Vacation 2024: Panama Canal Cruise

 Panama Canal Transition Cruise

 

We are using our Future Cruise Credit (FCC) from our cancelled Hawaiian cruise with Holland America (HAL).  We will be sailing on the MS Eurodam out of Ft Lauderdale, FL and ending at Seattle, WA.  This is a 21-Day cruise.  It starts on Saturday, April 13^th and ends on Saturday, May 4^th.  We will be flying Alaska Airlines from SeaTac to Miami on Friday, April 12^th.   We will spend Thursday night at SeaTac and Friday night in Miami.  HAL will provide transportation on Saturday from Miami airport to the pier in Ft Lauderdale.  Another shuttle will transfer us when we get back from the Seattle pier to the hotel so we can fetch our car and drive home.

You have to pre-book shore excursions rather than wait until you board the ship.  So, we have missed out on a couple of them – we’re on a waiting list.  I’ve also pre-booked our dining packages for our sea days.

#FlatMike usually joins us on our trips.  But somehow, he couldn't be found after our move.

 

Thursday, April 11, 2024

We left late afternoon (4:25) for SeaTac.  Stopped in Fife and had dinner at the Poodle Dog Restaurant.  Back on the road at 6:20 for SeaTac.  Used the GPS to locate our hotel.  Arrived at the Comfort Inn & Suites on International Blvd at 6:36.  I expected an enclosed area for the car to be in while we were gone.  But that didn’t happen (we ended up with tree sap and bird crap all over the car).

Fitbit Steps = 4,612 steps

Friday, April 12^th, 2024

Alarm went off at 4am as we have to catch the shuttle to the airport at 5am.  Too early for breakfast at the hotel so will eat at the airport.  Arrived at the airport, checked bags, and went thru Security Checkpoint at 5:40 am (had prescheduled it and that was fantastic!).  Took tram to N Gates.  Stopped to grab a bite to eat at Bad Egg near gate N3.  LOWSY SERVICE.  Don’t recommend them at all!  Although, because they took too long to get our meal to us, we got it for free.  Boarded our flight on time (7:19am).  They served us breakfast on board about 9am.  They also provided snacks – bagged chips and popcorn.  Took several pictures throughout our flight.  We arrived in Miami at 3:45pm ET.  Grabbed our bags and went to the hotel shuttle area and waited and waited.  After 2 hours, we discovered that the hotel we are booked for (Baymont by Wyndham – Dorcal Miami) did not have shuttle service (and haven’t for over 2 years!) even though the website said they had it.  Ended up using a taxi – very expensive!  Checked in at 6:45 pm.  Ordered pizza from Pizza Hut to be delivered. 

We notified our travel agent of the issues with the hotel and she is going to follow-up with the company that she uses.  I wonder if we’ll get some money back?????

Fitbit steps = 3,692

Saturday, April 13, 2024 – Embarkation Day

Another early morning (although, not as early as yesterday).  Up at 7 and had breakfast at 7:30a.  Service at the front desk was not good.  Nobody there for almost 40 minutes.  Mentioned the fact that we were told there would be shuttle service (per our travel agent) but NO GO.  So, we booked a ride with Lyft.  Got back to the airport at 9am.  Met up with the reps for the transfer to Ft Lauderdale pier at about 10a.  Bus pulled out at 11.  We arrived and boarded the ship at noon.  Had lunch at the Lido Market – not bad.  Deck chairs on our balcony are very comfortable.  Lots of plugins.  While David napped, I wandered around on board – participated in the Sail Away party at 3pm.  Ran into a former co-worker from DIS! (Jim Marsh & his wife).  Took several pictures. 

We had to do the usual Safety Essentials – visiting our muster station and watching a video.  Also took care of our internet access (unlimited).  We also took care of our restaurant reservations via the in-room TV.

We had dinner at 5pm (scheduled time slot & table) at the Dining Room (lower – Deck 2).  Met our table mates – Glynnis & Gloria from Toronto, Chris & Ann from Tampa, and another set of friends traveling together from Alaska and another state.  We only saw them the first night.  After a few days, Chris & Ann left our group as well (they wanted to eat “upstairs”).  Listened to the band performing in the Rolling Stone Lounge (located on Deck 2).  Rolling Stone lounge was too cool the entire cruise.  Retired to our room at about 9:30.  Lots of steps in –10,375.

 Sunday, April 14, 2024 – Sea Day

We woke up about 8am.  Showered and headed to Lido Market for breakfast.  The Lido is buffet style.  However, most items are dished up for you – not very many self-serve.  Most of the time, we ended up ordering omelets with toast & bacon from our favorite section – Razzle did a great job!  We also ate lunch at the Lido as well – most times it was just a freshly made green salad.  Although sometimes we ate from the other stations.

Today’s activities on board included Bingo (never won) and David attended a Military Meet-up.  We went to the Photo Shop and checked out the photos from yesterday (purchased a package). We had some formal portraits taken before dinner as we were dressed in our finery.  After dinner, we went to the Captain Welcome Toast then watched the show (Chris Cherin, Daniel Grest & Company in Song & Dance Hollywood, Broadway & Beyond).  It was good.

When we returned to our room, there was a crab on our bed!  Its eyes didn’t last long.  Watched some TV then set our clocks back one hour.  Did 7,866 steps.

  

Monday, April 15, 2024 – Sea Day

Got up about 8:20.  Dressed and went to Lido for breakfast.  Did our portrait viewing – packages cost $$$$$.  Not going to do it.  Maybe do one of the others around the ship on our next dressy night.  They took photos last night at dinner.

Today’s activities included adult coloring before lunch, Bingo and Trivia.  David took in the Panama Canal show.  He learned a lot about the canal.  Had dinner in the Dining Room.  No table mates.

Early night.  Ordered breakfast to be delivered in the morning as we need to be up early for our shore excursion.  Did 4,173 steps.

I took photos of the sunset but they didn’t turn out – too dark.  Probably would have been better with the cell phone.  So, no pictures from today.

 

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 – Cartagena, Columbia

Alarm went off at 6:30a.  Breakfast was served at 7:15a (we used room service – wasn’t impressed).  Scrambled eggs were a little runny.  Our shore excursion was the Highlight tour.  We had to meet at 8:15a with departure at 8:45a.  The tour lasted a total of 2 ½ hours.  We had 3 stops – one was the fort, another was a shopping center (there was a “bathroom” for us to use), and the last stop was the Navy Museum and dance show.  They treated us to a small bottle of water.  We returned to the ship at 11:45.  The cold wash rag felt good.  Now it’s time to eat lunch at the buffet.

We left the port at 1pm.  Played bingo at 3.  Ate dinner in the dining room.  I did 11,529 steps.

        

Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – Panama Canal

We supposedly entered the canal at 6a.  However, we didn’t get up until 7:30.  We were going through the first set of locks.  We took several pictures off the balcony of our room.  Went up to the Lido Market for breakfast.  Took even more pictures.  Met up with Jim and his wife again.  Walked around the Promenade – taking a lot more pictures.  Then went inside to cool off.  I finally met up with David in the Lido for lunch.  We went out to the bow of the ship – had our picture taken.  We then returned to our room to drop off our purchases.  Going through the final locks.  Went to the Country Crossroads Show.  Good music.  Clocks set back one hour again tonight.  Did 7,169 steps.  Forgot to note where we had dinner – probably the dining room.

  

Thursday, April 18, 2024 – Sea Day

Up a little after 8a.  Put together a laundry bag.  Ate breakfast.  Marcy went to Bingo and David went to the room.  Lunch in Lido at noon.  Attended Deal or No Deal.  Dinner in the dining room.  Did Motown Trivia and Hot Country in Billboard.  David watched Dr No on TV.  Did 4,981 steps.  No pictures were taken.

 

Friday, April 19, 2024 – Puntarenas, Costa Rica

We arrived at 6am.  However, we didn’t get up until later - between 7 and 7:30a.  Going to eat breakfast then wander ashore for a bit.  No shore excursion scheduled.  Another warm day (86-93 degrees F).  Bought a shirt and a shot glass.  Rode the tram back to the ship.  Overheated.  Spent the afternoon reading and relaxing.  David saw a movie.  I think I’m coming down with a cold – sinus has been stuffed up and runny throughout the day.  Departed at 5:30p.  Did 8,703 steps.

     

 

 

Saturday, April 20, 2024 – Sea Day

Love our sea days – don’t have to set an alarm.  We were very late getting up – 9am.  Planned activities for the day includes watching a presentation on Mexico & Bingo.  Sea life was spotted off the sides of the ship.  Dressy night.  We have dinner at the Tamarind (Pan-Asian cuisine).  It was good but lasted almost 2 hours!!!  We have an early start tomorrow.  Another creature showed up on our bed.  Did over 4,000 steps.

   

 

Sunday, April 21, 2024 – Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Got up at 7:30a, ate breakfast, then went to the World Stage to await departure for our shore excursion.  Ship docked at 8 am.  Our shore excursion was of Antigua – WOW!  Even though it was a long day and no lunch provided (or time to get lunch), it was a great tour.  Took lots of photos.  They did provide some bottled water to drink.  We took a bus to a parking lot outside of Antigua, then transferred to another bus to take us into the town itself.  It’s just like the name indicates – old.  Street vendors all over the place – you had to ignore them.  Even then, they were persistent.

We returned to the ship at 3pm (that’s when we had lunch) and our ship departed at 4.  Spent the afternoon doing trivia and reading.  We had dinner at NY Pizza (Lido pool deck).  It was okay.  After dinner was more trivia and the start of the Orange Party (you were to wear something with orange – some people had shirts with oranges, others had complete orange outfits).  With all the walking ashore we did in Antigua, I got 10,355 steps in.

  

    

 

Monday, April 22, 2024 – Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico

Up at 8:30.  Late morning.  Scheduled to dock at noon.  No shore excursions planned.  We actually docked at 11:30a.  Due to a mix up, David went ashore without me.  Then later we went so we can have our port picture.  We also upgraded our photo package to 20 pictures.  Did the 4p trivia.  Plan on going to the dining room for dinner.  Returned to the lounge for 7p trivia.  Did 6,286 steps.

 
    

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 – Sea Day

I’m up at 8.  David stayed in bed longer.  Did Bingo twice and trivia twice during the day.  Checked out our photos.  Dinner was in the dining room.  Then did another game of trivia and a Game Show – The Game of Love.  That was interesting – it was a take-off of The Newlywed show.  They had contestants that were fairly newlywed, married several years, then married for a very long time.  No pictures taken. Small number of steps today – 4,019.

 

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Up at 8:30.  We docked at 9.  Sent out some more laundry.  Had breakfast then went ashore (no shore excursions planned).  We went looking for a pharmacy (Farmacia) to get some cough drops.  Then we walked through the flea market.  Purchased a shot glass for $7 USD.  Back on the ship at 11a to cool off.

A comfortable day.  No Team Canada for trivia.  I didn’t do well (2 out of 18 & 16 out of 29).  We took lots of photos.  Had dinner on the Lido deck (Mexican theme).  Did Lightening Trivia with Ann & Chris (16 out of 30).  Went back to room.  8,362 steps today.

 

 

Thursday, April 25, 2024 – Sea Day

Up at 8.  Activities planned include Bingo at 11a, Deal/No Deal at 1p, trivia at 4p (topic was TV), and specialty dining in the Canaletto (Italian) at 5p.  Attire for tonight is dressy so we had portraits done before dinner.

The Canaletto was fantastic!  Great service.  Did another trivia after dinner (topic was 1960’s) then went to the World Stage to watch a musical variety show.  Upon returning to our room, we found a scorpion on our bed.  Clocks go back to PDT.  Team Canada excelled in trivia today!  Did 4,167 steps.

 

Friday, April 26, 2024 – Sea Day

It was Zoo Day around the Pool.  Up at 8am.  Not much to report – did Bingo & Trivia.  Team Canada did it again!  Also checked out our photos from last night.  Did 3,237 steps.

 

  

 Saturday, April 27, 2024 – San Diego, CA

Happy King’s Day.  Alarm off at 7:30.  Took cell off airplane mode so clocks can set properly.  Briefly talked to Nathan.  Took some pix from balcony.  Took some time to go through customs (this was where people disembarked and new people came aboard).  Did shore excursion – it was great.  We did a land & sea tour.  Took lots of pix.  Battery on camera died so it’s now being charged.  Used cell phone to take more pix.  Back on board at almost noon.  Charged camera was used for sail away photos.  Did evening trivia – did ok.

  Didn’t stay for the Orange Party.  Fitbit recorded 8,490 steps.

      

    

Sunday, April 28, 2024 – Avalon, CA

Up at 7:30a  Showered and ate breakfast.  Today we use a tender to get ashore.  We didn’t have any shore excursions but had a wonderful time.  Took several pictures and talked to Nathan.  This is definitely a tourist area.  We were back onboard at 11:20.  While ashore, we bought 2 shirts and a shot glass (yes, we do collect them).  Avalon is located on Catalina Island, 27 miles off the coast of California.

Did trivia this afternoon and early evening.  Gale forces are expected tonight and tomorrow.  Not looking forward to it.  Fitbit recorded 5,987 steps. 

     

Monday, April 29, 2024 – Sea Day

Up at 8a.  Still rough seas.  Lots of staff suffered from sea sickness.  I did okay.  We had breakfast & lunch in the Lido.  Dinner was in the dining room.  Dressy attire.  Participated in Bingo and Trivia.  Took some pictures of Simon & Nam (our Trivia Host and our regular bar staff – these two are fantastic people and made the days a blast) dancing during our music trivia.  Nam works out of the Billboard Onboard next to the Casino on Deck 2.  This is where Bingo is held as well.  Fitbit recorded 4,576 steps.

  

Tuesday, April 30, 2024 – San Francisco, CA

I certainly didn’t get up early enough to watch us cruise into San Francisco.  You had to be up by 5:30!  So, missed seeing Mile Rocks, Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Oakland Bay Bridge. Or at least I did, David did get some pictures as we went under the bridges. However, we did see some of them later.

Today is a long day in port – we arrived at 7am and departed at 10:30 pm.  My cold came back with a vengeance!  Wish I had my inhaler (what a thing to forget!)

We went ashore briefly this morning.  Did trivia in the early afternoon and early evening.  Ate dinner, then we went ashore for our sunset tour on a double-decker bus.  It was very cold.  Got back on board at 8:45 pm.  Fitbit recorded 7,116 steps.

 

 

             

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – Sea Day

Happy May Day!  According to my notes, we were up at 8a.  Plans were to sort through all of our photos and pick out 19 (saving one for our final port of call).  Today is supposed to be our last dressy day and our last specialty dining.  There is Bingo at 11am and again at 3pm.  Trivia at 1p, 4p, and 7pm.  Then at 8:45 there was the second chance scratch-off drawing.  No luck in Bingo or in the drawing.  However, Team Canada did win in Trivia (actually, we didn’t win anything but just the recognition of being the number one team).  Dinner was good (we ate at the Pinnacle Grill, which was a steak and seafood place) – in fact, ate too much.  No such thing as senior portions! Fitbit recorded 3,638 steps.  No pictures taken (not even in the restaurant).

 

Thursday, May 2, 2024 – Sea Day

Final sea day.  Up about 8am.  Plans for the day include reviewing photos and packing suitcases.  Activities for the day include Bingo, Trivia, and Deal or No Deal.  No luck in Bingo.  Team Canada won the 4pm trivia.  We did sort through the photos and picked out 19 out of 75 (wow, didn’t realize we had so many taken!).  Did not get the suitcases packed.  Ate dinner in the dining room – it was delicious.  Fitbit recorded 3,466 steps.

  

Friday, May 3, 2024 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Our last port of call.  Got up early to shower and eat breakfast on the Lido deck.  We then went ashore for our HOHO (Hop-On-Hop-Off) tour.  We met up with our tour guide just outside the ship at 9am.  We were supposed to go through customs (again) and we expected to have our port of call pictures.  However, our tour guide had us bypass all that to board the bus.  We got off the bus in Stanley Park and walked around and took lots of photos.  We then boarded another bus that took us through town (we skipped getting off as we were tired).  Got back to the ship at lunch time.  Brief check-in and could have had our “embarkation” photos taken.  Yep, it was another disembark/embark port.  Lots of young people got on to go to Seattle.  Since there wasn’t a port photo, we had another photo taken at dinner time to get our 20^th photo.  Spent the afternoon packing our suitcases.  Had our last dinner in the dining room.  All our Canadian friends had disembarked so no Team Canada for trivia.  Placed our big suitcase out in the hall for the crew to take ashore in the morning.  Fitbit recorded lots of steps – 11,457!

          

Saturday, May 4, 2024 – Seattle, Washington

Disembarkation Day.  We were up at 7am. Ate our last meal onboard in the Lido.  I had scheduled us to leave at 8:15.  Just as we finished eating breakfast, they called our color.  We then returned to our cabin to retrieve our carry-on luggage then headed to the gangway.  Once ashore, we were able to retrieve our other bags, obtained a porter, and went out to catch our shuttle to the hotel.  It started to rain.  Glad we didn’t have to wait long.  Bus got us to the hotel, placed our bags in the car, used the restrooms, then headed home – leaving the hotel at 9:45am.  We decided to stop in Tumwater to do some grocery shopping (10:36a).  After shopping, we took the car through the car wash (it was filthy!!!).  Arrived home a little after noon.  Unpacked and now I’m going to crash! Fitbit recorded 4,795 steps.