Day 22 - The Final Curtain Call

As this cruise comes to an end, I’ve been thinking about one of the true highlights of our days on board: the entertainment. It has been nothing short of wonderful. We’ve had circus performers, aerialists floating above the stage like silk ribbons, comedians who kept the theatre laughing, dancers who filled the room with energy, and singers whose voices carried beautifully through the ship. I never saw a single show I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.

But what stands out most is the work happening behind the scenes — especially from Cole, our outstanding Cruise Director. When Mazatláns port stop was cancelled because of Hurricane Simon, it wasn’t just a change in itinerary. Eighteen entertainers were standing at the pier waiting to board, ready to join the lineup. Suddenly, none of them could embark, and Cole had five sea days ahead with a completely disrupted schedule.

He didn’t miss a beat.

Cole reorganized everything — reshuffling acts, adjusting schedules, coordinating performers already on board, and making sure the ship still felt lively and full of variety all the way to Panama. And he did it with the calm confidence and good humour that make him such a pleasure to sail with.

It’s easy to applaud the performers on stage, but this week reminded me to applaud the people who make the magic possible. Cole did a fabulous job, and the entertainment team delivered night after night. What a gift to end a cruise feeling so thoroughly delighted.

A Night of Laughter at Sea

We’ve had six comedians on this cruise, and every one of them brought something different to the stage. But the standout, without question, was Ken Boyd. His late‑night XXX show at 10:45 PM came with more warnings than a hurricane briefing — “If you’ll be offended, please leave.” And one gentleman actually did. The whole room clapped as he walked out, which only made the rest of us laugh harder.

Ken told us he’s been fired from three cruise lines, and honestly… you can see why. He’s raunchy, absolutely, but never crude. There’s a cleverness to his humour — sharp, quick, and just the right amount of outrageous. It was one of those shows where you laugh so much your cheeks hurt. He doesn't have a routine, he works with the audience.

A perfect reminder that at sea, the entertainment can be just as memorable as the destinations.

Here are some photos of the other great entertainment:

La Shonda is under contract with Motown records!

This was a tribute to Broadway Musicals!  The voices were amazing.

This show was so good, we went to two performances!

I've never seen or heard anything as wonderful as this Candlelight Concert

Day 21 - A Windy Day in Aruba

 

We arrived in Aruba right at 7 AM, greeted by sunshine and a strong, steady wind that seems to be part of the island’s personality. I’ve been here before and always found it beautiful, so instead of joining the crowds, we decided to simply enjoy a relaxed walk and take in the morning.

A free trolley was running from the port, but the lineup stretched a long way down the sidewalk. Rather than wait, we wandered past it and followed the waterfront into town. Aruba is wonderfully easy to explore on foot, and the breeze made the warm sun feel just right.

The streets were lined with local shops, colourful and inviting, each one offering something different — souvenirs, clothing, handmade crafts, and the usual island curiosities. For anyone wanting a more structured outing, private island tours were being offered for $30 USD on air‑conditioned buses. Tempting, but we’ve done the island tour before and didn’t feel the need to repeat it.

Instead, we enjoyed exactly what we came for: a gentle walk, bright skies, and the charm of this gorgeous island. Aruba has a way of feeling familiar even when you’re just passing through, and today was no exception — simple, sunny, and thoroughly enjoyable.

This reminds me of Bora Bora!

We saw a golf course at Divi Beach that said "9 and Dine"! I wish we had time. Our all aboard time was 3:30 PM. A lovely day at a tropical island.

Day 20 - Aruba

 

Tomorrow we sail into Aruba — an island I’ve visited a few times, including one wonderful week‑long stay that left me with a soft spot for its dry heat, turquoise water, and spotless streets. Aruba has that unmistakable “desert‑meets‑Caribbean” feel: bright sun, steady trade winds, and a landscape that’s as clean as it is warm. It’s always a pleasure to return.

But what makes Aruba Aruba didn’t start with beaches and cruise ships. Its early story is surprisingly rich — and adds a lovely layer of meaning when you step ashore.

🌅 A Glimpse Into Aruba’s Earliest Days

Long before Europeans arrived, Aruba was home to Indigenous peoples who crossed over from the South American mainland. The earliest known inhabitants were the Archaic peoples, semi‑nomadic groups who arrived by canoe and lived in small coastal and inland communities. They fished, hunted, gathered food, and cultivated early crops like maize and sweet potatoes.

Around 900–1000 AD, another group — the Caquetio people of the Arawak tribe — settled on the island. They built larger villages, farmed maize and manioc, and left behind the red ochre cave drawings you can still see today at Fontein Cave and the Ayo Rock Formation. These markings are some of Aruba’s oldest surviving cultural expressions.

🚢 Spain Arrives — and Mostly Looks Away

Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda claimed Aruba in 1499, but because the island lacked gold and pearls, Spain dismissed it as one of the “Islas Inútiles” — the “Useless Islands.” That neglect had consequences: in 1513, many Caquetio people were forcibly taken to Hispaniola as enslaved laborers. Some later returned and worked on ranches under Spanish rule, which lasted for more than a century.

The Dutch Era Begins

In 1636, the Dutch took control, using Aruba mainly for ranching and horse breeding. Apart from a brief British takeover during the Napoleonic Wars, Aruba remained tied to the Netherlands — a relationship that continues today.

🌴 Tomorrow’s Visit

So when we step off the ship tomorrow, we’re not just arriving at a sunny, spotless island — we’re walking onto land shaped by canoe‑crossing Indigenous families, Spanish explorers who overlooked its beauty, and Dutch settlers who anchored it into a new era.

Aruba may be hot, dry, and wonderfully modern today, but its roots run deep. And knowing a bit of that history makes the island feel even more special each time you return.

Day 19 - Entering the New Locks of the Panama Canal

We’ve waited a long time for this day, and there’s something magical about finally reaching it. Before sunrise, the ship was already gliding toward the new Panama Canal locks, the ones we’ve heard so much about. At 5:45 AM, the sky was still a soft grey, and the air had that quiet stillness that only early morning at sea can offer. That’s when I took the first picture — our ship paused, waiting patiently to enter Cocolí Lock.

Watching the approach felt almost surreal. The new locks are massive, modern, and beautifully engineered, yet the experience still carries the same sense of wonder that travelers have felt for more than a century. Thanks to the webcams at Cocolí, we were able to see the lock from another angle, and it was fun knowing that somewhere out there, people could watch our ship begin its transit.

And then came the moment we’d been waiting for — the gates opened, and we eased into our first lock of the day. A quiet, steady rise, the water lifting us toward Gatun Lake and the long journey across the Isthmus. It’s one thing to read about the Panama Canal, but it’s something else entirely to feel the ship move upward, carried by engineering and history working together.

Today is a day we’ll remember. The new locks, the early morning light, and that first glimpse of Cocolí — all part of a transit we’ve looked forward to for so long.

These pictures were from the webcam at Cocoli Locks.

Our ship took up almost the entire lock, it's so big!

I captured this picture from the Bridge Cam in our stateroom from the first lock

Below is the last lock and in the distance you can see the bridge and the Atlantic Ocean.  I was on Deck 11 forward.  The crew is at the very front of the pool.  You can see the crew swimming pool and there are two hot tubs.  They were all out enjoying the view.  It was a gorgeous hot humid day.  33C/91.4F

After a wonderfully calm day sailing through the Panama Canal, the late afternoon brought one of those small but unforgettable moments that make cruising so special. Right at 4:00, as we approached Colón, the Atlantic Bridge — Puente Atlántico — came into view, standing proudly against the horizon. Just beyond it, the Atlantic Ocean stretched out like a promise of the next chapter of our voyage.

And then came the charm only a cruise ship can deliver. At every lock, without fail, the ship sounded its air horns with the unmistakable theme from The Love Boat. It echoed across the water, playful and nostalgic, adding a touch of whimsy to a day already steeped in history and engineering marvels.

A relaxing sail, a dramatic bridge, and a soundtrack that made everyone smile — the kind of simple, perfect cruising moment that stays with you.

From the Agua Clara webcam.  We are finished with the locks.

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.