MY PANAMA CRUISE WAS GREAT !

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I'm back. This was my 6th time to the Panama, and it was my best yet ! It did NOT rain while going through the Canal (Normally it does)! And our cabins (suites) were on the port (left) side, which was perfect ! We watched a freighter going through, on our left, the same time we were going through. Great experience ! There was a historian onboard, who lived in the Panama, and his talks were great, for learning more history and facts about the Panama !

Several of us took a tour from the Canal. I took the bus ride to Panama City. I was thinking this would take us to the new city, which I had seen from my ship, on cruise that entered from the Pacific coast, but it did not. Instead, we went to the old part, an area that they are trying to comdemn and get the people to move out, but it's not happening. We made a couple shopping stops, but the one at the YMCA was only 15 minutes, and this is where the best shopping could have been for us. Though I am glad I took the tour, I would choose something different next time. Others took the ferry through the canal to the other side, which is only about 50-60 minutes away, and then they road the bus back. These said they enjoyed the tour. There was also a train tour, and I need to find someone who did this, to learn of their experience to !

Our cruise included Half Moon Cay ... Holland America's private island. This was my 4th time there (last time, Oct '08). It was hot this day !! We chose to stay on the boat that morning, allowing others to get on the island earlier ! We did take a look at the few vendors, once on the island. Then we went to the lunch buffet provided. Then after a walk on the beach, towards the ship, we choose to get back onboard early !

We also went to Aruba, which is a place I've been at least 5 times before. We bought an island tour of the ship, as I've done before. If you walk up to the entrance of the mall, which is near ship, the tour price is usually lower. We paid $ 15 pp. However, today, you have to be sure the tour will include taking you to the NATURAL BRIDGE that has fallen, or I believe the tour is NOT worth doing ! We went to the bridge, which I wanted ! I found the best shopping prices this time. As soon as you walk to the town, on the left side of the road, are some vendors, which include going through this back alley. Only a few vendors, but still best prices. Great golf shirts, hawaii shirts, and more ! Later, after our tour, we did walk through the Mall. Not too many stores anymore. Once coming out of the store, we continued right, to the other vendors (Most, higher cost). We then crossed the street, which I had never done before, but these prices are more the higher cost and more modern ! While across the road, on the upper level, we did find a lounge that offered happy hour from 5 - 7pm. We had planned to eat on the island, but decided to go back to the boat and have dinner on the Lido deck. Actually they were grilling steak and salmon (great !)on the back deck.

Our cruise was suppost to go to Curacao, however, this was changed a couple months before we sailed. Instead, we went to Bonaire. We all loved this ! We purchased an island tour, as soon as we came to the end of the dock for $ 25pp. Had we walked another 100 feet, we may could have purchased this for $ 20 pp. We enjoyed the tour. Matter of fact, we stopped for a drink at a little outside restaurant, as we watched the local cook making the meals for the day (fun). Back in town was the shopping. The stores were more modern, making the cost for shoppping more like St Croix (opposite side of the island from where the ship docks).

We also went to Puerto Limon - Costa Rica. My first time to this Costa Rica port. Again, we enjoyed out tour, which we purchased through the ship. It included a train into the rain forest, a canal ride, a bus ride, the banana plantation (fascination), and we had a snack of fruit and drinks. Lots of shopping at the pier !

The cruise itself was great ... We were on Holland America's Zuiderdam ! The service in the dining room was very good ... If you wanted something else, they jumped right on it ! Select foods, like steak, veal, and seafood, were much better than some of the other choices on the menu (like meatloaf !). Our table included some new folks, who weren't part of our group (This was great !). We enjoyed many of the evening games onboard, like the liars club ! The shows were good ... There was a comedian violinist, a singer, and a steel band that played classical music (fantastic). This ship had happy hour every evening in the Crow's Nest, where our group met each evening, to discuss our day of events !

It was so nice to know, that after the 3rd day, we still had another week to go ! A 7 night cruise is the shortest I ever want to go, but 10 days is even better ! Again, we all thought 10 days were TOO SHORT !

Great canal experience ! Great weather ! Great ports ! Great shopping ! Great group ! Great new friends ! Great cruise ! Wish you had been there !

IT'S TIME TO PLAN YOUR PANAMA CRUISE TODAY ! DON'T MISS THE BOAT ON THIS EXPERIENCE ! (434/800) 237 3832

FYI
* Rainy season for the canal is May - December !
* If entering from the Atlantic side, have your balcony on the port side (left).

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DID YOU KNOW ? PRINCESS New Itineraries and Ports Add Unprecedented Variety for Princess Cruises’ 2010 Europe Season

The iconic wonders of the ancient world, the continent’s bustling cities and the majestic beauty found along dramatic coastlines will be showcased with Princess Cruises’ just-announced 2010 Europe program, which offers an unprecedented choice in itineraries and departure dates on six ships.

Princess’ 39 different itinerary choices throughout the unforgettable destinations of the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Russia, the British Isles, the Norwegian Fjords, and the Holy Land feature nine new routes – including five new “Interlude” voyages that offer the opportunity for shorter seven-day getaways from London or Rome. Plus, the line’s signature two-day experiences will give passengers the opportunity for a more in-depth exploration of regional highlights in Egypt, Israel and St. Petersburg.

The line’s 2010 Europe program will features 96 departures, and its ships will visit 130 destinations, including 11 added ports of call. Cruise lengths range from seven to 25 days during the April to December season. Bookings for the season open April 9, 2009.

“Our 2010 season underscores how we use our more than two decades of experience in Europe to design the widest array of fascinating cruise choices for our passengers,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “We innovate our itineraries every year by introducing different combinations of marquis and emerging ports, and we offer both our returning favorite itineraries plus new, innovative routes that enable passengers to explore the region on either our large amenity-filled ships or smaller vessels for a more intimate experience.”

Princess ships sailing throughout Europe next summer include:
• Ruby Princess returning to cruise the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean itinerary and Greek Isles routes
• Star Princess sailing to Scandinavia and Russia during the summer, then to the Mediterranean and Egypt in the fall – including a new Mediterranean Odyssey itinerary
• Crown Princess begins the season with several Greek Isles and Mediterranean cruises before sailing to the British Isles, Norway and Iceland
• Grand Princess offers convenient seven- and 14-day Mediterranean cruises from Southampton
• The intimate Ocean Princess features a selection of Mediterranean, North Cape, Iceland and Greenland routes, and debuts new seven-day Interlude voyages in Norway, Scandinavia, the British Isles and the Mediterranean
• Small sister ship Pacific Princess sails the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Holy Land

Highlights of Princess’ 2010 Europe itineraries are:Seven-Day “Interludes” – For travelers looking for a quick European getaway, or the opportunity to combine a cruise with a land stay, Princess is introducing a series of new seven-day Interlude itineraries. Passengers can explore the Greek Isles, Western Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Norway or Ireland and Scotland with these shorter voyages, which can be combined with an optional hotel stay in London or Rome. Featuring the intimate small-ship atmosphere of Ocean Princess, Interlude itineraries also offer a variety of new ports of call to explore, including the Greek islands, medieval villages and beach resorts. Passengers can also take advantage of special events such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, featured on the Ireland and Scotland Interlude.

New Ports – Eleven fascinating ports of have been added this season, including seven maiden calls and four ports where Princess ships are returning after an extended absence. New ports include Lübeck (Travemünde), a German UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved medieval old city; Iteá, the gateway for the archeological site of Delphi in Greece; Cephalonia (Argostoli), the largest of the Greek Ionian islands known for stunning beaches and charming villages; Khios, a Greek isle off the Turkish coast noted for medieval villages and the eleventh century Nea Moni monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Eidfjord, a picturesque Norwegian village located at the heart of stunning Hardangerfjord; Koper (Slovenia), gateway to the capital city of Ljublijana; and Nice (France), the French Riviera beach resort town near Monte Carlo and Cannes. Also new to the season are Newcastle in Northern England on River Tyne with access to Hadrian’s wall; Portimao, (Portugal), for the scenic Algarve Coast; the exotic and historic city of Tangiers in Morocco; and Constanta (Romania), a seaside resort on the Black Sea.

Mediterranean and Greek Isles – Princess offers 22 different itineraries – including five new routes – to the sunny Mediterranean. Ruby Princess will again sail on the line’s signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles itineraries, with additional departures on Crown Princess and Star Princess. Grand Princess offers roundtrip voyages from Southampton to the Western Mediterranean, while Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess offer the small ship experience on a variety of sailings including the Holy Land and Black Sea and the new Interlude voyages.

Scandinavia/Russia and Norway – Seven itineraries ranging from seven to 18 days give travelers more choices than ever to the popular cities of Scandinavia and northern Europe. Star Princess returns to offer the line’s classic 10-day Scandinavia/Russia voyages, featuring a two-day St. Petersburg experience. Two new seven-day sailings on Ocean Princess provide a small ship perspective with Scandinavian and Norwegian Interludes as well as an 18-day Land of the Midnight Sun adventure, while Grand Princess offers roundtrip sailing options from Southampton, and Crown Princess sails to the stunning Norwegian Fjords.

Northern Europe – Ten Northern European vacation options cover the popular British Isles, plus remotely beautiful Iceland and Greenland. Passengers can choose to explore the British Isles in depth aboard Crown Princess or travel to the top of the world on Ocean Princess. Options also include a selection of extended Passage and Explorer voyages between continents.

Princess also offers three European cruisetours which combine some sailings with a fully-escorted land tour to explore the Italian destinations of Rome and Florence, Ireland’s wild west and the breathtaking Ring of Kerry, or the imperial treasures in Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Berlin.

Launch Fares for seven-day Europe sailings start at $1,199 per person, based on double occupancy. Captain’s Circle Launch Savings discounts of $100 per person are available to Captain’s Circle members who make their Europe bookings by September 30, 2009.

PRINCESS Announcing the 2010 Europe Program - Book by Sept 30 !

Up to $500 per person group discount offers (Group lead-in fare is based on Ocean Princess 10/6/10 – 10/20/10 . Group Fares start at $999 per person, cruise only*

• 39 Unique Itineraries (9 New)
• 96 Departures
• 130 Ports (11 New for the Season)
• 6 Ships

How to know, when is the “right time” to buy your cruise ?