2023 World Cruise

We had a great day despite the 93F degree weather and some unknown level of humidity. I think we were cooler during our excursion as we were in a boat slowing moving along, causing a much-appreciated cooling breeze. Our bus to and from was also fitted with functional A/C!  Anyway, it was a b eautiful day, albeit hot. We went on the Jungle Crocodile Safari. What a great place and a great guide. Within 1.5 hour we saw 5 crocodiles and at least 15+ species of birds. The highlight for me was the common black hawk swooping down from a tree and plucking a fish from the river for his dinner. The picture is below, just a lucky shot as I kept clicking my phone toward the bird! Second best was the Scarlet Macaws!!! So beautiful and huge! I also saw a different variety of Hibiscus I have not seen before. We also had a brief tour of the Mangroves. We had a great day. Bands and dancers came to our narrow dock later in the day to entertain. Our next stop is Mexico. I doubt we decide to get off.

Today we transit the canal. Apparently in the night the captain got notice that we would begin an hour earlier than scheduled in the Patter last night. So taking on the pilot at 7:15a. We should be through the canal by 5:30 or so. Nice day. June chose to watch from our cabin. I watched from deck 14 and 15 for awhile. Boy it was hot and humid. I moved to the Lido deck pool and watched on the big screen until Gatun Lake. We had lunch in our cabin and watched from there. I think there are more pilot boats surrounding us now than there ever were before, but I might not remember correctly. This is my 3rd trip through the canal. Cost for our ship? Approximately US367K. It is determined by number of cabins, weight, and I don't recall the other criteria. Rain was the forecast but it didn't happen. Amazing we have arrived to the Pacific Ocean. I would have to look it up but I think we are 58 feet lower than the Atlantic. Interesting world. Our last event is passing under The Bridge of t

It is hot and humid today. No sooner have we arrived in port than our "gas station" arrives to fill us up! We use approximately  35 gallons an hour working our way around the world. There is a beautiful  Eco Park  right near the port. This is what we decided to see today. We saw these different animals and birds. The shopping was very nice. We might have seen many more animals but ... suddenly there was an extreme downpour. We did make our way back safely to the ship, thanks to a shuttle bus. After  that an extensive  storm ensued. The thunder even shook our ship! 

I don't know if I mentioned Medivac before. We had our third one at sea today. A sad ending for someone's cruise. Prayers for their rapid recovery! I certainly admire the crew and staff that are first responders that come and rescue those in need. We have had several people leave the ship in ports via ambulances as well.  A lot has to happen to complete a rescue at sea. On the outer decks all lounges and anything else that can move has to be stored. The helicopters do not land on this ship, it is not large enough. They do a basket rescue of the ill person. I would really need to be sedated with that!  I know there are people on this ship without extra travel insurance and personally, I think that is a huge mistake. Of course something is more likely to happen to the aged population, but something tragic can happen at any age. Medivac it really necessary at times.  Anyway, it happened and the person is safely on their way for further medical treatment.   We passed the Caribbean

We have worked our say across the Atlantic Ocean. Some days were pretty rough seas but the last 2 days have been very nice. Yesterday we had a group photo on the Lido Deck for ALL World Cruisers. I'm not sure when that will be available, surely before tomorrow as a large number of people will be disembarking at Port Everglades. This morning we had a brief rain shower but I think the weather will be pretty warm the rest of our trip. It is supposed to be 77F in Florida tomorrow. Yesterday we also had a "Farewell Shot" will some of the fun friends we made when visiting Good Spirits and beyond. It was called a B52. First it is  Kahlúa,  then Baileys, then Contreras. It was actually pretty tasty. Not too sweet with that Contreras as the last taste you experience, which cuts most of the sweetness. 

There was a port shuttle that took us from the ship to the edge of town. That was nice enough. Checking at the tourist office, they told us there is no Hop-On Hop-Off bus. We did see a little train later in the day, so who can guess? At least this island seems a bit prettier and more populated than the area yesterday.  Princess didn't give us an information sheet for this port. We walked around and I found a postcard and stamp. I never did find the post office so I paid the store owner $2 euros to mail it for me. I hope he does. We found a nice little spot for a simple lunch and wandered around the rest of the time. So, setting sail toward the US! Now we will have 7 days at sea. Following the route of Columbus but assuredly our journey will not take 61 days! It was fun seeing dolphins jumping as we left port, as though they were bidding us farewell!