April 30, Huatulco

Today we are in Mexico at Huatulco. We are doing a princess tour today

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Nine bays bordered by 36 golden-sand beaches form the beautiful Las Bahias de Huatulco in the state of Oaxaca.

Welcome to Mexico's newest resort on the Pacific Riviera. Huatulco is a tropical Eden with crystalline waters, coral reefs, and uncrowded beaches. Inland, the rugged coast range is thickly carpeted with rainforest and coffee plantations. While Huatulco is still in its early stages of development, travelers may note that the resort has a different feel from other destinations on the Mexican Riviera. That's because large areas of Huatulco have been designated as an ecological reserve. Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean

Tour Overview

Huatulco's major attractions are its picturesque bays and sun-drenched coastline, with the jagged Sierra Madre Mountains as a striking back-drop. This resort area is fast becoming a favorite tourist destination. The secluded coves and sandy beaches found along this stretch of Mexico's Pacific coast provide the ideal setting for seaside resorts and water activities.
Board a comfortable motorized catamaran-style vessel for a relaxing scenic cruise from the harbor to Tangolunda Bay, viewing the area's natural beauty and surrounding resorts as you cruise the azure seas. Some of the sights you'll see are the unusual rock formations at Organo Bay, tranquil Maguey Bay and Chahue Bay.
Pass Santa Cruz Bay with its gorgeous beaches, and see the impressive blowhole located nearby.
Your local guide will provide an informative commentary and answer any questions you may have about this wonderful coastal haven.
For your enjoyment there's an open bar on board, serving domestic drinks and a snack.
Arriving back at the marina, board an air-conditioned transportation for the second phase of the tour, which takes you to the charming town of La Crucesita.
Take photos at the Tangolunda viewpoint and the estuary of the Copalita River.
Admire the picturesque tree-lined streets and central plaza of La Crucesita.
En route back to the pier, enjoy one final photo stop at the La Entrega viewpoint offering panoramic views of your ship in the port, along with the dazzling crescent of white sand beach and emerald waters that comprise La Entrega Beach.



The day went just as planned. The boat trip cane first and then the bus. My only complaint was the heat. It was like stepping into a furnace. I am so glad we choose a tour on the water.

We did the boat tour first and then the bus tour. Fortunately the bus was air conditioned, and on the boat they served lots of beverages. I was so glad to get back to the air conditioned ship.

This community is spelled HUATULCO
and it is pronounced WHA TU KO


Tomorrow is a sea day. We plan to go to an art auction. I sure hope I resist temptation and do not purchase something.:-)

and then on an air conditioned bus. I would not have survived a walking tour. All of the crew is anxiously waiting for Alaska.

The name HUATULCO is pronounced   WHA  TU  KO.

We even found another light house.

The name of this place is spelled HUATULCO.
It is pronounced WHA-TWO-CO.


Tomorrow is a sea day and it is supposed to be cooler. YEA!!!



I am having trouble posting pictures today
. If it is better tomorrow I will post again.

Most Traveled Passenger luncheon

Today was the day. I was excited to have reached this milestone.
I went upstairs and got my hair done. (D does it better)
Then we got dressed and went down to Sabatini's which is where it was being held. We were greeted and our names were checked off the list. Then we were formally introduced to Captain Poggi. Then the photographer took our picture with the captain. We would be given this photo as a gift before we left the dining room.

The table was set with personalized  menus and place cards. There were 6 passengers and one officer at our table. It was elegant and grand.
First course was a lobster based appetizer. For the main course I chose halibut. There was a new Norman Love dessert. Wine and coffee were also part of the meal. I had a very nice white. Glasses were refilled once they reached the half way point.
I really enjoyed the experience.

I did manage to sneak in a few pictures.

The future cruise officer said that the numbers are usually low for the Alaska cruises so we may just get to go to another special luncheon in June.

Stop Aborted

The winds are too high so we will not be making the planned stop in San Juan Del Sur. We were looking forward to this stop, we were disappointed here before.:-(

I will get to finish my book and perhaps see the movie Green Book.


The day was perfect. We had breakfast in our room because that is what we had planned when we thought we had an excursion. They brought a wonderful bowl of blueberries to have with our cereal. They were delicious. Yesterday they delivered 2 bowls with strawberries and blueberries. So yummy. When we had eaten I finished my book. It is titled Education and it is by Tara Westover . I do recommend it.

After breakfast we walked a little and entered the Wake Show contest. Then I went to the store and picked up a fleece. Then we decided to go to the international cafe and had a special coffee.

We came back to the room and I watched the movie The Green Book. It is amazing and worth all of the hype. Se it if you can.

Ken went topside to get some sun. After the movie I went upstairs to the Horizon Court and picked up lunch for us both.


Carol was absent from the dinner table so Ken and I were alone. We are very disappointed with our table and the absence of the other people who were assigned to our table. This is the first time in 48 cruises that we have been so disappointed.

Dinner was good however, as usual.

The show tonight was "On The Bayou" It was written especially for the small venue which on this ship is the Universe Lounge and on others it is the Vista. This is the best show ever. We loved everything about it.

The orchestra entered the venue from the back playing New Orleans style music and at the end they led a parade to the atrium for a Mardi Gras celebration and the balloon drop party.
I was amazed at how many people joined in and danced. Fusion provided the music

We were sorry that we did not know about this party because if we knew we would have brought our Mardi Gras masks and our beads.


I made an appointment to get a shampoo and roller set tomorrow because tomorrow is the special lunch with the captain and the officers. I am so excited about being invited.

So a sea day and the special lunch is what is special about tomorrow.

April 28th San Juan del Sur

Nicaragua is the largest Central American nation and has stunning landscapes, vast cultural treasures, and an intriguing history.

Until recent times Nicaragua was unfortunately known for the civil war (Sandinistas and Contras) that raged from the late 70s through much of the 80s. Today, the soldiers and guerrillas have given way sightseeing in a beautiful country. From strolling the cobblestone streets of colonial Granada on Lake Nicaragua, to exploring one of the many volcanoes, Nicaragua has something for even the most seasoned traveler.

We have a Princess tour here. It is called Rivas, Lake Nicaragua and scenic drive.
Here is what they said about this tour.





Your excursion begins at the pier where you will board a comfortable, air-conditioned transportation and depart San Juan del Sur for an exciting and informative half-day journey of discovery of Nicaragua. Sit back and enjoy a scenic drive past lush landscape as your knowledgeable guide regales you with information about the region's history and the local flora and fauna that flourish here.
Disembark in the picturesque town of Rivas located near the massive Lake Nicaragua, the 10th largest lake in the world.
Once you arrive to Rivas learn about the city's fascinating history that dates back to 606 AD when various indigenous tribes made their home here. It saw its first Europeans when the Spanish visited in 1522 and again in 1524 and most of the current population is a mixture of Creole, Indian, Spanish and Mulatto descent. Visit the first Catholic church built in 1607 by the Spanish who first settled the city in 1522. Because of different natural disasters through time, the church was rebuilt in 1820 but contains many artifacts from the 17th Century. Rivas gained fame as a town on the "Vanderbilt Road," over which Americans joining the California Gold Rush traveled from the adjoining lake port of San Jorge to the Pacific port of San Juan del Sur. Rivas is a commercial and manufacturing center in an agricultural area; tanneries, dairies, and plants manufacturing rubber items are located in the city. Marvel at the influences of these European conquerors still visible in the colonial architecture that is prevalent throughout the city.

Venture to "Amayo Hacienda" a gorgeous, family-owned estate where you will enjoy a closer look at the impressive Lake Nicaragua. This massive freshwater lake was nicknamed "La Mar Dulce" (The Sweet Sea) by Spanish Conquerors who first believed it was a sea because of its oceanic qualities: large waves, heavy storms and nothing but water at the horizon. Relax and enjoy a complimentary beverage and snack as you marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the twin volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcion, which rise majestically out of the lake to form the island of Ometepe. The rich, fertile eco-system of this gorgeous blue lake is home to many rare species of animals, including the freshwater A local folkloric presentation will take place during your time at the hacienda.

Sat. April 27th Puntarenas

Here are the pictures of our day.

 Your day begins when you are greeted by our friendly staff who will meet you at the cruise 

dock or hotel. From there, you’ll be escorted to a clean, comfortable, air-conditioned tourism

 vehicle by one of our certified English speaking guides.

The first  stop will be in an area where we commonly spot the white-faced Capuchin monkeys

, sometimes even the Howler monkeys come out for the show! But have your camera ready 

as these monkeys are very curious and active and sometimes come close to greet us!

 They might even try to steal your cookies or camera! As the tourism industry in Costa Rica 

is one of the strongest and largest industries, monkeys have grown accustomed to seeing

 people on a daily basis and are typically very friendly and smart creatures! 

 After learning interesting information about them from our certified naturalist tour guides-

 (we have the MOST AMAZING GUIDES) we will board the van and travel 

on the new highway passing by seasonal plantations as your guide entertains

 you with rich history and facts of our amazing country!

​

 On the way we make a stop at a fresh fruit shop so you can try and learn 

about our various exotic fruits such as lychee, tamarind, sour sop, as well as

 commonly known fruits such as mango, watermelon, pineapple and more! 

The fruit shop, owned and operated by a Costa Rican family of farmers make

 some of the best tropical smoothies we have ever tasted! 

​

This is the most popular bridge in all of Costa Rica! You will have the opportunity 

to see up to a dozen crocodiles up to 20 feet long sunbathing under the bridge! 

 Next is the main event – a 75-minute safari boat tour on the Tarcoles river

 with an experienced naturalist guide. You’ll see egrets, herons, storks,

 cara-caras and many other migratory birds “on vacation” here in Costa Rica,

 but the kings of the river are the american crocodiles, some reaching lengths of nearly

 20 feet long!  In addition to having one of the largest population of crocodiles
 in the Americas,

 the river also supports more than 50 species of migratory, 
native and coastal birds, including a variety of heron and egrets,

 crested cara-caras, roseate spoonbills, scarlet macaws and more. 

Iguanas can often be spotted along  sides of the river as well. If you are lucky 

you will spot a rare specie of lizards famously known as the Jesus Christ lizards!

 These lizards have the ability to run across water whenever a predator

 or boat closes in. 

 Your trained naturalist tour guide will work hard to spot these beautiful birds 

for you to photograph in the wild. You will visit an area in Tarcoles by the beach

 where the macaws are normally found amongst the almond trees. 

These beautiful red macaws birds are endangered all across the world 

but with a little luck we will spot them, of course we will climb off of the vehicle for photos!

Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Costa-Rican style lunch with wi-fi available 

to upload your best photos taken so far. The restaurant providers for this tour is

 Ti-Ko Surf & Turf  Restaurant, a SPECTACULAR Rainforest & Ocean View Restaurant

 situated in the Biological Reserve of Carara National Park,

Ti-Ko Restaurant has gained recognition for their amazing service and delicious meals, 
as a bonus, you may witness wildlife such as scarlet macaws and toucans overpassing 
your lunch table. 

You will have the chance to sit down and eat fresh fish filet (typically sea-bass or mahi-mahi,

 chicken breast filet or the vegetarian option all accompanied with rice, beans,

 salad and natural fruit beverage-

​

After lunch we’ll travel 1,000 feet above sea-level to a majestic lookout point 

overlooking the Tarcoles River, Carara National Forest, Gulf of Nicoya, and Puntarenas

 coastline- complete with a picture taking stop for you cherish this memory. 

These are also common grounds to find wild Toucans! We will climb off of the vehicle

 here for photos! If time and weather permits, we will enter an eco hotel on the way

 that was built inside the forests of Carara with a flat and leisure, paved walkway,

 the trees will provide use with shade and there are beautiful trees, plants to see

 and learn about, green iguanas and the amazing colony of leaf cutter ants

 that transport leafs on their backs in single file lines (nick-named the last standing

 Costa Rican military) are very common to spot here as well! 

There are colonial style architecture and trees over 400 years old 

that you will witness on this leisure 25 minute walk! 

On arrival in Puntarenas, we’ll take you on a loop through town past points 

of interest like the church, soccer stadium, light house and ferry station,

 before dropping you off at your hotel or cruise port.

For anyone interested in making a run to the supermarket, 

we can gladly take you and bring you back after the tour is finished. 

​

 If drop-off is at the Puntarenas or Caldera cruise ship port,

 be sure to admire the hundreds of artisanal handicrafts and souvenir shirts

 from over 100 local vendors selling their goods at the most competitive prices. 

These English speaking local vendors have kiosks by the pier

 where we drop you off, prices are duty free and you can negotiate a great deal with them. 

​

The day was great, the food was very tasty, It was HOT.and the humidity was so oppressive
We even saw a bonus lighthouse.














I was so tired coming back that I was dragging. 
There is a beach right at the dock and if it had not 
been so late I would have at least waded in the water to cool off.

This all day excursion certainly took its toll. I don't think I will plan one of those again.
 I think a half day one is good enough for us "OLDER FOLK"

This is the tour summary that we received from Thumbs Up.
 It looks as if we will have a very busy day..

I have decided to insert pictures of the events promised on this tour.