ( from Peru)  hosted the class - a total of 12 us to make potato tortilla, paella and flan.  And then we ate it. Delicious!

Edited November 19, 2022 by knoxclone

[knoxclone]

[knoxclone]

Ho hum, another beautiful sea day... Captain Lars is trolling us along at about 8 knots a hours since yesterday. but that's ok, because etc infinity pool is full and the weather is great.

Last day, so we went ahead and did some laundry and packing and hanging out w new friends. 

Beautiful  beautiful sunset and then down to Manfredis for one last dinner (3 total) and one last nightcap in Explorers listening to Allen the superb musician up there.  

 

[Haworth]

Thanks for these updates, we are on the Jan 17th sailing, lots of excellent information 

[knoxclone]

Reality set in at 0715 as our last room service order arrived and we looked out the window at the beautiful Port Everglades 😞 

 

Disembarkation was fairly organized - this being the first time in 5 Viking cruises I have ever used viking air,( so normally we would just collect our bags and breeze off when we were ready.).  Lots of hurry up and wait, but once we walked off ship it was efficient and quick.  Buses to airport where a bit chaotic - the bus just stopped and driver made no announcement - were were about 50 yards past the United terminal and you could see the Delta terminal ahead. He just started pulling bags out, so someone finally asked and he said it was for United only.  Same routine last Delta terminal . Could use a little customer  training on that! 🙂  Lauderdale airport is a mess.  As a was checking in, they made an announcement over the PA that additional flight checks for anyone with checked baggage - only carry ons.  I hade never heard that, so I asked the agent and she said they don't have baggage capacity, especially in am with all the cruise passengers who normally travel with large bags.  They suspended all checked baggage drop offs until noon.  (This was at approx 10:15.) She said until some of the flights depart, they have no place to on the luggage conveyer belts or trucks.

 

Same thing happened sister who was on United in Terminal 1. but she did not make the cut off. And had to sit outside on floor between the check in desks and the windows as there were no chairs and a ton of people milling around. No services, coffee or food until you pass TSA, so lots of unhappy people.

 

Once through TSA which was a breeze, I went to Sky club, where they had a "waiting list" to enter - like a restaurant.  Felt really sorry for the staff - lots of cranky people with the "do you know who I am" attitude and generally being nasty.  I waited about 20 minutes or so to enter. Talked to staff and they said they had renovated and expanded the Sky Club by 60% during covid, but the huge jump travelers and the fact that many many people started purchasing sky club memberships using delta vouchers etc,.  Don't know if its true but makes sense.  

 

Flights were totally full again, but were on time, and smooth and as a bonus, my bag followed me home!

 

Probably more than anyone cared to read about my vacation, but happy to answer any questions.

 

Would I do this itinerary it again?  Yes

I love the sea days, so may consider repositioning cruise

I think the service overall is getting back to pre covid standards, but there were some gaps in service, but overall, everyone was trying hard. 

I provided some feedback with the provided questionnaire and and actually had sit down with excursions manager -  who I think took my recommendations seriously.  He did mention that for some folks who are used to the med or baltic cruises, the expectations are very high and that's hard to meet sometimes dealing with third world countries with much more limited infrastructure, work ethic, governments etc. 

 

Now, back to my real life and back to lurking on other folk's adventures!  Thank you for indulging me!

[Liz Masterson]

Thank you @knoxclone! I'm sailing the partial transit out of and back to Fort Lauderdale in January and this was useful! I hadn't realize how much damamge the hurricane did so I will adjust my expectations. 

I booked my own flights home and they depart later in the afternoon. My friend and I are going to do a short day spa/ lunch adventure before we head over to the airport. SOunds like that might have been a very good decision indeed!