Photos will be coming

I finally got around to uploading all of my images and video to my main laptop so it will now be easier to add to them to my various posts - I will be editing the previous ones and adding some pics of note.

Cheers

D

On the rails to Fort Lauderdale

Crossed the border

Final sea days and San Francisco arrival March 14 - 16 2013

It is hard to believe that this long epic journey is coming to an end - in some ways I am feeling sad - will miss the new friendship which can be renewed via Facebook and in some ways glad - 49 days away from friends, a couple of minor health issues and more than I wanted stress over missed ports and excursions.

On the morning of March 14, 2013 - I got my passport back - there were returned based on your floor - lots of stamps from the countries that were visited in South America.

As is usual on the ship they are trying to sell you everything but the kitchen sink. As I already had a supply of t-shirts and jewellery means little to me the one thing that I did purchase were 4 x 6 photos showing scenes from the ports that I visited - they provided an album for the photos - what I want to do is match their photo with one of my own that in many cases is of the same subject.

Just how soon I get around to that remains to be scene as I will need to transfer those images to my laptop in order to be able to print.

I also have started to pack - I realize with the use of the self serve laundromat that I needn`t have brought so many clothes. 

The weather has also turned cooler - back in long pants.

On Thursday night I treated my table mates - Anne, Barbara and Paul to dinner in the Crown Grill - the steakhouse on the ship - while the service was a little slow the meal was delicious - I opted for a rack of lamb and it was a large serving - lamb is not something I would prepare myself so when it is offered I will often order it.

We also by now have received our disembarking details and luggage tags - I opt for a 10 AM or later disembark.

I have been in contact via email with Adele and Cliff - my San Francisco cruising friends about what to do to kill the time until my bus to the train leaves at 9:40 PM. More about that later.

One matter to be dealt with in S.F. is US Customs and Immigration - on previous visits it has been a mess but they are using the following system - based on the time you elected to leave the ship you are given a time to report to a specific lounge where you will wait until you color is announced whereby you will be given a ticket to take to another lounge for clearance. Sounds simple and for the most part it worked.

I said for the most part because it was running about 40 minutes behind schedule - the reason offered and it makes some sense is the large number of early walk-offs that had to be cleared - US citizens went in one line as there process is simpler - they are returning to their country.

Once in line it moved quickly - as all the names would have been cleared before hand it was just a case of presenting our passport and having them stamped.

There was one little glitch in the process - most cruisers were given a green I - 94 tourist visa application - well the American didn`t need them and despite our concerns the ship`s crew told us Canadians that we needed to fill them out - NOT TRUE - Canadians don`t need a tourist visa to visit the US - this was confirmed by the custom agent when I presented mine.

One thing that Princess enforces is being out of your cabin no later than 8 AM - so after clearing customs I head for the International Cafe area to wait for our disembark color to be called - mine was Gold 3.

For those who don`t cruise and who might perhaps be reading this - this process is used because of all the luggage that needs to be unloaded - when it is collected the night before it is then placed by color sequence for off loading the next morning.

I am scheduled to leave at 10:15 AM and was fairly surprised to have my color called only 10 minutes late - so while customs was a little slow at the start the disembark seemed to be pretty much on time.

I had discussed a couple of options with my local hosts - they like me are outdoor types and the weather forecast was sunny after a little morning cloud so they met me and we were off.

Next - my day in San Francisco.

Cabo San Lucas March 12 - 13, 2013

As I stated in my last post the Captain announced that we would head for Cabo and arrive around supper time on Tuesday thus giving us a full 24 hrs to enjoy this party resort on the tip of Baja California and party and enjoy seems to be what most on the ship including those who wanted the Captain`s head on a platter got.

While cruising to Cabo we had more than one Dolphin show and a few whales were also sighted.

We dropped anchor around 5PM and by 5:30 the first of the tenders were loading - in Cabo both the ship`s tender boats and a private tender take you to shore - it is about a 10 minute ride.

At the pier there is a flea market and a few restaurants and bars and about a 10 minute walk you are in the heart of the hotel and party area. The first signs of spring break are all about and there is a triathlon on Sunday that has also drawn people to the area.

I opted to have dinner on the ship and then tendered in - walked along the boardwalk to the hotel district - it is quite busy not just with the cruisers but with the people you have come here to relax, catch some sun and party.

Then returned to the pier area and purchased a couple of adult beverages and sat and talked to many of those enjoying the sites.

Most of the Aussies haven`t been here before and were very pleased with the area.

Given all the bad publicity about how unsafe Mexico is it is hard to believe you are in the same country - while there were security and police and military around - Cabo has very little crime - yes there are the locals trying to get you to by trinkets and cigars but you just ignore them.

Around 9:30 PM I boarded the tender and headed back to the ship. Many others were doing the same - it was regular tendering up to 11 PM and them limited overnight until 7 PM.

It was quite the sight seeing all the room stewards who get off shift at 9:30 PM coming ashore as I was heading back.

According to one of the desk persons at one time there were only 40 cruisers ashore and some 400 crew.

According to one of the locals there are some 10,000 Canadians who have a share in a time share in the area. I stopped a one of the many bars in the pier area and they had on the CBC and Peter Mansbridge talking about the process for the election of a new Pope.

On Wednesday morning because of a large number of ship`s excursions leaving the ship a ticket system was used for those just wanting to go ashore - had about a 30 minute wait and then it was aboard the tender and ashore.

Having been here before I had no specific agenda - the weather is sunny and unlike my last visit not too hot - I walked around the hotel and shopping area and around to a beach and then back to the mall where I had lunch at Johnny Rocket`s burger place - it was $16.00 US for the combo but I was given pesos in return which I would use to buy a couple of beer to drink before returning to the ship.

But it was only a little after noon and after a brief conversation I was on my way to the beach that leads to Lover`s Beach and the Arch featured in the photo above.

They state you can`t reach that beach by land but with a low and receding tide and one or two short headland scrambles it appears to be possible - taking off my shoes it was so nice to walk on the warm sands as I made my way towards the beach - I didn`t make it all the way as I had set a 3 PM turn around time to ensure that I got back for the tender - another 15 or so minutes and I would likely have made it - well perhaps the next time I am there I will be able to do it as I now know how to access the beach - there is a naval base and the road appears to go to the base - well it does but it is a public road and ends at the beach.

After what the Captain described as a cruise with lots of ups and down Cabo was just the tonic that was needed to get every bodies spirits lifted for the final two sea day before our arrival in San Francisco on Saturday March 16, 2013.

Next - the final sea days and arrival in San Francisco.

Punta Arenas, Chile Friday Feb 22, 2013

PUNTAS ARENAS, CHILE FRIDAY FEB 22, 2013

Puntas Arenas is our first of four ports of call in Chile – we were given a customs declaration the night before to complete and have ready to show at each of the ports.

This is a planned tender port and things should and did go much more smoothly than yesterday's experience in Ushuaia.

I have two tours planned – one to Isle de Magdalena to see the penguins and then a late afternoon city tour but once again events resulted in some changes.

Because we were late leaving Ushuaia our arrival time in Punta Arenas was pushed back by some two hours.

As I was tired and went to bed early I missed this announcement and didn't discover until the next morning about the change when I checked the daily patter and saw a notice about tour time changes and there it was - due to not being able to reschedule ferry times my trip to see the penguins was cancelled – of three planned opportunities to see them I have ended up not seeing any – Port Madryn I cancelled because of illness, Falklands the port was cancelled and now this.

In hindsight I may not have missed much – apparently at Otway Sound which is also a prime viewing area by the time the tours arrived the birds had headed out to sea to feed and there were less than 2 dozen seen from the trail.

With the first trip cancelled I spent some time on the ship and them grabbed a tender ride – explored some of the town – and there was lots to see – historic buildings etc – then I returned to the port area for my planned tour – I arrived early and was able to get on the tour leaving before mine – had the last seat which was actually right at the front which made getting on and off nice and easy.

Our first stop was at the Institute de Patagonia museum where there was a display of many of the implements, wagons, artifacts from the turn of the century that were used in this part of the world.

Second stop was the Sarah Braun cemetery – named after an early pioneer who donated the land – it is much like the one in Buenos Aires and typical of the type used in many other parts of the world.

We then stopped at a museum – a Catholic one but no cameras or video allowed – it was exceptionally well done for a smallish town – the name escapes me and I am too lazy to go to the suitcase and dig out the tour description – I did stick me head inside the adjacent church sans camera and what a magnificent structure – it and the adjacent museum were established by a religious order called the Saleists – I haven't heard of them before so might have to either Google or Wiki them and see what I can find out.

Our last stop was a viewpoint overlooking the city – clearly could see the ship and the harbour.

We were dropped off at the port but I still had some time to waste so walked some around the downtown core for a little while and revisited one of the churches that was closed earlier in the day and then went to a supermarket called UniMarc which seems to be one of the bigger operators in Chile – picked up some beer, pop and junk food.

Finally back to the ship and ready for a relaxing evening.

While tomorrow is scheduled as a sea day it will be a busy one as we cruise the Chilean version of the inside passage – the Chilean fjords and visit the Amalia glacier.

A review is coming - March 20, 2013

Just getting my feet back on the ground and taking care of things like grocery shopping, laundry, car insurance renewal, income tax etc so it will be a few more days before I post some more details of the cruise and a wonderful 24 hours we had in Cabo San Lucas.

Cheers

Dennis

Thoughts and more thoughts Tuesday March 12, 2013

THOUGHTS, THOUGHTS AND MORE THOUGHTS TUESDAY MARCH 12, 2013 PART ONE

While the cruise isn't over for a few more days and I still have Cabo to spend some time in and since today I am in a writing mood I thought – there is that word again – I would take some time and start putting some of those thoughts – stop it Dennis! - into words and into cyber space.

First off – a special thank you to some of the cruise critic people I have met on board the ship and special thanks to the following people. Anne, Barbara and Paul from south Florida who have been table mates for many dinners in the Michelangelo Dining Room and seat mates on some of Anne's tours. They are getting a special reward of a free dinner in the Crown Grill – the Steak House on this ship.

Penny and Marlene for putting up with me at morning coffee or during Trivia.

Wayne and Bonnie from Nevada – Wayne was the one who kept things flowing on the spread sheet for the past two years and Bonnie who took the time to stop and see how I was.

Don and Debra – follow Canadians – hailing from the Ottawa area – interesting discussing Canadian issues and ribbing each other about our hockey teams – me the Canucks and them the Ottawa Senators.

Garry and Nancy from the Greater LA area who while on Cruise Critic aren't very active - I had a chance meeting them in the hot tub early in the cruise and have spent time chatting with them – we are trying to arrange a dinner together before we hit San Francisco.

Tom, Joe and Mary Ellen from the Bay area – interesting conversations with them - Tom and Joe are a long time same sex couple – can't legally marry in California and Mary Ellen work with Joe as a court reporter for many years. While on the cruise Tom and Joe managed to sell their large condo in downtown S.F. For $50,000 over the asking price – since both are now retired they are moving to Williamsburg, Virginia where they also own a house.

Janelle and Phil from Brisbane, Australia – tour organizer in Lima and always willing to chat for a few minutes.

Janet and Lewis from Missouri and Clive and Margaret from Australia who often ate at the table next to me in the buffet.

Mary and Tom who organized my Fortaleza tour.

To the couple who I met on the train from Boston who I spent so much time getting to know that I haven't been able to remember their names.

There are probably others but these are the name players that have help me through this long cruise and helped cheer me up when as I have posted I was having one of my down days.

MEALS:

I won't comment on the quality of the food as that is always a subjective subject but as I like to say – ANY MEAL THAT I DON'T COOK IS ALWAYS A GOOD MEAL.

BREAKFAST – after about the third or fourth day I found a home for breakfast at the International Cafe on deck 5 – they have light pastries and a coffee bar not unlike Starbucks and at times as busy as them.

I settled into having two apple like turnovers and a chocolate donut – I became such a regular that Jhoel – he pronounces it Jonathan would see me coming and have the plate ready for me.

LUNCH – on sea days I would vary it - some times in the buffet – where I tended to over eat and other times in the Crown Grill where they offered a English style pub lunch – I would have Fish and Chips - also took advantage of the pizza slices up on the pool deck and the delicious cheese burger and fries offered at the Trident grill on deck 14.

DINNER – when I wasn't eating with Anne and company in the restaurant it would be the buffet – they varied their menu – I like potatoes – half of me is Irish – but I have never seen so many names and types of potato dishes as I have on this cruise and believe me I tried most of them.

I also was a regular at the ice cream bar – enjoying a vanilla soft cone most days after lunch.

Cookies – when I had no junk food available - were my “treat”

As for beverages – with the morning meals it was usually just water and for the remainder of the meals - water and diet pop.

For the most part any adult beverages I consumed them in my cabin while reading a book or working on editing my photos and video.

End of Part One.

Disappointment and a mini-revolt Saturday March 9, 2013

I have made the title a little dramatic to get your attention - here is the post.

SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA SATURDAY MARCH 9, 2013

As I mentioned early this is a tender port and a difficult one as well – the tender area in town is a floating pontoon and can only take one tender boat at a time.

I woke and as is usual I head down for a bite to eat in the International cafe but as is also habit stuck my head out on the deck to see the seascape and it was impressive – low hills, a clearing sky and lots of white caps on the water – then I said to myself as I walked down to breakfast – I wonder if they will be able to tender with the waves being as high as they are – if you want an even better view – Deck 5 is also at water line and the waves there quite impressive.

Some of us we musing out loud that tendering might be problematic and this was confirmed some ten minutes later when the Captain came on the PA system and announced that this port was being scrubbed as the seas were expected to remain choppy the remainder of the day and that we would spend the day at sea.

I wasn't surprised but the announcement was met with a lot of angry people who wanted to start a petition to force the Captain to go to another port – they and many were Aussies confronted the Purser's office, anybody in authority with there demands.

I can understand their frustration - it is our third missed port if you count Acapulco which was ditched months ago because of the safety concerns.

Even if Princess wanted to visit another Mexican port and Puerto Vallarta would be the most logical as they still have a presence there and are booked into there for next year – it is a weekend – how would you be able to book the port, book the needed workers, get the local officials on a weekend and book excursions on short notice. In frustration – logic doesn't often factor into a discussion.

I too was disappointed in missing this port as I had a good ship's tour planned to visit the historic city of Granada and then visit a Volcano – a short 4WD drive up the mountainside and then a walk along the crater and finally a lunch.

Some of those organizing private tours had paid a deposit on van rentals so had to deduct that from refunds back to the cruisers.

This is another reason why booking private tours can be risky.

So while the protest simmer the ship took it time cruising up the Mexican coast but we were treated to more than one dolphin show including one fellow who thought he was Flipper – if you don't remember Flipper – Google will educate you.

I had mused at breakfast that I thought one option might be to overnight at Cabo – others say No because it is a tender port – so what other ships do overnight there and they use private tenders as well as ship's one.

Around 5PM the Captain came on with an update and you guessed it – we will not visit any other Mexican ports because Princess cannot guarantee the safety of the cruisers because of the political unrest and gang concerns BUT we will overnight at CABO – arriving Tuesday evening around 5PM and leaving Wednesday at our scheduled time of 5PM.

No additional tours will be offered but the tender will operate continuously until 11PM and then limited overnight to 7AM.

Some of my cruise critic friends are thinking about going ashore and having dinner at one of the nearby eateries – I may join them or otherwise I will eat on the ship and go in for a drink and perhaps a visit to the nearby Walmart.

For Wednesday I had nothing planned and other than short boat ride down to the Arch there is nothing available on the ship's list that appeals to me.

One place I haven't visited yet is the nearby town of Todos Santos or All Saints – a Jesuit mission with lots of history. May search out a tour to there once ashore on Wednesday.

To keep things orderly they will once again use tender tickets but in this case it is more a formality than anything else.

So while not everyone is happy the compromise is fine by me.

On the ensuing sea days we got our passports back – saw more dolphins and as far as I am concerned the cruise is all but over.

On Wednesday night after leaving Cabo I will be treat Anne, Paul and Barbara who have graciously let me dine with them on many nights to dinner in the Crown Grill as my treat. Since none of them drink the offer of a bottle of wine with dinner doesn't apply.

Next – Cabo visit and some thoughts on this long 49 day journey.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica Friday March 8, 2013

PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2013

This is a port that I have visited before so finding a tour – either the ship's or private – that covered new ground could be a bit of a challenge – I didn't want a long days drive to San Jose and wasn't willing to spend the bucks to do the Paos Volcano since there was no guarantee that I would see the crater as the last time I was there it was completely socked in – while I haven't confirm it they may have lucked out this time if they got there early as it was a cloudless sky in the morning – there was increasing cloud throughout the day but it didn't affect my tour.

What I opted for was a tour organized by Redhead Anne – a potpourri of things that when combined provided a relaxing stress free day.

Puntarenas also is a good port to visit has it has a proper cruise pier – a short walk off and then the town is right there and right there was a sign with Anne's name on it or the nine of us boarded the mini-van and headed out for the day.

Our first stop was in search for the white-faced monkeys that inhabited an area not far from town – at first they could only be seen in the distance but with a little persuasion – IE – an apple – one fellow liked the bait and came up to roadside – he was literally eating out of our guides hand while we were busy snapping photos.

Next we stopped at a small sugar cane operator's place where he taught us how sugar cane juice is made or extracted from the sugar cane – then a sample of the product.

Next up – a roadside stop and walk across a bridge to see the crocodiles – and there were many below on the river bank – they were lazing in the sun – not much water activity.

Next a drive up a narrow dusty gravel road to a viewpoint of the area – while the scenery was great the picture taking wasn't as the sun was causing a shadow effect – they are okay for giving a general view but would never be part of a major photo show.

We then retraced our steps a short way to the Santa Lucia Artesian Village – a small historic village that sits on the edge of a rain forest and national park and has a zip line and sky walk but that wasn't part of today's tour.

After we were treated to some watermelon, pineapple and mango slices and some refreshing ice tea we re boarded the van and headed for our next stop.

Our next stop was at a woodworking shop in a nearby town where we saw a good display of locally hand crafted woodwork.

Finally it was time for lunch in the town of Jaco – pronounced with an H sound – it was a buffet style where you had a choice of side dishes and one main entree – fish – which appeared to be the most popular – chicken, pork chops or beef which is way I had – a choice of salad and a beverage – lemon aide for me – we paid $6.00 US for this – that was the price that our tour guide quoted – I think she had to convince the restaurant owner of that price judging by some of the Spanish conversation that occurred between them.

It was a filling meal.

Jaco is a resort town with an American feel to it – for across the street was a Pizza Hut, KFC and Quiznos sub shop.

After lunch we headed for a nearby beach – there was some discussion among the group here – our original plan was a different beach area where there were more options but because of the time it was shortened – we agreed on a twenty minute stop – those that wanted to swim – Don and Paul took a short dip in the rolling surf – I just dipped my toes in the water and the others enjoyed the gentle breeze under a shade tree.

We also spent some time trying to see if we could find any macaws who frequent the area but we struck out there.

Boarded the van for the final time – a ride back to the pier but with a drive through the town – not a lot to see – then I am on my own – just walk along the beach area and pick up three beers at a place across from the pier control gate – it being a nice warm afternoon and not needing to be back on ship for while – sat on the beach and drank a couple of them.

All in all it was a relaxing day.

Tomorrow the tender port of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.

Sea day observations March 7, 2013

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON A SEA DAY THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2013

I have fallen behind on my blog postings – Puerto Montt, Valparaiso, Coquimbo/La Serena and Lima will eventually get posted but perhaps not until the cruise is over and I am back home.

I have been on the road for more than 45 days and almost as many on the ship – it is a long time to be away from friends etc.

While travelling alone has its advantages – you are able to do your own thing - it has its disadvantages which can lead to loneliness and depression etc.

Couple in a some medical issues while not serious but for a worry wart like me the cause of some anxiety and you have a recipe for my inner feelings to start to get the better of me.

The most recent medical issue which occurred around the time of our second leg ending in Valparaiso was a severe case of constipation – won't bore you with the details but a visit to the medical center was in order and with a “ softener” prescribed it has improved somewhat but not to the point where I feel comfortable.

This resulted in me cancelling a planned excursion to Santiago and having a very uncomfortable day trip in Coquimbo and the Elqui Valley.

It also appears that almost know one is reading the blog as the stats record the visits.

When I return I will enhance the site with images and will use it as part of my story of the trip.

Overnight we crossed the Equator and this morning we had another ceremony honoring the tradition – this one was a very different script from the previous one and perhaps not quite as hilarious as the Captain escaped with his clothes clean etc.

Tomorrow it's a private tour in Puntarenas organized by Redhead Anne.

Cheers!

Manta tours March 6, 2013

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6, 2013 – MANTA ECUADOR

This would be our last port stop in the southern hemisphere as later tonight we will cross the Equator and start the last leg of the journey.

We arrived early in the morning – we were docked by 6 AM and I am once again doing a private excursion booked by Redhead Anne who still isn't feeling well – she still hasn't got her voice back.

For once everything went right on this tour – please do not take that as a slight of the organizers – almost all of the problems encountered on these types of tours have been outside the control of the organizers.

Even Princess is not immune to this type of problem for as Manta serves as the gateway to Quito – had to cancel ship excursions there as they could not get a guarantee that the airline – it's nine hours by bus – would get everybody back on time.

At dockside we were met with a sign with Anne's name – there are seventeen of us – we will travel in two small vans.

Our first stop was the cultural museum just outside of the terminal area – a five storey building that displays the various aspects of Ecuadorian life from ancient history to modern times.

We then head for Montecristi – it's big claim to fame is the birthplace of the Panama hat – we stopped at a small shop where they are made – they produce about 100 a day – there's are for an upscale market – they wanted $150 - $250 US for the ones that they made.

Generally the higher the price the better the quality, materials and craftsmanship.

From here we headed to a attraction called the Mausoleo – there is a burning flame which is lit from time to time to honor the passing of certain people – in our case it was lit because of the passing of Hugo Chavez who was on friendly terms with the President of Ecuador – the two countries are building a large oil refinery outside of Manta which will employ up to 3000 people.

There is also a viewpoint called Mirador where despite somewhat cloudy and indeed showery skies you could still get a good view of the surrounding countryside.

A couple of the group brought Panama hats for $20.00 – bartering is part of the system here

After leaving the viewpoint we head back towards Manta and head to a village called Pacoche which is located in the hills outside of town in among the rain forest.

We stop here for a walk in the forest or jungle if you prefer – the hope is that we will see monkeys and other creatures that inhabit this area – it was about an one hour trip along a downward sloping muddy and slick trail – a bottom part of which was down a network of steps and across a bamboo constructed bridge to creek side – other than seeing a couple of lizards and hearing the distant call of the monkeys none were seen.

Oh well – it was exercise – it is also very warm – the sun is hot here and the UV index is extreme – also apply some bug juice – while there were some I didn't feel their wrath.

Then it's back to the van – by now the other van is long gone – we head to town for lunch – after an appy which was good – don't know what it was – the main course was either shrimp or chicken – I chose chicken with potatoes and peas and corn mixture – pop or juice or water was included as well as a dessert.

Since we still had a little time before our scheduled return to the port we stopped at a shopping center to pick up whatever we needed – I got a couple of local beer, pop and Pringles.

After returning to the ship and dropping off my gear and good camera I headed back out to the port – a short ten minutes has you on the beach – I stopped here for a short while and then proceeded up towards the supermarket – I still wanted more pop but they only have Diet Coke in 2 litre containers but since I know I can fit them in the fridge I get a couple more.

Ecuador – a good number of years ago adopted the US$$$ as there official currency so there was no need to worry about exchange etc.

Being hot an thirsty I stopped in at a KFC and after waiting 5 minutes and getting no service – just wanted a pop – left and returned to the ship.

In summary it turned out to be an okay day – saw some of the scenery and got re-stocked with some of my favorite junk foods.

Cheers!

Update from Manta Wednesday March 6, 2013

WEDNESDAY MARCH 6, 2013 – MANTA AND CROSSING THE EQUATOR NORTHBOUND.

A full and more detailed report will be posted later.

Had a good private tour of the region today and this evening after leaving Manta, Ecuador we have re-crossed the Equator – this time northbound - on board the official ceremony will be held tomorrow morning and havin talked to the last Neptune he advises me that someone else will play the role this time and that the script is different.

It is hard to believe that in less than ten days this epic journey will be over – I only have three more ports to visit – Puntarenas, Costa Rica on Friday and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua on Saturday and then next Wednesday – Cabo San Lucas.

I have a private toured booked in Puntarenas and a ship's one in San Juan – the latter is a tender port and it has been noted that there is only room for one tender boat to dock at a time and that it has taken Princess on a previous visit upwards of 4 hours to get all their tours ashore – needless to say those doing private tours weren't too happy – whether that will occur again on this tour remains to be scene.

I have nothing booked in Cabo – another tender port – having been there as recently as Oct 2011 and with at least three other visits I won't be doing much if anything there.

Cheers

Cruising the Chilean fjords and viewing the Amalia Glacier Sat Feb 23, 2013

SATURDAY FEB 23, 2013 TOURING THE CHILEAN FJORDS AND VIEWING THE AMALIA GLACIER

While today is considered a sea day because no ports are visited it is anything but a normal dull routine day at sea.

After leaving Punta Arenas we started our journey up the west coast of South America – from previous research and videos this area is considered to be like the fjords of Norway or the Inside Passage to Alaska and as the day processed it certainly fitted the latter.

Upon awaking and having my usual light breakfast in the International Cafe on Deck 5 I ventured outside to take in the scenery – we had already entered the passage as there was land on both sides of the ship and as the day progressed under sunny skies it became a photographer's mecca – islets, ragged peaks – definitely more pronounced than those on the Inside Passage cruise. I would spend the better part of the day outside on deck – either Deck 7 or up top on Deck 15 – needed to dress warmly as there was a persistent breeze that kept the temps cool.

The highlight of the day was expected to be the viewing of the Amalia Glacier – similar in nature to the Marjorie and John Hopkins Glaciers in Glacier Bay in Alaska – we kept wondering when we would see the real thing – there are a number of snow capped peaks and glaciers visible in the area and as the 4 o'clock came we started to see what everyone was waiting for – the bridge and cruise director were keeping us informed of our progress – I had gotten a good advantage point up on Deck 15 forward so was able to take photos and video to my heart's content – despite the sunshine which became obscured as the day progressed and even produced a localized shower right over the ship it was windy and after two hours of getting a good wind burn it was time to head inside to warm up.

The Amalia Glacier is a tide water glacier – that is – it empties directly into the ocean – there wasn't much calving going on as there was only a few pieces of ice floating in the ocean.

Finally at around 5PM the ship dropped anchor and everyone was able to get a good view – then the ship did a 360 so everyone got a view – the sun also came out for a brief moment. Certainly a highlight for many – especially if you haven't done either Alaska or Norway.

Then it was back to the cabin to upload the photos and video – tomorrow is a true sea day and then it is Puerto Montt.

It was while I was out on deck that I noticed a woman wearing a Vancouver 2010 blue jacket out and went over an introduced myself – she was a driver at the village – I only had my blue toque with me and by that time I had taken it off.

She commented that when she was ashore in Punta Arenas and wearing the jacket that a person came up to her and recognized what the jacket meant. Not sure if she was in Vancouver for the Games or was just aware of their meaning.

Cheers!

Ushuaia Feb 21, 2013

USHUAIA – (oo-shoo-AYE-ah) THURSDAY FEB 21, 2013

Ushuaia – located at the very tip of South America we knew a visit here could be a challenge because of the ongoing dispute over the Falklands/Maldives between Britain and Argentina – with the recent posting of a certain royal prince and heir to his Grandmother's throne and the discovery of oil reserves off the coast of the islands recent visits by British flagged ships and since Princess is flagged in Bermuda and in our case with a British captain Princess thought they had assurances in writing that we would we able to dock without incident – while the local authorities may have put it in writing it doesn't appear that the port authority were serious about seeing that the contents of the letter were honoured for as we approached the pier the ship was told by the on board pilot that due to tides and currents etc the ship would have to tender.

Interesting a Celebrity ship which is not British flagged was able to dock without incident.

So while we could see a sparkling outline of the city with the Andes sporting a new crop of snow dropping to the sea and the lights of the town providing some very scenic photo opportunities it would be awhile before the tour arranged by redhead Anne would get underway.

So the ship had to put together tender operations on short notice and to further complicate matters only one tender spot was opened for the ship.

For here I have chosen a private tour organized by Redhead Anne and thanks to her persistence she was able to get us early tender tickets – we are all finally together and its time to start the tour and what a great day it was.

Our first stop was a Bahia Ensenada – and what a beautiful spot – a sparkling, gleaming seascape under clear blue skies ringed by the large jagged peaks of the Andes and which some new snow to boot. The southern most post office in the world is located here and while we don't have our passports many purchased post cards or got other items stamped.

Then it was back in the van and a drive to the end of the Pan-American highway but with a stop at a viewpoint where I would see more mountain views amid a marshy lagoon like setting.

At the end of the road – there is a short walk that takes you to the water and once again the views were impressive – we are at Bahia Lapataia in Tierra Del Fuego National Park – we are 17,848 Kms from Fairbanks, Alaska – literally the end of the road.

Leaving here we now head back towards town but with a stop at the Park headquarters on the shores of Laco Acigami where more beautiful mountain views are enjoyed – also a chance to purchase a pop or water – use inside plumbing etc.

Our last stop of the day will be a chairlift ride up to the Martial Glacier viewpoint – while no fan of chairlifts I survive – the other person also wasn't big on the chair lift so we were able to reassure each other during the approx. 10 minute ride to the top.

It was here that some confusion existed – I was sure that we were to have time to explore the area while the tour guide was singing a different tune – look at the view below you, take a picture and get back on the chair – well I decided to walk about 10 minutes up the trail – to get to the Glacier is over three hours so that wasn't an option – to a viewpoint that gave great views of the mountains containing the Glacier – next thing I know the tour guide is giving me a hard time for getting lost on her – well that is what she put in her report and in response to some of the issues Anne had with her English or should I say lack of it – how you can be lost of a well travelled trail with many people in plain view is opened to debate – it was a chilly ride down the mountain with her.

The scenery with the ocean and town below was great.

The tour ends in town and I spent some time walking around – have a beer and by some pop.

So it's time to catch a tender – a tender boat can hold upwards of 150 people and with only one boat allowed at a time I waited in line for over an hour – this deliberate action caused the ship to leave over two hours late which negated much chance of seeing the 4 or 5 glaciers that reach tidewater in the Beagle Channel before darkness set in.

It was a long and very enjoyable trip.

ED NOTES: As I preparing to write this report I checked the description provided by the tour operator AND it clearly states that there would be 30 minutes to walk at the top of the mountain.

Our delay in leaving would have a ripple affect in our arrival time in our next port – Punta Arenas, Chile.

Updates coming March 1 2013

I have fallen seriously behind in my postings - a combination of being busy on the ship, seeing the fantastic ports and lastly dealing with a minor health issues which has sapped my energy and desire to spend much time writing and posting to this blog - that issues appears to be resolving itself and I am feeling much more chipper today than the last few days - this is the first of two sea days before reaching Callao, Peru the port of call for Lima.

Hopefully will have trips reports for Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Chilean Fjords and Amalia Glacier, Puerto Montt, Valparaiso and Coquimbo/La Serena up in the next day or two.

Cheers!

Andes, Cape Horn and Patagonia

ANDES, CAPE HORN AND PATAGONIA FEB 17 – 25 2013

This segment of the cruise is the one that most interested me when I started to research the area and ports that I would be visiting – it is in many ways not dissimilar to the rugged BC and Alaskan Ports with its mountain peaks, flowing rivers, water side glaciers and interesting and relatively small coastal towns.

While the ship is calling it the Andes and Cape Horn cruise – the area is generally referred to Patagonia – the large expanse of land covering the bottom portion of South America and taking in large portions of both Argentina and Chile. I don't have the expertise to provide much details on Patagonia – just Google it if you want to learn more.

The Andes are to South America as the Rockies are to North America – the spine of the continent. While we won't see the peaks for another day once we do we will basically see them all the ways north.

Once we leave Cape Horn on Wednesday evening – we will now be travelling west and north for the remainder of the cruise – we will be finished with the Atlantic and will have only the Pacific Ocean for the remainder of the cruise.

Yesterday Tuesday Feb 19 marks by my count our 25^th day of the cruise which made it the half way point of the cruise.

Today Feb 20, 2013 as I write this marks one month since I left Vancouver by train – where has the time gone.

We will reach a latitude of about 55 degrees south when we reach the Cape.

A little recap:

Since leaving Puerto Madryn we set sail for the Falklands but it was announced at suppertime by the captain that weather conditions were deteriorating and tendering wouldn't be possible – given how the ship was rockin and rollin and spray from the waves was reaching the promenade deck very few people publicly were criticizing the decision by the Captain but I am sure I will read on Cruise Critic that someone's cruise was ruined because they didn't get to the Falklands – tough luck – while some ships have by-passed the Falklands for political reasons the ocean in our case was a sea of whitecaps and large rollin breakers – I am still fairly spry and I have never found it easy getting into a tender boat even in calm seas and after one rough tender sea in Grand Cayman was glad I didn't have to try to board one.

While many myself included were disappointed I was not surprised based on what I had read and heard online.

The weather as expected has cooled dramatically from the heat of Rio etc. Out have come the long pants, hoodies, toques etc – it's the wind chill that is making it feel cold – the actual air temp is fine for those of us from the Canadian west coast.

Strong southerly winds which usually mean warmth in the northern Hemisphere are the opposite here – they bring in cold air off of Antarctica – while it was sunny the past two days it has dawned cloudy and Gray on Wednesday but with good visibility we should get a good view of the Cape.

Once the decision was made to by-pass the Falklands the ship altered course and slowed down – we would now have a full day at sea cruising down the south Atlantic ocean before starting a turn west and into the Drake Channel – the most southerly of the three passages that are available to mariners to get from the Atlantic side to the Pacific side.

Drake channel separates the continent from Antarctica – much of the area around the tip of the continent is actually a series of islands – not unlike the Canadian arctic.

We will venture to Cape Horn and reach it about suppertime on Wed Feb 20 – we are expected to spend an hour or so circumnavigating around the Cape and Hornos Island. After that we will retrace our route until we reach the Beagle Channel which will take us to our next port of call – Ushuaia. The Beagle channel is the middle of the three routes between the oceans.

The Straits of Magellan are the most northerly and direct route around the continent as this waterway separates the actual continental land mass from the islands and in particular Tierra Del Fuego island.

As for my health – the meds given by the Doc have certainly helped but I must admit the penicillin based one was not fun taken with food – that one is over – the cough medicine still has a ways to go and except for a brief coughing spasm this morning I am feeling quite chipper.

For the port of Ushuaia – pronounced oo shoo-AYE-ah I have a private tour planned with Red Head Anne – it's an early start – meet at 6:45AM – it will be about 6 hours in total – we will travel and see Garibaldi Pass which separates the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds – it is a low pass only about 1500' above sea level – travel to the end of the Pan-American highway and see the signpost for Alaska – interesting to note that the northern terminus of this highway is Fairbanks Alaska which I have visited and that a good portion of the highway travels through BC.

I will also take a chair lift ride up to the Le Martial Glacier – it is a 30 minute walk from the top of the chair to the Glacier – the Glacier itself is within view of the city and if time permits will explore some of the town.

I have the cold weather gear handy including my red Olympic mittens and 2010 Olympic volunteer blue shirt and toque to wear if necessary.

After Ushuaia we will cruise the Beagle Channel to Punta Arenas for a port visit – then cruise their equivalent to the inside passage past the Amalia Glacier and then into Puerto Montt – those two ports are tender ones – I have ship's excursions to getting off won't be a problem.

With me cancelling Puerto Madryn, the Samba tour being cancelled by the tour operator and our failure to make it to the Falklands I have saved almost $600.00 in excursion costs.

More later and coming up – the tip of the Continent – Cape Horn.

Medical centre visit Feb 17, 2013

A VISIT TO THE MEDICAL CENTRE FEB 17, 2013

Despite a last minute call from Red Head Anne saying she had room for one on her private penguin tour I opted to declin and decided to head down to the medical centre to get this cough or whatever checked. Expecting a long line-up I was presently surprised to see only a handful of people waiting to see the Dr.

At first impression it looks like any walk in clinic – a reception area and then some consultation rooms.

I am greeted by a para-medic – the clinic is staffed with 2 Drs, 4 nurses and 2 Para-medics and obviously a least one pharmacist.

She has me fill out the form – the usual – personal info and a brief medical questionnaire and a brief outline of my problem – then she takes me into an exam room – takes my blood pressure – normal, takes my pulse rate – normal, checks my temp – normal – good first step – back in the waiting room it is obvious that what I have seems to be the flavor of the day as most others were hacking away as well – 10 minutes or so later I see the Dr – he's the chief medical officer on this cruise – he asks a few questions - has me take off my shirt and has me lay down on the bed – starts examining me – take a deep breathe – cough, cough, another here , cough cough – exams my abdomen area – not much coughing there – shirt back on – into waiting room to await prescriptions – I am given a codeine based cough syrup called Codeine Linctus – take 10 mm three days a day and Azithromycin – a three day supply – it's a capsules but since I can't ingest pills whole he just states open up the capsules – I know this isn't as effective but it seems to be working – it's two at a time for three days.

This medicine is designed with those with upper or lower respiratory infection which seems right given that I was coughing as he examined me and I usually have the worst coughing session after eating.

He strongly recommended that I don't go ashore and stay on the ship which is too bad because after you walk the 1000 feet to the port everything is right there but I learned later that it being Sunday just about everything was closed.

The complete visit took about 35 minutes – haven't received the charges yet – it will be sent be my room later in the cruise and when I get back will submit to one of my insurers.

As of this writing the following morning I am feeling much better and look to be ready for the Falklands. Cheers!

A sea day in sick bay Feb 16 2013

A SEA DAY SPENT IN SICK BAY – SATURDAY FEB 16, 2013

I will get around to posting my report on Rio, Buenos Aires and Montevideo but first this update.

For the last couple of days I had been fighting off the start of a cold – for me that is usually a dry cough and coughing spells and they usually subside after a day or two of rest but there were two important ports Buenos Aires and Montevideo so I decided to soldier on – I was okay for B.A. But it was another matter in Montevideo – by this time I was starting to pop the aspirin in the hope of getting through the day – it was only a short three hour tour and I survived it – back to ship and to await the opening of the shops to get some cough candies and medicine – but the ship is taking longer to re-supply – it is coming up to 6PM and I have another decision to make – I am scheduled for an all day ship excursion in Puerto Madryn in two days time but the cancellation period expires at 6PM – this is an all day trip – 8 hours in total to see penguins and sea lions etc – it is also very expensive at $289.00 which is almost double what some of the private tours are charging – it was either cancel with no penalty or run the risk of missing it and being charged. I cancelled.

Onto Saturday – I was determined to get the cold behind me and basically spent the day in the cabin – sleeping, taking both aspirin and Robitussin and Halls and generally doing nothing – did venture out for meals as holding food doesn't seem a problem. As the day wore on my decision to cancel was the right one because as I type this up in the evening and while I am feeling a little bit better I need another day or two to fully recover – while Puerto Madryn is the start of the Patagonia venture it's a port that if I miss I can live with – I have penguin tours also planned on the Falklands and Punta Arenas, Chile – this is the scenic part of the voyage and I want to be healthy for it – depending on how I feel in the morning I will either stay on the ship or go ashore and do a short visit.

Cheers from sick bay.

A combined report - Rio, Buenos Aires and Montevideo

THREE PORTS OF CALL INCLUDING AN OVERNIGHT STAY IN RIO

I had originally planned to do a separate post on each of these ports – Rio, Buenos Aires and Montevideo but since I have fallen behind on my writing and having been not feeling well for a couple of days – it's an upper respiratory infection which seems to be doing the rounds of the ship – this will be covered in a later post – I am combining them in one longish one.

I will only outline the highlights of what I did in each of the ports – so here goes.

Rio Feb 10 – 11, 2013 – this will be the first time that I have overnighted in a port on my many cruises.

First a little about the port area – it is a large port area and there are seven other ships in town – there are basically line up one behind the other – we are in position 4 which means it is about 4000' to the terminal – there are shuttle bus running continuously 24/7 during our stay.

There are a few shops in the terminal area – it is very busy because many of the ships here are embarking/disembarking passengers etc.

There is free WI-fi which seems to work in most of the port area but not on the ship.

For the first day which is Sunday I have booked a city tour which in reality is a drive to Sugar Loaf Mountain and then up the two gondolas to the top.

We arrive to a large line-up – the weather is already hot and humid – it takes almost two hours to get to the head of the line – we are a bus load of about 42 and the tour guide is trying to keep us together – we have tour tags to help identify us – at the first station she elects to have us spend about 20 minutes taking in the sights before proceeding to the top on the second gondola ride – each ride is only three or four minutes and the cars hold about 60 -65 people – there are two cars – one in each direction – the views at the top are impressive – as we were sailing into Rio – which is a very beautiful harbour – we could see both Sugar Loaf and Christ the Redeemer statute – while the weather is hot and humid the views are somewhat distorted by a hazy sky but we can see Copacabana far below us and it is packed – a mass of humanity everywhere – it is also a Sunday so those that weren't already on vacation and at the beach are heading there – the traffic is dreadful.

We linger at the top for some time and I treat my self to a hot dog and a nice cold beer – pay for it with US but get hosed on exchange.

When it's time to leave we are faced with another 45 minute line-up – finally on the car and down to the first station – very little wait here – finally back on the ground we board the bus and head back to the ship – we were suppose to be back around 3PM but it is now 5PM – I spend a little time in the terminal – picked up some pop and local beer and returned to the ship all tired out etc.

Originally I had a dinner show planned but I knew in advance that it was cancelled but there might be something else in the works – no dice – Red Head Anne also has a private event planned but she is fill and no one cancelled so it's either venture the streets of Rio or stay on the ship – for safety reason the first option isn't really feasible – so I take in a special one time only performance by a Brazilian dance troupe before the head for the Samba dome themselves – it was a very entertaining show and we were allow to film it – then it being a warm night its out onto the deck – I can see the area where the Samba dome is located and can see some of the lights from the stadium – it's then off to bed for me.

Day 2 in Rio Monday Feb 11, 2013 – I have booked a ship's tour with a local Jeep tour operator for a half day tour of Tijuca National Forest and a visits to the beaches of the city.

These jeeps are the type used on safaris – open-aired and holding about 8 – 10 passengers – the National Forest is located within the boundaries of Rio and is a 4000 acre green respite with waterfalls etc that was replanted about 150 years ago – it climbs to provide many good views.

I am underway – there are a lot of jeeps today as this is a popular tour and other ships are also offering it.

Our first stop is at a viewpoint called Vista Chinese – once again it isn't that clear – still hot and humid but you still get a great view – then it's on to a waterfall – called Cascatinha Taunay – tumbling down along the roadside and then our final stop in the park – Capela Mayrink – an old church and the starting point for a short walk – 15 minutes or so through the forest with a placid stream on our left to the main admin centre of the park where the jeeps are awaiting us for the next leg of the tour – a visit to the beaches of Rio – as we come down from the forest the first beach we come to is call Sao Conrado – mostly a locals hang out and not very busy – next we come to Leblon – more busy and very beautiful – one advantage of an open air transport is it is easy to get pictures – we continue our drive along the beaches and come to Ipanema – it is packed and there is a Carnaval event so we need to divert through the town and then its onto Copacabana – it is very beautiful and very busy – my only regret is that the tour didn't stop and let us dip our feet in the ocean.

Finally back on the ship and dead tired.

I have two days to recover but it on those two days that I start to cough – only a cold coming on – it is also the time that the ship announces a Code Red – which is the health warning for an outbreak of the Noro Virus and the implementation of stricter food handling protocol – removal of salt and pepper shakers – cutlery handed to you etc.

Buenos Aires Feb 14, 2013 – we arrive late as the ship took longer to navigate its way up the Rio de la Plate delta. This is only the start of our delays.

I have a ships tour of the city with visits to the Plaza de Mayo – basically Independence Square – magnificent architect – then a visit to the historic artist colony of La Boca district and then finally Recoleta cemetery where Juan and Eva Peron are entombed.

The port area is industrial and you must use the shuttle for the ten minute ride to the terminal – once out of the terminal area it's smooth sailing – found the city friendly, clean and it appeared to be safe.

The weather has cool some – a little more tolerable but by now my cough is becoming more frequent.

Buenos Aires was also the end of Leg One of this cruise – we said goodbye to about 500 cruisers and welcomed aboard a like number for the second leg – this group also appears to be some what younger – 40 to 60 age bracket.

We were also held up for over 90 minutes while local officials did there homework - whether this has anything to do with us scheduled to visit the Falklands in a few days is anyone guess but it is starting to put us behind schedule – fine if you are on ship's tour but a headache for those who organized private tour.

My now I am feeling shitty – pardon the expression – will try and make it through tomorrow's visit to Montevideo and see how things do.

Montevideo Uruguay Feb 15, 2013 – we arrive 90 minutes late – I take my tour of the city – we visit Independence Plaza – the historic soccer stadium where Uruguay has won 4 world cups – the ornate Legislature building with it's marble lined walls – all the marble is from the area. We drive by many of the ornate houses in the city and I elected to get off at the market – which is only a 5 – 10- minute walk from the pier. Spend some time there and then take in the Graf Spee monument adjacent to the pier.

It's also decision time – I barely made it through the tour today and while the weather has cooled I am feeling miserable – while tomorrow is a sea day the following day is Puerto Madryn where I have a very expensive $289.00 all day tour to see penguins, elephant seals etc but where the cancellation time is 6 PM tonight – as I have penguin visit also planned in the Falklands and Punta Arenas I make the decision to cancel.

More on that ina subsequent post.

We are also late in leaving but this was because the ship is being replenished with food etc – I counted 10 containers that need to be unloaded and then transferred to the ship which and only handle two skids at a time and took longer to do – it also attracted a large crowd of on lookers on the promenade deck who cheered every time a skid of beer was sucessfully transferred and one final cheer when the job was completed.

Next up Port Madryn and the start of the Patagonia part of the journey.

This second leg of the trip from Buenos Aires to Santiago is basically a visit to Patagonia – that wonderful tract of land that makes up the bottom portion of the southern South American landscape.

Salvador and a sea day Feb 8- 9 2013

SALVADOR BRAZIL FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8, 2013 and Sea Day Thursday February 9, 2013

This is the second of my Brazilian ports and here I chose a ship's excursions – we arrive on time and unlike Fortaleza the port is close to the city – while still in an industrial area you can come and go as you please.

The weather remains warm and muggy – the City itself is bracing for the start of Carnaval activities later in the day.

My planned tour included a brief city drive and then parking and walking with our tour guide through the old Centro area of the city or to Pelourinho as it is officially known and the site of the Carnaval activities.

I board our tour bus and once again Princess has it well organized – bus waiting right outside the port.

The first part of the tour consists of a drive pass Tororo Lake and the sculptures of Orixas – which are sculptures of African deities floating in the calm water of the lake. If I had a criticism it would have been nice to have been able to get off the bus and take a few photos rather than the bus just stopping and having to take pictures through the window.

Adjacent to this area is the new soccer stadium – actually it is replacing the old one in the same place part of which collapsed a few years ago – nearing completion in time for next year's World Cup of Soccer – while Rio is the host city other cities will get games.

We continue to the Pelourinho where we get off the bus and will start the walking portion of the tour. The area is already teeming with people and signs of the Carnaval are everywhere – our guide is a wealth of information and he makes sure we keep in sight – we climb up to the main plaza area – it is an impressive sign – there are churches everywhere – there are more than 165 in Salvador – many are almost next door to each other – one reason for this – other than the fact that Brazil is heavily Catholic - is that in the early days each of the Religious orders were competing against each other for souls to be saved and for money to flow to their coffers.

We are taken to a viewpoint that overlooks the City and where one of the elevators taking people from the lower town to the uptown is located – we get a clear view of the ship and can see the Mercado Modelo down below – which is the central market place and which I will visit and comment on later in this post.

I am taking lots of pictures and it is when we are about to enter the Sao Francisco church – the gem of the churches in the central plaza area – that I had a mini panic attack – I have exhausted my battery to the main camera – no problem Dennis – I was expecting this and brought along the extra battery – except when I went to get it from my bag I realized that I brought along my adaptor for my mini-SD card – BUT all is not lost – I had also brought along my point and shoot camera primarily to use in areas that I might be exploring myself.

So I dig it out but it presented another problem - we are not allowed to use flash inside the church – something about the flash effecting the gold finish predominant throughout this church. My point and shoot isn't that great inside without the flash so while I took any pictures they were either deleted as blurred or don't really show the true atmosphere of this symbol of Catholism wealth.

Returning outside we are given fifteen minutes to be on our own – all around the area are signs of the Carnaval – the crowds have been growing and the stages set up for performances are starting to show signs of life – we are given access to the H Stern store which is basically next door to the church – here we can use the washrooms and are offered a drink of nice cold water which I accept – then I go outside and find a vendor who sold me a Coke for $2.00 US.

We regroup and slowly walk back to the bus where we are given the option of being dropped off either at the port or at the Mercado – I opt to return to the ship where I quickly grab a couple of slices of Pizza before leaving the ship and heading for the area around the Mercado – it is a short 10 minute walk – it is busy with people and lots of street vendors selling there wares.

The Mercado itself is a lot smaller but offered a much better selection of merchandise than the much larger one in Fortaleza – I don't buy anything except some beer and pop from a vendor on the way back to the ship.

There area around the Mercado offered some good photo opportunities and you are right at one of the elevators leading to the upper town – found out later than in honor of Carnaval it was free.

I am tired and weather weary so after dinner I turn in early – it was while I was getting into bed that an announcement came over the in room intercom that there was a medical emergency and that blood donors of type O and A were needed and please go to the medical centre on Deck 4 with your donor card.

While I am type O - I haven't given in many years and didn't bring my donor card with me as I cleared a lot of things out of my wallet before embarking on the trip.

Saturday Feb 9 – a sea day and I will be brief.

Didn't do much all day!.

1. Finished off another novel.
2. Got a medical update from a CC'er on the previous night's appeal – apparently a very elderly gentlemen was in some stress and apparently in need of a transfusion – he was also apparently looked at in a hospital in Rio but was on the ship when we sailed from there.
3. Apparently two or three people had security issues – one gentlemen had a camera smashed – another person had their I Pad taken and a female cruises had a cross taken – apparently she decided at the last minute to wear it despite knowing about the risks involved – interestingly all of these incidents happen in the Carnaval zone where there are military police on just about every corner.
4. Over morning brekkie I am sitting with one of the CC tour organizers – Redhead Anne and in the course of our conversation she advised me that solo cruisers get some extra Captain Circle's points – that's Princess' frequent cruising reward program – for travelling alone – NCL ARE YOU LISTENING – a little later I check with the Captain's Circle person on board and Anne is correct – Princess awards is based on either number of cruises taken or days at sea or any combination. I am Gold based on my previous Princess cruises and won't get to Platinum until either 6 cruises or 50 days. However Princess awards an extra cruise credit for solo travellers so my previous two have become four and since they are treating this cruise as three – I have been awarded an additional credit and now stand at 6 – making me Platinum – the prime advantage is some FREE internet minutes.

I should know the night before Buenos Aires if this is correct as that is when I get my next cruise card for the second leg of the journey.

Next up – TWO DAYS IN RIO AND CARNAVAL.