Eurodam Review
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We embarked in a timely manner in Vancouver....a retired couple on our 15th cruise, mostly on HAL and Royal Caribbean. This was a 19 day Panama Canal cruise from Vancouver to Ft. Lauderdale. There was some rocking of the ship for 2 days, until we got to San Francisco, but we were never uncomfortable. The dock area in San Francisco is a short walk to Fisherman's Wharf. We stopped at Trader Joe's and Goodwill to pick up some things we forgot. This is an easy stroll from any of the piers that HAL uses. Tourist information, taxis, restaurants are all easily available. The sailaway from San Francisco is exotic! In Puerto Vallarta we shopped in the Walmart and shopping center across the street from the pier. Free wireless in available there and you will see groups of staff members with their tablets, taking advantage of the free connection. In Puerto Chiapas, Mexico all shore excursions were cancelled. Parents and children had constructed a picket line at the port entrance, demanding timely repairs of their schools after a recent earthquake. Bravo to all the citizens who felt so strongly about public education. Bravo to HAL for respecting this picket line. Some passengers walked to town to explore. (Bad form for guests in a foreign country.) In Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala we took advantage of the free ship shuttle to the local market. This was the best place on our cruise that we found to purchase authentic "souvenirs"...and at the best prices. We met several Guatemala families and other merchants at the market. Recommended purchases include handwork like aprons, tea caddies, linens, bags or handbags. We found it easy to interact with the sellers and they were all respectful.
In Corinto, Nicaragua we selected the tour of the banana plantation. I highly recommend this tour for its authenticity. It is not sleek, smooth or sophisticated. You get the real meal deal. You ride through the countryside, viewing the livestock and other vehicles that are abundant on the road. The presenters are sincere and thorough. I will never again take a banana for granted! In Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica we chose the excursion to the coffee plantation. Again the trip was as exciting as the plantation tour. The vehicular traffic is a contrast to the Nicaraguan road trip. There were more cars and fewer walkers, bicycles or cycle vehicles . The coffee plantation includes the whole process from the bean to the cup. The skyline of Panama City is exquisite! The commentary while transiting the Panama Canal is well done, as are the lectures and documentaries available on the ship. The Eurodam has big screen tv's in the balcony staterooms so I was outside on the balcony while the big screen tv projected the scene taken by the camera on the bow of the ship. Best view(s) possible. Cartagena, Colombia was hot and humid but worth the excursion that the ship offered.
We felt that the cruise was long enough for us and we welcomed the opportunity to disembark in Florida.
Cabin Review
Deluxe Ocean-View Verandah Stateroom
The addition of the big screen tv made for excellent viewing while traversing the Canal. I could sit outside with my binoculars and also see the view from the bow on the tv. The stewards were outstanding, as per usual with HAL. We were moved from 5150 as the sewer backed up in the bathroom. I was concerned about the possible mold and spores as we are immune compromised. The shower hose in 4049 will not free from the wall fitting as it is mounted too close. There is lots of room in these cabins under the bed for extra storage. The balcony in 4049 is much bigger than 5150. The walls are metal so we used magnets to hold up our itinerary and notes.
Port Reviews
San Francisco
The ports that HAL uses are near the tourist area, safe and close for walking. We chose to stop at Trader Joe's, CVS and a coffee shop. There are lots of opportunities for Hop On/Hope Off if that is what you want to do. Taxis, restaurants and shops are in abundance and the area is worth investigating. The sailaway is spectacular, under the Golden Gate bridge and the skyline is magnificent.
Puerto Vallarta
We like this port and use it to purchase any items we may have forgotten. There is free wifi at nearby restaurants.
Puerto Quetzal (Antigua)
We took the ship's free shuttle to the market. The handwork and prices were the best we encountered on this cruise. The sellers were friendly and respectful. We especially enjoyed our interaction with them. At the market they also offered folk dancing and cultural practices for the cruise passengers. This was, without doubt, our best market experience on this cruise.
Corinto
We chose the banana plantation excursion. It was presented in a thorough and yet friendly way. The plantation is an organic one. The foreman actually did the presentation at the plantation. We then went to the "processing" area where the bananas are cut into small sections, sorted, washed and then packed. An unforgettable experience! You can put a sticker on a bunch of bananas as they are packed. I will never look at a banana in the same way. I hesitate to recommend this excursion as it could become a victim of its own success. It is sincere and very un-hollywood. I loved it!