The Panama Canal has always fascinated me, and I had long wondered about its intricate operations. At the end of 2024, I had the opportunity to embark on a 15-day cruise aboard the Norwegian Joy, departing from Miami and cruising through Central America. This journey offered a front-row seat to witness the entire process of ships passing through the Panama Canal—an awe-inspiring experience.
Itinerary Highlights: this trip included stops at:
-Departing from Miami, Florida
-Cartagena, Colombia
-Transiting the Panama Canal
-Panama City, Panama
-Puntarenas, Costa Rica
-Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
-Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
-Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
-Ending in Los Angeles, California
When I discovered that the price difference between single and double occupancy was minimal and that I needed to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast anyway, this trip felt like the perfect choice. It became my first solo cruise, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
The cruise’s timing (November 30 to December 15) was ideal. Central America’s December weather was delightful, with temperatures averaging around 72°F and minimal rain. It made exploring each port of call even more enjoyable.
The itinerary was well-balanced, with sea days spread throughout the journey. These days offered the perfect opportunity to relax, read, and indulge in some writing, making the trip both rejuvenating and creatively fulfilling.
This cruise was not just a journey through stunning destinations but also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals, all while enjoying the unique experience of transiting the Panama Canal. It’s an adventure I’ll always cherish.
Although I have cruised many times before, this was the first time I discovered that the cruise ship did not provide complimentary transportation from the port of call to the town or city, except in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This policy made Norwegian's excursions feel almost mandatory, which was disappointing.
-------------------------------
Norwegian did an excellent job organizing activities to bring solo travelers together. Each day, there was a meet-and-greet hosted by a dedicated director who was very personable and outgoing, working hard to create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone to mingle.
One aspect of this activity that I particularly enjoyed was not having to worry about eating dinner alone. After the mingling session, we had the option to go for dinner together, either as a group or with people of our choice, which was very nice. While I don’t mind doing things or having lunch alone, it’s always enjoyable to meet new people, especially for dinner. It’s not just about making friends—it’s an opportunity for me to learn about different cultures, government systems, lifestyles, food, and more from people around the world.
Among the solo travelers I met, their ages ranged from 21 to over 80. Roughly 30% were in their 30s and 40s, 20% were between 40 and 60, and 50% were 65 or older.
No comments:
Post a Comment