May 17, 2025

PUERTO CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Puerto Chiapas, Mexico is a sleepy little spot on the Mexican coast. My friends Bonnie & Stevie, who I know from Ocean City, NJ were suppose to join me here for a nine day stay. Unfortunately, the immigration officials, who would process them for embarking decided to take the day off! Even though 5/5 is NOT a Mexican holiday!! We in the USA, are the ones who celebrate CINCO DE MAYO!

Worse the agents didn't bother to notify us until the day before, when Bonnie & Steve were at the airport boarding their flight here! Luckily, they were able to change their tickets and fly to our next Port. Sadly, they lost 2 days with me on the Ship; it was very frustrating and totally out of our control!!

The Port did pull together a special performance to greet us! Youngsters from the area performed several dances right outside our gangway. It was early and I was still in my Pj's so these photo's are from my balcony.

There was very little in the way of a town, outside of the Port, per my other shipmates reports. However, what was unique, is there was a large fresh water swimming pool, picnic area and pavilion, with a bar, restaurant and restrooms right in the Port Dock for us all to use. Both crew and residents were welcome, which was great and unique - we rarely get to have shared down time with the crew. This made for a very popular way to chill and spend the afternoon.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - Final Day

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
I really enjoyed my first trip to Thailand! On our final morning here we went to try breakfast at this spot, down the road, we had been hearing rave reviews on, King Of Bread . The hype was correct, the breakfast was delicious and they had some unique choices. I had eggs benedict on a croissant, in lieu of the standard english muffin and Bosco had it on Milk Bread, which was equally tasty.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - Cooking Class

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
We love having authentic experiences with locals to really get a chance to see how they live and thrive in the Ports we visit. So when I found a cooking class, by a local woman offered in her home, we were excited to book. Um ( our teacher) picked us and brought us back to our hotel along with the family of 4 from Sydney, Australia, that had also signed up for this afternoon class. Um's house, which has a lovely open air kitchen, garden and dining area, was about a 30 minute drive and turned out to be on the beach, right next to the Grandparent Rocks.

KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - NIGHTLIFE

By Pat Patrick • July 14, 2026
The nightlife scene doesn't really get going till after 11pm and goes till 5 am in the Chaweng section of Koh Samui . We made our way over to the club district, and one of the hot spots called the ArkBar a little past 10pm to have some dinner, while watching the beach fire shows.