David and Pam Ellard

Back to back, again
January 27th to March 12th, 2000

PART I - Vision of the Seas

We had just done 5 back to back cruises in 1998. We were not planning on going on another extended trip until 2001. During all of the millenium hype, the hotels, the restaurants, the cruise lines, etc., were asking double or triple prices. Everything and everyone was charging higher prices for the millenium dates. We were not going to pay the surcharges and be packed like sardines. Suddenly, the prices dropped dramatically. People were not coming in droves to pay the surcharges. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line started sending me brochures and special discount coupons.

I knew what I did not want to do. The brochures stated the dates and routes. I sent my travel agent Paula Orr, of Sea N Air Travel a fax on what I was thinking of doing and when. With the great assistance of Paula, we received some very special prices and special benefits. I tell Paula what I want to do and she makes it happen on my credit card. What a woman!!

Through the cruise line, the airfare was $99 each person and provided our hotel rooms in San Juan, Puerto Rico at no charge. My original plan was to do 3 cruises and then fly back to Seattle from San Juan. Pam thought that 5 in a row was to much last time, but upon researching and evaluating the cost differences, it was cheaper to do a 4th cruise and then fly home to Seattle from Acapulco, Mexico, the same place we started from.

Experience has taught me to select an inside cabin on deck 2 or 3, about mid-ship. Even without an upgrade, the cabins are very acceptable. The cruise lines charge more for outside cabins (that have a window or balcony) and charge more the higher one goes up on the ship. Some cruise ships have cabins on deck 10 or 12. A cabin on deck 1 compared to deck 12, can cost $5,000 more per person.

During November and December of 1999, and part of January 2000, I sent many letters and e-mails to Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, to the Captains of the ships, to the heads of the various departments, and Paula did the same. Basically, the letters and e-mails were to advise them of our Diamond Level status and that we were doing 4 back to back cruises. I did mention that we had done 5 back to back cruises 2 years ago. Little did I realize the impact this must of had until we go onboard the ships.

During my planning of which ship and where, for the first time ever, a ship was scheduled to go through the Panama Canal during January. We have always wanted to do this. Normally, they transit the Canal only to reposition the ships either at the beginning or at the end of the Alaska season. I knew I did not want to do the western Caribbean. We just do not care for this side. Leaving out of Miami on a cruise ship was not feasible in order to cruise the deep Caribbean. Cruise ships are based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, almost 1200 miles south of Miami if one wants to do this area.

One must read the novel by James Mitchener, called "CARIBBEAN" to fully understand the causes and effects the Caribbean Islands had upon everything that went on in Europe for almost 700 years. Sugar and slaves was the key to the fall and rise of all other mother nations of the world, even to this day.

January 27th
We boarded the American Airlines plane at Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle and then had to exit just after getting in our seats. The flight was cancelled due to bad weather in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas where we were to catch the connecting flight to Acapulco, Mexico. All of a sudden, we had to get another flight arrangement to Acapulco, Mexico after them telling us to find our luggage at Baggage Claim. We ended up in San Francisco on United AirLines. Again, boarded the plane and had to exit it. Seems they could not start one of the engines. Two hours later, they find a brand new plane that was just delivered, but now have to find a flight crew. An hour later, after finding a crew we flew to Mexico City (a real dump). Then on Mexicana Air to Acapulco, Mexico. Should have been 6 hours to Acapulco. Ended up being 17 hours. Arrived at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at 11:30 pm and found no food available except soggy sandwiches from room service. We found the hotel room a filthy mess and had to call to get it cleaned. The bus from the airport to the hotel was something undoubtedly condemned in USA and should have been in the junkyard years ago. We are not drinking anything unless in a bottle or it has been cooked. Never did any ice. Not going to get sick. In fact, when we open doors, we use our elbows. We wash our hands after handling any money. On an impulse, called Paula Orr, our travel agent, from San Francisco during a layover to advise we were in Anchorage, Alaska, staying in the YMCA because we had no money, no food, and no luggage, but think we will be arriving in Acapulco sometime next month, not to worry. Had her going for a while.

January 28th
I planned this day as a rest day and a just in case day for us at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, and glad we did this. Thousands of people here waiting for cruise ships to arrive in Acapulco. It is hot and muggy here. Pam had told her brother that we would meet in St. John next month when he was on a cruise ship. She did not realize there are 2 St. Johns. One is St. Johns in the US Virgin Islands and the other is St. Johns, Antigua, and a long way apart. She had to call her brother and try to explain. He hung up on her. Seems he was on of those "life lines" for the contestant to call on the "who wants to be a millionaire TV show". Acapulco has a very active nightlife with horns beeping all night long. Seems the only way they talk is with the horns in their beat up cars and trucks. Bright purple neon seems to be the color. Do not thing we like this place. We went to order a hamburger at the hotel and the price on the menu was $85. Quickly decided I can not afford this place at all. Finally figured it out that was in pesos, not dollars which was about $8 American. So I ate an $85 soggy hamburger.

January 29th
We boarded the VISION OF THE SEAS in the early afternoon. This ship is 2 years old and is 915 feet in length. Met one couple we had cruised with 5 years ago. When our luggage arrived at our cabin door, our large hard case luggage bag had been broken at the hinges. Good thing we always have wide straps around all of our luggage. This was the only thing that kept it from coming apart. They offload about 2000 people by 9:30 am and then loads up another 2000 people at 12:30. Seems to be organized chaos, but they get it done very efficiently. We left port at 10:00 pm heading out to sea later than planned due to the ship waiting on late flights for passengers. One of the first things we always do is to check our dining table assignment type and location. We were able to get it changed it to round table. This is a very beautiful ship. It is humorous to watch the passengers heading towards the food and bar immediately upon boarding the ship. The Captain came up to us and welcomed us. Of all the thousands of people he has met, he remembered us from 2 years ago. Found out later, this is the 68th cruise the ship has done since it has been launched.

January 30th
Think I am coming down with something and not feeling well. We walked around the ship and bought a few things from the onboard shops. I took Pam breakfast to our cabin after I went out early in the morning for coffee. Calm seas today. We watched the Super Bowl game on the satellite TV system onboard. My team lost. Attire for this evening is casual. Shore excursion talks are going on most of the day to explain what to do/where to shop/when to go/etc., when in port. Been to many of these places before, so did not attend.

January 31st
It is a formal dinner tonight, so I wore my tux. We went to Captains Welcome Onboard Party before dinner. They have 2 of them, one for the early seating and one for the late seating. The Captain did a short speech and then answered questions from the floor. He discussed the company and the new ships being built. After lunch, while Pam took her nap, I did my normal 10 fast walking laps around the bridge deck that is 1/3rd mile around. Trying to get some exercise and keep in some form of shape. It is hot and muggy. Feels great to be in shorts. Sure lots of old and fat people onboard this ship. Think Pam and I are the youngest ones? Lots of people are around the swimming pools, but not many are actually in the pools. Ever see a 300 lb. woman in a thong bikini? Not a pretty sight. Seas about 4 feet, ship smooth, but people are taking pills for sea sickness. Played slot machines, won $50, and lost $40. Oh well, cheap entertainment? Think the reason for not feeling well was not drinking enough water and I got dehydrated. Later, Captain Bang came up to us and said he would see us later in the week. Wonder what this means? Midnight buffet is tonight, but was not able to stay awake to go to it.

February 1st
We arrived and docked at Puntarenas, Caldera Bay, Costa Rica at 7:00 am. This country has no military whatsoever, and spend their money on education instead. The currency is called "colon". The exchange rate is about 220 colons to $1 USA dollar. This country is about the size of West Virginia. Tourism and coffee are the main industries. Odd to find almost 25,000 Americans have retired to this country. Now, Pam is not feeling well. Weather is 85 degrees and the seawater temperature is the same. Set clocks ahead one hour tonight. Pam and I have learned from experience that you must sign up for tours very quickly, otherwise, they get filled up within hours of boarding. Signed up for tours on all other places we will be at during the cruise. Did my daily 10 laps again, only this time, I drank far more water. While doing my laps, I was going by the area on the bridge deck that has the exercise room. While looking thru the windows, I saw a man on the treadmill fall off it. We found out later he died and that the cruise line plans on having one death per cruise and have the facilities just in case. Not impressed at all with this area of Costa Rica. Beaches and land not pretty, at least from what our limited view and experience was. Only a few days later, 2 USA College girls were killed outside the capital of San Jose. Left port at 6:00 pm and headed out to sea. Attire for dinner tonight is casual.

February 2nd
At sea all day and during the night heading south for the Panama Canal. Saw a waterspout (called a tornado when on land) about 10 miles from the ship towards shore. Saw whales. Rain now and then most of day, but very warm. Slipped under our door was a notice to join the Captain for dinner tonight. They only select 8 people to have dinner with him out of 2000 people. The Captain knew us from our cruises 2 years ago.
Pam now not feeling good, getting worse, but she was not going to miss dinner with the Captain under any circumstances. Noticed most of people onboard are not what I would call good looking. Lots of hard looking people with odd types of clothing. Some in long sleeved shirts and sweaters even when it is 85 degrees or more. Bet there is at least 30 to 40 different nationalities of guests onboard. Many speak very little English. Have not seen one child yet (good!!). While doing my laps, went by a woman sun tanning topless. Trust me, was not a pretty sight, like wrinkled leather. Many Europeans go topless when sun bathing I was told. We sent e-mails from the Internet Cafe. I started another book. Later, both of us ended up most of the night coughing and not getting much sleep.

February 3rd
We arrived at the Panama Canal about 6:00 am. The ship has to go thru 3 locks in order to raise the ship up 85 feet to the level of the lake between the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans. The locks are 108 feet wide and the ship is 106 feet wide. Been taking a lot of photos. Pam and I decided to see the doctor onboard. They have a very good hospital and equipment onboard. Did tests to see what we had. Got to get something to get rid of the coughing. Both of us have something similar to the flu. We got medications. The visit to the doctor and the medications are not free. Pam stayed in our cabin all the time during the transit of the Canal. Took about 3 hours to get thru each set of 3 locks. Now into brown fresh water. It is very hot and muggy with no wind. Jungle on both sides, with dense vegetation, and not very pretty. The Canal Authority charges a fee for transit based upon size, tonnage, some other factors, and the revenue of the cargo. Naturally, cruise ships generate a lot of money. The Captain told us it cost $165,000 for the fee each time this ship goes thru the Canal plus about $5000 to re-paint the ship from damage in the locks. Cargo ships pay less. Did not do laps today, concerned about heat stroke. Tides on the Pacific side can be 22 feet. Tides in the Caribbean are on only about 1 foot. We got into the Caribbean Sea about 6:00 pm. The water here is far more beautiful than in the Pacific. Saw 50 to 60 ships on both sides of the Canal waiting their turn to go thru. Some ships take cargo from other ships and take it through the locks to another ship waiting on the other side. We were told that ships are "panamax" built. This means they are built up to the maximum size just barely able to fit the locks. Downtown Panama City is huge with a lot of skyscraper buildings. The Canal Authority had been dredging and blasting out the Canal for the last 5 years or so. They want to make it wider so that ships can pass each other without a one way arrangement made throughout the day. They are cutting off the sharp corners of the Canal as it winds its way over the continental divide. They expect to be done by 2002. There is not much topsoil and it is solid rock they have to blast out and then dredge. The narrower channel is lit up at night with huge floodlights. Ships can go through the Canal 24 hours a day with the sides of the Canal lit up by floodlights.

February 5th
We arrived at Willemstad, Curacao, in the Netherlands Antilles, at 8:00 am at the dock. About 170,000 people live here. This is a Dutch speaking island. The currency is the florin, which is also called a guilder. This island is about 45 miles north of Venezuela. The Netherlands Antilles is a group of 5 islands of which Curacao is the largest. It is about 38 miles long and 8 miles wide. I had very weird dreams last night. Think it is the medication causing it. I woke up refreshed and felt a lot better. A hot and muggy day. The Trade Winds are not here because we are on the lee side of the island. To hot to do laps. One of the tours we signed up for was what they called BEACH TOUR. The beach and the water was very pretty with many shades of blue water. We sat down at the counter of one of the many bars on the beach. Several women walked up to the bar and sat down at the same counter next to us. Guess we should have read the fine print in the tour description. The women only had on the bottoms of their bikinis. The scenery was interesting I thought.

February 6th
We arrived at Oranjestad, Aruba early in the morning. Have traveled 2478 nautical miles so far. About 80,000 people live on the island, which is about 15 miles north of Venezuela. Up to just recently, Aruba was part of the Netherlands Antilles. The citizens of Aruba voted to become independent from the Netherlands. The official language is Dutch. The currency is the Aruban Florin. The island is only 20 miles long, about 6 miles wide, and has the most beautiful beaches in the world. Pam is feeling very much better after going back to the doctor for different pills yesterday. We had signed up for a submarine tour, but had written down the departure time wrong. This submarine goes down 150 feet. Good thing we missed it. Found out later that everyone got sea sick because of rough seas. We got a refund with out any questions. We went into town instead. The Cruise Director was upset because so many shops were closed today (Sunday). Normally, every port that a cruise ship comes into, the shops would be opened for business. Many other cruise ships are here. Pam wanted us to go to the evening Show. I feel asleep during the Show, but did not snore, I was told.

February 7th
Seas were about 12 feet during the night. When I say 12 feet, this is measured from flat water level. This means it is 12 feet up and another 12 feet down. Again, lots of sick people. Pam and I had no problem. Have been taking a lot of photos. At sea all day and during the night. Both of us now feeling better. Got invited to the Diamond Level exclusive party. Only those with 10 or more cruises with Royal Caribbean get invited. When finished with this trip, will have done 17 with this cruise line. Every night a special desert or bottle of wine is being delivered to our stateroom as a gift from the various ship department managers. Finished another book. We received a millenium sculpture from the cruise line. Decided to ship it home. It was a heavy bronze hand with the world in it on a wave with a marble base.

February 8th
Arrived at St. Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands. Had to clear US Customs with many forms to fill out. Found a K-Mart in St. Thomas. Bought a replacement suitcase. Have to pack all luggage tonight and put out in the hallway. During the night, they pick up the luggage and take them below so they can offload them the next day when we arrive back in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This will be our last night onboard. Sure have been seeing a lot of fat people. Think they eat 24 hours a day. Have observed people in the casino gambling all day and night. Some bet $500 like it was $5. Not for me. Walked around town, went up to the top of local mountain. Sure a pretty view. Been giving advice to lots of people about what to do, what to see, what is not worth going to, etc. Finished another book.

February 9th
Arrived at San Juan, Puerto Rico about 4:00 am. Disembarked the ship about 10:00 am and walked across the street to the Wyndham Hotel, a newly finished hotel we say being built 2 years ago. Had to wait several hours before getting our room. We were able to get a suite that overlooked the Cruise Ship terminal just across the street for $40 extra per night. A great view out of our window. Took the free Trolley Bus around Old San Juan to see the sights. Streets are extremely narrow and traffic blocks intersections a lot. The buildings are just about the same ones when the pirates were here. Almost can imagine what it was like. Watched the cruise ship we were just on leave about 10:00 pm with another 2000 people onboard to head back thru the Panama Canal. Several other cruise ships are tied up loading and off loading more passengers, fuel, provisions, and other supplies. Appears to be very hectic, but amazingly, it gets done quickly. The Wyndham Hotel also has a casino. Gambling goes on 20 hours a day. The cruise ships have casinos also, but due to port regulations have to be closed while in port. The cruise ship had a limit of $500 per bet. The Hotel had a limit of $25,000 per bet. We had our laundry done while at the Hotel to be ready for our next cruise in 3 days. Had to buy 2 shorts. Fully convinced things shrink when in the tropics.

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