Holland America Zuiderdam March 18-28

[Nhcris]

Well, I am slowly getting ready to embark on a new adventure aboard Holland America's Zuiderdam. This will be a 10 night cruise including a partial Panama Canal transit which is on my husband's bucket list. HAL sent me a casino offer I couldn't refuse and after some discussion we upgraded to a corner aft Neptune Suite with a lovely wrap around balcony. We got a steal and to be truthful, on our 2 previous cruises HAL's casinos sucked, so I really didn't gamble near as much as I normally do. So, Thanks HAL!

We'll be flying to Fort Lauderdale on Thursday afternoon and staying overnight at the Hilton Marina. Hopefully we will be aboard the ship by noon on Friday. Here is our itinerary:





0
18 Mar 2016
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=FLL)

04:00 PM


1
19 Mar 2016
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=HMC)TR
08:00 AM
02:30 PM


2
20 Mar 2016
At Sea




3
21 Mar 2016
Oranjestad, Aruba (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=AUA)
01:00 PM
11:00 PM


4
22 Mar 2016
Willemstad, Curacao (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=CUR)
08:00 AM
04:00 PM


5
23 Mar 2016
At Sea




6
24 Mar 2016
Enter Panama Canal Cristobal (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=126) CO P1
05:00 AM
05:00 AM


6
24 Mar 2016
Cruising Panama Canal and Gatun Lake (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=204) CO




6
24 Mar 2016
Gatun Lake, Panama (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=GL1) SC
09:00 AM
10:00 AM


6
24 Mar 2016
Cruising Gatun Lake and Panama Canal (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=281) CO




6
24 Mar 2016
Exit Panama Canal Cristobal (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=128) CO P1
01:00 PM
01:00 PM


6
24 Mar 2016
Colon, Panama (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=CLN)
03:00 PM
08:00 PM


7
25 Mar 2016
Puerto Limon (San Jose), Costa Rica (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=LIO) PR
06:30 AM
04:00 PM


8
26 Mar 2016
At Sea




9
27 Mar 2016
At Sea




10
28 Mar 2016
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetailsPort.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&directionCode=F&voyageCode=U614&cruiseDetailPortCode=FLL)
07:00 AM





http://www.hollandamerica.com/images/itineraryMaps/C6FW10.jpg (http://www.hollandamerica.com/images/itineraryMaps/detail/C6FW10.jpg)Click to Enlarge (http://www.hollandamerica.com/images/itineraryMaps/detail/C6FW10.jpg)

CONTINUE (http://www.hollandamerica.com/find-cruise-vacation/CruiseDetails.action?destCode=C&flexibleMonths=false&noOfFlexibleMonths=1&pageNumber=0&voyageCode=U614&directionCode=F&tabName=ItineraryDetails&fromSearchVacation=false#)


Port Notes:
CO CRUISING ONLY
PR PASSPORT REQUIRED
P1 CANAL TRANSIT TIMES ARE APPROX
SC SERVICE CALL
TR TENDER REQUIRED





We have rented a Clamshell on Half Moon Cay as Frank is pretty much translucent and has had skin cancer, so I have to keep him out of the sun. I will rent a floating mat and will alternate between the ocean and the clamshell. If the weather cooperates, Frank will grab a catamaran and sail around the bay. I imagine a couple of frozen concoctions will also be consumed by yours truly.

We will likely taxi to a beach for some snorkeling in Aruba, and then have dinner and visit one of the downtown casinos in the evening.

Frank hasn't been to Curacao, so I plan to snag a taxi driver for an island tour and make a couple of beach stops for some more snorkeling. This should be the best snorkeling of the cruise. We will cross the Queen Emma moving pontoon bridge because, well, it is a tourist must do - haha. I might shop although I really am not much of a shopper, so we'll see.

At the Canal the ship will go through the first lock and then anchor in Gatun Lake to let passengers off that have excursions. Frank is taking a long, long excursion that goes through the entire canal to the Pacific Ocean on a ferry, and then goes by bus to the city of Colon, Panama, where the ship will have moved to. I knew I would be a whiny baby complaining about the heat, the long bus ride and anything else that was even slightly annoying, so I decided to just stay onboard the ship & let Frank enjoy his day without my incessant fussing - HHH! I will be perfectly happy going back through the first lock and besides, I figure once you've seen one lock, you've seen them all, right?? I will get off in Colon, find a bar and have myself a local libation & grab a souvenir as I am unlikely to ever get back there again.

In Costa Rica, I think we have decided to take an Aerial Tram tour of the rain forest & if there is time take a boat ride through the Tortuguero Canal. I am too chicken to zip line, and honestly with my fear of heights, the tram should be plenty challenging for me! Our youngest son did a semester abroad in the rainforest here, so we are pretty excited to see it for ourselves. Hopefully we will not get bitten by poisonous snakes or eaten alive by Zika mosquitos!

I have pre-ordered a bottle of Crown to be waiting for me in the suite, and will bring on a couple of bottles of wine. HAL still allows each person one bottle without charging corkage, so we will take advantage of that. No drink package this time as I would like to remember the entire cruise - HHH! We have reserved a few dinners in the specialty restaurants, but may cancel some of them if the main dining room is good. I hear they have a great piano player/comedian onboard, and some other good music to seek out. No doubt I will try my luck in the pathetic little casino, too!

I doubt if we will splurge for internet as the reports are that it is unbearable slow and terribly overpriced, but I will update from Fort Lauderdale, and try to at least make a couple of posts from some of the ports of call. I will do a full report when we get home!

[sondor]

Sounds like a good time, I would like to see the Panama Canal myself but will wait till I retire and have time...Have Fun

[Cyndyga]

Loving all you have planned and enjoyed reading the plans of your cruise! Hopefully the updates are drama free have Fun and relax :)

[FL Mary]

Sounds like a fun cruise. Have a wonderful time and relax!

[noleman]

I suspect you know this already, but there are four casinos within about 15 miles of that Hilton -- The Isle (OK, but not worth writing home about), Mardis Gras (gross as in Hepatitis C gross), Seminole Classic Casino (meh), and Hard Rock Hollywood (top notch and worth a visit just because it's so f'n huge but be prepared to lose there).

[treyster]

Wow that's quite an adventure! I hope the weather is good, the locks are latched, the slots are loose, and the cocks are stiff.

[dvandentop]

Damn sounds like a great trip you are really making the most of retirement and enjoying it!! As I say YOLO. You only live once!

[Elf70]

What a great cruise itinerary. I would love to see the Panama Canal. I hope you have a marvelous time!


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[Gypsy]

Wishing you a great cruise. Your ports are fantastic, if I was retired I would be joining you lol. Can't wait to hear all about it!

[MNvegasgal]

You are living the life! Sounds like you have a great plan of action. I would love to see photo's of your suite.. and the Panama Canal (and of course your big wins in the Casino).

[tee2green]

Damn Chris, moss doesn't grow under your feet does it! So jealous yet thoroughly excited for you to start this upcoming adventure. I'm hoping to be just like you when I retire and travel as much as I can. Can't wait to hear all about your trip.


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[Laurie]

Sounds like a really great cruise! Look forward to your report and pictures :)

[foamy]

Looks great have fun

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[goldengreeke]

I took the exact same cruise on the exact same ship 5 years ago and had a a BLAST!
It is VERY hot and humid in Panama with heat index around 130 F many days so be careful. It is so hot that many of the Panamanian women walk around topless, which I thought was an added bonus lol. I have pictures but will not post them here...don't want to get reported and have the forum shut down.

[dvandentop]

I took the exact same cruise on the exact same ship 5 years ago and had a a BLAST!
It is VERY hot and humid in Panama with heat index around 130 F many days so be careful. It is so hot that many of the Panamanian women walk around topless, which I thought was an added bonus lol. I have pictures but will not post them here...don't want to get reported and have the forum shut down.
Post em up no one will report it ;)

[Luckylinda123]

Wishing you good flights! Already know you guys will have a fun trip

[Jen Jen]

Sounds like a relaxing and fun cruise. Don't forget your bug repellant. Have fun!!!

[ReelEmIn]

Sounds like an awesome cruise! Watch out for they iguana guy in Curaçao on the pontoon bridge. Before you know it, he'll have that iguana on your shoulder then demand you pay him for holding his iguana hhh! Can't wait to hear about the cruise.

[michelelovesvegas]

Damnnn Chris, what an awesome trip. Don't know if I can do that many days away, but would love to try!! Can't wait for updates!

[Reen]

Wishing you a wonderful trip. Looking forward to your report. Enjoy!

[SAMS]

Hope you have a great cruise! Sounds like an awesome time!

[ChellesBelles]

Oh Chris! You really have planned a memorable trip! Very much looking forward to your trip report and lots of pics! Enjoy every second.

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[clemi]

Sounds like a wonderful itinerary for you and Frank. Happy cruising and looking forward to your report! [emoji4]

[Nhcris]

Thanks for all the good wishes! We are pretty excited although I am still looking at piles of stuff instead of neatly packed suitcases - HHH! We are checked in for our flights - A43 & A44. We have an hour and a half in Baltimore, so hopefully that will be time for everything to work smoothly :)


I suspect you know this already, but there are four casinos within about 15 miles of that Hilton -- The Isle (OK, but not worth writing home about), Mardis Gras (gross as in Hepatitis C gross), Seminole Classic Casino (meh), and Hard Rock Hollywood (top notch and worth a visit just because it's so f'n huge but be prepared to lose there).

You are a troublemaker!! Normally I would be going straight to Gulfstream for the ponies & the slots, but since we aren't getting in until around 6pm & not renting a car, I think we will settle for dinner near the hotel and an early night. My bankroll is not terribly healthy since I have only been home from Vegas for a week and I go back a week after the cruise :bull_head: One of these days I will go casino hopping down there!


I took the exact same cruise on the exact same ship 5 years ago and had a a BLAST!
It is VERY hot and humid in Panama with heat index around 130 F many days so be careful. It is so hot that many of the Panamanian women walk around topless, which I thought was an added bonus lol. I have pictures but will not post them here...don't want to get reported and have the forum shut down.

Frank thanks you for the information, and has suggested that I leave some of my tops at home. I think I scared him when I told him that's what the balcony is for - HHH!


Sounds like an awesome cruise! Watch out for they iguana guy in Curaçao on the pontoon bridge. Before you know it, he'll have that iguana on your shoulder then demand you pay him for holding his iguana hhh! Can't wait to hear about the cruise.

Okay, maybe it's me but that sounds so obscene! Let's just say I won't be touching any strange man's iguana on this trip :devilish:


Ok, back to packing.

[loisluvsslots]

Vegas, a fabulous cruise, and Vegas again all within a few weeks...what great retirement plans! It sounds wonderful, Chris. Hope you have the time of your life!

[CPT]

~~Bon Voyage~~
I will miss you and your duties keeping the evil spam doers out, but I'll hold down the fort as usual! :)

[DK528]

Have a fantastic cruise, Chris!


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[BigDaddy]

Have a great time on your cruise and best of luck if you hit the slots..:) Usually first two nights always seems a little on the looser side!!

[BorgataBabe]

Nhcris, have a fabulous trip, can't wait to hear all about! Not sure if I want to come back in my next life as you or Pat?


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[BonAppetit]

Great itinerary for you and Frank. Looking forward to TR 😊

Xoxo
Lilian

[Darlene]

Have a great time, it sounds like a fun filled time.

[SME]

Sounds wonderful! Safe travels and have an amazing time! Looking forward to the full write up :)

[RiverSong]

Living the Life of Riley....that sounds like a fun relaxing trip...I had a chuckle when you said no drink package because you want to remember the cruise. Enjoy!!!

[Nhcris]

It was the usual pandemonium with last minute packing and getting the dogs to Camp but we made it to the airport nice and early. Weather is clearing up and hopefully the plane will arrive shortly.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160317/4265d19c04b1e0ebe9c836420ac7a92f.jpg
Thank you NH for understanding the needs of travelers haha! This is in the airport past security. Luckily the girl was only out for a smoke so I picked up a lovely Pinot Noir & one of my favorite whites, Conundrum. Now my packing is complete!


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[SME]

Ooh, I love Conundrum. Have you ever tried Evolution? Very similar :)

[Nhcris]

had a nice uneventful flight to Baltimore. Actually arrived early - YAY! Had a handsome old guy in my row HHH.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160317/fb78902bd5eff1b552144c302be8ea03.jpg

One third of the way to FLL.


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[Nhcris]

Ooh, I love Conundrum. Have you ever tried Evolution? Very similar :)

I have not but I will be on the lookout for it!


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[Nhcris]

Packed in like fucking sardines. Lovely neighbors of screaming baby and nose picker guy. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160317/75664f9addbb4e2591d22f5c6635cb22.jpg

Thank God for noise cancelling headphones & Lysol wipes.


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[ChellesBelles]

had a nice uneventful flight to Baltimore. Actually arrived early - YAY! Had a handsome old guy in my row HHH.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160317/fb78902bd5eff1b552144c302be8ea03.jpg

One third of the way to FLL.


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I think I recognize that guy!

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[CPT]

Awww where is her first class seat when she needs one, right?!

[tee2green]

Arriving early is a huge success with your past history Chris! Hope the 2nd leg of your flight goes smoothly.


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[Nhcris]

Landed!


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[Nhcris]

Hotel balcony. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/1f0db5a0a894c54cc093399eb655bdbc.jpg

Found a waterfront bar!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/81031c5e94424f44547bb4715aba3bab.jpg

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Darn, have to drink for an hour while we wait for a table. HHH

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[Nhcris]

coconuts bar.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/9604559f54985687fb476e15db1e501c.jpg

Heirloom tomatoes with may tag blue cheese & champagne vinaigrette. So good

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Excellent mahi mahi fish tacos.

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Fish & chips with mushy peas. Only ok.

Great service & fabulous time. Easy going thanks to Uber.


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[Nhcris]

It is hot & hazy this
Morning. The drawbridge has been very busy.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/5b501b1adb6cbaf6b0afd12dba650a53.jpg

She's here! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/607640070b889270409cd5e7984655e3.jpg

Just finished up breakfast on the balcony & packing up again to head up to on over!


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[Laurie]

Love the pics! Food and drinks look great! Bon Voyage!!

[tee2green]

Happy sailing Chris!

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[ChellesBelles]

Have a wonderful trip! Can't wait for the report. Especially looking forward to the Canal pics.

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[Luckylinda123]

Have a safe cruise

[Nhcris]

Room pictures. Neptune Suite.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/30457d1d6b971b75bcff3ce3f1914b1c.jpg
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Love the extra window.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/7173742a2cde5c4f576ccabd78f12367.jpg
Double sinks and medicine cabinets - score!
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/da3631892e88b62d8af6f4a28f047fe2.jpg
Separate shower & jetted tub.



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[Nhcris]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/8549e800ff26dbe2d8abd7ee6ef7435a.jpg
Should hold me for a couple days if my new best friend Roland is busy.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/4c2b3724adee47d12d791e93f8f65b7e.jpg


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[Nhcris]

Aft Wrap Balcony!! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/f55ace4525b4e28e9ec6e5c6bdf6830e.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/83f9848289622db0138b6545a6678ab0.jpg

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Almost time to wave goodbye to last night's hotel.


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[Nhcris]

Although I fully understand the importance of the life boat drill, it doesn't mean I have to like it!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/6aae1e238b820d30ebf9b61b2c5ab1bb.jpg


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[ChellesBelles]

Although I fully understand the importance of the life boat drill, it doesn't mean I have to like it!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/6aae1e238b820d30ebf9b61b2c5ab1bb.jpg


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Lmfao, Chris! A true Joker, for sure!

The Neptune Suite is gorgeous, you should have a cushy cruise. Love the balcony. You sure are doing it up right. So good the journey there went off without a hitch.

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[goldengreeke]

Although I fully understand the importance of the life boat drill, it doesn't mean I have to like it!

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/6aae1e238b820d30ebf9b61b2c5ab1bb.jpg


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I hate those damn drills! Great picture though!

[Nhcris]

We have sailed away! Will try to update from Aruba! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/9647752e27ebcb0ca8ee70df5ce0d1b9.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160318/5b29e0c4f79b428ed0d874e74cf98eaa.jpg


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[Jackpot]

Loving the photos and update!!

[Elf70]

Great pictures. Love the suite! Have a great trip.


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[zeus]

I want to be you in my next life. :excitement: Have a fantastic time on your cruise. I am glad to see Frank actually got to go somewhere for a change. Can't wait to see more pics and hear all about it!

[twinslotaddicts]

I sooooo freakin miss you!!!!! Have a spectacular cruise with your wonderful hubby Frank and can't wait for more pics!!! Enjoy that fabulous room and balcony!!

Ang

[Nhcris]

Fantastic cruise so far! The suite and balcony are great and we ate enjoy big the perks. Casino is small & too
Many repeats but treated me ok the first 2 nights. Last night not so
Good and we are in port until
11 so I can wont be her tonight.

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Food is good. There's a bit of porn foryou.

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Gorgeous day on half moon cay. Beach was crowded but he sails & I swam & drank so
It was a fine day.


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[Nhcris]

Aruba today. Fabulous snorkeling at Arashi beach. Pics on the underwater camera so will
Post later.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160321/e5a22b690e13d29ed291392906f32c72.jpg

Local beer Balashi is tasty but tiny bottles dammit!!

Internet time running out so Tara for now. Off to Curaçao in the morning.

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[Laurie]

Looks and sounds so great!!


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[Nhcris]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160321/73670c16ae478fff78ccfbb21b0fe8b6.jpg
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Forgot to mention50 knot winds and some
Nice
Rough seas last night. Awesome!

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[Luckylinda123]

Some nice wins! Weather looks great enjoy all that food.

[Nhcris]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160322/205012dbce127cc8ed8c507799cbe9b6.jpg
My Frank and our driver in Curaçao for the day, Mr Frank.

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Nice beaches and great diving.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160322/7391e855e5f3aa0d9680e8a928578cc5.jpg
Floating market

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Tiny beers here too HHH.

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Curaçao has a unique look.


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[BorgataBabe]

Love the updates Chris! Your suite is beautiful.


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[dvandentop]

Are the beers not 12oz?

[Nhcris]

They were not 12. Not sure if 10 or less? But for $2 not complaining too much.


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[Nhcris]

Last day at sea today. Arrive Fort Lauderdale in the morning and hope to be home with the pups by 8. Will update then. Have had a blast! http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160327/cb768338dc85cf4b0d9d3d776fecd6d3.jpg


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[Evoni]

Chris, I've loved the photos here and on FB. What a fantastic cruise you two are having!

[Nhcris]

I meant to wrap this up when I got home, but my Vegas trip came up so fast I didn't get a chance. So here's a bit of an update. I left off in Curacao which was a lovely day. So:

Next up was the Panama canal, a first for us both and a longtime bucket list item for my husband. It was nothing short of amazing!

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This guy guided us into our first lock

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Because we were Aft, we checked our progress on the Bow Cam on our tv periodically.

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It is amazing that the same technology that existed when the canal opened in 1914 still works today.

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Went out in my pjs on this windy morning to watch

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Frank was a happy man.

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Hard to believe those gates will hold all the water we need!

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Peeked in here on the return. It was very cool & creepy at the same time.

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The train thingy looked like an amusement park ride. We were attached to this dude all the way through.

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Panama rolls filled with mandarin oranges and cream were available
Only today. They were delicious!

Our Aft Wrap balcony was the PERFECT spot for viewing, and I remained onboard. History buff & engineer type DH took the Panama Canal Experience excursion which entailed taking a ferry through all of the locks to the pacific and then taking a bus to Colon to get he ship. It was a very long day, and he loved it although he did say the diesel fumes on the ferry (from the other boats in the lock) were unpleasant but that it was all worth it.

This was an EPIC DAY!

[Nhcris]

Last stop was Costa Rica and we opted for the Rainforest Aerial Tram Excursion. The 2 hour ride each way was long (and the Puerto Limon area is very poor and not terrible scenic) but could not be avoided if we want to experience the rainforest. The tram ride was not scary at all, and the rainforest was amazing. Because most of the wildlife is nocturnal, we mainly saw trees and other plants. We had a great guide that made it al very interesting. We saw the sloth that (literally) hangs out in a tree near the entrance, and a viper that was sleeping off a big fat meal (he is also right at the entrance - hmmm), and after the ride we saw a tapir chomping on bananas also near the entrance (do you see a theme here?) The included lunch was quite good and we left the rainforest satisfied and humbled. It is truly impressive at how forward thinking Costa Rica is environmentally. It was another fantastic day.

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Viper with a bulging belly after a big meal. He is bigger than he looks. Made me nervous on the hiking portion of this excursion!

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Sloth hanging around.

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So green looking straight down, You can hear movement, but can only see green, green, green.

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Us and a bunch of other fat asses I thought we might go crashing to earth a couple of times but we survived! I figured I'd the guide got on, we would likely live.

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[Nhcris]

That was our last port of call, and then we had 2 very, very relaxing days at sea. AA little casino time but it had become tedious so not too much. I read, I napped, we ate, and hung out on the balcony. It real was a wonderful cruise in spite of being on a bit of an old ship filled with old people - haha. We fit right in ;)

Here are some more random pictures.

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Room service

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Limoncello dessert. One of my very favorites!

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Frank's tiramisu

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[Cyndyga]

Thanks! Love your writing style and the pictures are interesting!

[zeus]

Chris, I could read your posts all day. I always get a good laugh. Your trip seemed amazing. All of the pics are fabulous. Iam so glad that you got to experience. Even happier that Frank finally got to go somewhere. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

[SAMS]

I had missed this TR earlier and just caught up with all your posts. I agree with Zeus, I always chuckle at your pictures and posts! Nice to see a "fellow northern girl" having a blast! Thanks for sharing with us.

[declansgigi]

I have been away from the forum for a bit, so just getting caught up. I love your adventure, and the way you share your experience. That cruise is on my bucket list. Thank you for bringing me along.

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