Eleuthera, Bahamas - February 7, 2009

The Emerald Priincess couldn't dock at shore here at Princess Cays. The ship dropped anchor away from shore and prepared to shuttle passengers ashore via tenders. We tendered ashore at 8:45 to meet our shore-excursion guide.

Facts I learned on our 4 1/2 hour tour of Eleuthera:

• Eleuthera (uh LEW thruh) means "freedom"
• towns are called "settlements"
• Island shows a strong connection to its Christian beginnings
• Island was settled for religious freedom
• "'ail" mean to greet or to wave, which people do regardless of whether they know you or not.
• "I come terecly" - I'll be right there.
• "Don't yuck up my vexation!" - don't make me mad.
• "right here between Oh Lord and Thank God!" - I'm fine, okay.
• "mix up like poke salat" - confused
• "look here now..." - conversation starter
• "you don't have no broughtupsy" - you're rude
• national flower is the Yellow Elder

Our driver is the uncle of Olympic 200m winner at Beijing. I made a picture of a large sign honoring the Olympian.

We saw damage from 1979 Hurricane David.

We visited a museum and Police station (didn't write down the name of the town) and took pics with the female police chief, Sergeant Brown. We also visited the "bottomless hole", fed fish there and tasted tamarind. We picked long pods of seeds from Ponciana trees to make music.

In Tarpon Bay we stopped at a beautiful old Anglican church then went out on the stinky fishing pier. We saw McMillan Castle (built only in 1970)

Our lunch stop was at 4-points Bar and Grill. We had a buffet of conch fritters, coconut-breaded wings, and mac and cheese with pina colada rolls for dessert and coconut-water drinks. There was a conch-salad-making demo. I called home and got to talk briefly while waiting for everyone to get to the bus.

We saw a demo of palm weaving and filled out an evaluation of the tour. We enjoyed the tour except it was too long and the DVD that played constantly in the bus was irritating. We got back to the beach just barely in time to tender back to the ship.

Evening was spent packing, napping, dinner in Cafe Carib, and last-night comedy show with both Jim McDonald and Jeff Peterson. We watched "Hancock" outside on Deck 15 and bought a T-shirt in the atrium.

All at Sea .... again

Lots of ship motion from 4:00 Am onward. It doesn’t look rough out, not storming, but the water is rough. Water doesn’t look rough either.

Ø Breakfast at 9:50 was incredibly crowded – food was cold by the time we found a table.
Ø It is a little chilly outside today
Ø To library to donate books and magazines, to Wheelhouse for Trivia (room almost full with groups of 5 or 6) – I played alone and scored only 8 out of 20.
Ø To Crooners for Scattergories. I played with a British couple and a couple from Indiana. Bob and Nancy and Jim and Liz.
Ø To Internet Café; computers were v-e-r-y s-l-o-w today. I checked email, CaringBridge, info on Eleuthera
Ø Met Jim for lunch. He’s not feeling well.
Ø Listened to IPod and napped a little then went back up to 15 for tea and a cheese/roll snack
Ø Shower, cleanup. Jim to dinner; Joan back to internet café to use up the rest of my 250 minutes
Ø Comedian Jim McDonald again
Ø Pizza on deck 15
Ø Paperwork for end of cruise (immigration, evaluations, tips, etc.)

St, Thomas, USVI February 5, 2009

Woke up at 7:00 and sat on balcony and watched us dock. This was the first time we’ve docked on our side of the ship. Another large ship is docked in front of us – can’t tell what it is from here. Took a couple of pictures. Looked through the pictures I have taken so far. I can’t match what I am seeing with either of the deck-diagrams in the shopping guide, so I can’t decipher the shopping guide and/or map of the port.

Sun came up while I sat on balcony; began to get hot very quickly.
Breakfast, then off the ship.
Shopped at pier briefly then left for shore excursion.

Shore Excursion to St. John
Took the ferry “Island Girl” – large, fast, and rough ride
Saw homes of Michael Jordan, Alan Alda, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Chevy Chase, Madonna, others. Guide says the town stops when Madonna is in town.
Other islands passed: Little St. James, Great St. James, St. James

Took an island “taxi” for the land tour – a 20-passenger open bus. Sat in the back with a couple from Kentucky.
No airport on the island; ferry to St. Thomas every hour costs $6 each way.
There is an elementary school on the island, but other students take the ferry to St. Thomas every day.
No large shopping areas on the island – people shop on St. Thomas
The three islands have one governor
Only two hotels on St. John
The color of the water is amazing!

Island population = 6500 on 19 square miles

Most of the island is a national park

Two big beaches: Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay
Made 15 minute stop at Cinnamon Bay – like a national park setting, woods, pavillians, restrooms, lockers, etc. Wooded path to beach.
Stopped at ruins of an old sugar mill.
Can see Tortola from Maho Bay viewing site. Our driver is from there.
Stop at Bordeau Mtn – highest point on island – could see a cruise ship docked on Tortola

Finished listening to Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods
Rest, nap, TV, Ipod, Shower, dinner

Comedian Jim McDonald – missed most of it because I couldn’t see the screen (he used video for some of his comedy) from where I sat.
Checked email, walked around ship
Movie on deck – Get Smart

Roseau, Dominica February 4, 2009

Awake at 6:25, docked at 7:15, breakfast

Loaded on bus for tour at 7:50 in Roseau (Row-Zoe)
Info about Dominica:
Ø 365 rivers
Ø Very poor
Ø Bad roads
Ø Mountainous

Along our route, some houses were so close to the road, residents could have reached out and touched the busses from their front doors.

Saw bananas, pineapples, oranges, grapefruit, and watermelon growing. Bananas often covered in blue bags (called condoms) to control the ripening process. Banana grow in “hands” and “fingers”.

At Jaco (Jacko) Falls, we took the long steep trek down 55 steps to the falls. The legend is that dipping in the water at the foot of the falls would take 10 years off your age. Only two of us got in – me only to my knees; the other lady up to waist.

At botanical gardens, we saw sausage trees, cannonball trees, parrots, owls, cricket field where many celebrities have visited (including Queen of Eng.)

We stopped at a mountaintop area called “President’s ???” and had a magnificent view of the ship and a cricket stadium. There were lots of the same type of tourist “shops.”

Back to the ship for lunch and a nap. Jim went to movie and I spent some time in the internet café.

Evening entertainer was Hernandez, hypnotist. He bombed badly! I got really ticked off with a waitress. It is fairly common for the waitstaff in the performance venues to ignore requests for soft drinks, since they don’t make as much money on those; but most servers are not as obvious as Oleana was. She didn’t bring coke ordered; kept ignoring us. I finally made an issue of finding out her name. Another lady saw my irritation and came over and told me that she had the same experience with this waitress and had made a complaint.

We went to the late-night outside movie on Deck 15 “Ghost Town”.

St, Georges, Granada February 3, 2009

We were up at 7:45 and were still en route to Grenada. We went back to bed. I listened to a Stuart Woods novel then took a shower.

In the Line Dance class we had the instructor I don’t like – the white effeminate Miko. He goes through things much too fast and seems to think that the idea is to confuse the heck out of the participants.

He “taught” the Honky-tonk-honk – ran through the steps very quickly then proceeded to put on the music and play it faster and faster so nobody could keep up. Then Miko “taught” the Disco Inferno. He used the same procedure – barely introduce the basic steps then immediately race through it as fast as possible with the music.

In the ballroom dance class (with the good black instructor, Maraschal) He reviewed the Cha-Cha, the Salsa, and the Meringue (which I missed)

Jim and I sat on deck 15 and ate pizza as we docked. Next to us was a Celebrity ship as large as ours – the Celebrity Summit.

I found Grenada very unpleasant. The vendors absolutely swamped the passengers – literally grabbing your clothes to propel you to their vending areas. It reminded me of the vendors in Antigua. I don’t think I’ll want to return here. We could have left the dock area and walked into town easily, but it was a little scary to have such aggressive vendors; so we didn’t get out of the port area. It was very crowded and felt unsafe. It was also oppressively HOT!

The captain made an announcement (AFTER disembarkation began) that passengers wearing camouflage won’t be allowed to enter the country.

Grenada is part of a 3-island nation: Carriacu and Petite Martinique are the other two.
There was a large number of women dressed in professional clothing on the streets in town

We shopped and came back to ship separately. When I got back (very early), I sat on deck and drank a strawberry daiquiri (YUM). I went to buffet and snacked and enjoyed the view.

Came back to room, lay and listened to Dark Harbor and dozed for a couple of hours.

When sun went down at 6:00, it started getting dark and cooler very fast. I sat on balcony and wrote and enjoyed the scenery and breeze.

Showered, dressed and went to dinner in Michaelangelo dining room about 8:00, then sat in Club Fusion, listened to Voltz and watched dancers.

Kralendijk, Bonaire February 2, 2009

We scheduled no shore excursions for Bonaire. This is the only one of the Netherland Antilles that we had not visited before. We had been to both Aruba and Curacao before.

We had a very noisy docking about 7:00 AM

Could see a large soccer field from the ship.

Joan to breakfast at 8:00 – really BAD grits. Sat on deck 15 portside and looked around at the town since little was visible from our balcony. There was no obvious shopping area visible from the ship.

I showed little enthusiasm yesterday for the camera Jim bought me, and he is understandably irritated with me for that. It just seems that every time I decide not to get into photos, we get a new camera and I am pushed back into it. Also it is such a pain to be constantly learning how to use new electronic “stuff” – computers, cameras, etc.

I am wearing a sundress today, so I cannot wear the pedometer. From the ship it looks like at least 6 or 7 blocks from the gangway to where it looks like most passengers are heading. It is extremely HOT here today – at least 90 degrees.

About 10:00 AM, we walked into Kralendijk. The whole town is within walking distance. . “Bon Bini” signs everywhere you look. We enjoyed looking around and walking through not only the port “craft mall” type shops, but the actual town shops. I couldn’t find any large bags or shirts like I was looking for; but I did go into a bookstore and bought some little notebooks for the kids.

We were back on the ship by 12:00.

I sat on Deck 7 and watched Bonaire recede and listed to Stone Barrington on my Nano; then I sat inside in the Explorer Lounge and watched an art auction. After that I walked into one of the midship lounges and listened to a pianist. I finally gave in and signed up for 250 minutes of internet time and spent about an hour checking email and reading Caringbridge updates on Lily.

After dinner, comedian Carey Long was the entertainer. He was very funny! He is from Atlanta. Then the later show was a repeat of the Jeff Peterson show; but we enjoyed it again the second time.

I realized in the middle of the show that my cruise card had come off its chain; so I left and went to the purser’s desk to see if it had been turned in. It had been, so I reclaimed it.

We saw Carey Long again. He was still funny; and we bought a DVD of the show. We went up to the Grill on Deck 15 for a nearly-midnight snack.

Orangestad, Aruba February 1, 2009

We planned no shore excursions for Aruba because we knew the shipped docked right in town and there was plenty to see and do.

We awoke to the announcement that we were docking. Our stateroom, on the starboard side, faces out to sea at most ports, so we couldn’t watch the docking process from the balcony.

It had rained heavily earlier and the streets were very wet, big puddles were everywhere. While we were ashore, it was cloudy; but the skies cleared as the day progressed.

We went ashore at 8:30 and walked around town separately. I bought a few small items and Jim bought me a Sony digital camera and a memory card and a blackberry charger for himself.

All signs in Orangestad are in English only even though Aruba one of the three islands in the Netherland Antilles and the official language there is Dutch. We met in the upper level of Burger King after awhile. Jim went back to the ship while I piddled awhile longer before returning to the ship about 12:30. In the meantime, I bought a tropical outfit to wear for Island Night.

After lunch on the ship, Jim called home andI sat in a deck chair on Deck 7 and listened to part of a novel on my Nano.

In the evening, Jim watched the Super Bowl and I listened to more of my novel.

The evening’s entertainment was comedic magician Jeff Peterson. The clueless cruise director, Paul, kept messing up the entertainer’s name, saying “Stevenson” instead of “Peterson”. Nobody seemed to notice.

It's called r-e-l-a-x-a-t-i-o-n

In the line dance class, we learned the Cha-Cha Line Dance – Cotton-Eyed Joe


In ballroom dance class, the dance of the day was the Salsa. It is 3 steps.

After lunch, nap and TV.

The evening entertainer was Billy Prudhomme, a comedy juggler. Not a great performance, but entertaining.

I'm "all at sea"

We slept late then had breakfast in the Horizon Court.

I went to a morning ballroom dance class; the dance of the day was the Cha-cha.

After the dance class, I just wandered around the ship stopping when I heard or saw something that interested me. I watched a little bit of a towel-folding exhibition and some of a fruit/vegetable-carving demo. I sat in a couple of lounges and listened to music. I stopped by the library and picked up the day’s puzzles to do later. I sat on deck 15 beside a pool at the back of the ship and read and wrote for awhile.

I napped, showered, and changed for dinner.

Jim and I went up to the “movie under the stars”. They were showing Dark Knight. It was chilly in the night air and I couldn’t get into the movie, so I left early.

On the good ship.....

Of course we were awake before the wake-up call came at 5:30. Caught the 6:00 shuttle to the airport. Check-in and security was quick and easy, so we were sitting at the gate just waiting before 6:30.

We met a couple from NC who were going on the cruise too. Big Mistake to start talking to them. She was grumpy and negative; he was annoyingly talkative. This made the waiting very tedious. They cut at each other constantly; he kept “quizzing” us on every topic of conversation that came up.

When we got to Fort Lauderdale, we had to wait to claim our luggage and then wait for the Princess bus to get to the airport: but when ducks were all lined up, we got on the first bus leaving for the sea port. As platinum members of the Captain’s Club, we got to register early and were actually the very first couple to get registered once they were ready to start registration in what Jim calls “the warehouse.” We waited outside there for about 15 minutes before they were ready, but we were onboard the Emerald Princess and in our stateroom (B201) by 12:30.

Our first action was, of course, to visit the buffet on deck 15 for lunch. We met Danilo, or stateroom steward. He is about 5’ to 5”2”, boney and of middle eastern descent.

After lunch we informally toured the ship. Our stateroom is on Baja deck or Deck 11. Room 201 is the very last room forward on the starboard side on that deck -- a very long walk from the first set of elevators!

The Emerald Princess is larger than even the Grand Princess. It is only 2 years old. In redesigning the ship, they cut down the width of the walking decks and the size of the balconies to make room for more passenger staterooms. There were over 3300 passengers, and everything felt much more crowded than any other cruise we have taken. The EP also has more decks than the Grand or other ships we have cruised on. There are 4 decks above the full-length 15th. The 16th and above are mostly recreational decks. The basketball courts, golf course, running track, kid’s area, and the “night club” are up there.

We stopped by the library on 7 and picked up the quizzes of the day.

Dinner was a seafood fest in the Horizon Court (where we eat most of our meals on most cruises.)

The evening’s show was a comedy magician named Jeff Peterson. We saw his performance in the Princess Theatre (4 decks directly below our stateroom.)

We're off to see.....

January 28 - Wednesday
We left home about 2:15. As usual we had trouble getting to the hotel (Country Inn and Suites South near the airport). After circling the airport a few times and calling the hotel, we did finally get there, however. We took a nap, went to Ruby Tuesdays for dinner, then went to a nearby Walmart to get an extension cord for Jim’s CPAP machine and some earrings for me. Amazing how one can plan to thoroughly for a trip and then forget such essentials! We read and watched TV for awhile before arranging for a wake-up call and going to bed.

Acapulco, Mexico, Day 1 - Birthday

When we got to Acapulco on Thursday, she went into the port terminal, and found this black shawl ($10) to go along with her new dress. So, she may be finished shopping for this trip (I told her to wait... our last stop in Mexico is Cabo San Lucas aka "Flea Market by the Boat Dock"). In the Acapulco port terminal I found a yellow tank dress like the black one (only it was $16 in Acapulco) plus lots of stuff at the Del Sol store (stuff changes color when you take it out in the sun). After taking mother back to the ship, I went back onshore to see what shopping existed beyond the port.Of course, this is Mexico. Shopping? It seems like haggling is the national sport! I was approached many times by locals, followed down the street, even though I said I just wanted to walk along the beach sidewalk. I found a grocery store, where I could get a bottle of Diet Coke for less than $1 (it's $1.95 a can on the ship). As I walked out of the store, a young man walked up to me and told me he was hired by the government to take care of tourists, showed me his photo ID badge, wanted to practice his English, and wanted to take me to the government flea market. I wasn't sure if this was a scam, but I knew there were other people from the ship walking back, so I let him take me there.It was the usual collection of little shops with tourist trinkets, toys, and trash, plus silver and gold on the fringes. They wanted more for the dresses than either of the ones I had already purchased ("Hey lady, what you want to pay? Give me your price."). But I wanted to see their leather purses, since a zipper on my Italian purse had broken. So, after an hour wandering around (and not finding anything I liked in clothes), I went back to the big leather store and looked at more purses until I found the one I liked. It is like my Italian purse, only wider (hangs over one shoulder and across my front). It is also made from ram's hide, not cowhide, so it is softer. I almost didn't buy it, because he didn't want to take my credit card (he says he would have to pay 20% tax), but I didn't have enough cash on me. As I started to walk away, they offered to show me to a cash machine, but I wasn't going to fall for that one. So, I was willing to give him a little more than I intended, so that I could use my credit card. After all, I still have Cabo ahead of me!My little guide took me back to the main street where I could see the ship, and I gave him a $5 tip. After all, I was back safely, and don't think I was ripped off (he said I got a good price - $67). But it was still uncomfortable to be alone in that situation..

Huatulco, Mexico

Huatulco, Mexico
I got off the ship in Huatulco on Wednesday and bought a black sleeveless dress (sort of like a tank top, but down to my knees, and flows wide at the hemline - $12 or 2 for $20 - only bought one, couldn't find another one I liked). Very comfy. We pulled into the dock at noon so Mother didn't get off the ship that day; she stayed onboard to play bridge in the afternoon.

Puerto Quetzal in San Jose, Guatamala

Thanksgiving Day

Puerto Quetzal, Guatamala
Today, we spent the day in port at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. There was a craft market right at the pier where we were docked. So, we went off the ship and within a few minutes, Mother found her while shawl. It is lightweight with very pretty design. After walking past all of the vendors, she decided it was time to go back on the ship. So, I got her picture next to the sign as we proceeded back on the ship.After returning to the cabin to get shorts on (not capri pants), and shed my shirt, I went back on shore, and did a lot more shopping (in the heat and humidity!). There were some very good prices on woven goods (placemats, table runners, napkins) and other stuff. I brought back two bags full of souvenirs.
Puerto Quetzal, on Guatemala's Pacific coast, serves as a cruise passenger's gateway to the inland attractions of this Central American country. As with most Central American countries, the population centers are located in the more temperate central highlands, rather than along the humid, tropical coasts. Accordingly, Puerto Quetzal, while offering plenty for shipping companies, offers little in the way of attractions for cruise passengers. $10|164$>The tune the town sings has changed from "Where the Boys Are" to "Where the Families Are". Local ordinances, zoning, and massive construction projects have transformed this city by the sea into a prosperous pleasure port, catering to family fun, upscale restaurants, yacht owners, cruise passengers and a fast-growing residential population.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur is a tranquil fishing village nestled at the head of a horseshoe-shaped bay on the Pacific coast of southern Nicaragua. The lovely bay is peppered with small, private yachts and commercial fishing boats. The inhabitants of San Juan del Sur make their living fishing, diving, and catering to the visitors drawn to the bay's beautiful white-sand beaches, smooth waters, and ecological richness. In and around San Juan, you are sure to find plenty to see and do. Numerous beaches await exploration, the scenery is superb, good surfing can be found nearby, and the sport fishing and sailing are world class. Or you might prefer doing nothing at all-pure and utter relaxation-in one of Nicaragua's most beautiful areas. Come, explore, enjoy.

You cannot miss the main attraction of Nicaragua’s newest cruise call San Juan del Sur – the pure white sand beach stretches for more than two miles. It is perfect for swimming or for just admiring from one of the cafes along the front.
The views are equally spectacular over to the mountains and forests which are the backdrop to this ultra laid-back town (and former pirate haunt) on Nicaragua’s Pacific coast, just 15 miles from the border with Costa Rica.

Although there are the ruins of the William Walker fortress to visit, this is a place really made just for chilling out. For sightseeing, you need to take the tour to Granada, one of the country’s most important cities.

On the shores of 92-mile long Lake Nicaragua and overlooked by the Mombacho volcano, Granada was founded by the conquistadors in 1524 making it the country’s oldest Spanish city. Nicknamed “La Gran Sultana” (the Great Sultan) after its Moorish namesake in Spain, its colonial style cathedral and plaza plus a lovely park (Colon) make it a hugely enjoyable place to walk

Nicaragua has the largest area of primary-growth rain forest north of the Amazon, hundreds of beaches, six active volcanoes, and plenty of sleepy surf towns. Since 2002, the government has created 7 national parks to protect the country's wildlife.

San Juan del Sur, The Pacific Pearl

San Juan del Sur is situated in the Rivas Province. Rivas is an isthmus bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca). 142 km from Managua City, San Juan del Sur is an ideal place for surfers and seafood lovers. It is one of the most popular recreational areas. The beach is sun drenched, clean and loaded with small bars, restaurants, hotels and picnic areas where you can find delicious seafood dinners and pleasant music

A short ride to the southwest of San Jorge is the costal town of San Juan Del Sur. Located only 15 miles north of the Peñas Blancas border crossing with Costa Rica, this small fishing village becomes very popular during Christmas and the Semana Santa celebrations at Easter time. My wife and I spoke with the German owners of a popular restaurant/bar that claimed to make enough money during these two holiday periods to cover their yearly expenses. San Juan Del Sur offers several beachside hotels and restaurants, and is Nicaragua’s first and only cruise ship port-of-call. It has everything that a typical cruise port offers, like handicraft shops, bars, restaurants, Jet Ski rentals, and tours of the area. A short hike up a hill on the south side of San Juan Del Sur will bring you to the ruined fort of William Walker. Walker was an American adventurer who in 1855 captured and briefly occupied Granada, the former capital. He was defeated by a Central American army made up of Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans shortly after.
Despite the increase in tourism, the biggest craze in this town is real-estate. San Juan Del Sur has several luxury homes that sit atop the hills that overlook the bay; with many more under construction. There are also many condominium and town home communities currently under construction in the surrounding area. The prices are climbing, but they are still very attractive when compared to similar homes only a few miles to the south in Costa Rica. San Juan Del Sur is clearly a town on the rise, and certainly one of Nicaragua’s top destinations.

Puntarenos, Costa Rica

Puntarenos, Costa Rica
Some see Puntarenas as a fallen jewel with vast potential; others see nothing more than a run-down, rough-and-tumble port town best seen through a rearview mirror. I tend to hold the latter view.
A 16km (10-mile) spit of land jutting into the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas was once Costa Rica's busiest port, but that changed drastically when the government inaugurated nearby Puerto Caldera, a modern container port facility. After losing its shipping business, the city survived primarily on commercial fishing. Watching the tourist boom bring big bucks to other cities, Puntarenas decided to try to grab its piece of the pie. After decades of decay and neglect, Puntarenas has definitely received some long-overdue attention; however, it still needs some work. In the 1990s Puntarenas initiated a large public-works and renovation project that has so far yielded a new cruise-ship docking facility, a convention-and-recreation center, a modest maritime museum, and an artisans' row where visitors can stock up on regional arts and crafts.

There's a good highway leading all the way from San José, so Puntarenas can be reached (on a good day, with no traffic) in a little more than 2 hours by car, which makes it one of the closest beaches to San José?at least in elapsed time, if not in actual mileage. Because Puntarenas is a city, a former port town, and a commercial fishing center, this beach has a very different character from any other in Costa Rica. A long, straight stretch of sand with gentle surf, the beach is backed for most of its length by the Paseo de los Turistas (Tourist Walk). Across a wide boulevard from the paseo are hotels, restaurants, bars, discos, and shops. The sunsets and the views across the Gulf of Nicoya are quite beautiful, and there's usually a cooling breeze blowing in off the water. All around town you'll find unusual old buildings, reminders of the important role that Puntarenas once played in Costa Rican history. It was from here that much of the Central Valley's coffee crop was once shipped, and while the coffee barons in the highlands were getting rich, so were the merchants of Puntarenas.

Still, Puntarenas is primarily a place to spend the night during transit. Here you must pick up the ferries to the southern Nicoya Peninsula, and many folks like to arrive the night before and get an early start. It's also a good place to break up the longer trip up to or back from Guanacaste. Puntarenas is also popular as a weekend holiday spot for Ticos from San José and is at its liveliest on weekends.

Yesterday, we spent the day at sea, between the Panama Canal and Costa Rica. I talked Mother into going to the show last night, which she enjoyed (mostly the singer, not the comic or the magician). She found a new bridge partner yesterday (he is hired to dance with all the single ladies... even talks like Walter Matthau in the movie "Out to Sea").

Today, we spent a whole day at the port of Puntarenas. After breakfast, Mother and I took the little shuttle train down the dock, where the vendors were lined up. We spotted the dress in this picture in one of the first stalls, and came back and bought it when we finished looking at all of the rest of the stalls. We also bought our refrigerator magnets souvenirs. She lasted less than an hour outside in the heat and humidity, so we went back on the ship for lunch.

Cartagena, Colombia

Cartegena, Colombia


Entering the Harbor, is in itself, an interesting part of your visit, and traces the path of the early galleons. Your first indication that you are approaching Cartagena occurs miles from the city, as your ship majestically glides right between two ancient Spanish Forts near Bocachica (Small Mouth), and then mid bay between the Forts of: Castillo Grande and Manzanillo. As pirate ships appeared on the horizon, a under water chain was raised from the sea bed between the forts, tightened and held fast, with a large capstan. From this advantage the ship was pummeled with cannon shot from the two opposing forts. As you continue your approach to the city you will see additional fortifications including the mighty Fort San Felipe de Barajas, which arguably is the largest and most impressive fortification in the new world.

The Port of Cartagena is one of the most modern in South America and one of the busiest in Colombia. The Port cooperates fully with Interpol (of London, England) and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) of the United States. There are video cameras everywhere, as well as a large contingent of well armed and trained police, plus drug sniffing dogs. Please do not be alarmed. The "troops" are friendly to tourists, and they will help you in any way that they can. A primary reason for this heavy security results from the insatiable demand for drugs consumed in the United States and other prosperous countries of the world.

The first law of Economics is: supply will meet demand. First, there is demand. The U.S. problems relating to drugs is shared by the people of Colombia, where more than 40,000 have been killed in the past 35 years. Within this same period, a much higher number of drug related deaths, have occurred within the United States. Both countries share a "bad name" when it comes to drug violence and killings.
Your visit to Cartagena is very much appreciated, and a big help to the local economy. The vast majority of locals truly love and appreciate gringos, and others foreigners who visit their city. There are more than 80,000 Colombians residing within the United States. It is a sad note, but it can be safely said: the majority of youth in Colombia, would love to: "live and work in the states". For many, it is their daily dream!

Some of your shipmates will not get off the ship in Cartagena. Others, who are equally uninformed, will venture off the ship, but remain in the port, so they can brag to their friends: "I was in Colombia". The usual response will be: "you were where?…are you crazy?"

Cartagena is not representative of Colombia, and there is little to worry about when it comes to your personal safety. The city, and in particular, the old walled portion called El Centro, is clean, safe, fun and romantic. Those who are not as informed as you, will be the big losers if they miss this golden opportunity to visit one of the greatest cities in South America.

While on your Cartagena adventure, you will see poverty-up close. The U.S. State Department for years, has issued a: Travel Warning to U.S. Citizens against visiting Colombia. If you seek a more balanced and accurate report, visit the Canada Advisory. Canada has a consul in Cartagena. They know first hand about personal safety. The Travel Warning issued by the U. S. State Department is seriously hurting the economy and people of Cartagena! If you are a U.S. citizen, you should feel good knowing that your visit will help our economy. You are welcome, and the people of Cartagena thank you.

Note: This text is written by a 62 year old U.S. citizen who lives and works in Cartagena. "Even with a so-so command of the Spanish language, I don't feel that I have ever been in personal danger in Cartagena. My work keeps me out at all hours, visiting clients, many times while I am alone. Of course, I am cautious as to where I go, the way I dress and act, but this is also true when I visit my home state of Florida." Use a little common sense, and you will have no problems.

Cartagena, is the most popular tourist city in Colombia. Our poverty is demonstrated by the high number of street hustlers. Foreigners stand out. You can be spotted a block away. When you are in a crowd, such as on a shore tour, the word passes quickly, and your group will be besieged like bees heading for the flowers. Hustlers are poor, and tourists represent the rich honey pot-their next meal.

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS ABOUT ALL HUSTLERS, AND BEGGARS:
DO NOT PAY THEM ANY ATTENTION! Do not even look at them. Do not talk to them. Continue what you are doing…..PLEASE FOLLOW THIS ADVISE!
You will be safe, and generally, you will not even be touched, including a friendly hand on your shoulder. If you give the hustlers, beggars, or children as much as a single coin, you will be hurting them. They have no pride. You cannot humiliate them, for they are at rock bottom. If you have no pride, hustling and begging is easy. If you give them anything, they will be encouraged to continue their ways, looking to the tourists for support. Their presence in the streets of Cartagena, is seriously hurting the tourists image of our great world heritage city, causing great and lasting economic damage.
(Note: Colombia spent more than a million dollars to "clean up the streets" when President Clinton visited Cartagena. However, they have no funds for a continuing effort, or solution, to help the poor. Meanwhile, the U.S. government sprays poison upon the poor farmers of south Colombia, rather than adopting a sustained commitment to help with needed education, and improved economic opportunity.)

These street hustlers and beggars have other means of honorable support, such as: "work". As an example, look at the street peddlers of Cartagena. They sell products and offer services to both the people of Cartagena, and the tourists. They work long and hard. Their honest work provides a poor, but adequate income. The cost of inventory for a street peddler is very low, usually less than $10.00. If you give the hustlers or beggars money, many will quickly spend it on: lotto tickets, alcohol, cigarettes, slot machines, drugs, etc. Many of the barefoot beggar kids buy glue to sniff-which permanently damages their brain and nervous system. You can easily spot the glue kids. They wear long sleeve shirts which hide their stash of glue. When they raise their wrist to their nose, they are getting a "fix"-inhaling the deadly fumes. Give the kids shoes, and they will sell them, perhaps to buy again, from the above list? The reason is simple: if they wear shoes they will not look poor enough, and their begging income will quickly drop. Some beggar women rent children to pose as their own. They carry the child in their arms, begging. They point out the child's deformities, seeking your sympathy-and then your money! Note: The following is sad but true: Many of these "rental children" have been intentionally maimed, such as an eye gouged out, an arm cut off etc. The reason: it raises the rental value of the child. The more pathetic and sickly the child, the more the "loving and caring" tourists will give. Tourist money has been the cause of many maimed children-the world over, it is not just a Colombia problem.

When tourists, become more informed and involved in supporting lasting solutions, this may stop. We have hope that the Internet will be a primary tool in this educational effort. In the mean time, simply giving money, only continues this deplorable situation.

PLEASE DO NOT GIVE ANY MONEY TO STREET HUSTLERS OR BEGGARS.
Don't be upset about what you have just read. The people of Cartagena thank you for your concern over their economic problems, but above all, they want you to have a good time-for that is the reason for your vacation!

So back to your shore visit. You can take the ships shore tours, or you can go it alone. Either way to visit Cartagena is fine. When you take the bus tours, you will be escorted to places that may not interest you. There will be many sites where you want to stay longer, (or shorter), but you have no choice, you go where the bus goes. Additionally, you will not be able to hear all that the tour guide has to say. And, you may have questions that will remain un-answered? However, these tours can be a loads of fun, and many enjoy them. There is a touring alternative. A private guided tour!
By far, the best and most positive reports appearing on the Internet Newsgroups, come from tourists who have taken a taxi tour of Cartagena. Taxis will be waiting at the dock.
Note: Cartagena taxis are modern, compact, 4 door models, some with air at an additional cost of 10%. The streets of the old city are very picturesque, narrow, and therefore, just right for compacts. You will probably want to spend at least 75% of your tour in the old walled city? Costs per tourist will be minimum if there are four persons in your private group. Try this tip. As soon as you hit the dock, each of you head for a different taxi and quickly talk (mostly "listen") to the drivers. Test their English, or your desired language.

You are lucky to have visited and studied this web site, for here you can learn exactly what it is that you want to see, where you want to shop, or stop for drinks or a great meal. Print out the first page of our web site Walking Tour, and check off the things you want to see. Show this list to the driver. Don't forget to allow enough time for shopping. And if you or your group is interested in buying emeralds or gold, be sure to check out our extensive site: Buying Emeralds and Gold in Cartagena-Tips to Save you both Time and Money. Taxi rates are uniform, and they are printed on a plastic card carried in the glove box of all Cartagena taxis. Tip: Ask to see the card, and then ask the price per hour, and total based on the minimum number of hours, for your planned tour.

There is so much to do and see in Cartagena, and your time is very limited. This web site is dedicated to helping you make the best of your time and your money, so you will fully enjoy your Cartagena experience. A little planning on your part will go a long way. When you return home, you may want to tell others on the cruise news group of your Cartagena experience?

Cartagena is a great romantic and historic city, certainly worth at least a week of your time. Who knows, you may want to stretch your pension and live the good life, here in Cartagena on the Cari

Today was Cartagena-- a very modern Latin American Port. When I stepped out onto my verandah, the first thing I noticed was my camera lens fogging up ! It's tropical South American hot here, and very humid. I have to say, I was a bit weary of this port, but it is well policed and a very European-style city. I rented a cab with some fellow passengers and we went to the Monastery (on a hill overlooking the city/port), then to Old Town where beautifully colored colonial streets are full of fruit and merchandise vendors.
shuttle bus next to the ship. It only took me to the entrance of the port area, where there was a small shop, but enough to buy some souvenirs. I went back to the ship and got Mother to go back with me (I told her that there were caftans/mumus there). Sure enough, she found one to buy (see the picture).

Orangestad, Aruba

Orangestad, Aruba:
As Aruba’s main harbor is only 5 minutes from the Oranjestad downtown area, passengers can easily walk to the shopping area, centering on Main Street and Bay area streets.

Visitors will find a wide variety of merchandise in attractive surroundings at affordable prices. In Oranjestad major Shopping Centers are Seaport Mall and Seaport Marketplace, Port of Call Marketplace, Royal Plaza Mall, Bayside Mall, Strada Mall, Aventura Mall, Kwihi Marketplace, Alhambra Shopping Bazaar and off course Mainstreet Oranjestad.
For those passengers concentrating their shore activities on the beach, the main bus terminal is 3 minutes walking distance from the Cruise Terminal. One of the first beaches you will encounter on your beach hopping journey is the “Druif Beach”, a broad stretch of white sand, located adjacent to Manchebo Beach Resort. The so-called Eagle Beach is located further north. A variety of water sports are available. The Palm Beach is located about 4 miles further to the north. Moomba Beach is located on Palm Beach, next to the Holiday Inn. Cruise guests may use all the club’s facilities. Malmok Beach is an ideal spot for snorkel fans that will enjoy plenty of fishes in the shallow waters. Arashi Beach is the last sandy beach to the north of the island. Arashi Beach is within sight of the California Light House, one of Aruba’s frequently visited tourist attractions. Close to the Queen Beatrix Airport you will find Surfside Beach and the Havana Beach Club where you will find facilities too.

Sightseeing is a must! You can rent a car and venture out on your own or take one of the many tours available to you. Some of the main attractions to see are the Natural Bridge, ruin of gold mills of Balashi and Bushiribana, Fontein Cave and Arikok, both with Indian drawings, Rock formations of Ayo and Casibari, historical graves, Tunnel of Love and much more. Or you can combine your favorite activities with Drive and ride jeep and horseback combination tours.

A wide range of dining and entertainment facilities are within walking distance from the ship’s mooring area. Information on these facilities can be obtained at the information center in the cruise terminal or during office hours at the Tourist Bureau.

Willemstad, Curacao, Netherland Antilles

We were in Curacao (the "Amsterdam of the Caribbean") once before and found this small Dutch island fascinating. The ships dock right in town; so the passengers can go on and off the ship for short walking excursions. As one disembarks, he/she walks the length of a couple of football fields passing literally hundreds of "craft market" venders. One could (and THIS one probably WILL) spend a couple of hours browsing there.

Then, when the mood strikes, the cruiser can walk across the swing bridge into the regular downtown area of Curacao. There are more local artisans hawking their goods on the streets there, but there are also regular department stores, restaurants, and shops.

This photo is taken from the area where the cruise ships dock and shows the swinging Emma Bridge and the city of Willemstad main street.

Last time we were here we took a tram tour of the city; this time we plan to take a shuttle to Mambo Beach to spend a couple of hours enjoying the turquoise waters and white sand before coming back to the ship for lunch. DH will probably stay aboard for the afternoon while I go back and browse the shops and craft stalls in Willemstad. Here's a picture I found on the internet of Mambo Beach, which is South of Willemstad.

At Sea

At Sea days are always relaxing. There are numerous lounges on board where one can listen to singers or other musicians. There are afternoon movies, art auctions, games of various sorts. The three pools, the hot tubs, the spa, the 24-hour buffet, and the various sports venues are always available. It is especially nice to have an at-sea day early in the cruise so that the passenger can familiarize him/herself with the amenities provided on the ship and become oriented to the locations of the common areas.