Day 13 - Riding Out Hurricane Simon — Or So We Thought and now an earthquake at our next port!

 

We were still in Cabo San Lucas when the news came through: Simon had officially become a hurricane. Not long after, the captain’s voice rolled through the ship, calm and steady as ever. Our scheduled stop in Mazatlán was cancelled — safety of guests and crew comes first, and the weather system forming southeast of Lázaro Cárdenas was something the ship wanted no part of.

Cruise ships have remarkable weather‑tracking technology, and the captain explained that we’d stay well clear of the storm’s center. Still, we’d likely feel some motion and pick up a bit of rain as the system passed nearby. He even gave us a timeline: the “fun” would begin around 5 PM, and by 6 AM we’d be out of danger and back to smooth sailing.

Since we were still quarantined to our stateroom, we figured a little rockin’ and rollin’ might at least make the evening interesting. But in the end… nothing much happened at all. A gentle sway here and there, barely noticeable. After so many cruises, we’ve been through far worse on perfectly ordinary sea days.

Maybe it was the size of the ship. Maybe the stabilizers were doing their quiet magic. Whatever the reason, Hurricane Simon passed without giving us more than a nudge — a reminder that sometimes the biggest storms stay far away, and the ocean decides to be kind.

We are now out of quarantine and enjoying the ship once again.

BBC News has become our steady companion on the stateroom TV, and today their broadcast carried unsettling headlines: a large earthquake struck Panama. The epicenter isn’t directly beneath where our ship is scheduled to dock, but it’s close enough that everyone onboard paused for a moment, listening a little more carefully than usual.

We were originally set to arrive at Fuerte Amador on October 14. Now, with Mazatlán dropped from the itinerary, there’s a chance we may reach Panama earlier than planned. That adds a layer of uncertainty to an already fluid situation.

For now, we’re hoping the early damage reports hold true — minimal impact, quick assessments, and safe conditions for the people ashore. Out here at sea, news travels in waves, and all we can do is stay informed, stay flexible, and trust the captain and crew to navigate whatever comes next.

Cole, our Cruise Director, shared an interesting bit of news late in the day. When the earthquake struck, the Coral Princess happened to be docked at Fuerte Amador. The terminal didn’t escape unscathed — there was smashed glass and a fair bit of cleanup needed. Passengers were held briefly while the crew made sure everything was safe and tidy again.

Once the terminal was cleared, everyone embarked, the ship sailed toward the Panama Canal, and operations returned to normal. A reminder that even when nature throws a surprise our way, the cruise teams handle it with calm professionalism.

Day 12 - A Day in Quarantine: Remembering the Diamond Princess

In early 2020, long before vaccines, rapid tests, or even a clear understanding of how COVID‑19 spread, the world watched a cruise ship become an unexpected symbol of the unfolding pandemic. The Diamond Princess, a ship that had departed Yokohama on January 20, 2020 for a Lunar New Year voyage through Asia, returned to Japan on February 3 under circumstances no one could have imagined.

A passenger who had disembarked in Hong Kong on January 25 later tested positive for COVID‑19. When the ship reached Yokohama again, Japanese authorities ordered a full quarantine — a 14‑day isolation that, for many passengers, stretched far longer. Some spent up to 39 days confined to their cabins as testing protocols evolved and “quarantine clocks” reset each time a cabinmate tested positive.

Life Inside the Cabins

There were 3,711 people onboard — 2,666 passengers and 1,045 crew. By February 5, the quarantine began in earnest. Passengers were instructed to stay inside their cabins. Crew continued essential duties, often without the ability to isolate fully, which contributed to additional spread.

Testing was initially limited to symptomatic passengers and close contacts. Later, as Japan expanded laboratory capacity, officials began systematic testing by age group, starting with those over 80 and people with underlying health conditions.

Ultimately, 712 people were infected, and between 7 and 14 passengers died, all older individuals.

The Human Side of Quarantine

For many of us who followed the story, certain images and accounts remain unforgettable. I remember reading about a British passenger quarantined in a mini‑suite — his experience was difficult, but what stayed with me most were the stories of those in inside cabins. No windows. No fresh air. No natural light. Fourteen days became twenty, then thirty, then thirty‑nine for some.

That’s why I will never book an inside cabin again.

The Diamond Princess quarantine showed the stark difference cabin type can make in an emergency. Balcony cabins became lifelines — a place to breathe, to see daylight, to feel connected to the outside world.

How It Shapes the Way We Cruise Today

Fast‑forward to now, and I’m writing this from a deluxe balcony cabin on the Star Princess, with a larger balcony mid‑aft — exactly the kind of space I choose deliberately. Deck 11 has one of the best balcony footprints, and our cabin even has a chesterfield that’s larger than the ones on Holland America. The room is new, bright, and comfortable.

And unlike those early pandemic days, our own quarantine experience has been nothing like the Diamond Princess.

A Modern Quarantine at Sea

We’ve had excellent care. Meals delivered to the room — anything we want. At first we weren’t hungry, but now that our appetites are back, we’re enjoying every bite. Normally, room‑service breakfast is limited to cold cereal, fruit, muffins, and coffee. But this time? We were able to order scrambled eggs and sausages, something you don’t usually get from the standard breakfast card.

I gave husband my sausages and we saved the banana for later.  It was hot and delicious.

The TV lineup has kept us entertained: movies, BBC HD Marine, and we even watched Strictly Come Dancing — the British version of Dancing with the Stars. It’s comforting, familiar, and a reminder of normal life.

My husband is recovering well. The Tamiflu is working. His fever is gone, his colour is better, and his appetite has returned. We are not suffering. We are safe, cared for, and comfortable. They keep calling asking if we need anything! The service is great.

Looking Back — and Forward

The Diamond Princess quarantine was one of the earliest global wake‑up calls. It showed how quickly a virus could spread in close quarters, how difficult containment could be, and how isolating illness can feel when you’re far from home. It also highlighted the resilience of passengers and crew, and the importance of clear protocols.

Today, cruise lines have learned from those early days. Medical teams are stronger, isolation procedures are humane, and support is far more comprehensive.

But the memory of those 14 to 39 days in Yokohama remains — a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how grateful we can be for the comfort and care we receive now.

Day 11 - What to Do When You Feel Sick on a Cruise Ship

 

This photo was taken by a passenger on the Ovation of the Seas as we passed by

We are currently quarantined in our stateroom, balcony doors open to a truly stunning view of Cabo San Lucas. The Disney Wonder and the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas are anchored out in the harbour — because there is no cruise ship pier here, tenders ferry passengers to the dock. It is, objectively, a beautiful scene. And we are watching it from isolation.

Here is how we got here.

How It Unfolded

We are travelling with our dear friends Kathy and Don. Four days ago, Kathy came down with a bad cough. By yesterday, she was really sick. She went to the ship's medical center, where they tested her — Influenza A.

Two days ago, my husband developed a sore throat. After a very rough night, he made his own trip to the medical center. His result? Both Influenza A and Influenza B. That is apparently as unlucky as it sounds.

I went with him to the medical center. The ship's doctor prescribed me Tamiflu as a preventive measure, which I was grateful to receive quickly. My husband has now been quarantined to our cabin, and the medical team will test him twice daily to determine when he can safely return to normal ship activities. Right now, he is sleeping most of the day and night — which is exactly what his body needs.

We had arranged a private shore excursion in Cabo that we were genuinely looking forward to. It has been cancelled, of course. The harbour view from our balcony will have to do. We've been to Cabo before so we don't feel upset about missing this port.

What We Learned: Tips If You Get Sick at Sea

If you or someone you are travelling with falls ill on a cruise, here is what we would tell you based on firsthand experience:

Go to the ship's medical center early. Do not wait and hope it passes. Kathy went when she was bad; by the time my husband went, he had both strains. The sooner you are tested and treated, the better — for you and for everyone else on board.

The ship's medical team is well-equipped. They have testing, prescription medications including antivirals, and clear quarantine protocols. We have been treated professionally and with genuine care throughout. We've already received a call from Guest Services, "what do you need, anything you want, just call us".

Ask about preventive treatment for travel companions. I was offered Tamiflu prophylactically simply because I had been in close contact with my husband. Do not be afraid to ask what options exist for people who have been exposed but are not yet symptomatic.

Never travel without comprehensive travel insurance. This is the first trip in all my years of travelling that I have actually needed to use it. I am so glad I have it. Medical care on ships is not free, and missed excursions add up quickly.

Quarantine is strict — but for good reason. Influenza spreads very easily in the close quarters of a cruise ship. The protocols exist to protect hundreds of other passengers. Accept it, be grateful for the balcony view if you have one, and rest.

So here we sit, my husband sleeping behind me, Cabo glittering in the afternoon sun, two magnificent ships anchored in the harbour. It is not the Cabo experience we planned — but it is ours, and we are making the best of it.

Travel rarely goes exactly as written in the itinerary. Sometimes it tests you. The best preparation is good insurance, quick action when something feels wrong, and the willingness to rest when your body demands it.

Feel better soon to my husband and to our dear Kathy. And to anyone reading this from a sunny port somewhere — go ashore and enjoy it for us.

Flu shots were not available before we left home.  We get them every year.  Too bad we didn't leave a little later.  Don't forget to get your flu shot!

Just as we eased away from Cabo San Lucas, the captain’s voice came over the overhead speakers with news that changed the rhythm of our voyage. We wouldn’t be stopping in Mazatlán after all — tomorrow would now be a sea day.

A tropical system was forming to the southeast of Lázaro Cárdenas: Hurricane Simon, still young but rapidly strengthening. According to the National Hurricane Center, Simon had just developed off the southwestern coast of Mexico and was expected to intensify into a hurricane by late Thursday, potentially becoming a major hurricane by Saturday.

So the ship adjusted course, picking up speed, doing what ships have done for centuries — outrunning weather. There was no panic, just that quiet awareness that the ocean has its own plans. And tomorrow, instead of strolling through Mazatlán, we’ll be watching the horizon, letting the sea day unfold while Simon gathers strength far to the south.

We were boarding 18 new entertainers in Mazatlan. They can't board, so the cruise director is adjusting the entertainment schedule. We've enjoyed all the entertainment and looking forward to seeing Ken Boyd the Comedian once again.

Leaving Cabo San Lucas with a gorgeous sunset that was farther to the right.  

Day 10 - Sea Day Magic: Calm Seas, Smart Tech, and Endless Choices

This morning the Star Princess is gliding through calm, glassy water under a warm 30°C / 86°F sun. Sea days have a special kind of rhythm — unhurried, spacious, and full of possibility. If you’ve ever wondered what people do when there’s no port to rush off to, the answer is: absolutely anything you want.

Princess schedules over 100 activities on sea days. In fact, there are so many options that the Princess Patter can’t even fit them all into the printed edition. Trivia, lectures, crafts, music, fitness, games, enrichment sessions — you name it, it’s happening somewhere onboard. All the activities are shown on the Medallion with a description, location and route map to find the venue.

And behind the scenes of all this choice is one of Princess’s biggest innovations: the Medallion.

The Medallion: A Tiny Disc That Transforms Your Cruise

Princess is still the only cruise line offering this technology, and it truly changes the experience. The Medallion itself is a small, quarter-sized smart disc — waterproof, heat-resistant, and never needs charging. You can wear it on a lanyard, slip it into your pocket, or pop it into a wristband or pendant.

But the magic is in what it does.

• Contactless Boarding: You breeze through the terminal using the fast “Green Lane,” skipping the usual check-in lines.

• Keyless Stateroom Entry: Walk toward your cabin and the door unlocks automatically — no tapping, swiping, or fumbling.

• Onboard Payments: Drinks, snacks, souvenirs — all charged to your account with a simple tap.

• On-Demand Delivery: Order anything from the app and crew can find you anywhere on the ship to deliver it.

• Wayfinding: The app’s compass helps you navigate the ship or locate your travel companions.

• Messaging system: You can contact your shipmates with a message, or Crew Chat - instead of going to Guest Services and standing in a line. If you have a question, you can send them a messsage. I've already done it and got an answer in less than 5 minutes!

• Simplified Safety Drills: Watch the muster video on your device and tap in at your station — quick, easy, and done. No more standing on the deck, answering to your name and taking your life jacket back to your stateroom with 3,000 other passengers at the same time!

It’s one of those rare pieces of technology that feels invisible until you realize how much smoother it makes your day.

A Perfect Sea Day

With calm seas, warm air, and more activities than anyone could possibly fit into a single day, sea days on Princess are a blend of relaxation and discovery. Whether you’re wandering the decks, attending a lecture, enjoying a show, or simply watching the horizon, the Medallion quietly supports it all — making every moment just a little easier.

Day 9 - A Surprising Moment at Sea

Cruises are usually a blend of sunshine, calm seas, and easy days — but every now and then, something unexpected reminds you that ships are busy, working environments behind the scenes.

Yesterday, we stepped out onto our balcony and immediately noticed something unusual on the pier below. Three fire engines were lined up beside the ship, lights flashing but no sirens. A few minutes later, crew members began lowering oil‑catching booms into the water, forming a bright white barrier around a section of the pier. It was clear something had happened.

Before long, a large winch truck arrived and lowered its crane toward the water. Slowly, carefully, it lifted a piece of equipment — a forklift — up from below the surface. Watching it rise dripping from the harbour was surreal. You don’t expect to see heavy machinery being fished out of the ocean on a sunny sea day.

We still haven’t heard how the forklift operator is doing. The drop didn’t look far, but even a short fall can cause serious injury. Everyone onboard seems to be hoping for good news.

Moments like this remind you that while cruising feels effortless, there’s a whole world of operations happening just out of sight. And sometimes, those operations take an unexpected turn.

I'm sure the owners of the suitcases are getting free laundry. Let's hope there were no electronics in those cases.

I took this picture from our balcony

And while all this was happening the Ovation of the Seas 168,666 Gross Tons left the Port. Star Princess is 177,800 Gross Tons.

 

Day 8 - Los Angeles - Back‑to‑Back Day: Turning One Cruise Into Two

Today marked an interesting transition on the Star Princess. About 700 of us who boarded in Vancouver are continuing all the way to Fort Lauderdale, while the rest disembarked and a fresh wave of excited new passengers came aboard. Princess sells this itinerary as a 23‑day cruise, but you can also book it as 7 days + 16 days. It turned out to be cheaper to book the two segments separately — so that’s exactly what I did.

The bonus? When you sail back‑to‑back, Princess counts them as two cruises, which means two sets of loyalty perks. As an Elite guest, that includes two bar setups. I’m not drinking alcohol at the moment — watching both my weight and my sugar — so I asked them to swap the pop and spirits for bottled water. A small change, but a helpful one.

A Much Easier Back‑to‑Back Process

Princess invited all back‑to‑back guests to a short seminar. Things have changed, and honestly, the improvements are remarkable.

In the past, we had to gather at a venue at 9:00 AM, walk off the ship to scan our cards, then sit in a holding area until every passenger had disembarked. If the Coast Guard ran a drill, or if U.S. Customs or the Health Department decided to do an inspection, the wait could stretch on and on. Eventually, we’d reboard with new cruise cards and start again.

This time? None of that.

Thanks to Medallion technology, everything rolled over automatically. Our same medallions stayed active, our cruise status continued seamlessly, and we didn’t even have to muster again. (Apparently, if you’re at sea for more than 25 days, you do have to repeat the muster — but we’re just under that threshold.)

If we wanted to go ashore today, Princess provided “Guest in Transit” passes to show security. But with the temperature soaring to 38°C / 100°F, we decided to stay onboard. It turned out to be a lovely choice — the ship was quiet, peaceful, and perfect for wandering.

Sail Away, Round Two

We sailed at 4 PM. In Vancouver, they didn't have a sail‑away party because the ship departed in the middle of the night. I always enjoy those moments — the music, the energy, the sense of shared adventure — so we stopped by today just to listen to the band and watch all the new passengers buzzing with excitement.

There’s something special about seeing people at the very start of their cruise. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it reminded me how lucky we are to be continuing on for the long voyage ahead.

  We had an aft table for breakfast at the American Diner and this was the view from our table!

View from the Port/Forward of the ship at Pier 46

Starboard side from our balcony,  They loaded provisions all day!

An NFL game in the dome.  Chose a regular chair or lounger with padding, it's air conditioned. 
 Note the indoor/outdoor pool!

Day 7 - A Smooth Sea Day and a Fascinating Look Behind the Scenes

Leaving San Francisco

Sometimes you forget the ship is even moving, and the sunshine has followed us as we head further south. It’s amazing how quickly the weather shifts once you’re out of the northern latitudes — suddenly everything feels brighter, warmer, and wonderfully relaxed.

Sea days have their own charm. There’s no rush, no schedule you have to keep, just a gentle rhythm of activities to dip into as you please. This morning, Cole, our Cruise Director, hosted an information session about working at sea. It was surprisingly detailed — and clearly popular, because the room was standing‑room only. I was lucky enough to snag a chair.

Cole explained how the hiring process works for Princess. Everything goes through a third‑party agency, and if you’re not a U.S. citizen, you need four separate U.S. visas before you can even begin. After that comes the Marine Medical/Seafarers Medical fitness certificate. It’s quite the journey just to get onboard as crew, and hearing the steps laid out gave me a whole new appreciation for the people who make these voyages run so smoothly. Cole spoke about how the crew is treated, their accomodation and all the rules for them. He works four months on and two months off. He's a New Zealand citizen isn't required to pay taxes to the US or New Zealand. He has a girlfriend in South Africa where he spends his vacation.

Between sessions, I’ve been enjoying one of my favourite features on this ship: the smart elevators. They’re a small thing, but they make such a difference. You tap the floor you want on a display, it assigns you an elevator, and once you step inside there are no buttons at all — just open and close. The elevator simply takes you where you’re meant to go. Efficient, quiet, and best of all, no more kids pressing every button “just for fun.”

You choose your floor.  You always know what deck the gangway is on!

I was on floor 8, asked for floor 11 and it takes you there with NO stops!

Tomorrow we dock in Los Angeles. There are over 700 passengers, like us who are staying on for the next cruise. I'll explain the "turnaround" in tomorrow's blog.