Saturday, March 31, 2018

Mexico

In Mexico, we had port calls in Huatulco and Puerto Vallarta. We had never heard of Huatulco but it is a nice small port southwest of Mexico City. Puerto Vallarta was pretty much as we expected, as it is a very Americanized Mexican port with a huge American and Canadian expat population. The ship docked across the street from a Walmart and Sam's Club. It was funny that shortly after we dock a US Navy ship (USN San Diego) docked directly in front of the Walmart. Who knows maybe they were running log on supplies!


Lots of old bugs in Mexico

DSC_0873


The USN San Diego in front of Walmart

DSC_0875


This super yacht was docked in Puerto Vallarta. It's reported to be worth $250 million and is owed by an American Billionaire. Note the helicopter on the deck!

DSC_0877


The cops in Huatulco were very friendly

IMG_0145


This was in the Walmart in Puerto Vallarta. Yes, that is meat on an open table for customers to select. There was fish, pork, chicken, and beef on the table. If this is in a Walmart, don't want to know what happens in the local grocery stores!

IMG_0149


IMG_0150

Friday, March 30, 2018

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Cartagena Colombia

From the moment we stepped off the ship, it was obvious that Colombia was a poor country but also a country rich in history. All throughout the city were ancient ruins from the times of Columbus and other earlier explorers. We visited the "old city" to see the ancient forts and churches. The architecture in the old city was amazing. One of the highlights was the Church of Saint Peter Calver which was built between 1580 and 1654. It was hard to imagine a building this complex could have been constructed this long ago. The remains of St. Peter Claver are entombed within the alter in an open tomb.


IMG_0090


Lots of bright colors and interesting architecture

IMG_0112(Edited)


IMG_0116(Edited)


IMG_3345


DSC_0490


IMG_3368


Alter in the Church of Saint Peter Claver

IMG_3364


The body of St. Peter Calver in a glass tomb

IMG_3367

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Aruba

As part of our Panama Canal Transit Cruise we visited the island of Aruba.  Aruba is located in the Caribbean Sea about 20 miles north of the coast of Venezuela.  We knew that Aruba was known for beautiful beaches but had in our mind that it was a tropical island.  Expecting palm trees, we were really surprised to discovered that it was actually a desert island.  Except for the ocean in the distance we felt like we were back in Arizona.  We did find the beautiful beaches and they were every bit as beautiful as we expected.


To tour the island we took the Kukoo Kunuku Bus (otherwise know as the Party Bus).  During the evening this bus is used by tourists for bar hopping.

IMG_0075

IMG_0068

IMG_0065



On the northern top of the island is the stunning California Lighthouse

IMG_3324


Lots of Cactus.  Interesting fact is Aruba has no fresh water.  All water is made by desalination of sea water.  No surprise there’s not a lot of grass on the island.

IMG_0070


Yes the beaches were fantastic.

IMG_3331

IMG_3329

IMG_0080


Sunday, March 25, 2018

On Board the Island Princess

For our Panama Canal cruise, we boarded the Island Princess in Fort Lauderdale FL bound for Los Angeles CA. The Island Princess is one of Princess's midsized ships with 2200 guests and a crew of 900. The ship is 964 feet long and 204 feet tall with a total of 16 decks. Here are a few photos from the ship...

DSC_0818


IMG_3459


IMG_3289


IMG_3474


IMG_3309


IMG_3606


IMG_3482


IMG_3481


DSC_0828


DSC_0837