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

[MTJSR]

"Tonight is formal night and evening entertainment is a magical illusionist “Gaetano”"

 

He sure makes his rounds, we had him on our Golden cruise to Hawaii. Pay close attention at the end as he might do a human switch-aroo with your Cruise Director, who is dressed like him.

 

Totally enjoying your "Live" Happy sailing, Mark

[Pam in CA]

Never been to Cartagena so tell all.

I've been to Cartegena twice. It's a very interesting city. The first time, I took a Princess tour that went to the fortress, drove around the city, went to a museum and then to former jail cells that are now jewelry stores. When I was there last month, one of our roll call members organized a tour with Lee Miles, "Mr. Emerald." Fabulous tour. We drove up to La Popa which has spectacular views of the city and there's a lovely church, then to the Fortress de San Filipe, a walking tour of the walled city to the plazas (this is a beautiful part of the city), a stop at the pre-Colombian gold museum, an on to the Church of St. Peter Claver. Our final stop was at some shops, one of which was Lee Miles' shop. I know, what a coincidence, but his store was far superior to the ones Princess stops at with beautiful settings, better emeralds, a better prices. Some are very expensive but others are far more reasonable. I bought an uncut, unpolished 2-carat emerald pendant set in silver for my daughter for $99. The tour was $45. :)

 

The first time I went to Cartagena, I wasn't impressed. This time, I was and can't wait to go back. It wasn't that hot but it was humid and uncomfortable if you're not used to humidity, but I saw a Cartagena that was beautiful and interesting.

 

Here's a photo of the city: Here's a photo taken while walking through the old city:

[RNGALNG]

Pam, that is so good to hear. We went on the Princess tour too that took you to the fort, the museum, the old jail cells, now turned shops, A Catholic Church, the place where the Spanish Inquisition took place, some more shopping in the newer part of the city.

 

In February, it is the dry season, so no rain, but hot and some humidity. We had an 80 year old traveling with us and he had a hard time on the walking part of the tour. Too humid for him and he went unprepared (no bottled water) We were afraid he was getting heat stroke!

 

I didn't like the city because of all the street vendors who would come up to your face with their goods. At each stop, it was the same two t-shirts, same necklaces, same hats, same ladies dressed in native costume. I couldn't enjoy what I was looking at because of them all being in the way.

 

It sounds like your second visit is what I would like to do if we were to go again. Thanks for sharing!

[Pia1913]

Quiet day on board. Did absolutely nothing after breakfast because I didn’t want to do makeup and another change of clothes. Most traveled luncheon as usual was wonderful. Our table mates, who have so many more days than us, were very compatible. After all we have thousands of Princess travel days between us. And, though none of us had never met, do know lots of other frequent Princess cruisers. The couple who have over 1600 days will be with us again on the new Royal Sept./Oct of next year. I’m sure we won’t be anywhere near the top three on those two cruises. I need to mention something about wine. On any cruise when they serve Chardonnay at the luncheon, I am able to request and get something else; i.e. Sauv Blanc or Pinot. This time the somalier, a snippy female named Veronica, came over and said THIS is what we are serving and THIS is all you can have. Not only to me; the 1600 day passenger too. And, they were also on the preceding cruise and were treated the same way. Just needed to vent. For both of us. BTW, Capt. Binetti, whom we just met for the first time, is a very nice and friendly guy. And he talks. :D

　

Mike wanted to relax and read on the balcony and I was antsy. I decided the casino really wanted me to visit. So I obeyed. And I’m happy. Tonight is No Smoking in the casino; was the same on the 1st formal night. I think Princess has finally realized that if they want casino action on formal nights, those are the ones that need to be no smoking. Hope this carries over to all ships.

　

Went back to the cabin to try the wine we bought yesterday in Puntarenas. It’s a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and pretty good. Paid approx. $7.45.

Pam, your photos make it look real nice. We've done the requisite fortress and La Popa, the palace and everywhere else. Tomorrow will be different. And short.

Keith, sorry I didn't get a chance to send regards. Read your post just now; too late.

OK. Nothing else to offer so adios until tomorrow.

[coo359a2]

I've been to Cartegena twice. It's a very interesting city. The first time, I took a Princess tour that went to the fortress, drove around the city, went to a museum and then to former jail cells that are now jewelry stores. When I was there last month, one of our roll call members organized a tour with Lee Miles, "Mr. Emerald." Fabulous tour.

 

Thanks Pam. Will make a note of this if I ever get to Cartengena. So far it is not on any of my bookings.

[Jasperdo]

Never been to Cartagena so tell all.

My wife and I took the Princess tour that gave us a short guided tour of the old city, followed by around 2 hours to explore on our own. It was perfect for us. The old city of Cartagena is very compact and fascinating. Here's a link to the photos I took on that tour:

[spingal]

Quiet day on board. Did absolutely nothing after breakfast because I didn’t want to do makeup and another change of clothes. Most traveled luncheon as usual was wonderful. Our table mates, who have so many more days than us, were very compatible. After all we have thousands of Princess travel days between us. And, though none of us had never met, do know lots of other frequent Princess cruisers. The couple who have over 1600 days will be with us again on the new Royal Sept./Oct of next year. I’m sure we won’t be anywhere near the top three on those two cruises. I need to mention something about wine. On any cruise when they serve Chardonnay at the luncheon, I am able to request and get something else; i.e. Sauv Blanc or Pinot. This time the somalier, a snippy female named Veronica, came over and said THIS is what we are serving and THIS is all you can have. Not only to me; the 1600 day passenger too. And, they were also on the preceding cruise and were treated the same way. Just needed to vent. For both of us. BTW, Capt. Binetti, whom we just met for the first time, is a very nice and friendly guy. And he talks. :D

　

Mike wanted to relax and read on the balcony and I was antsy. I decided the casino really wanted me to visit. So I obeyed. And I’m happy. Tonight is No Smoking in the casino; was the same on the 1st formal night. I think Princess has finally realized that if they want casino action on formal nights, those are the ones that need to be no smoking. Hope this carries over to all ships.

　

Went back to the cabin to try the wine we bought yesterday in Puntarenas. It’s a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and pretty good. Paid approx. $7.45.

Pam, your photos make it look real nice. We've done the requisite fortress and La Popa, the palace and everywhere else. Tomorrow will be different. And short.

Keith, sorry I didn't get a chance to send regards. Read your post just now; too late.

OK. Nothing else to offer so adios until tomorrow.

 

Pia,

 

I met Veronica last week and named her "The Wine ****". She was so nasty and rude!!! So I completely agree with your assessment of her! :D;)

[spingal]

Pia,

 

I met Veronica last week and named her "The Wine ****". She was so nasty and rude!!! So I completely agree with your assessment of her! :D;)

 

I tried to type N A Z I. I hope I don't offend anyone!!!

[jnc411]

Pia,

 

I met Veronica last week and named her "The Wine ****". She was so nasty and rude!!! So I completely agree with your assessment of her! :D;)

 

Our daughter and friend from work are on this cruise as well , and this Veronica better not mess with Cindy , she is a wine specalist, and she won't put up with miss nasty and rude, she will put her in her place . :)

Cori

[coo359a2]

My wife and I took the Princess tour that gave us a short guided tour of the old city, followed by around 2 hours to explore on our own. It was perfect for us. The old city of Cartagena is very compact and fascinating. Here's a link to the photos I took on that tour:

 

Thanks for this info. Have a friend doing the 10 day Panama Canal cruise and sent this to her. Sounds like a nice tour

[spingal]

our daughter and friend from work are on this cruise as well , and this veronica better not mess with cindy , she is a wine specalist, and she won't put up with miss nasty and rude, she will put her in her place . :)

cori

 

go cindy!!!!

[Pia1913]

Good Tuesday morning as we begin a day of electing a new president and transiting the Panama Canal. Both of these events have already begun, depending on where you are at the present time. There will be ongoing canal narration the entire day, broadcast on Deck 7, Deck 14 and on TV channel 49.

Time frame is:

7:00 Coral Princess transits through the Panama Canal; arrive Miraflores Lock

8:10 Depart Miraflores

8:40 Arrive Pedro Miguel Locks

9:45 Depart Pedro Miguel

11:20 Passing Gamboa Mooring

12:40 Arrive Gatun Locks

3:35 Depart Gatun

4:15 Clearing Cristobal Breakwater

　

And there you have it; the transit schedule. We will listen/watch from our balcony, or if it gets too hot, from indoors. Having done this at least ½ dozen times, we will take time for lunch. There is nothing else happening aboard during the day.

　

At 5:30 PM in the Universe Lounge, the Election results will begin broadcasting until THE END. Satellite permitting of course. We can watch it on CNN at “home.”

　

There is some evening entertainment, such as Mirror Mirror, followed by Hunger Games on MUTS and a pianist, Stephen Kane in the theater. Also two sessions of the Marriage Game in Explorer’s. At 10 PM they will show Friends with Kids in the theater.

　

Last night we got suckered into going to the magician/illusionist show. Yes, it was the same ending as explained by someone yesterday. Levitation does not turn me on.

Jamie: good name for HER.

　

Since there won’t be anything new to talk about, I’ll see you tomorrow in Cartagena.

[highheel girl]

 

Webcam is not updating again.

[highheel girl]

[highheel girl]

[bestmom1]

Our daughter and friend from work are on this cruise as well , and this Veronica better not mess with Cindy , she is a wine specalist, and she won't put up with miss nasty and rude, she will put her in her place . :)

Cori

 

I'll be right behind her on the Nov 12th sailing. I too have spent 20 years in the wine business and will reinforce Cindy. I make a point to meet the Sommelier on each voyage, and will see if I can get her to see the light.

 

Enjoying the live thread, and getting a preview of what we will be doing next week. 6 days to go! Liz

[highheel girl]

[highheel girl]

 

The Coral will be enetering the open lock shortly.

[highheel girl]

[highheel girl]

sorry duplicate.

[highheel girl]

[bestmom1]

I'll be right behind her on the Nov 12th sailing. I too have spent 20 years in the wine business and will reinforce Cindy. I make a point to meet the Sommelier on each voyage, and will see if I can get her to see the light.

 

Enjoying the live thread, and getting a preview of what we will be doing next week. 6 days to go! Liz

 

Oops, wrong ship. I forgot Pia is on Coral, and I'm on Island. Glad I didn't go hunting for the poor Sommelier on Island!

Yikes!

Liz

[highheel girl]

[wineforhealth]

Pia

 

Love your live as always, my wife and I are with you on the SB as beverage of choice. Maybe my background has clouded my palate but a good bottle of Chardonnay now and then makes me appreciate the cases of Fume we consume regularly.

[kruisey]

Do you ever get bored with all your repeat voyages ?