Live from the Panama Canal Cruise with Jennifer, Dave, and Alexander About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

Greetings from the Disney Magic!

(All live reports, photos, and videos are linked at this page: PassPorter.com: Disney Magic's Transcanal Voyage from California to Florida through the Panama Canal and along the Mexican Riviera )

The hurricane excitement of this morning has resolved into a pleasant day at sea on this, the third day of our 14-day Pamana Canal Cruise. The skies are partly cloudy and the sun is out (77 F and 98% humidity). The report from the bridge says we're sailing at 18.3 knots and we're about 186 nautical miles south of Cabo San Lucas, our skipped port. Seas are reported as being "very rough" (waves of 13-20 ft.) and the ship is rocking a fair amount, but the creaking noises have stopped. No seasickness to report here, thankfully!

[If you didn't see my hurricane report, here it is:

8:30 am: The captain mentioned a hurricane last night (Hurricane Hillary) and he thought it would just give us some bad weather. But it seems to have moved faster than anyone expected and we've been outracing it during the night. We were supposed to stop at Cabo San Lucas this morning at 7:30 am, but now we're south of it. I came downstairs to check mail and weather.com -- according to the hurricane map at weather.com - Map Room - Satellite Map, Weather Map, Doppler Radar Storm Track, the hurricane was still south of us. I have to wonder where we are in relation to it -- it would seem like we'd be pretty close to it. Perhaps we're sailing close to the mainland or something. The ship is rocking a fair amount, but what's most unnerving is the creaking. I've never heard it before, but then again the Magic is 7 years old so I guess it isn't too surprising. It's pretty loud, though. It's a good thing I'm not frightened of things like this, because I think this would be a bit scary to some. Wow, that was a big wave -- rocked the ship very suddenly. Anyway, we're supposed to try to visit Manzanillo tomorrow since we can't do Cabo San Lucas today. I'll keep you updated. Please don't worry about us -- ships can outrun hurricanes. The weather may just be choppy for us. Honestly, the ship is rocking so much right now that I'm mostly worried about getting seasick.)

1:00 pm - We've successfully outrun the hurricane! The seas are a bit calmer and the sun is breaking through the clouds. All is well here and no one in our party is seasick. Alexander is doing well today, too -- we just finished lunch during which he ate all sorts of fruit, pepper marinated in balsamic vinegar, chicken salad, broccoli, califlower, carrots, French bread, chocolate pudding, apple pie, and milk (mostly he shared from our plates).]

Here's a recap of our cruise so far...

Boarding at the World Cruise Center was simple and efficient. We arrived at quarter to noon to drop off the luggage, Alexander, and me. Then Dave returned the rental car and we checked it around 1:00, boarding shortly thereafter. We met up with our traveling companions, Bruce and Marta, and discovered that Disney had changed our seating assignment. So Dave went off with Marta to correct that as well as make some changes to our Palo reservations, while I went to the stateroom to let sleepy Alexander nap in peace.


The fireboat gave us a send-off as we cruised out of the port

I arrived at our stateroom (#7063, category 11) and my heart sank. It was so small! Let me explain. We've been on nine Disney cruises, but this is the first time we booked an inside stateroom and didn't get upgraded (we generally book porthole rooms anyway). We figured an inside stateroom would be fine, and it was high time we actually experienced one. Well, we're certainly experiencing it... with more luggage than usual, a baby who requires a bulky crib and space to toddle around, and 14 days and nights without a window! Yikes! We were mad! That began my quick descent into a funk which I've only recently pulled out of (hence the lack of reports until today). Things improved once we put our stuff away (which required creativity -- we've got things stored everywhere, including behind the TV and under the bed) and found a place for the crib where we weren't tripping over it. Here's the before and after pictures:


Before


After

You'll notice we pushed the bed against one wall to give us room to keep the crib next to it -- this is a lifesaver! I'd never moved the furniture around in a stateroom like this, but I found it wasn't too hard -- the beds and nightstands are designed to move to create two twin beds anyway. I also tend to keep the table up against the door of the cooler to prevent Alexander from opening it and shutting his little fingers in the door (been there, done that). Alexander's car seat fits under the desk, and his umbrella stroller is folded up into the closet. The room baby-proofs pretty easily, too.

I'm becoming used to the room. I really miss the window and extra space of more expensive staterooms, but this room does have its advantages. It's easy to take a nap in as you can dim the room or turn the lights off completely. And having the bed in the back of the room makes for easier flow, plus closing the curtains makes for a private and cozy "sleeping chamber" of sorts. Generally we're trying to stay out of the room as much as we can, but Alexander needs some toddling-around time each day and it works best in here. I'll let you know how the room is wearing on us later in the cruise.

I missed lunch and dinner the first day due to a sleepy baby who needed to catch up on his zzzz's, so I had room service (excellent) and later on Dave brought back some roast beef and creme brulee from Animator's Palate. Meals have improved greatly for me since the first day -- brunch at Lumiere's yesterday morning (Eggs Benedict, yum!) and dinner at Parrot Cay (smoked salmon). Alexander's mood seems to being paralleling mine, and he's also eating better as the cruise goes on. This morning we ate in Parrot Cay and he happily munched on fruit, yogurt, cheese, bacon, and milk.

Alexander is doing reasonably well. He's sleeping more than usual, but seems happy and active otherwise. He's just entered a new phase of independence and can be fussier than he's been before. I'm still adjusting to this. The 4-hour plane ride (his 13th flight) was an adventure -- he cried a bit at the start and the older couple seated in front of us complained loudly for 20 minutes. Not very pleasant. I'm discovering that the better I handle his fussing, the less he does it. He had an interesting time in his baby lifejacket -- he was just fine until we got to the assembly station, at which point he screamed and wriggled until the cast member finally told us we could take him out of the jacket (to the great relief of everyone around us, I'm sure).


A happy Alexander in his lifejacket

This cruise seems to be full of Disney fans, many of whom are either on the Internet or have come across our cruise guide somewhere. We were asked for our autograph twice at the terminal, even though I was feeling shy and trying to lay low. And people keep thanking us for writing the book. It's really nice to be recognized and I'm very happy we've been able to help with their cruise vacations. I was unprepared for the recognition -- I've been working so hard up to this cruise that I really only had time to throw my stuff in the suitcase at the last minute. I have to fight the urge to hide out in my stateroom at times -- I love to meet people, but sometimes I wish for more anonymity (I'm just too shy). I tend to forget this when I'm using myself as a model for the photos in the book. Oh well! It's good for me, right?

The crew did a good job today of providing activities at the last minute. The live auction of art and collectibles was very popular, but some of prices were SO expensive -- I heard one thing starting at $16,000! Uh, sorry, not in the budget! Dave is at the movies (The Incredibles) with Alexander. I'm supposed to be at the spa, but I decided to save it for another day so I could work on this report.

Tonight is Palo. Alexander goes to Flounder's Reef Nursery at 8:00. We plan to feed him first at Topsider's as they won't feed him in the nursery. I'm looking forward to an adult's night out. So tune into the next installment in the continuing saga... Will Jennifer and Dave enjoy their evening at Palo? Will Alexander have fun at Flounder's Reef? And what will we do in Manzanillo, a port we haven't researched at all?

Click here for day 4's report

[Tink and co.]

Jennifer! It sounds like your cruise is starting to improve. Thanks for posting, but now I'm green with envy! Great pic in the life jackets...you are famous, I've been telling everyone I know that I met you and Dave (and Alexander and Allie). It was certainly a highlight of our trip! Have fun, and tell us about everything...

[Colexis Mom]

Thanks for letting us in on your trip Jennifer Sorry you didn't get the room upgrade you were looking for But it looks like you made good use of the space in that room!

Glad your spirits have picked up, as well as Alexanders! And that you outran the hurricane

Can't wait for more updates

[Grammy Grumpy]

Glad to hear the rocking and rolling isn't causing any problems. Congrats on the creative bedroom design, I'll keep that in mind when/if we actually book a cruise in the future!

[gwugirl03]

Whoa Jennifer! That is indeed a small stateroom. I am glad you were able to open it up a little more. Sounds like a fun trip though. Alexander looks soooo happy in that life jacket. I can't wait to read more about your trip!

[dmpyron]

I thought the 11's, 10's, 9's and 8's were all identical except for location. Am I confused?

[chezp]

Thanks for the update Jennifer - the cruise so far sounds wonderful, despite the room, but as you said, you have to experience all the categories of room available. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the cruise more now - and that Alexander is as well.

Sorry you're not enjoying the "celebrity" status that much, but I can understand that. I hope it quietens down for you on that front and you're able to relax and enjoy the rest of the cruise.

I can't wait to read more!

[Plannergirl]

Have fun and thanks for the info. I grew up in Panama'-get ready for some fatastic views :-)

[crystalloubear]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you all are getting in the swing of things. I think our whole family sleeps more than normal on a cruise - all that relaxing is so tiring to me and the kids are just so hyped that they fizzle out.
I feel your pain on Alexander's changes. DD is 18 months and has been on many different kinds of trips. She never really fusses on a plane but the one time when she did the people in front of us were complaning loudly. Luck you kept your composure. I lost my temper and told the people "I don't find the babies crying half as annoying as your insescent (sp??) complaining." Needless to say, the rest of the flight was awkward.
Enjoy the rest of your trip and try to enjoy your celebrity moments. The people who recognize you obviously think highly of you guys. I would imagine it could get overwhelming, though. Don't bail out of your spa visit - you deserve some pampering. Keep us updated! Have fun!

[Tig&Poo]

Jennifer you were so creative in your room arrangement. i hope it works out for you! here is some pixie dust!

[RobDVC]

Wow! Quite an adventurous start to your cruise. I'm soory you weren't able to get upgraded this time, but it looks like you're doing a good job of making-do.

[Jennifer Marx]

Thank you all! I'm just checking mail briefly before going into Manzanillo. Dave and Alexander are still asleep, can you believe it?!? That's one of the big drawbacks of having no window, especially when you're like us and wake up to light rather than alarms.

[2princessmom]

I am so envious! I can't wait to hear more. I am glad that things are settling down for you. I can't wait to hear more!

[dsnytina]

Jennifer:
So glad you outran the hurricane!
Sorry about having the blues on the cruise...that happened on our 2000 cruise, but the cruise this year was the best! (We went on the June 4-11 West Coast cruise.)
Hope you have a better time and let us know about your Spa Treatment!
Tina

[Jennifer Marx]

As expected, last night's dinner at Palo was delightful (Palo is the premium, adults-only restaurant that requires reservations). We dined with our friends Bruce and Marta, and had the pleasure of Sasha as our server (we'd first met Sasha on the inaugural Western Caribbean Disney cruise in May 2002). We shared two pizzas (Proscuitto and Levante, mmm!) and enjoyed entrees of rack of lamb and linguini carbonara. For dessert we had, of course, the famous chocolate souffle, and the server brought a couple of extra desserts (but we were really too full to do them justice). Something new for us -- Sasha brought each of us a complimentary glass of a refreshing, champagne-based, after-dinner drink, shot-glass sized. It was offered just before dessert to "cleanse the palate."


Enjoying a drink at the Palo bar before dinner

After dinner we spent some time chatting with PJ, the maitre d' at Palo. He patiently answered our puzzled questions about why we were only allowed to make one Palo booking on a two-week cruise. Believe it or not, there are some guests who were unable to get even one Palo booking for this cruise due to Palo's popularity. Obviously, those guests will be accommodated first if vacancies arise. And as this cruise has a very high percentage of return cruisers, essentially everyone knows about Palo and wants to eat there. We put our names on a waiting list, and PJ suggested we check back later in the cruise to see if there are any last-minute cancellations that we could squeeze into.

Alexander, in the meantime, was enjoying himself in Flounder's Reef Nursery. Before we dropped him off there, we'd taken him upstairs to Topsider's for his dinner, as they don't feed children in the nursery. He enjoyed cheese tortellini, quesadillas and salsa, fruit, corn, green beans, and beautifully grilled chicken (Daddy was sorely tempted to finish Alexander's portion - only the impending pleasures of Palo were enough to stop him). Once Alexander was fed, we brought him around to the nursery and checked him in. He happily went off with the friendly crew member without a backwards glance. We took our pager and enjoyed dinner without any calls for help. When we picked him up at midnight, he was asleep in his pajamas in one of the cribs. Easy as pie.

Back in the stateroom, I tucked Alexander in and settled in for a read while Dave took the laptop to deck 5 to research Manzanillo, the port we were visiting in lieu of Cabo San Lucas thanks to Hurricane Hillary. He didn't find anything terribly compelling about Manzanillo, though it seemed pleasant enough. Manzanillo is considered the sail fishing capital of the world (Dave considered a fishing charter for the morning, but nobody else was interested), but there's not much in the town of architectural or historical interest. The town has plenty of resort hotels and a substantial American expatriate population. Excursions include visits to the volcano to the north (90 miles away) and some beach trips. It's one of the most active commercial ports on the West coast of Mexico. We decided to wait until we arrived to see if we wanted to venture out.

Alexander, by the way, has two new skills. In the last week we've seen him wave bye-bye fairly consistently, and in the last few days we've been hearing him say "Da" clearly when looking at or trying to get Dave's attention. And as I write this, he's picking up and dropping his sandal (which he took off his foot, of course) and saying "Uh oh!" each time he drops it. Then he laughs manically. It's amazing how little things like this can impress me!


Alexander admires the cute baby in the stateroom mirror

I woke the next morning to total darkness, of course, and had no idea what time it might be. Turns out it was 10:15 am -- yikes! So much for making much of our time in port. Dave and Alexander continued to sleep while I sneaked out to check e-mail on deck 5. We finally all made it out of our "cave" by 11:45, just in time for lunch at Topsider's. We sat outside and enjoys the beautiful views of Manzanillo, which is quite a bit more scenic than we expected with steep, green hills surrounding the bay.


Lunch at Topsider's while docked in Manzanillo


Alexander mugs for the camera at Topsider's


Lovely Manzanillo


Alexander gets a great view of Manzanillo

After lunch we took photos and a little movie (Dave did his best impersonation of a TV travel guide). At this point we decided it would be best to simply remain on board, so we headed down to the theater to watch "National Treasure." Alexander conveniently fell asleep and woke once the movie was over. Hallelujah!

Click here to download and view a movie of Dave's introduction to Manzanillo (QuickTime format, 2.5 MB)

I have an idea for the darkness in the morning. I'm thinking of turning on the TV to the "View from the Bridge" channel and then muting the volume. That way I can see whether its light outside by glancing at the TV. And as long as I keep the curtains closed, the light from the TV shouldn't bother us. I'll try it tonight.

Until the next time!