I know I’ve talked about my good friend, Alice, several places online but I don’t know if I’ve mentioned her here.  There were several places she dreamed of going but never got the chance to go.

My DH always wanted to go to the Panama Canal.  In November, I started looking at cruises and finally settled on this one.  It was a very expensive Christmas/anniversary/birthday gift – for many years – for him but I remembered Alice and thought that we have to do this now, while we have the opportunity.

Here’s where we’re going…

4:00 PM

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

8:00 AM-7:00 PM

Dutch influence still lingers on this balmy Caribbean island, part of the former Netherlands Antilles until its independence in 1986. Aruba is a contrast: the island’s arid interior is dotted with cactus and windswept divi-divi trees while secluded coves and sandy beaches make up its coast. Aruba’s long and colorful heritage is reflected in its dialect. Called Papiamento, it is a tongue that combines elements of Spanish, French, Portuguese, Dutch, African and English.

Our Tour:

Semi-Submarine, Shipwreck & Island Drive

Your tour begins when you board the ferry “Stingray” at Palm Pier, on one of Aruba’s best beaches. After a 20-minute transfer, you’ll board the semi-sub. This is a surface vessel where you sit five feet below the waterline, the perfect way to discover the fascinating sea life that lives in these crystal clear Caribbean waters. The semi-sub will head towards the wreck of the “Antilla,” a German freighter that was sunk off the coast of Aruba during World War II. The tour is narrated and you will learn about how this 440-foot-long freighter met its watery end. You will also be able to view coral and the plentiful sea life, before returning to dry land. Here you will board your air-conditioned transportation for the short yet scenic journey to the California Lighthouse for views of Aruba’s windward coast.

The lighthouse is named after the U.S. ship which sunk in 1893, years before the lighthouse was built. Your captivating day then continues as you drive to the Casibari rock formations, where you will have time to browse the gift shop and view the amazing landscape formed by diorite boulders the size of small houses. Energetic guests may wish to climb the 80 rustic steps to the formation’s summit for stunning views of the island. Finally, it’s time to head to Aruba’s rugged north coast, to view the breath-taking Baby Natural Bridge, carved by the surf from solid coral and limestone. You will also be able to view the collapsed original Natural Bridge, and visit the gift shop here. Your route back to the ship takes you past the fascinating ruins of a 19th-century gold mill at Boca Mahos, and at the end of the tour, you will have the option to independently explore Aruba’s capital city Oranjestad. You will then be responsible for your return to the ship, which is a mere five minute walk away.

Day 5

Day 6

7:00 AM-2:00 PM

One of the more interesting cities on your itinerary steeped in history. This was the transit port for all the wealth Spain derived from South America. The famous “Old City” is comprised of 12 square blocks filled with attractions, boutiques and restaurants.

Throughout Colombia, the Spanish Empire’s influence in the New World is self-evident. Its fortress walls, quaint narrow streets, and balconied houses are all vivid reminders of Spain’s hold on Cartagena and throughout the Caribbean and South America. This is the land of El Dorado and flamboyant adventurers in search of the ever-elusive gold. Cartagena’s well-constructed fortifications defended its borders against seafaring pirates whose attacks lasted for more than 200 years. Today this modern and bustling city, seaport, and commercial center still boasts much of its original colonial architecture. Your journey here will provide you with a significant link to the region’s grand past.

Our tour:

Scenic Drive of Cartagena & La Popa Monastery

Departing from the pier, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide, pass by the traditional district of Manga to admire the beautiful houses of the Republican time on your way to La Popa convent, built during the 17th century and dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, one of the city’s patron saints, enjoy the splendid view over the city and visit the small chapel for a look at the famous wooden statue of the Virgin, marvel at the wonderful gold leaves laminated main altar.

Continue on with your journey to a photo stop at the largest Spanish fort in the New World – Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, originally built in the 17th century, and snap pictures of the ancient towering walls and main entrance.

Take a 30 -minute drive to the walled city and marvel at the plethora of colonial buildings and age-old fortifications around every corner, as well as the old churches domes, the clock tower, symbol of the city and the city ocean views.

Continue your journey to the Navy Museum, established in 1986, restored ruins of the Jesuits school, discover the historic military efforts of Cartagena, enjoy the wealth of historical artifacts, maritime life and naval history of Colombia, enjoy a folkloric show and a refreshing soft drink.

After cooling down, take your transportation again for an overview of the modern residential area of Bocagrande, famous for its wide variety of shops, restaurants and hotels, before returning to the ship.

Day 7

6:00 AM-3:30 PM

The narrow isthmus separating the Atlantic from the Pacific Ocean had a colorful and turbulent history long before Ferdinand de Lesseps first dreamed of building a transcontinental canal.

Spanish conquistadors hauled Incan gold through the dense rainforest to ports on the Atlantic. English freebooters sought to ransack those ports and attack the treasure ships that sailed from Portobelo. And 49ers braved mosquitoes and yellow fever to get to the California gold fields. While the Panama Canal remains one of the great American engineering feats of the 20th century, visitors to Panama will discover a whole range of scenic wonders. Hike into the dense rainforest, home to over 1,000 species of animals. Or pay a visit to an Embera Indian village in the heart of Chagres National Park.

Disembarkation in Gatun Lake is restricted to passengers who have booked the following tours only: PC1-100, PC1-110, PC1-115, PC1-120, PC1-170, PC1-175, PC1-235, PC1-350, PC1-385, PC1-605, PC1-610, PC1-615. Passengers on these tours are taken ashore by tenders. Later in the day, the ship then retraces her route through the Gatun locks to dock at Pier 6 in Colon in the Caribbean. The tours return to this point. All remaining passengers are able to disembark in Colon, where they may explore the dockside shops. There are no tours offered in Colon.

Note: The Panama Canal Authority assigns specific time slots for the transit of a vessel through the locks. The ship will anchor in a designated area and will wait for instructions. Once clearance is transmitted to the ship, procedures begin to bring ship’s tour passengers ashore. Therefore, tour departure times may vary and will be announced onboard.

Our Tour:

Panama Canal Railway & Miraflores Locks (Dome Car)

Imagine traveling around the Panama Canal in a deluxe 1938 vintage executive railway car. During this six-hour tour you’ll not only take in the sights of the canal but transfer to the Miraflores Locks for an up close look at this engineering marvel.

After boarding your air-conditioned transportation you’ll make the short drive to the train station at Colon. Here, you’ll board your unique train. Reminiscent of the golden age of railway travel, the passenger cars feature luxurious wood paneling, tables, carpeted floors, soft lamp lighting, wooden blinds, air conditioning, bathrooms, large windows to appreciate the picturesque journey and open-air viewing decks that allow passengers to step outside and “smell” the tropical rainforest.

Then, you’ll leave the Colon station on an approximately one-hour train trip to the Pacific terminus of the Panama Canal, passing Gatun Lake and the isthmus’ dense rainforest. During your railroad journey, you guide will provide commentary on the railroad, Panamanian history, and the canal.

The rainforests of the Panama Canal are some of the most accessible green zones in the world. With over 50,000 acres of pristine rainforest, this natural gem hosts an incredible 105 species of mammals, 525 species of birds and 124 species of reptiles and amphibians. Enjoy a light snack and beverage during this part of you tour.

The Panama Canal requires a vast rainforest watershed to feed water to its lock system, which uses millions of gallons each day. Since the rainforests are so important to the national economy, the Canal Zone has had to actively preserve its natural resources, providing pristine green areas and excellent photo opportunities.

When your train arrives at Panama City’s train station, you’ll transfer to a coach that will take you to the Miraflores Locks Observation Center to view a documentary on the history of the locks. You will also have the opportunity for a close up view of the passing ships and functioning of the locks from the top floor of the center. The lock gates at Miraflores are the tallest of the three due to the extreme tidal variation that takes place in the Pacific Ocean. Depending on the size of each vessel, you can see one to three vessels simultaneously make the transit. From the moment the vessels enter the locks, it takes approximately ten minutes for the process to be completed. The water enters and leaves the locks by means of gravity only, there are no pumps or other man-made devices that assist in this process.

At the end of this fascinating adventure, you’ll return to the pier.

Day 7

5:00 PM-8:00 PM

Day 8

7:00 AM6:00 PM

Costa Rica’s Limon Province boasts pristine beaches, sprawling banana plantations and dense rainforest.

These Caribbean lowlands are still sparsely populated–nearly a third of the province’s population lives around Puerto Limon–and conservation efforts have led to growing eco-tourism. Limon Province offers other charms as well. Afro-Caribbean influences abound, from the lilting speech and reggae rhythms brought by Jamaican settlers to the colorful bungalows lining small fishing villages. Limon is a zesty little slice of heaven.

Our Tour:

Rainforest Aerial Tram, Nature Walk & Lunch

Board your air-conditioned transportation at the pier and travel to an acclaimed ecotourism and research facility near Braulio Carrillo National Park. Here, glide through the canopy in an aerial tram, offering intimate views of the forest from the treetops. The rainforest canopy is teeming with wildlife and is home to two-thirds of Costa Rica’s rainforest species. Towering trees, giant ferns, bursts of color and myriad wildlife make up a large part of this incredible hanging garden. A naturalist guide will accompany you on your ride, explaining the delicate balance of the rainforest and pointing out the amazing wildlife amongst us in this intricate ecosystem. After your tram ride, you’ll be served a tasty, traditional Costa Rican lunch buffet at the charming Rain Forest Restaurant, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest. The orchestra of creatures in the forest serves as wonderful background music while you dine. Following lunch, walk it off with a guided stroll through the rainforest for a deeper appreciation of this complex environment from a totally different perspective. You’ll have time to visit the gift shop for eco-friendly handicrafts made exclusively in Costa Rica before we head back to the ship.

Day 9

Day 10

9:00 AM4:00 PM

Ocho Rios (Spanish for “Eight Rivers”) is located on the northern coast of Jamaica–67 miles east of Montego Bay. Blue-green mountains, white-sand beaches, lilting breezes wafting across flower-adorned hillsides – Jamaica is a sensual feast. Stunning natural beauty and a unique society molded by British, African, Spanish and Asian influences make Jamaica an unforgettable port of call in the Caribbean. Ocho Rios is a superb slice of Jamaica. The area is named for its spectacular rivers and waterfalls, including famed Dunn’s River Falls.

Day 11

Day 12

7:00 AM

According to the popular 1960 beach movie, Fort Lauderdale is “where the boys are.” The city’s reputation as America’s Spring Break capital, however, has been replaced with the more favorable image of a prime family tourist destination, attracting more than 10 million visitors annually. The most popular beach resort in Florida is even more rightly famed as the “Yachting Capital of the World,” with more than 40,000 registered crafts calling its waters home. The city also prides itself on being the “Venice of America” with more than 300 miles of navigable waterways. Fort Lauderdale boasts world-class theaters, museums, sightseeing, and shopping.

The city sits 24 miles north of Miami and is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale, who was the commander of the detachment of soldiers who built the first fort. Look hard and you might find remnants of three of them today. More people seem to be interested in taking a water tour aboard the “Carrie B.”

Note: Luggage is stowed on the transportation during disembarkation tours. Disembarkation tours end at the airports; therefore passengers who have post-cruise packages at local hotels must disembark at Fort Lauderdale International Airport. Passengers will then be responsible for their transportation to the hotel.

Our Tour:

Intracoastal Waterway by Boat & Las Olas Blvd with Fort Lauderdale Airport Transfer (Disembarkation)

Departing passengers shouldn’t miss this last chance to tour Fort Lauderdale’s finest boulevards, beaches and waterways, on an excursion that promises to delight. Your tour starts when you board your air-conditioned bus for a guided tour along Fort Lauderdale’s famed golden beaches, en route to trendy Las Olas Boulevard, which features a multitude of delightful art galleries, eclectic boutiques and busy sidewalk cafés. Here, you will have 20-30 minutes to browse the many interesting shops, enjoy a refreshing beverage or simply wander around this bustling, sunny neighborhood, before heading aboard the charming “Carrie B” paddle-wheel boat for a relaxing cruise along Fort Lauderdale.

Your captain and crew are friendly and approachable, and will be on hand to point out the many elaborate mansions and celebrity homes along Millionaires Row. You’ll also get close to the massive yachts docked outside the Bahia Mar Marina, Hyatt Pier 66 and the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Grande hotels. This super-fun vessel features both open and enclosed decks for your comfort, as well as a comprehensive snack bar. Returning to the boat’s docking location, you will then board your bus and head to the airport.

Webcam from the deck: http://www.kroooz-cams.com/coral/coral1.php