*** Panama Canal Cruise 2011, April 14 - 29 ***~~At Sea Again: April 15th~~We are now gliding along on relatively smooth seas on the beautiful Island Princess having departed San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles yesterday afternoon at about 4:30 PM. The Sail Away on the Sun Deck 15 was unusually well attended and everyone seemed to have a great time. As we passed the Ports O'Call Restaurant, we were greeted on their PA system "Bon Voyage," although so much noise from aboard the ship - live band, etc. - prevented a clear understanding of what was said. I did hear a personal greeting to me, however, since I had emailed them with a request for their usual greeting to departing cruise ships; at least I heard it!We are comfortably ensconced in Caribe 210 on Deck 10 near the bow and our mini-suite is spacious and well appointed with nice carpet and furniture, apparently new or recently replaced, with a stocked mini-bar, and other Elite perqs. These staterooms are about twice the size of normal balcony staterooms, and ours has a covered balcony that will be appreciated during this cruise, considering the warm climates we will be visiting.Last evening in the Provence Dining Room (traditional) we dined alone at 8 PM at a table for 4: perhaps the others will be there tonight. The Prime Rib was especially good as was their creamy mushroom soup. Many of the passengers had long travels to the ship yesterday so things were somewhat quiet both in the dining room as well as around ship. Tonight is the first of three formal evenings with the Captain's Welcome Aboard Party in the 4-level Atrium with Princess' traditional Champagne Waterfall.This afternoon in the Wheelhouse Bar from 2 until 3 will be our Cruise Critics Meet & Greet with about 60 of us, to be joined by possibly the Captain, Cruise Director, and other members of the ship's crew. I have been active with this online Message Board for the past few months and it is fun to finally put faces with names. We also had a gathering during our Sail Away yesterday afternoon on Sun Deck 15 after the ship's muster drill, where I handed out strands of Mardi Gras beads to the Cruise Critics in our group - for identification while aboard.This morning is quiet and relaxed with little or nothing really to do; I am enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee from our little 4-cup coffee maker, which we brought aboard, with bright sunshine streaming in from our port side balcony. Ours is the third balcony back from the bow, and there is also an observation deck across the ship's bow - through an unmarked door, a short distance away - which will be well used during our Panama Canal transit.So that's it for this morning; ship's clocks were set FORWARD one hour last night as we travel eastward, with two more time changes to come before our arrival in Fort Lauderdale on April 29th. Now for a second cup of coffee.~~Approaching Anchor at Cabo San Lucas: April 16th~~The sun is shining brightly now at about 8 AM as we continue to glide on mirror-like seas, approaching the Bay of San Lucas where we will anchor for our afternoon visit to Cabo San Lucas; tenders will be required to move us from ship to shore. Our tour this afternoon is a Yacht Cruise with snorkeling, sailing and drinking with snacks; should be fun.Yesterday was a busy although relaxing day. Lunch in the Bordeaux Dining Room was more than substantial and I was glad to have skipped a big breakfast; the "London Mixed Grill" featured a beef medallion (fillet mignon), a lamb chop, and a banger (sausage), all prepared to perfection. Yum! Our Cruise Critic Meet & Greet at 2 PM in the Wheelhouse Bar was a great success with around 50 in attendance. Cruise Director Neil Rose and his Deputy Cruise Director Elaine Simpson were both there and our small but energetic Group lingered on and on in informal conversation. It was a pleasure to become better acquainted after conversing online for the past few months.The Captain hosted his Welcome Aboard Party in the 4-level Atrium at 7 PM last evening, with complimentary champagne, and most passengers in attendance were all decked out in tuxedos, suits, gowns, etc., for the first of our three formal nights. The famous Princess' Champagne Waterfall followed and our dinner at 8 PM in the Provence Dining Room was beyond excellent with superb medium rare fillet mignon (baseball cut) for me preceded by salad and a cream of asparagus soup; dessert was raspberry ice cream topped with hot fudge sauce. Again, YUM!At 10:15 PM the first production show in the Princess Theater, "The Piano Man," was presented featuring music of pianists Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Barry Manilow, and Elton John. It was a spectacular show with 4 singers and 11 dancers in elaborate costumes, along with the ship's orchestra, in a memorable display of talent. These shows are the highlights of entertainment for me aboard ship.So it was a great day - our first sea day - and the temperature already this morning indicates increasing warm weather to come as we sail toward Panama and our Canal transit.More about today's activities in tomorrow's report.~~Smooth Seas on a Sea Day: April 17th~~Another lazy morning on this, our second sea day; we lost another hour on ship's clock last night and will lose yet another as we continue moving to the east. I have my cappuccino coffee at hand while this email is being written.Today's activities begin at noon when Osso Buco is being served at lunch in the Bordeaux Dining Room on Plaza Deck 5 - according to our Assistant Waiter Vergel - and I dearly LOVE Osso Buco, even though it is quite heavy for a lunch entrEe. For some reason Princess always serves Osso Buco for lunch and not for dinner, when I think it would be more appropriate. Many times on previous cruises I have missed out because of being ashore on excursion; today I will NOT!Also today at 3 PM is the Maitre D' Wine Club which I try not to miss with its premium wine tasting and exquisite hors d'oeuvres - each selected to accompany a particular wine: caviar with champagne, smoked salmon, prosciutto, steak tartar, cream and other exotic cheeses, ... These alone are worth the $25 charge for the Wine Club.Finally, tonight at 6:45 PM we will again participate in Princess' Chef's Table - an exclusive visit to the Galley - with the Head Chef, where champagne and canapEs are served during an escorted tour. Then out to the Bordeaux Dining Room to our specially decorated table - with candles, etc. - where our specially created dinner is served - meats carved to order at table side, specially selected wines served with each course, sorbets between courses, and spectacular desserts. A truly memorable dining experience for only 10 of us!Yesterday's tour in Cabo San Lucas, during our afternoon visit, was the Sea of Cortez Yacht Cruise, described below:"Live the glamorous life of the rich and famous on this exclusive luxury yacht cruise along Cabo's coastline. Soak up the sun, snorkel, kayak, or even enjoy deep-sea fishing in state-of-the-art splendor. Your staff will greet you at the pier and escort you aboard 72-foot custom-built yacht. Your vessel boasts two staterooms and two bathrooms and is lavishly appointed. Cruise to a number of nautical landmarks for photo opportunities, then skirt the coast to one of Cabo's best Sea of Cortez snorkel sites for a guided snorkel tour of Chileno or Santa Maria cove. Take one of the kayaks for a spin; you may even see pods of dolphin as you glide through the bay. Along with complimentary drinks you will be served grilled kabobs (shrimp, chicken or beef), seasonal fruits and other treats. On your return trip try your hand at landing a marlin or Dorado! Your tour includes snorkel gear (vest, fins, snorkel and mask), kayaks and fishing equipment, open bar (after water activities) and snacks. Whale sighting possible during season." (We saw one briefly!)Last night's dinner at our Table 155 in the Provence Dining Room on Fiesta Deck 6 was - for me - a delicious Rack of Veal Chop, accompanied by a glass of cabernet sauvignon (Sylvester from Paso Robles, Central California - a gift from our friend and travel agent Patric; thanks Patric!) Dessert was an absolutely delectable Coffee Crème brûlEe that passed my demanding standards with colors. Yum!Time to finish my cappuccino and prepare for a busy day aboard the beautiful Island Princess, now gliding almost silently on mirror-smooth seas to our next port of call, Acapulco, with just the gentle sounds of sea water being parted by the bow's leading edge, 10 decks directly below.~~Acapulco: April 18th~~At 7:30 AM (CST) we are now on approach to the Bay of Acapulco and the mountainous coastline is clearly in sight under slightly clouded skies through our sliding glass doors to the balcony. We are scheduled to dock at the terminal at 9 AM and depart 5:30 PM.Already yesterday afternoon we could feel a definite change in air temperature and humidity outside the ship; clearly we are getting farther south and tropical weather has arrived. The seas are still remarkably smooth so we have had a wonderful ride thus far.Our tour for today is again to a private beach club - most certainly the same place we visited on our last trip to Acapulco in 2006; the description follows:"All Inclusive Beach Resort BreakThe laziest of days awaits as you board your air-conditioned transportation for the scenic drive around Acapulco Bay, and along the city's main avenue, the bustling Costera Miguel Aleman. After arriving at the beautiful secluded beach club you will be offered a short orientation before enjoying four glorious hours of free time for sunbathing and swimming on the beach or by the pool. Towels and changing facilities will be provided for your comfort, as will a complimentary drink on your arrival at the club. A delicious Mexican-style lunch will be served at the beach club, and at any time, you are welcome to use the fully equipped cash bar. Additional water sports are also available to purchase, and on the way back to the ship you will enjoy a brief stop at the local boutiques, shops and stalls - a must for souvenir hunters."The last time we were at the beach club, then named Ka'ala, we found it to be quite plush, spotlessly clean, and elegantly appointed; to get to it we passed through three different guard gates, so it is really "exclusive." Our experience today will be reported tomorrow when we are again at sea.We were informed of and invited to a special luncheon hosted by the Captain on Wednesday, April 20th, for those 40 "Most Traveled" passengers aboard; Jim and I are numbered 30 and 29, respectively. Once before on our Greek Islands cruise in November 2009 we also enjoyed such a special recognition, also accompanied by a nice photo with the Captain.Yesterday's activities went according to plan and the Chef's Table last evening was beyond spectacular; I will further describe the details in a later email. Right now we have to prepare for our 9 AM tour so this will be it for the time being; I see that we are already entering the Bay.~~Happy Birthday, Ron! April 19th~~That's right! Today is my 73rd birthday, April 19, 2011, and today we are at sea - the first of two - before our next port, Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Thanks to those of you wishing me well today: I'll try to respond personally in later emails. And happy birthday greetings today to Bob Brown, one of our "six pack."No sun yet; the skies seem to be a little overcast but the seas are still quite calm. Last night, around 2 AM, there was a lot of lightening - but no thunder! - for a long time, flashes coming every few seconds. It must have been at some distance away, and our ship apparently was passing it by, but it was most unusual. This morning there is no indication of any nearby storms.This morning's celebration will be a Champagne Balcony Breakfast at 10 AM - gift of our friend and travel agent, Patric; we have also enjoyed this gift very much on previous cruises. Thanks again, Patric! With the substantial humidity and heat we may decide to move inside from the balcony; we'll see.Yesterday our "beach break" tour of the day turned out NOT to be at the same Beach Club, "Kaala," as we had done 5 years ago in September 2006. Instead, this time is was at ... THE ACAPULCO PRINCESS HOTEL! This is most probably THE MOST famous of any hotel in Acapulco - with the exception of Las Brisas - and I was absolutely thrilled with this selection, now owned and operated by the Fairmont Hotel chain. During my many, many visits to Acapulco I have NEVER before been able to spend any time here - for various reasons - so this was a special treat, and I was NOT disappointed.In addition to full use of their facilities: several pools, beach, bars, etc., included was a sumptuous buffet lunch at their Chula Vista open air dining area with a complimentary drink: margarita for me, of course. Our choice of lounging location for the day was adjacent to one of the many pools, this one fed by a gigantic waterfall, with a "swim up" bar where I found an underwater seat on which to sit in the water while imbibing. Neat! An order of guacamole and chips later turned out to be enough for a family of four, but I handled it well. Delicious!The 4 hours spent at the Acapulco Princess, with the famous and distinctive pyramid shape, surrounding an interior atrium over highly polished marble floors of the lobby, sprinkled with many fountains, was indeed a grand experience for me, as well as for the other 25 of us on this tour. Contrary to earlier concerns about safety in the port of Acapulco, nothing negative occurred and a "head count" (sorry) revealed that all of us had returned safely to the beautiful Island Princess for our 5:30 PM sail away. Acapulco - and its harbor - still remains one of the most beautiful cities in the world.Of course, Jim has decorated our mini-suite stateroom "to the nines" and we will probably invite in others today to see his artistic efforts and join my birthday celebration, so I'll report more in a later email.~~Champagne Balcony Breakfast: April 19th~~Fortunately, as it turns out, our Champagne Balcony Breakfast was delivered this morning at around 9:30 AM - 30 minutes early - and at that time the humidity and heat on our balcony were still tolerable, there being an overcast with no direct sun; it was really quite pleasant! By the time we finished, however, it was getting too warm. Perfect timing.A half bottle (375ml) of very good French champagne (Heidsieck & Co. "Monopole" Blue Top Brut) led the list including glasses of orange juice and freshly brewed coffee, followed by a plate (each) with a generous serving of smoked salmon, endive spears on which balls of cream cheese and capers rested, tomato slices topped with slices of onions, and two toasted halves of brioche. Next came a plate (each) with mixed greens and vegetables dressed with balsamic vinegar and topped with several slices of crispy bacon, along with a small Quiche Lorraine and a baked tomato topped with melted cheese. Another plate was stacked with pastries, and a final plate carried a scooped-out cantaloupe filled with fresh berries. It was quite a feast!~~Chef's Table: April 20th~~This morning the sun is shining brightly over smooth seas under a thin cloud cover and a very warm day is in order. Those seeking a suntan will certainly have ample opportunity although they best take great care not to overdo it; the sun's rays are intense.I had a great day yesterday, my birthday, with greetings from many of you: thank you very much! After dinner a birthday cake, ordered by Jim, was delivered to our table along with a HOST of crew - one with a guitar - serenading me with "Happy Birthday!" It was quite a concert of waiters, assistant waiters, dining room captains, and even the Maitre D', Jose Florencio. I felt SO honored! Also a birthday card was delivered from the ship's Captain.Below is the Chef's Table Menu for our dining extravaganza of three nights ago. Chef's Table Menu Aboard Island Princess Sunday, April 17, 2011 Blue Crab Margarita with Avocado and Mango Pinnetto with Goat Cheese and Ricotta Braised Escargots in Vol-au-Vent Roasted New Potatoes with Sour Cream and Caviar ~*~ Asparagus Risotto with Lobster Tail and Claws ~*~ Lip-Smackin' Bloody Mary Sorbet ~*~ Trio of Beef, Veal & Pork Tenderloin on Medieval Spiked FlambE Roaster Jus Salsa Verde, BEarnaise Sauce & Cafe de Paris Butter Whipped Potatoes, Premium Vegetables, Cherry Tomato ~*~ Potted Stilton with Port Wine & Walnuts, Rosemary Biscotti ~*~ Soft-Center Chocolate Fallen Cake, Whiskey-Soaked Raspberries Brandy Snap Tuile ~*~ Coffee or Tea with Klaus's Homemade GourmandisesThere was SO MUCH food - and wonderful food - that over indulgence seemed unavoidable. Further comments are with regard to the variety of wines served with each course: champagne with the 4 hors d'oeuvres served in the galley, choice white and red wines served during dinner, with Grey Goose Vodka drizzled freely over the Bloody Mary Sorbet, and a dessert wine based on sauvignon blanc topped off the feast. (Incorrect spellings above are all mine due my unfamiliarity with some of the words.)Today we are invited to a Special Captain's Lunch at 11:45 AM for the 40 "Most Traveled" passengers aboard; Jim is number 30 and I am number 29. Once before were so selected on the Greek Isles Cruise in November 2009 aboard the Grand Princess. Should be nice with photos with the Captain and his staff.Still plenty of activities during this sea day from which to chose - or not, and we will be at dock in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, all day tomorrow.~~Yesterday in Costa Rica: April 21st~~Today is another sea day after our FULL DAY yesterday in Costa Rica. Having been there on many previous cruises, my choice of tour on this visit was to the Arenal Volcano and the nearby resort, Tabacón, where hot spring waters flow down through streams with pools and waterfalls among spectacular gardens lush with tropical flowers. Here is the description:"Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs & LunchOne of the most interesting and educational excursions possible in Costa Rica, the first stop is at conservation town San Ramon, home to many former Costa Rican presidents. Then climb back on the bus for the pretty journey to Lake Arenal where you will discover the imposing yet serene Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. A must-see for its perfect tip and exuberant surrounding vegetation you will have time to take photos. Then enjoy the hot springs at Tabacón and luxuriate in one or more of the many different pools that are filled with hot sulfur water. Experience a unique natural massage while sitting under a tumbling, hot waterfall, before savoring a delicious lunch, served in one of the restaurants overlooking the volcano."Our excellent guide, Daniel, was one of THE BEST we've encountered, spoke perfect and understandable English, and was the source of a wealth of knowledge; his narration during the 3.5 hour bus ride, as well as our return (7 hours total), was never boring. The lengthy travel, of course, was through the lush hills and mountains that provided a continual scenic experience. It was a LONG day in any case: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, returning to the beautiful Island Princess just prior to our 7 PM departure last evening.Of particular interest to me was that Daniel had studied at the University of Arizona in Tucson, receiving a degree in Latin America Studies. My doctorate in mathematics is also from the University of Arizona (1967). Costa Rica has one of the highest literacy rates in the world at over 96%.Day before yesterday we were hosted by the Captain for lunch in Sabatini's specialty restaurant, along with the other top 40 "most traveled" passengers aboard: I am number 29 and Jim is number 30. It was a superb lunch with each table set with personalized name cards and menus; a member of the Captain's staff also joined each table, ours being the Chief Engineer. There was a choice of appetizer and a choice of entrEe and a "bottomless" glass of wine - white or red. My grilled halibut was absolutely delicious! Then came dessert! Oh, my! It was a lunch not like any we've had in the dining rooms! Very special and very elegant!Tonight is the second of our formal nights being preceded with the Captain's Circle Party with complimentary drinks and hors d'oeuvres. Lobster will be on tonight's menu. Yum! So out comes the tuxedo for another appearance; it has served me well during these many, many cruises, a good investment to say the least.This afternoon there is another wine tasting event for which we Elite members have complimentary tickets; this one is not quite to the level of the Maitre D' Wine Club but should be fun in any case.Tomorrow we will be at anchor for the day at Fuerte Amador, adjacent to Panama City, our Canal transit being the following day. The days seem to be flying by and our arrival in Fort Lauderdale next Friday, April 29th, will be before we know it! Most remarkable so far has been the perfectly smooth sea! There has been very little movement at all. Perhaps the Caribbean will bring a different story: hope not!~~Saturday in Panama: April 23rd~~Here on the Island Princess, at anchor off Fuerte Amador near Panama City, it is 5:30 PM and the last tender should now have delivered the last passengers back aboard for our 6 PM "departure." Since our transit of the Canal does not begin until early tomorrow morning, we will be at anchor during the night, but I'm not sure where - possibly right where we are now. WHY we have to be on board at 6 PM is not clear to me.Today's tour was different for me, unlike the city tour we took during our last visit in 2006 on the old Regal Princess, which took us to all three "cities:" colonial, modern and old. 5 years seems to be a short time between visits but the skyline of Panama City has further sprouted like topsy, with spectacular new towers gracing the landscape, reminiscent of Hong Kong and Shanghai.Other visits have featured the transcontinental train ride from Colón on the Caribbean coast to Panama City on the Pacific Coast, the railroad actually predating the Canal by at least 30 years. Then there is the traditional cruise ship Canal transit that continues through without stop. In 2006 we transited the Canal all the way into Gatun Lake, turned around and transited back to an anchorage off Balboa for the night, and then had the next day in Panama City. Now THAT was a great cruise!Here is a description of what we did today:"Panama Canal Experience by BoatThrill to an intimate perspective of the Panama Canal on a small watercraft excursion that includes lunch. Sail to the enormous Mira Flores Locks, the first system encountered by ships when they enter from the Pacific side. When your boat is inside you will have the awesome experience of being raised 56 feet. Once the gates open, continue into Miraflores Lake and proceed to the Pedro Miguel Locks. This time you are raised 28 feet to enter Gatun Lake, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Your ferry then crosses the Continental Divide and travels the Gaillard Cut, the most challenging section of the Canal to build. This artificial valley is one of the greatest engineering feats of all time. The water portion of the tour concludes at the headquarters of the Panama Canal dredging division in Gamboa, home to some of the largest floating cranes in the world. Time on the ferry is approximately 4 hours. A traditional buffet is served during the voyage."It was a unique and interesting tour that I am so thankful for choosing; even the lunch was good with lots of fresh pineapple. After returning to the tender dock, I enjoyed a couple of margaritas while Jim shopped in the adjacent stores for coffee beans, offering rather good prices, surprisingly. Even my margarita was only $5.50.Tonight we are dining in one of the specialty restaurants, The Bayou Cafe and Steakhouse, courtesy of the Maitre 'D Jose Florencio, due to their error and mix-up on the special cake that Jim had ordered for my birthday dinner, and which was not delivered as ordered; even the special candles Jim had supplied mysteriously "disappeared." (We think some inconsiderate passenger just lifted them. Scum!) Anyway, Jose felt bad and asked us to accept this special dining experience as compensation; we accepted.Tomorrow is our full-day transit of the Canal that will begin early in the morning and continue through the afternoon until around 4 PM when we exit into the Caribbean near Colón. Having done our tour today will add immeasurably to the experience. We are now well into the second half of our cruise.~~Gliding Along on the Gatun Lake inside the Panama Canal~~What a pleasant way to spend a beautiful Easter Sunday morning in Panama! It is now late morning - almost lunch time - and our transit of the Canal began quite early, around 5 AM, as we cruised beneath the Bridge of the Americas, marking the approach to the Miraflores Locks. Our covered mini-suite balcony - being on port side - provided a wonderful morning with shaded pleasantness and a cool but humid breeze, and we watched with interest as we came into the first lock, saw the water level rise - with us, course - and then passing into the next lock, once the huge gates opened. This process was then repeated, into and through the second lock, raising the Island Princess 56 feet above sea level into the Miraflores Lake.A short distance further brought us to the second set of locks, the Pedro Miguel Lock, in which there is only a single lock, raising us another 28 feet to 84 feet, the level of the Gatun Lake which we are currently traversing, toward the third and final set of three locks, the Gatun Locks. Entering into the Gaillard Cut we passed beneath the new Centennial Bridge. This lake, created by the construction of the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River, is one of the largest fresh water lakes in the world, and its waters - constantly replenished by Panama's rainfall - power the gravity lock system.It was the sheer brilliance of John Stevens, the engineer largely responsible for the final design and creation of the Panama Canal. Inexplicably, Stevens suddenly resigned his post and left Panama, much to Teddy Roosevelt's dismay, who then appointed Goethals, an Army officer who could NOT resign; it was he who saw to the completion of the Canal in 1914.Well, it is now sometimes later and we are currently in the third and lowest lock in the Gatun Locks, very soon passing from the Panama Canal into the Caribbean Sea. Then tomorrow we are at dock in Cartagena, Columbia, for the day, on which I will report later. Time for lunch! (1 PM)~~Cartagena, Colombia: April 25th~~It has been about 10 years since our first visit to Cartagena, Columbia, on the Sun Princess in September 2001, our famous "hurricane cruise" with Bob & Nida, Brian & Bev. Our experience then with the very aggressive street vendors was less than pleasant, so I was not really looking forward to this return visit. As it turned out my choice of a ship's tour was a good one and we enjoyed the morning despite the high humidity and warm temperatures. Right now (6 PM) we are again at sea headed for our last stop in Aruba tomorrow, with rather strong winds and choppy seas: quite unlike the mirror-like seas we enjoyed last week along the Pacific Coast. Here is our day's tour description:"Cartagena by Land and by SeaWitness the city's impressive defenses up close by land and by sea. This half-day tour promises a unique perspective on days gone by. After a short ride to the dock, you'll board your harbor boat for a scenic cruise through the Inner Bay. Your local interpretive guide will point out fortifications best seen from the water. After the harbor cruise, you'll drive to the Pierino Gallo Shopping Center for a refreshment break and optional shopping. You'll continue to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas for a contrasting view from land and a guided tour of this formidable castle."During the harbor cruise we passed by the very impressive modern skyline of the newer part of this ancient city, mostly towering apartment buildings and/or condominiums; this area is essentially a peninsula with high-end shops and elegant restaurants and clubs. Gliding over the smooth waters beneath our boat's cover, the cooling breezes were very welcome. Our cruise was very extensive, offering many excellent views and photo opportunities. Disembarking the boat we transferred to small, very comfortable and AIR CONDITIONED bus for a short ride to the shopping area - interestingly the very SAME one we had visited 10 years ago. The street vendors were still there but didn't seem nearly as aggressive as we remembered from before. I purchased my Colombian coffee beans ($30 for a kilogram = 2.2 lbs), rather expensive I thought, but this year's terrible weather has greatly damaged their coffee crop. Even at Costco, the coffee prices have gone up a lot. But I do now have authentic Colombian Coffee! Juan Valdez would be proud.We then drove around and through the old colonial city with its unique architecture and observed the old wall surrounding the original city - mostly still in tact. Some very beautiful examples of large colonial homes, in excellent condition, further enhanced our tour.The old castle was our last stop and - for my first time - I climbed to its top where stunning views of the city are possible. The castle was never destroyed and remains in remarkably original condition despite its age. A huge Colombian flag flies above the castle. A shop at the top sells trinkets, souvenirs and drinks - my beer was $2.00 and was very cold and very good! Then it was back to our bus for the return to the Island Princess. The T-shirt I wore was drenched in sweat and our air-conditioned ship was a welcome relief from the tropical weather. So I must admit that this visit to Cartagena was certainly not as bad as the first but was in fact quite good.It is now almost time to prepare for dinner in the Provence Dining Room at 8 PM so I will bring this email to its end. Tomorrow morning is at sea with our arrival in Aruba near midday.~~Last Port of Call - Aruba: April 26th~~Our 15-day Panama Canal Cruise is coming to its end; WHERE have all these days gone? Today and tomorrow we are at sea, crossing the Caribbean Sea from Aruba to Florida, traveling around and between Jamaica and Cuba. Tonight is our final formal night starting with the Captain's Farewell Party in the 4-level Atrium: free drinks!Not much to do today; Jim has already partially un-decorated our stateroom and most of his gifts of candy bars, Easter baskets, chocolate bunnies, eggs, etc., have been delivered to our favorite crew members: room steward, waiter, assistant waiter, etc. In the past we have given a little extra money tip, in addition to the automatic tip the ship adds to our shipboard account, until we found out that they are REQUIRED to turn in these extra tips to the "pool" from which tips are distributed throughout the crew. So we have changed to giving personal items: candy, phone cards, etc., that are theirs PERSONALLY, and do NOT have to be shared. We even picked up a few bottles of Colombian beer ($2 ea) to hand out tonight to crew in the dining room.Last night was again a little bumpy although not quite as much as the night before between Panama and Colombia; the TV monitor says "Moderate Seas." Right now it is rather smooth with gentle rolling motion.Since our time in the port of Oranjestad, Aruba was only from 1 until 7 PM, the 4.5-hour De Palm Island Beach Escape (1:30 - 6 PM) tour I selected fairly well took our entire afternoon. This is the tour description:"De Palm Island Beach EscapeBoard your air-conditioned transportation for the brief transfer to the ferry landing. It's just a short 5-minute ride across the protected lagoon to De Palm Island, a super fun Caribbean resort. Upon arrival, you will receive a brief orientation and be encouraged to explore the thrilling Blue Parrotfish Water Park and water slides. Enjoy all manner of beach side activities, including snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, banana boat rides and a game of beach volleyball. Your unique 'passport' to the island also includes snorkeling equipment and lessons - a magnificent way to view the many tropical fish that live in these crystal clear waters. Lounge chairs, freshwater showers, complimentary alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are provided, as is a Caribbean buffet lunch that includes a full salad bar, chicken and fish dishes, hamburgers, hot-dogs, corn-on-the-cob and fresh cut tropical fruits." Sounds great, doesn't it? That is IF you are there for the ENTIRE day - which we were not! The bus ride (3 bus loads of us) from the dock took almost an hour, with the same time required for return. The ferry boat was crammed to capacity for the "short" ride across the lagoon to the Island and our arrival at 2:30 PM was greeted with a short "orientation talk" that only a few at the front of our mob could hear. One critical item mentioned was that the "Caribbean buffet lunch" would END at 3 PM! By the time we had found a chair on the beach with some shade and returned for lunch, it was CLOSED! I was livid!There were also available near the bar hot dogs and hamburgers - cooked sometime during the previous week, French fries and chicken "nuggets" which turned out to be the best of the lot; that alone says something! Of course, there was an open bar of which I took great advantage with several tasty frozen margaritas.The hot dogs and hamburger service ended at 5 PM, the bar at 5:30 PM - our departure time, the water slides and banana boat rides ended at 4 PM, so my opinion was that the entire "tour" was a bust! Except for the mini-margaritas of which I had several. If we are paying for 2.5 hours on the Island then ALL activities and services should have been available for that entire period; I feel we were cheated and scammed and would NOT recommend this tour to ANYONE in the future! It was THE WORST tour of this cruise in stark contrast to the other WONDERFUL tours we have enjoyed elsewhere. Too bad, because Aruba is such an interesting and beautiful island. Oh well; live and learn.There were two other cruise ships in port with us yesterday: P&O's Arcadia and Freewinds (unknown to me.) The second ship was rather small and reminded me of the original Pacific Princess - the "Love Boat;" we had observed it during the morning, paralleling our travel toward Aruba.Today at 1 PM is another talk by the Science Lecturer, Dr. Ray Buland, on earthquakes and tsunamis, which I will certainly attend. He and his wife Lynne are also in our Cruise Critic group and we have all grown to enjoy each other's company. It was a small CC group - rather quiet on the internet - but has turned out to be a successful group - one of the best for me so far with Cruise Critics. Elaine, the Deputy Cruise Director, has arranged and scheduled two afternoon "teas" for our CC group that were both well attended.There are many things that I have NOT been doing, however; I have not been taking my morning walks around the Promenade Deck 7, I have not been enjoying the special spa steam rooms for which we paid a one-time fee, I have not been reading as much on my iPad as I had intended, ... The time just flies! I was even too tired last night to go to the Crew Show at 10:15 PM that is also a highlight of a Princess cruise.I have not been eating TOO much although quite enough for my belly to bulge noticeably. Breakfast has been sliced melons, pineapple and fruit juices with a Danish, and lunch (not every day) has been in the dining room. Only once - the first day - have I gone to the Horizon Court buffet, or the "trough" as I like to refer to it; not because of the food but because of the 'pigs' that disgustingly stuff themselves there. "Oink, oink!"Well, now that I have vented my frustrations, you can tell that I'm now ready for the cruise's end. As usual, it will be a relief to enter our comfortable 10th-floor room at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel for three nights before flying home to Los Angeles on May 2nd. And, OF COURSE! There is also THAT wedding on Friday.~~Last Day at Sea: April 28th~~Mini-suite stateroom Caribe 210 has returned to its original pristine condition: no ceiling streamers, no "Happy Birthday" wallpaper, no balloons, no Easter eggs, no "Happy Easter" or "Happy Birthday" banners, no Easter lilies, and no more of Jim's several pounds of chocolate bunnies or bars and other candy - gifts for the crew. Our room steward Alvin now breathes a sigh of relief, fearing that it would be his difficult task to prepare the cabin for its next occupants tomorrow afternoon, after our departure in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow morning. Now all that remains is packing! UGH!We are now cruising on smooth seas in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba, having passed through the rather turbulent Windward Passage last night about midnight. This narrow strait between the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola is the major shipping route connecting the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. I could see two different lighthouses off to port in Cuba before retiring.Last night was our last formal night with the Captain's Farewell Party in the 4-level Atrium - drinks compliments of the Captain - preceding dinner featuring lobster with Tiger Shrimp and, of course, a wonderful Princess dessert soufflE. There was the traditional Parade of Chefs around the dining room with appreciative diners waving their napkins high above their heads to the strains of loud music: very festive! Even though there are still over 1900 passengers aboard the Island Princess, this cruise has seemed to be much more personal than those I've had on larger ships: recognition by the maitre d', the cruise director, the cruise staff, etc., several of whom we know from previous cruises and ships.Following dinner was a performance in the Princess Theater by the ship's singers and dancers, "Do You Wanna Dance?" which was excellent not only for the dancing and singing but also for the spectacular costumes and sets with state of the art lighting, sound and stage elevators: a very professional production! Then it was back to the Atrium for the Balloon Drop at 11:15 PM, seemingly attended by all passengers as well as all of the dining rooms' staffs, dancing to loud music on Plaza Deck 5 in an almost solid mass of humanity. The Balloon Drop sent everyone into a frenzy, popping the balloons, much to the delight of those of us on Fiesta Deck 6, Promenade Deck 7 and Emerald Deck 8 stairways and railings. The two glass elevators were in constant motion with revelers riding up and down, dancing for the benefit of the viewing gallery. It was NOT an "early-to-bed" evening for most!Tonight will be our final dinner with the traditional Baked Alaska Parade by the Assistant Waiters holding the "flaming" dessert above their heads, snaking their way around the darkened dining room with delighted diners awaiting their final gastronomical treat. The "flames" have long ago been replaced with electronic LEDs, flickering realistically. Frankly, I am surprised that on occasion Princess still features Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster, and other flamed desserts prepared in the dining room, as well as occasional special pasta dishes also prepared over flame in the dining room. Of course, safety precautions are seriously taken.Following dinner will be the Passenger Talent Show that will be high on my list of activities to be avoided at all costs; my embarrassment for these self-absorbed, talentless people - for the most part - does not offer any "entertainment" for me! I will be busy finishing my packing instead.Since we are "independent travelers," our time for disembarkation is in late morning at 10:25 AM, which is just fine in regard to our arrival at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, only a short taxi ride from Port Everglades Cruise Ship Terminal; our luggage tags are color-coded PURPLE 3 and, of course, our uniquely marked luggage - fluorescent orange, yellow and green duct tape strips from Ace Hardware - could not be more easily located among the sea of other black fabric luggage in the Terminal. As Elite members of the Captain's Circle, our waiting area until disembarkation is in the Universe Lounge where coffee, juices, yogurt, and Danish pastries are provided. 'Noblesse Oblige!'So it may be tomorrow morning while we are waiting, or later when we get into our Hotel room, when I write my next email.~~"Back Home Again ... in Fort Lauderdale:" April 29th~~ As the sun sets in the west at almost 8 PM here in Room 1080 in the Marina Tower of the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, the recently-past storm clouds are all lit in pinks and grays. We watched earlier as an RCCL ship "Monster of the Seas" left Port Everglades about 4 PM, and then we could see our own Island Princess departing about 5 PM, back towards Aruba and the reverse itinerary of the one we just completed. I would NOT have liked departing during such a stormy evening.We are again here in Room 1080 in the Marina Tower, the very room we so enjoyed last September on our last stay here after the Iceland/Norway Explorer cruise on Grand Princess from Southampton, having specifically requested it weeks ago. The view is phenomenal! The ceiling to floor windows on both sides of this corner room provide spectacular views of the cruise ships in Port Everglades to the south and the beach and ocean to the east. Now as the lights come on and the skies darken, another type of vista develops. It is truly an exceptional room and view!Our disembarkation this morning from the Island Princess proceeded remarkably fast - an hour earlier than scheduled. We were off the ship with NO lines, collected our luggage with NO delay, secured a taxi immediately and were at the Hotel by 10 AM! Unfortunately there was a wait until our room was vacated and would be prepared for us, but the time was well spent around the lobby, the beach bar, and shopping (for Jim.) By 12:30 PM we were comfortably ensconced here in Room 1080 - this time for three nights before our flight back to LAX on Monday night.Last evening aboard ship in the dining room was another marvelous dinner with the traditional Baked Alaska Parade by the Assistant Waiters, as previously described, but this time served in a "normal" fashion instead of having the huge chunks sliced from each cake at table side. We shared a bottle of champagne - one of three won by Jim in his various competitions - with a very pleasant German couple at an adjacent table with whom we had become acquainted. Two other bottles were gifted to other friends we had made during the 15 days. One prize that Jim won for the daily trivia question - on the very last morning - was a deck of playing cards! Last September on the Grand Princess the prizes for trivia winners were Drinks of the Day - a little better that a deck of cards!Being somewhat tired tonight we went to the hotel next door where there is a outdoor restaurant right on the inland waterway, with all the yachts, etc., and had a light dinner. Bedtime was early.~~Saturday in Fort Lauderdale: April 30th~~The sun is shining brightly under clear blue skies this Sunday morning, much in contrast to yesterday's intermittent heavy showers. Our Saturday was a rather full day in any case, most of it spent on the Water Taxis that work the many waterways in Fort Lauderdale; a full day pass is $20 - $16 for seniors. Besides viewing the multitude of luxurious homes along the canals with their huge yachts parked in front, we also transferred to another Water Taxi for a trip down the Intercoastal Waterway, through Port Everglades, down to Hollywood and its impressive skyline of skyscraper apartment/condominium and hotel buildings.A particularly heavy downpour at Stop 7 that is just beneath the 17th Street Bridge briefly delayed our transfer. Fortunately the nearby China Grill at the Hilton Hotel provided a pleasant and sumptuous breakfast buffet ($18) enjoyed during our 1-hour wait for the Hollywood Water Taxi. Fresh-squeezed orange juice, beautiful sliced cantaloupe and ripe honeydew, pineapple and strawberries, along with THE BEST croissant I've ever tasted. Then there were the customary bacon, sausage, potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc. Delicious coffee topped it off. Certainly a substantial respite that lasted us until dinnertime.Finally boarding our Hollywood Water Taxi beneath the 17th Street Bridge at Stop 7 - the rain had stopped, we proceeded down Port Everglades right past two cruise ships: the Crown Princess and then the Oasis of the Seas, one of the two largest mega-cruise ships in the world with over 8,000 passengers and crew! HUGE! Both of these ships departed last evening at around 5 PM and this morning saw the arrival of the Ruby Princess, the Allure of the Seas (sister ship of the Oasis of the Seas), the Majesty of the Seas, and a Carnival ship are in Port. Port Everglades is now the busiest cruise ship harbor in the world.After our return Water Taxi ride from Hollywood (suburb of Miami) back to Stop 7, we proceeded on another Water Taxi to Stops 9, 10, and 11, viewing even more luxury mansions - some of vintage class - along more waterways, leading to our departure at Stop 9 with a short walk to Las Olas Boulevard, the "Rodeo Drive" of Fort Lauderdale, featuring many shops and restaurants. I chose the Saint Tropez Bistro as a good place for a wine break and enjoyed a generous glass of cold pinot grigio at a shaded sidewalk table.Walking farther down Las Olas towards the city center, we had a nice tour of the modern high-rise office buildings, more restaurants, and shops. Then it was a several block walk to Stop 11 where we again boarded the Water Taxi back toward the beach and Stop 4 from where we walked over to Ocean Boulevard and down to Bubba Gump's where we had an early dinner at 5 PM, my choice again being the Giant Shrimp Cocktail of 10 large prawns - quite enough for dinner. The streets were packed even at that hour, due largely to the fact that this has been Fleet Week in Fort Lauderdale with several Navy vessels here in Port Everglades, and a few thousand sailors on shore leave. As we ate we saw the departure of first the Oasis of the Seas and then the Crown Princess heading out to sea.From Bubba Gump's we just walked back to the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel, a mile or so distance. Our full day was capped off with a relaxed evening and another early to bed.Today will also be a lazy one with some beach time, pool time, etc. The Hotel has a nice pool near its private beach, featuring a bar and grill; very pleasant. From our Room 1080 here in the Marina Tower, with the panoramic views of Port Everglades, the beach and ocean beyond, it is easy to just sit and look.~~Monday in Fort Lauderdale: May 2nd~~The packing is almost complete, trying to balance the contents of my checked luggage and my carry-on luggage. I think I am just under the 50# limit on checked baggage, but not by much. My carry-on contains all of the heavy items and it will be a struggle to handle, but that is the way it goes. The "personal item" is my laptop computer in its case that also holds my iPad, passports, airline boarding passes, etc. A pack mule would be so lucky! It was necessary to eliminate my tote bag that I carried onto the ship in San Pedro, but also the 10 bottles of wine carried onboard were also eliminated. Flying home has its definite restrictions.Last night late there was a substantial downpour of rain here but this morning was clear and windy. The skies are now overcast and showers are a definite possibility. Hope things clear up before our flight time at 6:05 PM.As I look over toward Port Everglades I see three cruise ships: an RCCL ship (huge) of the Voyager Class, the Celebrity Eclipse (its sister ship Solstice was in port yesterday*), and the small Royal Princess which leaves the Princess fleet this month. Airliners from Fort Lauderdale International Airport are clearly visible as they take off and cross the skies from left to right above Port Everglades.Breakfast this morning was again next-door at the Bahia Cabana, a small Day's Inn hotel that boasts a waterfront restaurant and bar, overlooking a packed private boat marina. It is a charming, informal place to eat and the food is simple but good. Actually it is closer for us than crossing over to the main hotel building, using their Skywalk over Seabreeze Avenue, and certainly less expensive than Sheraton's restaurants. It was nearby this small hotel that we caught the Water Taxi yesterday at Stop 5. This is really a convenient location!With 17 days now away from home it will be good to get back - even at 11:55 PM tonight. Obviously I will not be playing tennis tomorrow morning, but Thursday is a possibility. Our time here in Fort Lauderdale has been enjoyable and we certainly saw a lot of this beautiful city yesterday via the Water Taxi rides. What a great and cheap way to tour the city!So I will make this my last email for this cruise adventure and hope that you might have enjoyed sharing parts or all of it through my narrations. Until the next time,Ron* I incorrectly identified the Celebrity Solstice yesterday, referring to it as an RCCL cruise ship; on further examination the "X" insignia corrected my error, and comparing it with photos on Celebrity's website I was able to correctly identify it.