Panama Canal East to West on NCL STAR

Day 1: Miami

Day 2: At sea

Day 3: At sea

Day 4: Cartagena, Columbia

I chose to do the Hop-on-Hop-off bus and walking tour combo. This excursion of this year old legendary city with my comfortable shoes but I forgot my hat, so through the tour I had an opportunity to buy 2 hats for the price of one out the window of the bus from a street vendor. The narrated tour took me through the historic streets revealing the secrets that the city walls, buildings and narrow cobbled streets. You can be flexible planning your time in Cartagena for shopping, sightseeing or just exploring this city at your own pace.

Stops on the Hop-on-Hop-off bus include La Bodeguita Pier, San Sebastian de Pastelillo, Casa de Rafael Nunez, Bahia Castillo Grande and the Naval Base among others. I enjoyed the panoramic views of the Clock Tower that serves as the main entrance to the city and San Felipe Castle, a fortress built in 1536.  I chose to stay on the bus all the way around the circuit then get off at the old walled city and take the walking tour around the narrow streets of the Walled City. The walking tour took me through the Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Las Bovedas dungeons, Santo Domingo Square and other iconic places drenched in history.

Day 5: Daylight transit of Panama Canal

You traverse the most wonderful 40-mile Panama Canal and Gutan Lake over the day between the two locks Pedro Miguel Lock and Gutan Lock.  Looking at the other passengers is just as exciting as looking at the changing exotic scenery. The crossing is a rite of passage and something you’ll remember for a lifetime. A guide pilot comes on board, and stays on board for the crossing. At different times he talks you through some facts and interesting stories and history on this unique adventure. This is a fantastic opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most magnificent man made marvels in the world.

Day 6: At sea

Day 7: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

I chose the combination train, bus, boat excursion which gave me the opportunity to ride a historical train that has been in service for more than 50 years. It was wonderful traveling through the scenic landscape and rural countryside close to houses and tropical fields. The train was so close to houses you could see their world. Children would be in the house yards or fields waving at us on the train.

It was raining lightly when we boarded the bus that took us to the Tarcoles River. We visited a reserve, we walked down a gravel trail to boats which took us on the river and explored the spectacular natural scenery including the plants and wildlife including spoonbills, herons, egrets, jacanas, pelicans, scarlet macaws, iguanas and crocodiles. Upon our return we enjoyed live marimba music and a delicious buffet of seasonal fruits and tropical refreshments. There was a small selection crafts made by local artisans on offer.

Day 8: At Sea

Day 9: Puerto Chiapas, Mexico

Today there was a choice of Mexican cooking or coffee experience and Izapa Ruins and Chocolate Discovery. I chose the latter, I followed direction and wore very comfortable shoes and a hat.  The bus ride took about 45 minutes to the ancient ruins of Izapa. I was greeted by the ruins of the most influential cultural and commercial centre of its time. Bringing together several Mesoamerica’s ancient cultures, it is believed it may be the site of origin of the sacred Mayan Calendar.

The second part of the excursion was the visit to the Chocolate Discovery, where we were greeted by local dancers in colourful costumes and marimba players in a variety of lively performances. The local ladies demonstrated how the cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate with audience participation. Sampling the local cuisine was great surrounded by exotic flowers. There was an opportunity to purchase local handcrafts to support the local community before heading back to the ship.

Day 10: Huatulco, Mexico

Such a variety, a Mexican cooking experience, river kayaking, cultural tour, or taking lessons from a professional photographer, today I chose the scenic drive and shopping excursion.

The scenic bus drive took in breathtaking views of the Bay of Tangolunda and past the Bay of Conejos.  The drive along the river takes me to La Crucecita, the quaint downtown area and the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe. At the church I saw the world’s largest painting of the Virgin.  There was a wide variety of handicrafts like handmade rugs or black pottery from the valleys of Oaxaca. There is a lot of Mezcal (the original Oaxacan version of Tequila), chocolate, coffee, regional cheese, traditional clothes, wines, and liquors available to buy. The ride back to the ship offers stunning views of the Bay of Santa Cruz, La Entrega Beach and the ship.

Day 11: At Sea

Day 12: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

There is so much choice for excursions, the Mexican Fiesta or observing, swimming with or training dolphins for a day. You could even have a Sea Lion encounter or a pirate ship adventure. Today I chose the Town Country and Tequila excursion.

This excursion combined the charm of the old and new Mexico, driving through the Marina Vallarta on the way to Hacienda Dona Engracia. The Hacienda is one of the finest tequila factories I have visited, where I had a first-hand experience of the manufacturing process of tequila.  After some tequila samples and some free time to explore the grounds we headed back to the centre of Puerto Vallarta. After a beautiful walk along the popular Malecon, we encountered a local artist was making rock sculptures on the sand.  After a visit the Cathedral of our Lady of Guadalupe and the Old Town City Hall, we walked through the cobblestone streets before returning to the ship.

Day 13: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

There are so many excursion choices here in Cabo. You can do anything from a dolphin swim, snorkelling, SCUBA diving, zodiac boating, kayaking, 4×4 off-roading, camel or horse backing riding, parasailing, photography lessons, or watching the glass blowing artisans.

Today I chose to take the 45 minute Cousteau narrated boat tour along the very tip of the longest peninsula in the world, to Lands’ End (Baja peninsula). While others explored the pristine beaches, I toured past the towering rock formations of the El Arco, a dramatic natural rock that arches starkly out of the sea and is home to a colony of sea lions.

Day 14: Long Beach, California

Disembarkation day.

Let’s find another cruise to book!