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Panama Cruise 2025
  • Jane Kipp

Panama Cruise 2025

Strating the New Year off right with a solo cruise to Panama and Soutth America on board the Norwegian Gem. Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 2, 2025
    Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Beautiful as alwaysChristmas in South BeachSoooooo many optionsMint chocolate is always my favouriteYou can eat healthy anywhere.Havana ViejaDinnerNow I know where Santa is the rest of the year

    South Beach, Here I Come

    January 2 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ -1 °C

    It is a travelling day today. I'm up early to catch my ride to the airport at 3:30. My ride is on time at 4:45. The ride to the airport is uneventful. I had already checked in, and security was surprisingly painless. I used an app called MPC to get through border patrol.

    I have purchased a Priority Pass membership, which gets me into lounges all over the world. The one at Terminal 1 in Toronto is my first experience. It did not make a good first impression either. The lounge is crowded, small with very tight walkways. I have carry-on luggage and have a tough time making my way through. The food was good. The service was okay. You can not make a reservation here ahead of time, and when I left, there was a lineup and wait list. I hope Miami will be better on the way back.

    We board our small plane and jostled to find overhead space for luggage. The flight is just under 3 hours, so the economy seat will do.

    My driver was there quickly but it took about an hour to get to the hotel. I'm staying at a small hotel on Washington named the Clinton Hotel. I'm about 3 blocks from the beach, which is a nice walk.

    The room is clean and reasonably quiet. I have a small terrace that is private. This place has a bar, restaurants, and a quaint pool. (That means a tiny splash pool). This place is great for one or two nights. There are plenty of places to eat and you have the beach.

    I head out to the beach...cause like it is Miami, and you must. It is a beautiful day, and the walk is welcomed after the flight.

    I was up early, so a nap is in order. The bed is incredibly soft but surprisingly comfortable. Now that I'm refreshed, it is time to find some dinner. This led me to a Cuban restaurant on Washington and 10th called: Havana Vieja. https://havanavieja.com. When in South Beach, Cuban food is a treat. This place has a nice outdoor patio, and it is a beautiful night.

    I have a dish that is called Ropa Vieja Grandma style. It is shredded beef in a tomato sauce served with rice and fried plantains. Accompanied by a Sangria and dinner is a success. It is a beautiful 24C outside with a gentle breeze. It is so nice to be in South Beach again. Yes, there are food pics.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    It just never gets old.
    I love the architecture.Just chilling on boardA little something to soak up the loaded ice teaNice room with plenty of spaceLots of shelves and drawers

    Home For the Next 11 Days

    January 3 in Panama ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Good morning, all. After a wonderful sleep at The Clinton hotel. I have a shower and head in search of coffee. I didn't realize when I booked, but one of my favourite restaurants called The News Cafe is just down the street. This is a lovely place on Ocean Blvd that has ordinary food at reasonable prices. I head down to get a coffee and a yogurt bowl for breakfast. After a quick trip to the beach (just to make sure it's still there, yep, it is.) I head back to wait for my car.

    I'm trying something new this time by arriving at the cruise terminal by 11:00 AM. This worked out very well. Just walk right into the cruise terminal with no lines. There was a little wait to get on board (behind the exclusive members and Haven guests). However, by 11:30 AM I was sipping a Long Island Iced Tea in the library. The cabins were not ready until about 3:00 PM, but I had lunch another loaded iced tea and was quite comfortable. My room is classified as a partial ocean view with a life-boat mechanism outside my window. That is okay because I was only going for some natural light.

    The room is very spacious, especially for one person. I had the beds separated to give a center walkway and make it easier to get in and out of bed. The bathroom is very nice with all the space I need. There is plenty of closet space (with lots of hangers!), plenty of drawers and shelves to put stuff away and keep the place neat. I'm on deck 8 forward, and so far, things seem nice and quiet. The one thing I love about cruising is that you can unpack once and visit various locations. I am off to a singles welcome get-together tonight and will let you know how that goes.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Dinner with the solo group.
    We are not alone. Another Norweigian shipFun in the sun

    First Sea Day

    January 4, Gulf of Mexico ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    Last night, I went to the solo traveler's meet and greet. It was run by a lovely young lady named Macarena. She is from Argentina. There were about twenty-five people there. There were 3 Janes all spelled the same. What a coincidence! We played a get to know each other game, and I won a deck of cards and an NCL beach bag! They have a meet-up every night, and then they have a group reservation at one of the dinner places. You don't have to go to dinner together, but it allows you to sit with people. Some solo travelers have a tough time eating alone.

    This morning, I went for a walk on the top level. They have a jogging track up there. Three laps are about 3000 steps. Then, some breakfast. After breakfast, I found a lounge chair near the pool. The weather is sunny and there is a nice breeze off the ocean. There is a younger man who is from Florida, and then a German couple also sits down. We converse about where we are from and then slide into a comfortable silence. This is the other benefit of travel but cruising in particular; you meet all different people from different countries who have come together for a single purpose. The Panama Canal has a huge draw worldwide, as is clear by how many people have told me this has been on their bucket list.
    I had some lunch as the cafe, and then a nap was in order. After my nap, I did another three laps up top. Then I got ready for our social hour and dinner with the gang. This time we went to the Magenta restaurant. I did the shrimp fettuccine. Dinner was good with great conversation. We had a gentleman named Mons from Denmark, 4 from the US, and 1 Canadian.

    It's time for bed, though. Tomorrow is Grand Cayman, but that is a story for another day.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    A little crowed here today
    Bistro cafe for breakfast and lunchDesert anyoneGreat salad barLots of varietyWide decks for walkingBar and lounge areaOne of the specialty restaurantsThe main atriumAnd in pinkAnd in redBliss loungeDinneeGrand Pacific Restaurant

    Ship Almost To Myself, Let's Explore

    January 5, Gulf of Mexico ⋅ 🌬 23 °C

    Today, we stopped in Grand Cayman. I'm sure it is a nice port, but I didn't see any excursion that piqued my interest. Apparently, the hit of the day was the turtles, according to my dinner mates. This port is what is known as a tender port. That means that you don't dock on land, you drop anchor off shore, and small tender boats come and get passengers and take them ashore. While this is efficient, it is also a little cumbersome. I thought I would stay on the ship today. The advantage of being on the ship when most are not, is that you can get any lounger you want by the pool. There is no hunt to find a table in the buffet, and it is quieter and more relaxing.

    So, after doing my laps and having a nice fresh made omelet, I settled by the pool. Beside me was a lady with crutches and a leg brace. What a way to start a vacation. I started a conversation with Anna and found out she is from Tillsonburg, Ontario! It is a small town out by Simcoe area. I used to live in St. Williams, and I worked at the Home Hardware in Tillsonburg. Small world indeed. We chatted for a while marveling at the coincidence of being on the same ship. Then, it was time for a dip in the pool. The pool is a little cool and therefore empty. Yay! After doing my laps like a good girl, I got out to do some reading. Then another dip in the pool (it is a nice day and the sun is out), then a stint in the hot tub. After drying off a bit in the sun and listening to people say how cold it is (27C), I head in for lunch. Now I know that I haven't been adding any food pictures, but I will today. I usually have breakfast and lunch at the Bistro Cafe and then dinner in one of the main dining rooms. Lunch is a salad with grilled chicken and a cake for dessert.

    After lunch, I go to explore the ship and get pictures for you. I was on the Norwegian Prima last year for the Fjord cruise. I was enamored by the light fixtures on board there, here not so much. While the atrium lighting is cool (it changes colours), the rest of the ship is pretty bland. That is not to say that it isn't absolutely spotless, but there is nothing really about the decor that stands out. The Grand Pacific dining room has some neat decor, but the rest of the ship is pleasant but not outstanding.

    After an afternoon nap, I went to the solo gathering again. There seems to be more there every night. It is nice to see that people are interacting with others, and we have something in common. Those who know me would say I'm not a joiner, but this has been enjoyable. Stretching my boundaries is maybe a good thing. We head to dinner, and I have the Bang Bang Shrimp and Chicken with a cream of potato soup to start. Desert is a chocolate brownie. I haven't mentioned the food much because it seems a little lacking as well. The soup was luke warm, and the dinner was a little dry. The brownie was a dessert that definitely needed some ice cream. The service is also a little bit slow. You wait a long time between courses, and trying to get a glass of wine is hit or miss. The same is true with coffee or tea afterward. Nothing is offered but is served if asked for. I have been sitting next to a man from Denmark named Mons (that may be wrong but close enough). He is very quiet spoken but fascinating to talk to. He was in the textile business and then real estate. He worked in Germany and Denmark. He also likes to travel so we have plenty to talk about.

    After dinner, I managed to lose money at the Casino. Then it is off to my cabin to write this up. Tomorrow is a sea day again, so we'll see what trouble I can get into.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Splash pool
    Closed for the dayDinnerDesert

    Sea Day #2

    January 6, Caribbean Sea ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    Today is a sea day again, and the ship is noticeably crowded. The weather is not cooperating today. We have heavy skies, rain, and large swells. The pool deck is wet, so we need to walk carefully.

    The pools and hot tubs are closed. The jogging track is closed, so I figure the only way to exercise today is to try the gym. As expected, there is not a treadmill available anywhere. That leaves me with walking the stairs. There are 9 decks I can go up and down (I only make it 5 each way).

     That will have to do. Next up is breakfast. I have gotten very used to having someone make my omelet to order. That with an English muffin and coffee to round it all out. I try to sit on the pool deck, but the pool is splashing everyone. I head into the Spinaker lounge and do some knitting.

    They have a presentation on the food and beverage department as well as the housekeeping department. It's very interesting to listen to. All the food on board is loaded in Miami. They do not get any food from the islands.

    After the lecture I get some lunch. I then go back to my cabin for some peace and quiet.

    I meet up with the solo group again and have dinner in the Magenta restaurant. The Caesar salad and Cordon Bleu chicken was very nice.

    I have an early morning tomorrow, so I head back to the cabin to pack my bag.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Beautiful beach and some coconut water
    The new cityThe old bull fighting ring that has turned into a mallBeach at the old section of townThe best fisherman of the dayHe lost to the egret.A typical breakfast for the localsNice beach side restaurantEmerald MuseumOld town architectureStations of he cross at the BasilicaNativity scene at the BasilicaThe altar at the Basilica

    Cartenga Columbia

    January 7 in Colombia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    What idiot books a tour at 7 AM? That is my first thought when the alarm goes off at 5:30 AM. Then I realized that it was me. I am so not a morning person. I check my bag to make sure I have everything and head to the restaurant. One word: coffee. I can't stomach an omelet today, so I go for cottage cheese and fresh fruit and granola. Also, coffee, lots of coffee.

    We meet on the pier at 7:00 AM. Our coach is air-conditioned, thank goodness. It is a hot and humid day in Cartagena. There is a haze in the air that will impede picture taking. Cartagena is split into two parts: the old city and the new city. The new city looks like a metropolitan anywhere in the world, and the old city is surrounded by a stone wall and has all the quaint charm of years gone bye. Our first stop is a bodega on the beach in a poorer section of town. Here, we have some coconut water and watch one of the locals cast the fishing nets at the shore. I think the egret was more successful. The only part that was sad was the amount of litter on the beach h. Then we stopped at a restaurant on the beach for a traditional breakfast of egg fried in cornmeal and one with meat. The coffee here is incredible.

    Next up was the Emerald Museum. They had some interesting facts on the mining of emeralds. The jewelry was very expensive but pretty.

    We have now stopped in the old city. It is surrounded by a wall that is from the 15th century. The streets are brick, and the architecture is amazing. The balconies here are made out of mahogany wood. We can't even get that in Canada.

    I have bought some coffee beans and a couple of charms from Pandora to go on my bracelet.

    I visited the cathedral. It is very beautiful. They still have their Christmas decorations up. Too hot for Christmas!

    Before you get back to the ship, they have a small aviary with a sloth, iguana, parakeets, macaws, and peacocks. It was a beautiful way to end our stay in Columbia.

    Back on the ship, it is a quick lunch, shower, and nap time before dinner. I once again enjoy dinner with our solo group.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    A mudslide for the afternoonMind the gap

    The Panama Canal

    January 8 in Panama ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Today, we are traveling through part of the Panama Canal. We are only going to Gatun Lake and dropping anchor for a few hours. Unfortunately, there is no swimming allowed. The decks are crowded, and the ship has opened the bow area to allow for better viewing.

    It is hot and muggy today with overcast skies. Rain may be in the forecast today. I slept well as all nights on board. I check out the Canal before coffee even. A physical feat if I do say so myself!

    I'm not going to cast any shade on the Panama Canal. It is a major feat of engineering. However, I live close to the Welland Canal in Ontario, so this one, while bigger and more globally important, is kind of the same. The surrounding jungle is impressive! There is mist coming up over the tree line and lush greenery as far as the eye can see.

    We went through the locks to Gatun Lake. We tendered those who had excursions and just floated for a bit. There was a mix of commercial and pleasure ships going through. One busy place.

    I have enjoyed the day on the pool deck. The water has heated up considerably since the start of the cruise. A nice warm bath now as opposed to a refreshing dip. We are heading back to Colon to pick up the other passengers, and then we will continue our to Costa Rica.

    I had dinner with 'the gang' again. There were not as many since it was a late port. After dinner, I took on a comedy show with a gentleman named Jay Black
    The theater is very nice, and it is a good after dinner wind down.
    Just to add to the perfect day, I found out this evening that the last condition has been removed on the purchase of my new home. The day before I left, I had put in an offer for a condo. The closing date is February 27th, so I will have 6 weeks once I get back to pack up.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Tourist shot
    SlothsMore slothsAgoutiMacaws and Green ParrotSpider monkeySlothsTree frog just hanging aroundHere Kitty KittyThe gator didn't eat the turtles.LunchA glass of wine with friends. What could be better?Stuffed peppersChocolate lava cake

    Sloths, Macaws, and Margays

    January 9 in Costa Rica ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Today, we are in Costa Rica. The weather is overcast and a little rainy. We are off to a sanctuary called Jaguar Rescue Center. (www.jaguarrescue.foundation) They mend their injuries and then rehabilitate them for release back in the wild. It takes us about an hour to get there. Their roads suck in Costa Rica, very bumpy.

    Once there, we see the sloths that can not go back to the wild due to their injuries. There are Agouti wandering around the place. These are small mammals that look like large rats minus the tail. Next up were the macaws, noisy little birds. Then we saw the spider monkeys. One was a youngster and very active, and the other two were napping. We also saw a caiman who was very lazy as well. I think that they take such good care of these animals that they think they are on vacation! We rounded out the tour with an owl and then a margay. Cute kitty!

    After the tour, we stopped at a place for lunch. Lunch was a typical meal for the locals: rice, beans, plantains, chicken, and coleslaw. Served with lemonade. Very delicious! Finally, back to the ship around 2:00 PM. It's time for a shower and a nap. I have been averaging 8000 steps a day! My Fitbit keeps telling me to lower my cardio load, but I can't on vacation.

    Dinner tonight was wonderful. I had roasted vegetables with goat cheese, stuffed red pepper, and a chocolate lava cake for dessert. Tomorrow is a sea day, so I hope the weather is good.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Nice sunset
    Sole GroupCable pouch

    Lazy Day At Sea

    January 10, Caribbean Sea ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Today was another sea day. I slept in today and had a late start. It is another beautiful day but windy. The captain has once again closed the jogging track. I was lucky today (probably because it's 9:30) and get a treadmill in the gym. I do my 25 minutes and then head for breakfast.

    I spend a few hours on the sun deck reading and eavesdropping on conversations nearby. Apparently, there is an issue in Newfoundland somewhere with the minor hockey league poaching players and holding others back. Listening to the irate Mother's takes me back 25 years to our own drama in the hickey leagues. Nice to see nothing has changed.

    Last night at the Solo group meeting, Macarena handed out these faux leather pouches to make to carry our electric cables. It was a cute activity that I did after lunch in the bistro.

    To night at the Solo get-together, we did a group picture before dinner. Dinner tonight was in the Grand Pacific. The service is really slow. It took 15 minutes to have our orders taken. Another 20 minutes for it to get there. I had ordered a coffee with milk, and first, they brought Coffee mate, then another 5 minutes to get milk. When he gave me the milk, he took the spoon, so I had nothing to stir the coffee with. They are not getting good grades for dinner service. The meal was lovely, so the chefs get extra credit.

    Tomorrow we are in Belize, and I have a tour. So, it is an early night for me.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Just off the ship
    Walkway to the beachPart of the marinaTourist after divingShip is still hereLunch can be healthyNot for me but neatLong walkwayOn the way back from snorkelingTurkey scallopini and gnocchiDesert

    UnBelizably Beautiful

    January 11 in Belize ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today, we are in Belize. Beautiful weather, sunny with a mild breeze.

    Today, I am going on a snorkeling tour. After breakfast, I head off the ship. We are only an island called Harvest Caye. It is owned by Norwegian Cruise lines and for their exclusive use. The walkway onto the island is quite long, about a 15-minute walk. It is a lush island with loads of greenery and flowers.

    At the marina we meet our group. Onto a medium-sized boat and off we go. There are 41 people in total. Thank goodness they split us up into smaller groups. They give us our gear and a great safety talk! These people are very safety conscious, and no group is bigger than 8 people.

    I haven't been snorkeling in about 2 years, so I can't wait to get into the water. Last November, I had eye surgery to replace my lenses. This has greatly improved my eyesight where I don't need glasses anymore. I will be able to see all my little fishes sooo much better now! The water is warm and inviting, and I quickly realize that I haven't forgotten a thing. It feels totally natural for me to be floating around while our guide points out different kinds of fish. All the little fishes from grouper to Sargent majors to suffer fish and more have come out to see the tourists. Our guide also points out the different kinds of coral as well as a conch shell, sea urchins, and jellyfish. We are in the water for about an hour before we head back. Absolutely marvelous. The name of the tour was: H20Tierra (https://h2otierra.com/). If you're coming to Belize, look them up.

    Now, here is where I vent about the quality of snorkellers out there. As a former diver, I can spot rookies a mile away. The ones who ha e no idea where they are in the water, who is around them, what is under them, etc. These are the people with fogged up masks, swimming (or dog peddling, bicycle pumping arm flaying) over you, into you, or are kicking your masks off. Dear God, it's a big ocean, spread out. These people are a hazard to the reef as well as other people.

    Back on dry land, I head back to the ship for some lunch, shower, and a rest before dinner.

    Our solo group met again, and we had fun doing charades. Then we did dinner in the Grand Pacific. Dinner tonight was potato soup and turkey scaloppine with gnocchi.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Cozumel
    You just gotta live an empty pool deckMiso soupSaladFried veggiesFried riceShrimp and scallopsDesert

    Cozumel, The Last Cruise Port

    January 12 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We are in Mexico today. It is another beautiful day with a gentle breeze. We get in port at 11 AM and don't leave until 8 PM. I am really not a fan of Mexico. I've been there, done that type of thing. I am staying on board and relaxing by the pool. I had my morning walk on the jogging track and then had my usual breakfast of an omelette with an English muffin.

    I get a nice chair by the pool in the shade. A swim, some reading, some chit-chat, and it is time for lunch.

    I have a nice salad and a pork chop for lunch. I head back out to the pool deck, but the sun is creeping over my chair. I decide to head down to my cabin for a nap instead.

    Tonight, I made reservations at Teppanyaki, which is a Japanese restaurant here on board. They cook and serve your dinner right in front of you. It was a great experience! I have pictures and some videos below. The food was amazing. I did scallops and shrimp. It was easily the best meal I have had on board. I am now stuffed and have to waddle back to my cabin to write this up.

    Tomorrow is our last day on board and a sea day. That will be fine since I have to pack anyway.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Now that is fully stocked
    Ravioli gor a starterCreme Brule for dessert

    Last Day In Paradise

    January 13 in Cayman Islands ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Today is our last day at sea. That means tomorrow we are back in Miami. That is still not a hardship, though.

    Today starts with my morning walk and my omelet and English muffin. Then I sat on the pool deck for the last time. I find it kind of funny as I look around and see people in long sleeves and long pants because it is a cool 28 C today.

    I have lunch and head back to my room to pack. I'm all packed, including the stuff I bought. I met with the solo group for the last time. I won a water bottle for perfect attendance! We go to dinner and enjoy our last meal together. This has been fun, and I will have to explore these groups on future cruises.

    The other thing I like about cruising is that you can try different drinks or wine. I have found 2 new wines to add to my repertoire. One from Argentina and one the Mosel region in Germany. One was a white Riesling, and one was a red.

    Back in my room, I finished packing. I will get up early tomorrow to shower and leave by around 9:30 to go to the airport. I have already checked in with the airline, so I should be all set.

    Good night, all, I'll be back tomorrow in Canada.    Read more

  • Jane KippPanama Cruise 2025Traveler
    Miami Airport

    Who's Cooking Dinner?

    January 14 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today is the travel day home. It has been a very pleasurable trip. I made some new acquaintances and saw new places. I add 2 new countries to my list of 'been there', albeit briefly.

    I'm up early and grab some breakfast, then hide out in my room until 8 AM. My goal is to be the last person off, but that probably won't happen. My plane doesn't take off until 4:30 this afternoon so, I will be spending the day in airport lounges.

    I exit my room by 8 AM like a good little passenger to allow the crew to clean the cabin for the next group of people. I wait in one of the lounges, biding my time.

    I got off by 10:00 AM. Getting through customs and then waiting for the car was another 45 minutes. I should be at the airport by 11:30. I make it to the airport and through security. It's the same hassle as always.

    I get to the Turkish Lounge, and they refuse my Priority Pass entry. Then I see that they have an Air Canada alliance. I work that angle, but I'm not flying business class. I then tried the Aeroplan card. Finally, she calls upstairs and allows me in. I don't get it. The place is more than half empty! The reason I bought the Priority Pass membership was to use these lounges. I'm going g to have to have a chit-chat with them in the very near future.

    The lounge itself is nice. It is very large and has bright windows to the outside. The food is good so, this is my home for the next 4 hours.

    I have made it on the plane and have the row to myself. I have the pizza because the crew said it had more flavour than the mac and cheese. We'll the pizza tasted like cardboard, so I'd hate to see what the mac and cheese was like. A small bottle of wine and some tomato juice should liven up my pallet. The flight is smooth, and I have a movie to watch.

    We land early and safely. I actually get through customs and into the limo within 1/2 an hour. I'm home safe and sound by 9:10 PM. It has been a long day, but travel days usually are.

    It has been a marvelous trip, and I can't wait to share the next one with you!    Read more

    Trip end
    January 14, 2025
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