Andrew DEREK UK
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2004
- Messages
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For people on the Panama cruise on DCL, what follows is highlights from a cruise I took calling at Acapulco, Cabo, and through Panama, for your information of likely trips.
ACAPULCO With its rugged headlands and picture-perfect Sunsets. Acapulco's blue waters welcome an
Average of 3.5 million pleasure-seekers each year The city proudly claims some of the
most-beautiful white-sand beaches in the world. There's almost 40 from which to choose, so
You'll find just the right place to lay your towel.
This lively scene offers you an array of aquatic activities-everything from banana boats to
Parasailing and its La Quebrada cliff divers are world-renowned. You'll gasp for breath just watching these divers risk their lives as they leap from the top of the 130-foot-high
Rock formations.
And that's only the beginning, because Acapulco's after-dark excitement is non-stop.
Party and dance all night at discos by the dozens, or listen to mariachi bands playing in
local bistros and bars. For a more romantic escape, take a horse-drawn carriage or Calandria ride along the main boulevard at twilight. And if you enjoy shopping, visit the many handicrafts markets located throughout
the city. You'll find great buys on handmade clothing, pottery and Taxco silver
Centuries before the "jet-set" established it as a resort capital, Acapulco served as a busy
ship-building centre and an important base for Spain's exploratory endeavours. By the late
1500s, the city had become a major port-of- call for treasure ships laden with silk, gold,
silver and porcelain from the Far East.
After Mexico's successful fight for independence from Spain in the 1800's Acapulco changed from a bustling international port to a quite fishing village. In 1927 this long sleep was broken when a major highway connecting the town with Mexico City was completed. People soon began journeying from the country's capital to Acapulco and, in 1934, the first real hotel opened. It wasn't until after World
War 11, however, that wealthy Americans, virtually barred from war-ravaged Europe, discovered Mexico's Pacific coast, Gradually yet steadily, Acapulco gained new popularity. And the rest is history.
ACAPULCO CITY AND CLIFF DIVERS
the, death-defying feats of Acapulco's la quebada divers highlight this excursion. After boarding your motorcoach, you'll drive through this former fishing village and pass its many colourful beaches en route to the El Mirador Hotel, where you'll view this spectacular daredevil attraction. While travelling, along the Costera Ifiguel Aleman and coastal
highway, you'll enjoy a brief stop to take in the panoramic scenery. Then it's off again to the
world-famous Acapulco Princess Hotel, built in the shape of a Mayan pyramid. This is an excellent tour for the first-time visitor, as it takes you from one end of Acapulco Bay to the other. And you'll also have time to do a little souvenir shopping before heading back to port.
(Sequence of tour stops may vary.)
Duration: Approximately 3 - 4 hours
ACAPULCO DELUXE
combination of sightseeing and relaxation awaits you on this deluxe tour. Discover.
the resort's major attractions, including the famous La Quebrada cliff divers and the
Acapulco Princess Hotel. While at the Vidafel Hotel, part of a new resort, you'll enjoy a buffet lunch before lounging by the pool or on the beach. Remember your swim attire and
sunscreen; towels and changing facilities are provided. There'll also be a stop en route for Shopping. (Sequence of tour stops may vary.)
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
GOLF AT ACAPULCO
For golf enthusiasts, the Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marques offer outstanding championship 18-hole courses. If you're interested independent play, applicable rates for green
fees, club rental and transportation are available onboard ship. Tee times must be requested
no later than 48 hours prior to arrival.
CABO SAN LUCAS MEXICO Graced by the spectacular arched rocks of Los Arcos Cabo San Lucas calmly watches the cool Pacific waters merge with the Sea of Cortes or Gulf of California. Once you experience its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, dry climate and excellent fishing, you'll understand this Baja city's transformation from quiet cannery village to internationally renown resort.
Take a leisurely swim in the spectacular bay, which also serves as an anchorage for fishing
boats and private yachts. Or enjoy the many aquatic sports in these wonderfully warm and
translucent waters. The underwater life, so richly colourful and unspoiled, provides an
unforgettable experience. And one of the best beaches in the world, protected by the calm
bay, spreads north from the Hacienda Hotel The area that is now Cabo San Lucas actually was once located between Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. But millions of years ago, a vast crack in the San Andreas Fault created the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific rushed in, severing the peninsula from mainland Mexico.
For centuries, the peninsula was an isolated and uninviting area inhabited by Cochimi Indians. Then in the 16th century, lured by rumors of Aztec gold, Cortes sent ships to explore the region. Today, cruise ships and yachts carry thousands of tourists each year to soak up the sun-drenched shores and breathtaking beauty that make up Cabo San Lucas.
CABO BY GLASSBOTTOM BOAT AND SCENIC DRIVE
The majestic beauty of Cabo's famous rock formations comes alive as you travel
Aboard a glassbottom boat. Watch for pelicans and playful sea lions as a taped narration
by Jean-Michel Cousteau explains the ecology and points of interest in this area. Afterward
you'll take a scenic taxi drive to Giorgio's Restaurant, located at Cabo Bello. There you'll enjoy a complimentary drink while you take in the panoramic view of Cabo San
Lucas Bay with your ship at anchor. Then it's off again through town, past the plaza and church, back to your ship's tender. If time allows, passengers can choose to get off in town to shop and browse. However, passengers are responsible for making their own way back to the pier.
Duration: Approximately 1 - 2 hours
LOS ARCOS GLASSBOTTOM BOAT RIDE
A wondrous world awaits the moment you board your glassbottom boat. Witness one
of Mexico's most beautiful natural phenomena: the dramatic rock formations of Los
Arcos, situated on the southernmost tip of Baja California. As you glide close to the famous arch. Keep an eye out for pelicans and sea lions bathing in the sun. Top off your trip with a drink at nearby Pelicano's bar 40 mins.
Los arcos glassbottomboat and beach resort
here s your chance to soak in the sights and some sun at the same time. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to the majestic rocks of Los Arcos before being dropped off at the pier of the fabulous Hacienda Hotel. It's the ideal locale for swimming, watersports and relaxation, so remember your swimwear and towel. Snorkelling, parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking are just a few of the available watersports. Enjoy a complementary beverage by the pool or browse through the hotel shops before returning by continuous van shuttle, which runs through town past the plaza and church to your ship's tender.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
COASTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Discover Baia California's dramatic combination of desert terrain and rugged coast-
line rock formations. Your journey begins with a breathtaking view of the seascape and a
visit to a glass-blowing factory, where you Can watch the local craftsmen at work. Then you'll head north to admire the contrasting coastal scenery before stopping at one of Cabo's fabulous premiere resorts to explore the lovely grounds and admire the coastal vistas. You'll stop at Giorgio's Restaurant, located at beautiful Cabo Bello, for a spectacular panoramic view of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas with your ship at anchor From there you'll head to San Jose del Cabo, where you'll have a chance to visit the Little Mission Church and explore this charming town with Its tree lined boulevards and plaza. Then return through the town of Cabo San Lucas where, if time allows, passengers can choose to leave the tour for browsing and make your own way back to the ship's tender.
Duration.. Approximately 2 hours
SAIL N'SNORKEL
With your swimwear on and beach towel in hand, you'll delight in each moment
of this fun-filled excursion. Step aboard the sailing catamaran Pez Gato, bound for a
secluded tropical cove, where you'll have a chance to swim, snorkel or work on your tan.
Then it's time for a cruise to the fabled arch that marks the boundary between the Sea of
Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. You'll even visit a playful colony of sea lions. Once on
the Pacific side, the sails are hoisted for a sailing circuit of San Lucus Bay, with its
unspoiled shoreline, romantic little coves and impressive hotels, With unlimited rum punch
and limeade served by your friendly crew, the trip back to port turns into a real Mexican
festa on the high seas. Snorkelling equipment and instruction are provided.
Approx 2 hours
Panama Canal. Without a doubt, one unforgettable feature your cruise will be the spectacular Panama Canal Onboard your ship, you'll cruise this 50-mile waterway that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During this eight-hour transit, you'll come to appreciate firsthand the scope of the engineering achievements that the Panama Canal represents. Your experience will be enhanced by the area's lush tropical scenery and tranquil blue-green waters.
Completed in 1914, the Panama Canal was the culmination of a dream shared by many that begins in 1513 with the Spanish conquistador Balboa. He was the first European to trek across the 43-mile-wide isthmus. The French Canal Company began construction of the Panama Canal in 1880 but, plagued by disease, financial burdens, and engineering problems, sold its rights and properties to the United States for $40 million. France's.
investment in the canal project was $287 million, a loss of $240 million.
The United States began construction in 1904 and completed the monumental project in 10
years at a cost of approximately $387 million. The building of the canal involved three main
problems: engineering, sanitation, and organisation. For example, the engineering challenges alone involved digging through the Continental Divide, constructing the largest
earth dam ever built up to that time, designing and building the most massive canal locks
ever envisioned, constructing the largest gates ever swung, and solving environmental problems of enormous proportions.
Today, the United States continues to oversee operations of the canal, although it did sign a
treaty in the late 1970s to transfer the canal back to Panama by the 21st century. Until
that time, the canal is under the direction of the Panama Canal Commission, a U.S. government agency set up to operate it.
Your complete canal transit is composed of cruising through three sets of locks. The GATT
Locks are situated on the Caribbean side of the Continental Divide, while the Padre Mogul
and Miraflores Locks are on the Pacific side.
Ships transuding the canal are raised and lowered 85 feet in this three-lock set.
Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard Cut. Gatun
Lake is one of the world's largest manmade lakes, spanning 163 square miles. Gaillard
Cut is an eight-mile channel built through solid rock, the most difficult excavation in the
canal construction. There is no better way to experience this magnificent wonder than from the deck of a transuding ship and we look forward to having you onboard. For your added enjoyment, a lecturer will provide interesting commentary throughout the canal passage. For this special day, please be sure to have extra film for your camera and plenty of sunscreen.
PANAMA CANAL SOUVENIR CRUISE VIDEO
This specially produced Cruise Video features a tour of your ship, along with the ports you visited during your cruise. These can be ordered onboard at the Tour Office.
Ships photographers will be on the land taking pictures of you as you go through the lock on the Panama Canal. So do smile and stand near the rail for a good picture.
ACAPULCO With its rugged headlands and picture-perfect Sunsets. Acapulco's blue waters welcome an
Average of 3.5 million pleasure-seekers each year The city proudly claims some of the
most-beautiful white-sand beaches in the world. There's almost 40 from which to choose, so
You'll find just the right place to lay your towel.
This lively scene offers you an array of aquatic activities-everything from banana boats to
Parasailing and its La Quebrada cliff divers are world-renowned. You'll gasp for breath just watching these divers risk their lives as they leap from the top of the 130-foot-high
Rock formations.
And that's only the beginning, because Acapulco's after-dark excitement is non-stop.
Party and dance all night at discos by the dozens, or listen to mariachi bands playing in
local bistros and bars. For a more romantic escape, take a horse-drawn carriage or Calandria ride along the main boulevard at twilight. And if you enjoy shopping, visit the many handicrafts markets located throughout
the city. You'll find great buys on handmade clothing, pottery and Taxco silver
Centuries before the "jet-set" established it as a resort capital, Acapulco served as a busy
ship-building centre and an important base for Spain's exploratory endeavours. By the late
1500s, the city had become a major port-of- call for treasure ships laden with silk, gold,
silver and porcelain from the Far East.
After Mexico's successful fight for independence from Spain in the 1800's Acapulco changed from a bustling international port to a quite fishing village. In 1927 this long sleep was broken when a major highway connecting the town with Mexico City was completed. People soon began journeying from the country's capital to Acapulco and, in 1934, the first real hotel opened. It wasn't until after World
War 11, however, that wealthy Americans, virtually barred from war-ravaged Europe, discovered Mexico's Pacific coast, Gradually yet steadily, Acapulco gained new popularity. And the rest is history.
ACAPULCO CITY AND CLIFF DIVERS
the, death-defying feats of Acapulco's la quebada divers highlight this excursion. After boarding your motorcoach, you'll drive through this former fishing village and pass its many colourful beaches en route to the El Mirador Hotel, where you'll view this spectacular daredevil attraction. While travelling, along the Costera Ifiguel Aleman and coastal
highway, you'll enjoy a brief stop to take in the panoramic scenery. Then it's off again to the
world-famous Acapulco Princess Hotel, built in the shape of a Mayan pyramid. This is an excellent tour for the first-time visitor, as it takes you from one end of Acapulco Bay to the other. And you'll also have time to do a little souvenir shopping before heading back to port.
(Sequence of tour stops may vary.)
Duration: Approximately 3 - 4 hours
ACAPULCO DELUXE
combination of sightseeing and relaxation awaits you on this deluxe tour. Discover.
the resort's major attractions, including the famous La Quebrada cliff divers and the
Acapulco Princess Hotel. While at the Vidafel Hotel, part of a new resort, you'll enjoy a buffet lunch before lounging by the pool or on the beach. Remember your swim attire and
sunscreen; towels and changing facilities are provided. There'll also be a stop en route for Shopping. (Sequence of tour stops may vary.)
Duration: Approximately 7 hours
GOLF AT ACAPULCO
For golf enthusiasts, the Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marques offer outstanding championship 18-hole courses. If you're interested independent play, applicable rates for green
fees, club rental and transportation are available onboard ship. Tee times must be requested
no later than 48 hours prior to arrival.
CABO SAN LUCAS MEXICO Graced by the spectacular arched rocks of Los Arcos Cabo San Lucas calmly watches the cool Pacific waters merge with the Sea of Cortes or Gulf of California. Once you experience its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, dry climate and excellent fishing, you'll understand this Baja city's transformation from quiet cannery village to internationally renown resort.
Take a leisurely swim in the spectacular bay, which also serves as an anchorage for fishing
boats and private yachts. Or enjoy the many aquatic sports in these wonderfully warm and
translucent waters. The underwater life, so richly colourful and unspoiled, provides an
unforgettable experience. And one of the best beaches in the world, protected by the calm
bay, spreads north from the Hacienda Hotel The area that is now Cabo San Lucas actually was once located between Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. But millions of years ago, a vast crack in the San Andreas Fault created the Sea of Cortes and the Pacific rushed in, severing the peninsula from mainland Mexico.
For centuries, the peninsula was an isolated and uninviting area inhabited by Cochimi Indians. Then in the 16th century, lured by rumors of Aztec gold, Cortes sent ships to explore the region. Today, cruise ships and yachts carry thousands of tourists each year to soak up the sun-drenched shores and breathtaking beauty that make up Cabo San Lucas.
CABO BY GLASSBOTTOM BOAT AND SCENIC DRIVE
The majestic beauty of Cabo's famous rock formations comes alive as you travel
Aboard a glassbottom boat. Watch for pelicans and playful sea lions as a taped narration
by Jean-Michel Cousteau explains the ecology and points of interest in this area. Afterward
you'll take a scenic taxi drive to Giorgio's Restaurant, located at Cabo Bello. There you'll enjoy a complimentary drink while you take in the panoramic view of Cabo San
Lucas Bay with your ship at anchor. Then it's off again through town, past the plaza and church, back to your ship's tender. If time allows, passengers can choose to get off in town to shop and browse. However, passengers are responsible for making their own way back to the pier.
Duration: Approximately 1 - 2 hours
LOS ARCOS GLASSBOTTOM BOAT RIDE
A wondrous world awaits the moment you board your glassbottom boat. Witness one
of Mexico's most beautiful natural phenomena: the dramatic rock formations of Los
Arcos, situated on the southernmost tip of Baja California. As you glide close to the famous arch. Keep an eye out for pelicans and sea lions bathing in the sun. Top off your trip with a drink at nearby Pelicano's bar 40 mins.
Los arcos glassbottomboat and beach resort
here s your chance to soak in the sights and some sun at the same time. Take a glass-bottom boat ride to the majestic rocks of Los Arcos before being dropped off at the pier of the fabulous Hacienda Hotel. It's the ideal locale for swimming, watersports and relaxation, so remember your swimwear and towel. Snorkelling, parasailing, jet skiing and kayaking are just a few of the available watersports. Enjoy a complementary beverage by the pool or browse through the hotel shops before returning by continuous van shuttle, which runs through town past the plaza and church to your ship's tender.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
COASTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Discover Baia California's dramatic combination of desert terrain and rugged coast-
line rock formations. Your journey begins with a breathtaking view of the seascape and a
visit to a glass-blowing factory, where you Can watch the local craftsmen at work. Then you'll head north to admire the contrasting coastal scenery before stopping at one of Cabo's fabulous premiere resorts to explore the lovely grounds and admire the coastal vistas. You'll stop at Giorgio's Restaurant, located at beautiful Cabo Bello, for a spectacular panoramic view of the Bay of Cabo San Lucas with your ship at anchor From there you'll head to San Jose del Cabo, where you'll have a chance to visit the Little Mission Church and explore this charming town with Its tree lined boulevards and plaza. Then return through the town of Cabo San Lucas where, if time allows, passengers can choose to leave the tour for browsing and make your own way back to the ship's tender.
Duration.. Approximately 2 hours
SAIL N'SNORKEL
With your swimwear on and beach towel in hand, you'll delight in each moment
of this fun-filled excursion. Step aboard the sailing catamaran Pez Gato, bound for a
secluded tropical cove, where you'll have a chance to swim, snorkel or work on your tan.
Then it's time for a cruise to the fabled arch that marks the boundary between the Sea of
Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. You'll even visit a playful colony of sea lions. Once on
the Pacific side, the sails are hoisted for a sailing circuit of San Lucus Bay, with its
unspoiled shoreline, romantic little coves and impressive hotels, With unlimited rum punch
and limeade served by your friendly crew, the trip back to port turns into a real Mexican
festa on the high seas. Snorkelling equipment and instruction are provided.
Approx 2 hours
Panama Canal. Without a doubt, one unforgettable feature your cruise will be the spectacular Panama Canal Onboard your ship, you'll cruise this 50-mile waterway that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. During this eight-hour transit, you'll come to appreciate firsthand the scope of the engineering achievements that the Panama Canal represents. Your experience will be enhanced by the area's lush tropical scenery and tranquil blue-green waters.
Completed in 1914, the Panama Canal was the culmination of a dream shared by many that begins in 1513 with the Spanish conquistador Balboa. He was the first European to trek across the 43-mile-wide isthmus. The French Canal Company began construction of the Panama Canal in 1880 but, plagued by disease, financial burdens, and engineering problems, sold its rights and properties to the United States for $40 million. France's.
investment in the canal project was $287 million, a loss of $240 million.
The United States began construction in 1904 and completed the monumental project in 10
years at a cost of approximately $387 million. The building of the canal involved three main
problems: engineering, sanitation, and organisation. For example, the engineering challenges alone involved digging through the Continental Divide, constructing the largest
earth dam ever built up to that time, designing and building the most massive canal locks
ever envisioned, constructing the largest gates ever swung, and solving environmental problems of enormous proportions.
Today, the United States continues to oversee operations of the canal, although it did sign a
treaty in the late 1970s to transfer the canal back to Panama by the 21st century. Until
that time, the canal is under the direction of the Panama Canal Commission, a U.S. government agency set up to operate it.
Your complete canal transit is composed of cruising through three sets of locks. The GATT
Locks are situated on the Caribbean side of the Continental Divide, while the Padre Mogul
and Miraflores Locks are on the Pacific side.
Ships transuding the canal are raised and lowered 85 feet in this three-lock set.
Two other special highlights of the canal are Gatun Lake and the Gaillard Cut. Gatun
Lake is one of the world's largest manmade lakes, spanning 163 square miles. Gaillard
Cut is an eight-mile channel built through solid rock, the most difficult excavation in the
canal construction. There is no better way to experience this magnificent wonder than from the deck of a transuding ship and we look forward to having you onboard. For your added enjoyment, a lecturer will provide interesting commentary throughout the canal passage. For this special day, please be sure to have extra film for your camera and plenty of sunscreen.
PANAMA CANAL SOUVENIR CRUISE VIDEO
This specially produced Cruise Video features a tour of your ship, along with the ports you visited during your cruise. These can be ordered onboard at the Tour Office.
Ships photographers will be on the land taking pictures of you as you go through the lock on the Panama Canal. So do smile and stand near the rail for a good picture.
