Day 18 - A Full Day in Fuerte Amador: Panama City’s Gateway

 

After several wonderful sea days, our ship finally eased into Fuerte Amador, the port that serves Panama City. There’s something about arriving after days at sea — the skyline rising in the distance, the bustle of a working port, the promise of a full day ashore — that always feels a little electric.

This picture was taken from Old Town

Princess offered a handful of shore excursions, but each focused on just one area. I wanted a fuller picture of Panama City, so I checked Shore Excursions Group and found exactly what I was hoping for: a 7‑hour comprehensive tour, covering all the highlights. They guarantee your return to the ship, and with our schedule — docked at 7 AM and sailing at 11 PM — I wasn’t the least bit worried.

One of the unique buildings in Panama

We were met by our guide and driver and settled into a very comfortable, air‑conditioned van. Our guide outlined the day: the first stop would be the Miraflores Visitor Center for the IMAX presentation. Unfortunately, the recent earthquake had damaged the facility, so that portion of the visit was cancelled.

He gave us two choices:

• Visit Pedro Miguel Locks, or

• Take a long drive to the locks on the Atlantic side.

Choosing Pedro Miguel meant more time in Casco Viejo, the Old Town — an easy decision.

Pedro Miguel Locks

I took photos, but they were through a chain‑link fence, so they won’t make the blog. Even so, watching two massive container ships pass through the lock was fascinating. Our guide explained the rules, costs, and logistics of navigating the canal — a reminder of just how complex and vital this engineering marvel remains.

Bridge of the Americas

From there, we drove past the Bridge of the Americas, completed in 1962. It’s the span that physically links North and South America, and seeing it in person carries a certain weight — a reminder of how geography and history intersect.

Downtown Panama City

Next came downtown Panama City, and I was genuinely surprised by the skyline. Tower after tower, sleek and modern, rising in clusters. And yes — two Tim Hortons. A little Canadian comfort in the tropics.

Casco Viejo: Old Town

We continued into Casco Viejo, the historic district with its narrow streets, restored colonial buildings, and lively plazas. We visited a small museum, then a chocolate factory where the scent alone was worth the stop.

One of the most memorable visits was to the oldest Catholic church in Old Town, with a history that reads like a novel:

• The original church was built in Panama Viejo in the early 1600s by the Mercedarian order.

• After Henry Morgan’s attack in 1671 destroyed the old city, the stone façade was carefully dismantled and moved to the new settlement at Casco Viejo around 1673.

• The church today features a weathered baroque stone façade, a wood‑pillared interior, and historic bells that pre‑date the move.

• It sits just steps from Independence Square, anchoring the neighborhood with centuries of history.

On the drive we saw a Tamarin Monkey

and a few Sloths.

By late afternoon, we had seen modern Panama, historic Panama, and the engineering heart of Panama — all in one well‑paced day. With our ship not leaving until 11 PM, we returned onboard with time to relax, reflect, and enjoy the evening.

Day 17 - Richard Halliburton: The Adventurer Who Swam the Panama Canal

Every so often, history hands us a character so spirited, so determined to live life on his own terms, that his stories read like fiction. Richard Halliburton was one of those rare souls — a Tennessee‑born adventurer, writer, and dreamer who refused to live an ordinary life. Instead, he chased the extraordinary, and in 1928 he pulled off one of the most whimsical feats ever attempted: he swam the entire Panama Canal.

Halliburton was already known for his daring escapades. He had climbed the Matterhorn, retraced the route of Hannibal’s march across the Alps, and even paid a visit to the Taj Mahal by moonlight. But the Panama Canal swim became one of his most memorable adventures, partly because of its sheer audacity and partly because of the delightful absurdity of the paperwork involved.

To legally swim the canal, Halliburton had to be classified as a “vessel.” The Panama Canal Authority agreed — but rules were rules. Every vessel had to pay a toll. So Halliburton, the human vessel, was charged 36 cents. It remains the lowest toll ever paid to transit the canal.

The swim itself was no leisurely dip. The Panama Canal stretches roughly 50 miles, and Halliburton spent ten days navigating its locks, lakes, and channels. He battled heat, exhaustion, and the occasional curious fish. A small escort boat followed him for safety, but the journey was his alone — stroke after stroke through one of the world’s most important waterways.

When he finally emerged at the Atlantic end, sunburned and triumphant, Halliburton had not only completed a remarkable physical challenge but also cemented his place in the folklore of travel. His canal swim wasn’t about breaking records or proving strength. It was about embracing adventure with joy, imagination, and a touch of mischief.

Richard Halliburton continued exploring the world until his disappearance at sea in 1939. His books and journals remain filled with the same spirit that carried him through the Panama Canal — a reminder that life can be wonderfully unpredictable when you dare to follow curiosity wherever it leads.

His 36‑cent toll may be a footnote in the canal’s history, but the story behind it still makes people smile. And perhaps that’s the best legacy an adventurer can leave.

Day 16 - Some Ship Facts and Canadian Thanksgiving

One of the nicest surprises on this sailing has been how un‑crowded the ship feels. Even though she can carry up to 5,300 passengers, this voyage has just 3,995 guests on board. You can feel the difference everywhere—lounges with open seats, elevators that arrive quickly, and quiet corners that stay quiet. The ship is a year old and this is the fewest guests they have ever experienced.

The passenger mix is interesting, too. The top three countries represented are:

• Britain — 75 passengers

• Canada — 619 passengers

• USA — 3,095 passengers

It’s a friendly blend, and you hear a mix of accents throughout the ship.

What makes this cruise especially pleasant is the ship’s size. The Royal‑class vessels usually hold about the same number of guests we have right now, but this ship carries 45,000 more tons. That extra space translates into wider walkways, larger venues, and a general feeling of breathing room. It’s amazing how much difference a few thousand tons can make in day‑to‑day comfort.

All in all, it’s been a wonderfully relaxed sailing—proof that sometimes the best cruises are the ones that aren’t full.

The entertainment on this voyage has been nothing short of outstanding. Last night’s concert was a perfect example of why live music at sea feels so special. The Princess Orchestra filled the theatre with songs from around the world. This ship has thirty talented musicians on board. At a time when some cruise lines have scaled back to canned music, hearing a full orchestra perform live is a real gift.

The evening featured a wonderful mix of performers. The lead singer from Asian Soul took the stage, and her voice was absolutely breathtaking. Later, the duo from the Irish Pub stepped into the spotlight with a beautiful piece from Ireland that added a lovely, intimate touch to the night. Several orchestra members performed solos as well, each one showcasing the depth of talent onboard.

It all came together as an excellent concert — rich, varied, and full of the kind of artistry that makes cruising such a joy.

It was Canadian Thanksgiving yesterday. The Princess Patter had a nice message on the front, Cole the Cruise Director reminded everyone who wasn't Canadian and they had Canadian Trivia in Princess Live. However, turkey as nowhere to be seen. Not in the main dining room, The Eatery (aka Buffet) or in any other dining room. Very disappointing. I was in the Arena waiting for the Ariel performers and the lady who sat next to me was from Maine. She said "Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, why didn't they serve turkey for dinner". I wish I had an answer. I have very few disappointments on this cruise but this is one I will not forget. Last year on the Coral Princess, they had many decorations and a nice turkey dinner in the dining room. No decorations on the Star. I hope they find some before American Thanksgiving for all the American cruisers.

Day 15 - Learning at Sea: The Story Behind the Panama Canal

One of the things I truly enjoy about cruising is the Enrichment seminars. They add so much depth to the journey, turning a day at sea into a day of discovery. Today’s session was a standout — Lance presented the history of the Panama Canal, and his knowledge of the subject was exceptional. It’s always a treat when a speaker can take a massive engineering feat and make it feel personal, human, and alive.

The story of the Panama Canal stretches back centuries. As early as 1513, Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Panama and realized just how narrow the land bridge was between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. From that moment, European powers imagined the possibility of a canal that could link the two oceans.

Many proposals came and went over the next few hundred years, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that construction truly began. The first attempt was led by French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps — the same man who built the Suez Canal. Starting in 1880, his team tried to carve a sea‑level canal through Panama’s rugged terrain. They faced relentless rain, landslides, and devastating outbreaks of malaria and yellow fever. By 1889, the French effort collapsed under financial strain and overwhelming loss of life.

The United States took over the project in 1904, after purchasing the French assets and negotiating rights with the newly independent Panama. Under chief engineers John Stevens and later George Washington Goethals, the U.S. redesigned the project into a lock‑and‑lake system — a safer and more feasible approach for the steep, unstable landscape. They also tackled the mosquito problem head‑on, dramatically reducing disease and allowing work to continue. After a decade of monumental excavation, construction of massive locks, and the creation of Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal officially opened in August 1914.

For decades, the canal was under U.S. control, but in 1999 full authority was transferred to Panama, where it remains today.

Listening to Lance explain all of this — the ambition, the setbacks, the triumph — made me appreciate just how extraordinary this waterway is. It’s not just a shortcut; it’s one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 20th century, connecting 160 countries and thousands of ports around the world.

Moments like today remind me why I love cruising. You’re not just traveling — you’re learning, exploring, and gaining a deeper understanding of the places you pass through. And sometimes, all it takes is a great speaker and a quiet room at sea to bring history to life.

Day 14 - Meet the Captain — A Family Story at Sea

 

Captain Arrigo on the left and Cruise Director Cole on the right

Today’s highlight was the “Meet the Captain” event, something I always look forward to on a cruise. There’s something special about hearing directly from the person who guides the ship — the stories, the history, and the little glimpses into life on the bridge.

Our current master of the Star Princess is Captain Paolo Arrigo, and many people immediately recognized his name. He was the Captain on The Real Love Boat television series that aired in 2022, which brought a fun bit of pop‑culture charm to Princess Cruises. But his real story goes much deeper than TV credits.

Captain Arrigo shared that his connection to Princess is truly a family legacy. His grandfather joined the company as a chef back in 1965, at a time when the fleet — and the industry — looked very different. His father followed the same path, also cooking for Princess. So in many ways, Paolo grew up with the sea woven into his life. He laughed as he admitted he enjoys cooking too, but ultimately his dream was to sail the ship, not just feed the people on it. And here he is, carrying the family tradition forward in his own way.

He also gave an excellent explanation about the recent decision to skip Mazatlán and adjust our route to skirt the hurricane. He walked us through the maps, the timing, and the complexity of the storm system. Seeing the data laid out so clearly made it easy to understand why the change was necessary — safety first, always. It was reassuring to hear directly from the person responsible for navigating us through it.

These screens show the position of the ship at the top of the black line.  You can watch the ships time and the black line to see the navigation through the storm.               

Our position on October 8th at 8:00 PM

October 9 8:00 AM almost through the storm

 

October 10 8:00 AM finally in safe calm water

At today’s event, Captain Paolo Arrigo shared another fascinating chapter of his Princess story — one that took him off the bridge and into the world of innovation. For two years, he was pulled from the high seas and brought into the Corporate Office to help develop what would become one of Princess’s biggest technological leaps: the Medallion.

He joked that he was “a bit of a geek,” but admitted he had no idea how to program. That’s where the Princess tech team came in. They understood the engineering and software; he understood the ship — its safety, its operations, and the way guests and crew move through daily life onboard. Together, they built something that blended both worlds.

Hearing him describe that collaboration made the Medallion feel even more impressive. It wasn’t just a tech project — it was shaped by someone who knows the heartbeat of the ship.

Events like this remind me why I enjoy cruising so much.  It’s not just the destinations — it’s the people who make the journey possible, and the stories behind them.

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.