Panama Canal Princess Cruise

Panama Canal Princess Cruise

Friday, April 20, 2018 – depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida – unpack, safety assembly, dinner, Welcome Aboard Showtime with Scott Wyler

Saturday – sea day – Destination presentation on Aruba & Cartagena, Formal night, Showtime – David Brooks, piano

Sunday – sea day – Destination presentation on the Panama Canal, Showtime – Jean Boucher, comedy and magic

Monday – Aruba excursion, Production Show – Motor City

Tuesday – Cartagena excursion, Showtime – Duncan Tuck, music & comedy

Wednesday – Panama Canal crossing, Ventriloquist – Jerry Goodspeed

Thursday – onshore at Puerto Amador, Ventriloquist – Jerry Goodspeed, Showtime – Sonia Selbie (Manchester/Nashville)

Friday – sea day – Destination presentation on Guatemala and Puerto Quetzal, Movie – Justice League, Production Show – What a Swell Party

Saturday – Puntarenas excursion, trivia, Yes/No game show, Cabaret Showtime – Music That Makes You Feel Good (Trish from Party Band Icon)

Sunday – sea day – Formal night, Showtime – Todd Adamson, Liar’s Club Game Show

Monday – Puerto Quetzal excursion, Comedian – Scott Harris, Movie – Molly’s Game

Tuesday – sea day – Movie – Only the Brave, Production Show – On the Bayou

Wednesday – sea day – Meet the cast & Backstage Tour, Movie – Paddington 2

Thursday – sea day – Formal night, Production Show – Encore, Comedy Showtime – Scott Harris

Friday – sea day – Showtime – Jennifer Fair, Soprano, The Voice of the Ocean Finale, International Crew Show

Saturday – Los Angeles excursion, Comedian – Derrick Cameron, trivia

Sunday – sea day – Mardi Gras Mask Making, Production Show – On the Bayou (it was definitely worth seeing again)

Monday – sea day – Movie – Black Panther, Comedy Variety with Wayne Hoffman, Comedian – Derrick Cameron

Tuesday – Victoria, BC – Cabaret Showtime – Trish Baptise, Showtime – Mentalist Wayne Hoffman (he was so good we watched the second show as well)

Wednesday - Vancouver, BC - back to reality - and rain!!!

Note* The Imperial Trio was a group we stopped and listened to often in between events.  They were from Hungary and featured a violinist, a pianist and a bass player. They were excellent.

Note** Sea days were filled with stretch classes, ping pong, pickle ball, reading and trivia in amongst the above mentioned activities.

Excursions – Aruba – depart 7:30am – return 11:30am – If you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Johnny Depp this outing offers the chance to become a real “pirate” of the Caribbean.  After a short transfer along Aruba’s west coast, you will arrive at famous MooMba Beach, where you will board the impressive “Jolly Pirates”, a charming teak schooner.  Visit three of Aruba’s famed snorkelling sites which include two shallow reef areas and the wreck of the “Antilla”, the famous WWII German freighter that sank in shallow waters near the coast.  The well practiced crew will demonstrate their acrobatic skills on the ship’s yard arm, and then it will be your turn to perfect your own style of fly n’dive off the rope swing.  Snorkel, swim or relax on the deck with a complementary open-bar, before heading back to port.

Cartagena – depart 10:00am – return 2:00pm – Explore the city of Cartagena at your own pace on a Double-Decker Hop On – Hop Off bus tour. With 13 designated stops, you’ll have the freedom to choose the attractions you most want to see. Take a walk through the Old City and marvel at the architecture.  Shop for glamorous emerald jewellery in the New City or enjoy a meal and people-watching in one of the lively squares.  The buses return to each designated stop approximately every 30-45 minutes.  Disembark in the Old City for an informative walking tour to view a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  Key landmarks include the yellow Clock Tower, La Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena Cathedral, El Museo del Oro, a small gold museum, El Palacio de la Inquisition, Las Bóvedas dungeons, Santo Domingo Square, Las Murallas and the San Felipe de Barajas Castle.  Once you are ready to return to the port, just hop back on board.  Tour timing is at your discretion.  Please ensure ample time to return to the port.  

Puntarenas – depart 7:00am – return 11:30am – This unique tour, expertly narrated by a local guide, is an absolute must for bird watchers, conservationists and nature lovers.  It starts with a scenic drive to the mouth of the Tarcoles River, located near the Carara Biological Reserve, where you will board your river boat for a two hour cruise along the Guacalillo Estuary.  This particular mangrove is home to the endangered Scarlet Macaw, and while these exotic birds spend most of the day in the forest, they also roost in the mangroves.  You may also see hummingbirds, herons, egrets, ospreys, pelicans and storks. The mangrove is also home to crocodiles, lizards and iguanas, which are often seen foraging along the shore. After the cruise, upon arrival at the boat station, you will then enjoy a delicious buffet of tropical fruits.

Guatemala – depart 9:00am – return 2:00pm – Immerse yourself in the beauty of La Antigua, Guatemala – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – during this guided excursion that involves minimal walking.  Founded in 1543 by Spanish Conquistadors it is one of the best preserved colonial cities in Spanish America.  Enjoy a city drive along cobblestone streets, past vibrant colonial architecture and beautifully restored 17^th-century churches, convents and mansions.  Tour the Jade Museum and Jewellers workshop to discover the intricate relation between the Mayans and this precious stone.  Observe native artisans as they cut and polish this green stone following the carving traditions of their ancestors.  Peruse exquisite jade pieces available for purchase.  Have your cameras at the ready for a photo stop at Antigua’s beautifully landscaped Plaza Mayor. Landmarks surround the plaza including the Fountain of the Sirens, the majestic Cathedral, the Palace of the Captains and the Palacio del Noble Ayuntamiento which houses municipal offices and two museums.  

Los Angeles – depart 9:00am – return 1:00pm – Delve into the history and glamour of Los Angeles during this half-day guided tour via air-conditioned motor coach.  Drive downtown to see the Civic Center and the Music Center.  Journey past Olvera Street, a colourful Mexican-style village that was the birthplace of Los Angeles in 1781.  Travel along bustling Hollywood Boulevard and visit TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s) to view stars’ hand and footprints in the concrete.  Stroll along the Walk of Fame featuring 2,500 stars honouring Hollywood’s brightest entertainers. Pause at Hollywood and Highland, a massive entertainment complex that is the site of The Dolby (formerly Kodak) Theatre, home to the Academy Awards.  Cruise down the hip Sunset Strip – renowned for restaurants and nightclubs that are playgrounds for the rich and famous.