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LIVE from the CORAL PRINCESS - Oct. 28th to Nov. 11th - LA to FLL thru the Canal

Pia1913

By Pia1913,
in Princess Cruises

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Pia1913

Pia1913

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Welcome to Saturday morning in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. Sort of. We’ll be there when we tender ashore. This will be an abbreviated post since we need to meet our tour at 7:15. This is our first time here and since we aren’t interested in a city tour, we decided to go off to a tobacco plantation. Will have more info when we return. It’s hot out there already; should be 90 with comparable humidity. We are having breakfast in our cabin, thanks to me foraging from the buffet yesterday and storing it in our frig.

　

A little local info: San Juan del Sur is on the Pacific side of Nicaragua; the largest country in Central America. The port is approx. 2 ½ hours from the capital, Managua, but only a 45 minute drive to the Costa Rican border. San Juan del Sur is Nicaragua’s most visited beach town on the Pacific coast. The streets are lined with homes and store fronts built of wood and painted in vibrant colors. More to follow after I’ve actually seen it.

　

Absolutely nothing doing on board either in the morning or afternoon, unless you consider the silent movie The General. You can see that on MUTS at 2:00 PM.

　

Bye for now.

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jnc411

jnc411

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Pia , thank you for the ongoing information on the cruise. What is your time there now, I checked the bridge cam for time , but it is messed up , has you guys on Oct. 22, at 12.55, so I know that is wrong, I hope to plan on watching you guys go through the canal and am trying to figure out what time I need to do that on LA time. My daughter Julie is on the ship but she doesn't have internet minutes , so I can't ask her. I remember changing our watches several times on our last Pananma cruise but not sure where and when . Thanks for the help. With your report of the activities available during sea days ,we will be on the Coral for the Dec. 1st cruise and have even more sea days than you guys so I think I need to make sure my Kindle is loaded with books, and I need to take my crocheting with as well. I am surprized at the selection of lectures etc , on our Hawaii cruise RT LA, we had some really good lectures, but these sort of seem like duds. And I need to not spend too much time in the casino :). Thanks again for the information.

Cori

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Pia1913

Pia1913

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Nicaragua Narrative

Before I tell you about our day, I want to comment on the weather. Yes, it was hot. But no, it was not unbearable. Sun shone all day but there was always a light breeze wherever we were. Cabo was an oven compared to today. We are grateful. OK, here goes.

　

The very inexpensive tour we had booked was supposed to be from 8:00 to 1:00. We were aboard the bus and rolling by 7:45 and returned at 3:30. This tour was titled: Granada, Tobacco Plantation and Parque Central - $55 for 5 hours. As I mentioned earlier, we were to meet at 7:15 in Explorers. Well they changed their minds and we had to scurry back to Wheelhouse. No problem. We were on the first tender anyway. Our coach was very modern, very clean, and very comfortable. Good thing, since it’s a 90 minute ride to Granada. Not because of distance, but because of roads. One lane roads all the way. And narrow. Our bus held 56 passengers; we were 42. We had two guides, so we were divided into two groups whenever we were off the bus. We got the best one; Juan. He was raised and went through school in Miami, so his English of course was perfect.

　

First stop in Granada was a tobacco plantation where we got some history of Nicaraguan tobacco which dates back to pre-Columbian times. We were also explained the step by step process of tobacco growing, harvesting and processing. Our next stop was to the fortress La Polvora, a reminder of the times when the area needed protection from pirates and other invaders. Here we were only able to take photos from the exterior, since the interior is under renovation. I was able to get some photos right at the gate, though only those of a parklike area. Then we were off to walk about the Parque Central; the picturesque colonial town of Granada. There were some artisans and vendors about, but nothing that interested us. We visited the interior of a very ornate cathedral, though I’m not too sure of it’s name. Mike thinks it’s Our Lady of Mercy, but I won’t swear to it.

 

Moving right along to our next stop which was a tobacco factory. This is the same company as the plantation; Dona Elba Cigars. The factory itself is a former colonial home; huge. There were cigar makers at work and while we watched they made some to order for a few passengers. Have no idea of price. If you wanted, you could try to roll your own. We passed. They were also selling cigars in lovely wooden boxes. We were interested in purchasing a box or two but the boxes alone were not for sale. Also at this venue, we were served coffee, tea and assorted soft drinks and water. And, pastries. Tons of them, in three different shapes. A cylinder that contained cheese, a cornucopia filled with pineapple and a round squiggly thing filled with chicken. We had two each. Could have had a whole lot more. That was lunch after all. ;)

　

Our guide had told us about the good Nicaraguan coffee, so of course several people wanted to try some. What we had at the factory was good, so we stopped at a supermarket and I bough a pound of the recommended brand; strong espresso. I also picked up two cans of diet Pepsi. Coke is everywhere; not so Pepsi.

　

Almost time to go back to the ship (it was much later than anticipated already), but still another stop to see Mombacho Volcano on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. Got some pretty decent pix. Back to the tender area by 3:30 where there were dozens of vendors and where we managed to buy Mike’s requisite polo and a plate for me.

A few other comments:

1. There are many yellow type school buses transporting passengers and animals. They are called chicken buses and have enclosed mesh up top. Not only do they carry chickens and pigs, but can also be used as a moving van for your luggage and whatever else you can manage to haul up there.

　

2. There are very few automobiles; could be because price of gas is approx. $6 per gallon in this very poor country. Nicaragua is considered the poorest country, right behind Haiti. What is seen are pedi cabs, tuk tuks and horse drawn carts.

　

3. Bus comment - restrooms on the bus and all the free bottles of water you can drink.

　

4. We are pooped. Having some wine and will have an early dinner. And early to bed, because tomorrow we need to meet again at 7:15.

　

We leave here tonight at about 6 PM and entertainment will be the Zach Winningham singer whom we didn’t see a few nights ago and the movie Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on MUTS. We’ve seen the movie and don’t want to see the singer.

Time is now 4:55 PM and we don't move our clocks tonight. See you tomorrow in Costa Rica.

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Pia1913

Pia1913

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Buenos Dias amigas y amigos from Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It’s a beautiful morning, albeit very early. Sun came up about 5:30. The ship will be in port until 7 tonight; a full day. We have been to Costa Rica many times, and in fact, spent three weeks here some years ago. We’ve done everything and seen everything; including zip lining. So today we will be doing a sedentary ship’s tour. Will talk about it later. We are supposed to leave at 7:30 and return before 1:00.

　

Another very quiet day for those who stay aboard. Nothing happening in the AM other than an interdenominational church service at 8:00. Some of you have been concerned about what I call nothing, so I will tell you exactly what nothing means. This morning you can play shuffleboard, play board games, table tennis or trivia. That’s the whole morning. Even MUTS is quiet. Afternoon has Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in the theater, Taboo game, trivia, more shuffleboard and Friends of Bob & Bill. Now you know.

　

Tonight in the theater is a hypnotist; Kellie Karl and in Universe the production show Tribute. Two hypnotist shows; three production shows. MUTS is showing John Carter and Explorer’s is playing games.

　

Need to go. TTY later.

P.S. Forgot to mention that everyone was given a cigar when we left the factory yesterday. Two different kinds. Now I need to find someone to give them to.

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PescadoAmarillo "Live from...." Rare

PescadoAmarillo

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Tonight in the theater is a hypnotist; Kellie Karl and in Universe the production show Tribute. Two hypnotist shows; three production shows. MUTS is showing John Carter and Explorer’s is playing games.

Compared to the Emerald from 1/17 to 2/16 last year, that's an abundance of riches. Emjoy having options!

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Pia1913

Pia1913

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Our Half Day Excursion

Our Princess shorex was titled Scenic Train Ride & River Cruise and was to start at 7:30 AM and end at 12:45. This time they got it right. We returned to the ship at 12:55 and left exactly on time in the morning.

Our 1 ½ hour bus ride to the boat on the Tercoles River was over rough terrain. Actually, it was unpaved potholes. Our fantastic bus driver maneuvered well and our very good English speaking tour guide talked the entire time. As we coasted along through the mangroves, we were supposed to be crocodile hunting. Supposedly these shores are home to a large crocodile colony. We saw 2 black hawks, one ibis, one blue heron, one yucky lizard, one monkey (not seen by many) and assorted unnamed birds. Not seen, other than on my feet, were Crocs. :D After we disembarked little boat, they had pineapple and watermelon for us, including beverages of water, iced tea and Costa Rican beer. Imperial Beer. Yum.

　

Back on the bus for a 25 minute ride to board our train; the historic Pacific Railroad that was once used to transport the country’s coffee harvests. The railroad cars have been restored since the last time we rode this train (1991), but still do not have restroom facilities. Nothing much to see on the ride other than tin roof house without windows, lot of little kids and definite poverty.

　

Back at ship we grabbed a quick lunch and went out again to explore the environs. Even though we’ve been here more than once, we (that means Mike) have the need to see if we’ve missed something. I also wanted to go to the supermarket to pick up (maybe) another bottle of wine. Mike wanted some Imperial beer too.

　

Trek finished. It is now almost 4 PM and we just came back. The sun is brutal; humidity worse. I had doubts about supermarket being open on Sunday, but I doubted for naught. Most other businesses are closed, including the pharmacy. Shopping a success. Bought a bottle of sauvignon blanc, 3 bottles of Imperial beer, and two bags of coffee. Cost: a little under $16 US. The same coffee, for which I paid approx. $2.25, was being sold by the vendors at the port for $6. What a bargain! :)

　

BTW, I heard they were going to add a café when ship goes into drydock. I see where they can do it on deck 5, since the seating area near the bar is a lot larger here than on the ships that have the IC.

Tina: Tell Ken it's his. And yes, two shorex tours a definite record. We will try for three in Cartagena. ;)

　

Clocks go ahead one hour tonight. See you tomorrow.

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trishbebears

trishbebears

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Pia,

I'm enjoying your Live through the Panama Canal. That cruise is on my bucket list. I don't know if I will make it though, since health issues prevent me from flying. :mad: And I don't know if I would like to be away from my 2 doggies for 30 days. :eek: Enjoy the rest of your cruise.

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san diego sue

san diego sue

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We took the river cruise on the Tarcoles last year in October. There were so many crocs there and we got up very close to them. All along the banks and on little muddy islands along the way as well.

In the mangrove area were baby crocs. Wonder what happened this year that they weren't there.

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coo359a2

coo359a2

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Our Half Day Excursion

 

 

Tina: Tell Ken it's his. And yes, two shorex tours a definite record. We will try for three in Cartagena. ;)　

 

Ken say thanks - I say yuk. On the SA we're doing a zipline here with 3 other couples. Never been to Cartagena so tell all.

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Pia1913

Pia1913

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Monday November 5th, we’ve lost an hour of sleep and are happily floating along on a calm sea. The past two days just wiped us out, most likely due to the heat. This morning the gym was empty, again due to the change in time. However, we are now at 3 out of order treadmills and two broken TV’s. This gym needs an overhaul badly, so hope they get new equipment in drydock. The scale however, works to my advantage. :D

　

After having dinner in HC (it was very crowded), we opted to take the easy route and just stay “local.” So down we went to deck 7 into the theater to see the lady hypnotist and up a flight to our cabin immediately afterwards. I had a need to listen to more election propaganda on CNN. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is eagerly waiting for it to be Wednesday. As far as the hypnotist goes, there were 18 chairs on stage, she got 11 volunteers (ten men; one woman) and not even one was even close to being hypnotized. Very obvious. Had she continued further, she might have put me to sleep.

　

　

A bit of the agenda for this morning: Zumba, line dancing, $10 3 hour only sale (yes, again), ice carving demo and port lecture “A Panama Canal for the 21st Century.” Our most traveled luncheon is at noon in Sabatini’s.

　

　

Other than the art auction, another slot tournament and bingo, the afternoon offerings are the movie Rock of Ages in the theater, the stock man talking about “The Fear of Outliving your Money,” and The Artist on MUTS.

　

Tonight is formal night and evening entertainment is a magical illusionist “Gaetano” in the theater, Eagles vs. Saints on MUTS and game stuff in Explorer’s. Liar’s Club which we don’t care for is at 9:00 and Where in the World which at this point would be a guarantee win is at 10:00. We’ll pass on both.

Tina, you are not going to get much info re: Cartagena. We've already seen it all too many times, so will be doing something different.

See you later.

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