May 7, 2025

COLON, PANAMA

This is a repeat Port - we were here right before Christmas last year. A couple significant things happened this time in Colon. First my travel buddy for the last 6 months left, Yes Scottie went home to San Francisco. Not sure when and if he will return! Ok a little dramatic - he has a reservation to come back August 28th, but he has a lot to sort through at home. Make haste buddy!

Second, Angel had a Birthday and his partner Eddie got permission to do a private small silent disco night and I was luck to be amongst the 30 invited guest!! These guys live across the hall from me and are two of my favorite people! Angel a retired hair dresser is one of the kindest gentlest soul I know. Eddie has so much energy for life it's contagious!

Third, these two neighbors and also on my top people on board ship list, got Married in a civil service in Canada. Congratulations Ron ( taller one) and Pete! They are having another fancy family and friend wedding in New York State next month. Anxious for their return and to hear all about it. Ron is an interior designer and we share a passion for architecture.

TERNATE, INDONESIA

By Patricia Patrick • October 13, 2025
Ternate, Indonesia, which is both the name of the city and island, and is part of the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is a port that sees maybe 3 Cruise ships a year. However, they really made an effort to show us the best of what they can offer. It's mainly a Muslim country, and we knew we had to dress discretely, but we knew little else. We didn't have our typical port talk prior, due to a technical issue with the AV equipment. Ben a fellow resident, organized an island tour, with about 8 stops, for 90 of us residents.

CEBU, PHILIPPINES

By Patricia Patrick • October 10, 2025
Cebu greeted our Ship with a big warm welcome, despite having just been rocked by a major Earthquake, days before our arrival. The Minister of Tourism arrived with a motorcade and she proceeded to chat with the residents and thank us, for all our support.

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

By Patricia Patrick • October 2, 2025
Today we were Cave explorers! We went to the one of UNESCO newly classified 7 NEW WONDERS OF NATURE - The Puerto Princesa Underground River.