Posting live Panama April 21st

[Tallcruiser]

Hi Everybody,

Thank you JoAnn, I enjoy talking with all of you and bringing you along!

 

Grandmato4, if you have any ?? let me know.

 

We had another CC gathering. One of our CCer's son works on the ship and has made arrangements for us to have a private back stage tour!!! AAAhhhhhh! It is a secret!!! They will have general public group tour but we get the VIP treatment. We had a group picture taken on the staircase today. That will be a treasure.

 

Caribill! I got your postion list! PASSIONATA: 1 oz Gray Goose Vodka, 1/2 oz Triple-Sec,

2oz Passion Puree,

1/2 oz Simple syrup!! hooo hooo sounds fabulous! This was provided by Rey the Bartender at Crooners Bar.

By the way many of the crew do read CC. So cudo's to Rey!!!

 

Today is another day in paradise. I awoke to sunny ski's in the 80's. Last night upon retiring is sat out on my balcony the weather was 73 degrees Stary and clear with the moon gleaming across the "smooth Wavelettes".

It has been a practically perfect cruise so far in every way.

 

I wanted to mention a couple things....... we did set our clocks AHEAD 1 hour the first night at sea and again last night, Central America is on Central standard time. So for me I need a nap today. Ahhh tooo bad I will have to lay out on my balcony and zzzzzzzzzz away.

 

Today at 3:30 Princess is hosting a "Red Hatter" Tea. So All you Red Hatters out there don't for get to pack your hats for your cruise. Princess has offerd this on all my cruises over 14 days.

 

There lso was an announcement in the Patter for the wooden horse races!!! We are trying to get one of the men to check it out as we ladies are going to the Tea that is at the same time. It did not indicate an auction so I don't know if they will run the same. It sure would be a Hoot if they did. Our horse a couple years ago won best dressed a Camilla. We were sailing Hawaii at the time the ROYALS were getting married. Very fun. I will let you know more later on it.

 

A quick comment about the Aft cabins before I high tail it to my balcony:D

I read some where that some one wanted to know about any noise in the aft cabins. I don't have any noise. I do notice a ,,,vibration,,, that hums at a constant and even hummmmm. It is in no way disturbing!!! It is probably the engins or props.

Also I don't know if I mentioned it or not but the aft bump out balconies have great views, No obstructions and we look directly down on the water NOT some one elses balcony. Just thought you might want to know.

 

Well tomorrow is Acapulco. I will catch up with you later.

 

Thanks to everyone who wished us smooth seas. I can honestly say I have never sailed more FLAT seas!! It is like a lake out there!

 

AAhhh I think it is time for my nap and aybe a Passionata before......;)

 

Robin

[2 to cruise]

Tallcruiser,

 

I want to be another to say Thank You! so very much for your interesting posts. I had read most of the Roll Call for some months now and know you are all having a wonderful time!

 

My DH and I were on the Island to Hawaii in 2006. We had a mini-suite, C712. Have to agree it was very quiet and a wonderful view from the bumpout section was definitely had.

 

You make my breaks from household chores enjoyable, as I get on the computer to see what you have written, thanks so much!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[jfgdbg]

Thanks Robin for your "live from". I'm really enjoying it as we are on the Coral next April for the same cruise. And we are also in an aft mini suite on Caribe deck. They sound great. Good to hear you are having such calm seas. I hope they continue.

[caribill]

Caribill! I got your postion list! PASSIONATA: 1 oz Gray Goose Vodka, 1/2 oz Triple-Sec,

2oz Passion Puree,

1/2 oz Simple syrup!! hooo hooo sounds fabulous! This was provided by Rey the Bartender at Crooners Bar.

By the way many of the crew do read CC. So cudo's to Rey!!!

 

 

Robin

 

 

Thanks so much

[Tallcruiser]

Hi everyone,

Yep, it was another perfect day. We were in Acapulco today. We arrived early. I keep the drapes open all night so that I don't miss a sun rise. (mind you I go right back to sleep until the tap tap tap on my door comes with my COFFEE:p ) This morning the it was still dark out, just barley sunrise and I saw the lights of Acapulco off my balcony. I smiled and back to sleep I went for another hour. Slept right through docking. We enjoyed a hot and slightly humid day. I did not have an excursion here as I was just here in January. I walked all the way around the bay to the old town. Few tourist ventured there.

Note that when you come to visit here on a cruise. The Taxi and tour drivers are like .... well .... flys!!! You have to swat them kindly away as the Swarm you. I did hear from fellow cruisers that the best values for taxis were found out side of the gates of the port. Most said $5 got them to the shopping and in some cases more than one destination. Others reported the Paid $25 and got full tours for the day! But the drivers are Aggresive and Pushy!!! So be prepared. Now back to my walk. I would not recommend this for just anyone. It does get a little scary out on your own. I stayed to the main road and was treated to some fantasic views and scenery.

A note about Acapulco. The ship docks very close to the Gold coast. You could walk it but a cab will take you to the hotels if you just want to hang out on their beaches. You will need to buy a drink or food to use their beaches. The Fort of Acapulco is right there at port out side the gates you can take an elevator to the walkway that goes over the street to the Fort. There are museums there and one heck of a view of the whole bay.

Acapulco once a hide away for the celebrities is now 2 millon strong and pretty vacation spot for mexico and everywhere. Not to many places to hide away from the hussle and bussle.

Well tomorrow is Haultoco I know I spelled that wrong but I will bring my cheat sheet next time. I understand it is a fairly new port of call. I have never been further down that Acapulco so this will be a new excitment for me!! I am taking an excursion throught the ship. I will be sailing on a sail boat with 19 others to 5 secluded bays and beaches that are only accessable by boat. No roads. Wha hoo can't wait!!

 

Food is great on the ship in both the dinning room and the Horizon court. I have anytime dinning and have had great service..

Hey Cindy, I found Anna she is still in the Bordeaux room just a differant station. Anna said she remembered me and asked about you and Al!!

 

2 to cruise, jfgdbg, and everyone you are all so Kind! I than you for the oppertunity to share. I am on the cruise of my life with a great group of CCer's.

 

Well, tomorrow is an EARLY day. And as some of you can tell I am NOT and early person.:p So I had better be off to slip into my bubble bath and get ready for my adventure tomorrow.

 

Talk to you all soon,

Robin

[SHIPMEOUT]

Hi Robin! :)

 

So glad you are having such a great time! I have been watching the webcam and waiting for your posts!

 

Thanks so much for all that you've written so far...it's helped to "paint a picture" of the great places you are visiting. I remember Acapulco well...it was so picturesque, especially all the pretty lights at night.

 

Wonderful that you have found Ana in the dining room! :) Al and I are very touched that she asked about us. Could you please give her our warmest regards (and a hug too). Thank you.

 

Your excursion in Huatulco (ha ha I looked up the spelling :p ) sounds great. It will be one of our stops in January, so I look forward to hearing all about it. Have a cervesa or two...or three...for us.

 

Enjoy the wonderful day ahead! Have fun!

 

Cindy & Al

[sailinsal]

Tallcruiser,,,,,,,,you are truly awesome I am such an addict and you are feeding my addiction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am with you in spirit as you visit this gorgeous little bay and real Mexico.............isn't it peaceful? Not enough time there for sure,,,,,,,,,,,the wecam is just what my addiction needed today in hot LA...........keep the posts coming I appreciate every one...........sailinsal

[Quacker]

Hi Robin. We have been keeping track of you. Great that our "friend" got his FISH. I was afraid he would spend the big bucks and get nothing. Think we will get a fish story after we all get back? We are headed out Monday to Finland and Norway and also the Norwegian Coastal Cruiser. I think you guys are going warmer and we are going colder!! Quack, Quack

[Tallcruiser]

Hi everyone,

So, yesterday was Hualtuco. It is a tender port. We pulled up just befre sun rise and docked just as the sun was peeping over one of the coves. What a beautiful unspoiled place. I put it above Cabo!!! We were only treated to a tiny sampling of time there. I took a ship excursion on the Sail boat. There were 20 of us on board. We went around to 5 unspoiled coves that are accessable only by boat, no roads. We sailed by a blow hole visable only from the sea. Dolphin swam and played near our boat. We were treated to a swim at one of the tiny beach coves. They dropped anchor in about 15 feet of water and we swam around and ashore in pristine water. The sand had the same clean scent I remember from child hood at the beaches of Ensinada. Long before paved roads. The natural plants and clean sands. Just breath taking. We returned under full sail and rode the wind back to port with complimentary cervesa's. What a great day. It was short and sweet but I need a nap after my lunch when I returned to ship.

Today was a sea day. It was just a tad hazy at times and the humidity has increase as well as the temp's. It was 83 during the night and I am sure near 90 during the day.... very muggy. We enjoyed our second Red Hatter tea at sea. Many more new ladies joined in.

Inch of gold was on sale again today and I fell to it's calling;) . I picked up several pretty little bracellets.

I have to say I have not seen any real bargins yet on shore, it's not like the old days!

Tomorrow is Puntarenas. I have an excursion to Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Resort Hot Springs.... It is a 3 1/2 hour drive each way! I will be the first on out early tomorrow and the last back! We will be in Costa Rica from 8 to 8.

 

Hi Don! I wish you and Lee a Bon Voyage! I can't wait to har your stories when you get back. Yes, The Marlin Man is very popular on board. He did take a beating this afternoon by a low hanging light post! Some knot on his noggin!!! Karen won a big Jack pot in the Casino last night!!! Whaa hoo! Have a wonderful trip! Thanks for popping in here.

 

Cindy and Al I think of you two all the time. One of our CCer's has a baby just like Jellybean too! I did give Anna a big hug for you!!

 

Hi Sailinsal, we are having the time of our lives. I am glad you are following along.

 

The entertainment on board is really good. In the background right now are the Tunes of Ray Cossins Piano player and the shaka shaka of the Matini shaker from Crooners lounge. Heaven..............

 

All the bands are good. We have made friends with the guys in True 2 Life. They are fantastic!!!

 

Well, as usual I am off to zzzz land as it is an early excursion for me!! I can't wait to get back and tell you about it.

 

Tues. is a sea day and WED. IS The Panama Canal!!!!! We are all making signs to hang out on our balconies!!! Don't forget to watch!!!

 

Night

Robin

[SHIPMEOUT]

Your day in Huatulco sounded heavenly. I could just close my eyes and imagine the surroundings....

 

A quick funny story for you...Friday night Al & I watched "The Devil Wears Prada". Do you remember when we watched that? Al says we shouldn't remember it because we all went to the theater to watch it on the ship late at night and 5 minutes after it started he looked around and all of us were ZZZZZZZZZZZ (heads falling back) LOL!!

 

Time for me to turn in for the night. SOME of us have to go to WORK in the morning, and SOME of us get to go to COSTA RICA in the morning. :p

 

Have a great time. We'll be watching you. From work :( .

 

Talk to you tomorrow

Hugs,

Cindy

[mii]

I am curious about something. When we were in Hualtco we docked not tendered. Was there another ship there? Sounds like you are having a great time.

 

marilyn

[Momma Mojito]

Robin, Was away for the weekend,(Grandson's First Holy Communion) Which was very nice. I couldn't wait to get back to find out what exciting things you are doing. Sounds like your days are fantastic, fun, and full!! You have a wonderful way of making us all feel like we are with you. Thanks again, JoAnn

[jrobinso]

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to check in to see how this thread is going. I haven't posted...we've been too busy. In fact, I'm off in a minute to meet the other CC'ers and make Panama Canal balcony signs.

Just a few quick notes.

Embarkation:

Quick and easy. We were in San Pedro at 10:45 and on the ship by about 11:40. The eggcrate mattress that I requested in a Fax about 3 weeks prior was on our bed ( it wasn't on my folks). We brought on a case of water with a tag attached...no problems. We also brought on 2 cases of soda and 4 bottles of wine, as well as several "juice boxes" again, no problems.

Weather,

cool the first 2 days, now hot and humid. Still a bit cool in the theaters, so be sure and bring a light wrap.

 

Ultimate dining

We did that for 4 on Friday the 25th (my husbands birthday) it was awesome. Great food, Excellent Service.

 

Ports

We loved Hualtuco and Costa Rica. Wish we had had more time Hualtulco.

Saw lots of Crocodiles on the mangrove boat trip yesterday (Costa Rica) and saw lots of Monkeys in the trees at the Scarlet McCaw Sanctuary. No bugs, by the way, so didn't need the insect repellant yet.

 

FYI

For those of you ladies wanting to buy those cute over the shoulder purses that are perfect for cruising...with small magnets holding the pockets together. Beware....I've wiped out 2 cruise cards so far!!!

 

Having a great time, Food is so so...but I don't cruise for food, so I'm prbably not a good judge. Lots of activities on board. Thermal pass was $350.00 per couple for this cruise, and we have enjoyed it.

Obviously an older crowd on board, but they amaze me. We had dinner one night with a fellow of 92year young....my hero!!!

Jan

[Colo Cruiser]

Great posts, thanks.

 

Jan,

how in the world did you manage getting all that liquid onboard. :eek:

 

 

Sounds alot like the 60 cases that were brought onboard on the Island coastal. :D

[sailinsal]

HI, will have the webcams checking all day as enter the canal and we can identify you with the signs.................this will be a real hoot watching all of you...............I was hoping to do on my Island cruise but did not thing anyone would notice. I WILL NOTICE AND GET A KICK OUT OF YOU ALL........... a great day ahead for you...........enjoy.............sailinsal

[billco]

Right now is a good time to watch
[URL]http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html?cam=Miraflores[/URL]

[SHIPMEOUT]

Saw you make the transit this morning!

Here's some pics.

Cindy

[Go-Bucks!]

I was living vicariously through all of you today!

Will continue watching all day - as much as I'm able. Don't tell my boss that I'm peeking back and forth between getting work done! ;) But it's alot more fun seeing you guys!

Happy sailing.

[Tallcruiser]

Hi everyone,
I could not get on yesterday to remind you to watch as the satalite was up and down. So much tell you!!!

To ansewer a couple quick questions. Huatulco is NOT a tender port, we docked.

LOL Cindy the Devil wears Prada is STILL playing on board!!!! Memories~~~~ he he

I am so glad some of you could watch us. We entered the lock some time about 5:30 am Panama time. and we did not come back through until late at about 7 or so. My cabin is Port side aft. We had a party on the return trip in my cabin and most our CCers were on the balcony waving away. It was such fun. But we were afraid you would not see us coming back as it was getting dark. It was a perfect day. It was hot and humid but there were no problems with bugs. I have some funny stories to tell but I will save them for when I get home. We have such a fun group. Panama Canal is a wonder. I have to say it is a wonder to see for yourself. Gatun lake is an amazing place as well. So many shipping vessels all lined up! We even passed the Coral on her transit to the Miraflores locks. We all hooted and hollared for each other as we passed. How often does that happen?
It was the cherry on the top of the sundae going through the canals today.

I have to tell you about Puntarenas, Costa Rica!!! OMG pinch me! This has been an epic trip. I took the ship excursion to the Arenal Volcano and a resort where the hot water that bubbles up from the vocano cascades over water falls and into pools that we swam in. AAAhhhh. Yes it is in the 90's and humid all day but the waters were actually refreshing. the water falls would pound ones cares away if you sat under them!! The Volcano has been compared to Pompie. SP? It erupted and buried the city below in the same way in the 80's. It is stil an active volcano. Few people actually get to see it... as it is usually covered by clouds. Well It was clear , in perfect view and spuing ash and gas out the top. Unbelievable!
It is a 3 1/2 hour drive each way to see this wonder and take of the waters. But well worth it. There is so much of this country to see as we traveled along the Pan American HWY. I even saw some oxen being driven across the same hwy that shared Large trucks.

We have dropped anchor here outside of Panama. Tomorrow is Puerto Amador. Many of our CCers are going on the Areal Tram through the rain forest together.

The sea has been calm the whole voyage!! It is hot and Humid. We did have the slightest bit of rain this afternoon for a second! It has been really text book perfect.

Sadly we did have the debarkation sheets in our cabins last night. An indication that our adventure is 1/2 over. :(
But I won't think about that now............. There are still more suprises to enjoy.

Talk to you again soon

Robin

[SHIPMEOUT]

Wow, what a great day you had! It was great seeing you go through this morning! I was late getting home so I missed your return.

I've heard such great things about Costa Rica, and it sounds like you had a fabulous time there. I can't wait to go. What is the rest of your itinerary now? You have lots of days left...to heck with those debarkation papers!

LOL The Devil Wears Prada is still playing? Ha Ha. The tape must be worn out. :rolleyes:

How has your dining been? Have you sat at different tables or have you settled on a nice one? Have you been back to table 35?

Who's been entertaining in Crooners?

Thanks for the great live posts. Hope your next day is even better than the one before...have lots of fun - we're thinking of you!

Cindy & Al

[Tallcruiser]

Hi everyone,
yesterday was Amador and Balboa Panama. Another day in paradise. I can't believe everyday has been so exceptional. Of course there are some really funny tales to be told but the computer time is pretty pricy to use up now. I will try to share more when I get home.
We took the Gondola's ( I call them the berry baskets) LOL the baskets seat 5, and a guide. We floated to throught the rainforest seeing many kinds of Flora and Fauna. It was unbeliveable. I felt like I was in Disneyland only better. Even while on the bus ride we saw Monkeys and iguna's in the trees. Codamunies and Slothes. Just great. It was quite hot and even more humid. We are on the cusp of the dry/ rainy season. We took a ride through the city of Panama! From the ship on the sky line you could see the City of Panama standing large at the waters edge. It would remind of seeing the city of San Francisco. But up close ....... ewwww... it is a dirty place. The high rises were plenty and filled with the poor families. Many had no glass or screens in the windows and laundry hanging from everything! Grafiti everywhere. Not a place to venture on your own. Th poor are very poor. There are 3 classes here. We only saw the Rich and the poor. The sky line sure fooled me!
The Embera Indian Village offered as a tour here is a recreation and NOT the real Village. There were some nice textiles sold from them in the port of Amador.
Cindy I have enjoyed every meal. YOU KNOW ME! I have enjoyed them in the Horizon Court, in the Bordeaux dinning room, at the Grill and I have room service every morning bring my breakfast.
Jan is going to put together another CC gathering for us in Sabatini's. Time is slipping by too fast! I could go on for weeks!!
Today it rain. for all of 5 minutes, It did bring some relief in the humididty. It is hot and sunny out now as we head for Nicuragua tomorrow. I will be going to Leon and the bubbling mud pots should be interesting. There are no "scooters or walkers" allowed on this one. Perhaps a little more adventure is in store!
I had a cheat sheet going of things I thought to tell you about but did not bring it up with me this time. Next time I hope.
Ray Coussins is the entertainment in Crooners. He is just fantastic. All the Live music on board are great REALLY!
OK I think I will go drop some quarters at the Casino! Ta Ta for now!'
Robin

[Momma Mojito]

Robin, Again Thanks so much for sharing your time with us. I am really enjoying all the thinks you have described for us. Can't wait to go in the fall. Just one question and please don't take you time up answering it while you are on the ship. You said all the live entertainment on board was great, have you got a chance to say hi to Joey and the guys from Phoenix Rising. I understand that they are in the Wheelhouse and also play on deck. Thanks again. JoAnn

[sailinsal]

Robin, It is so terrific to know you are enjoying this awesome trip as we did; after more than a week on the ship it is so thrilling to know you are getting off soon..................still wonderful days ahead. The slot tournament saw me win lst place the $500 then another day 3rd place...................this truly made my trip even more fun with extra loot.....................You have more great ports to enjoy yet............I am with you all the way..................sailinsal

[sailinsal]

YOU ARE NOT HAVING TO GET OFF SOON........... this 19 days on board is the best of the best in cruising. sailinsal

[Tallcruiser]

Hi,
It sure has been the best cruise. I have learned so much and made new friends and a greater appreciation for what we have in the US.

I have so much to say about the ports but the internet is so slow. I am on my last minutes:( . But I will try to catch everyone up when I get home!!

Joann I have not personally had a chance to go up and tell the guys hi for you yet. I will try before I get off the ship. They are great. They played for our past guest party and everyone enjoys them. All the musicians on the Island are truly wonderful regardless of your taste!

Salinsal, It has been so fun to share with all of you. I do still have more tips in information to share. Whahoo you were a winnner winner! I haven't had luck yet but I am having a heck of a good time trying!:D

I know we were just talking today. We are trying to get us all together for some more parting before it is time to go home.:( We can't believe it is almost over!!!!

I still can't think about it now or I will cry! I have 2 more ports and sea days to go! Oh my so short...... ooppps there I go again.

Before I forget..... Not great news but the NORO is on board with us. It has been spreading since our first week and now we can not serve ourselves anything at the tables or Horizon Court. It is an ederly crowd on board.... I guess their amune systems are more depressed. But I do have to say that I am shocked at how many "Older" women do NOT wash their hands.. I am sorry but I had to say it. :p

I am down to my last minutes..... I want to thank everyone for going with us...... keep asking your questions and I will write more when I get home.

Thank you all for your wishes for flat seas. It has been really Smmmmooooth!

Talk to you when I get home and I will tell you MHO on all the ports....

Robin