29 April - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

After leaving Acapulco we had a full day at sea, which is always relaxing. To give you some idea of our shipboard routine, we've generally followed the following. Breakfast in the Garden Cafe at 08:00 on port days and at 09:00 on sea days. Lunch at the Garden Cafe (buffet style) at 12:00 on sea days. Then John and I do our 3km walk in the gym every afternoon at around 5pm which gives us time to cool off and dress for dinner at 7pm in the Summer Palace which is decorated in the style of Czar Nicholas of Russia around the turn of the century - very opulent. After dinner we then have 30 minutes or so to get seated in the Stardust Theatre for the evening show at 9:00. Shows have include musical variety, standup comedy, magicians, a Beatles tribute band, a Franke Valle and the 4 Seasons tribute group and much much more. Today we arrive in the port of Cabo San Lucas in Mexico - our last port visit for the trip. We arrived at breakfast time and as there is no pier we had to be tendered to shore in the ship's boats. Cabo is an absolutely incredible holiday resort. Fantastic shopping, and great bars and restaurants. We had a great time and the only drawback was an early departure at 1:30 which is necessary to meet our Los Angeles ETA on Sunday at 08:00. Tomorrow is a sea day and the last day of the cruise which means we have to pack our suitcases again.

27 April - Acapulco, Mexico

What a day! When we hit the Garden Cafe for breakfast this morning at 08:00 we were docked in Acapulco. Acapulco is located on a huge bay surrounded by hills which are covered with luxury homes and resort hotels. The Pearl was berthed right in the middle of it and when we strolled ashore there was no problem finding someone to transport us and show us around. Our driver, Gustavo, showed us the town from various vantage points in his air conditioned van which we had to ourselves. Acapulco is famous for its cliff divers and we attended the 1 o'clock performance. About a dozen guys, and one girl climb directly up these sheer cliffs and then dive in various combinations from a great height. Very spectacular! Returned to the ship at 2:30 for a quick lunch and then John and I hit the town again to pick up some souvenirs, cigars and to have a couple of Mexican beers (Corona and Sol). A wonderful day in one of the most spectacular places on earth. The Pearl pulled out slightly ahead of time and our departure from Acapulco provided some of the best views as we sailed slowly past. Tomorrow we have a full day at sea.

26 April - Huatulco, Mexico

Had a sleep-in this morning with a 9:00 breakfast as we were not due to reach port until noon. Today's destination was Huatulco (the H is silent) in Mexico. John and I observed our arrival from the bridge viewing room and it's a pleasure to watch Captain Lars swing the ship around and reverse park it like a station wagon. An extra point of interest was provided by the Westerdam (Holland America Line) berthed on the other side of the pier. With two ships in at the same time the locals were having a great time selling jewellery, souvenirs and drinks. With the temperature at 35 C, we headed straight for a shady cantina for drinks. Corona's for John and I, a Pina Colada for Rosa and a Tequila Sunrise for Sandra. Later in the afternoon we watched the Westerdam depart before John and I hit the treadmills for our daily torture sessions. Halfway during our 3 km walk John realised we had actually departed and were headed out of the harbour. We've just returned from the Stardust Theatre where we watched Chip Romero, one of the best magician/comedians I've ever seen. Another great day. Tomorrow we arrive early in Acapulco.

25 April - Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

We arrived in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, this morning while we were still asleep. Once again we walked ashore and arranged our own tour to Antigua the capital city of Guatemala - about a one hour drive. As with the rest of central and South America the Spaniards colonized this part of the world in the 1600's and virtually everywhere you look there is a building of historical significance. Some are in ruins and a lot are being restored. We visited one hotel which is built around a ruined monastery and cathedral. The whole thing has been covered by a steel roof and it is very beautiful - apparently a very popular spot for weddings. Guatamala was and is the home of the Mayan people and the local jade was used for ornaments and burial masks by Mayan royalty. Unlike Chinese jade, Mayan jade is almost as hard as diamonds and comes in a large range of colors. We visited a jade factory and enjoyed viewing a range of stunning (and very expensive) replicas of the royal jade discovered by archaeologists over the centuries. Tried the local beer which was great and then it was time for the long trek down the mountain and back to the ship. We've just returned from the Stardust Theatre where we were treated to a performance by a Beatles tribute band (The Beatles Celebration) - they were so good it was uncanny. Tomorrow we berth at Huatalco, the first of our Mexican ports.

23 April - Puntarenes, Costa Rica

We docked at Puntarenes at 07:00 this morning while we were still asleep. After breakfast we walked into town. All the available tours go into the countryside and are quite long so we contented ourselves with a walk along the beach and the local art and craft market. We really enjoyed the locals here. Although they had artifacts and the usual tourist fare to sell, they were quite gentle and polite about it which is a nice change from some of the very pushy vendors we have met. Found a nice place to try the local beer which was excellent. Back on board for lunch. We sailed again just after 6 pm. A day at sea tomorrow.

21 April - Panama Canal Transit

Today was the day. We passed from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean via the Panama Canal. We arrived at the canal at dawn this morning. The surrounding waters are full of ships waiting their turn to transit the canal but we were able to sail right in and head for the first lock. It was incredible seeing huge ships, including ours, lifted in stages from sea level up to the level of Lake Gatun. Once in the lake it is a couple of hours before you reach the actual canal section which is quite narrow. The Norwegian Pearl is a Panamax ship, which means it is designed exactly to fit in the lock chambers. Once inside the lock, there is less than 1 m to spare on each side. Early in the afternoon we sailed under the Centennial Bridge which is one of the two road bridges to cross the canal. By mid afternoon, we reached the first of the locks on the Pacific side (Pedro Miguel) and a little later the final two locks (Milaflores) which lowered us back to sea level. Then finally we sailed under the Bridge of the Americas and into the Pacific Ocean. A great day and an incredible experience.

20 April - Cartegena, Colombia

After almost 3 days at sea we arrived in Cartegena, Columbia (South America) this morning while we were still asleep. Had a quick breakfast at 08:00 and then joined a 3 hour tour of the sights. The tours you can pick up once you leave the ship are much cheaper than the organized tours. Cartegena is a very historic city of around 1 million people and Victor Caballero our tour guide spent 3 hours showing us the sights. We also visited an emerald factory. Columbia is one of the main exporters of emeralds. A lot of Colombia can be quite lawless but Cartegena is considered a 'safe' destination - no guns are allowed and there seemed to be lots of police around to enforce this. The old city dates back to the 1620's and is completely surrounded by high walls which date back to a time when pirates were commonplace. The Pearl departed quite promptly at 3 pm and we are now headed directly for the Panama Canal and are due to commence our transit at around 7:30.

17 April - We are sailing

The big day has arrived - the start of the cruise. We checked out of the Shelbourne Hotel at around 10:30 and caught a taxi to the Port of Miami. From here you navigate the inevitable check-in and security arrangements and then all of a sudden, you're on board and having lunch. This afternoon was spent just finding our way around the ship. At around 4 pm, almost without noticing, the ship cast off and we were on our way. We sailed through Miami and past Miami Beach and right past our hotel. Our cabin is very nice and once the luggage arrived we quickly arranged our gear. It will be nice not living out of a suitcase for a couple of weeks. Tonight we attended our first show in the Starlight Theatre. There will be a show every night. The ship looks great with a huge variety of things to do as well as large range of dining choices. Looks like a great couple of weeks coming up.

16 April - Miami Beach

Had a relaxing day today. After breakfast we took a bus to downtown Miami. On the way in we passed the port area. There were 5 cruise ships in port ready for a departure later in the day. The girls spent some time shopping at Macy's and by mid afternoon we were ready to head back to the hotel. Also had a quick swim at the beach behind our hotel, the water was nice and warm. After an early dinner, and cigars and Heinekens by the pool it's time for bed. Tomorrow we will be boarding the Norwegian Pearl around noon before a 5 pm departure.

15 April - Florida Keys - Key Largo and Key West

Left Miami Beach this morning at about 8:20 for a long drive down the Florida Keys. If you look at a map of Florida, there is a long chain of some 800 islands called the Florida Keys. The furthest point in the Keys is Key West which is located only 90 miles from Cuba. The road connecting the main islands is some 800 miles long and crosses 48 bridges. The longest of these, and the longest bridge in the world is the Seven Mile Bridge. The whole area is the most spectacular sight of coastal villages with resorts and marinas. The various shades of blue and aquamarine of the water are unbelievable as is the number and variety of boats and watercraft. Eventually you reach Key West and once you pass the modern part of town you reach the original old village which dates back to the early 1800's. Incredible architecture and a great variety of shops, pubs and eating places. Once again the skies were clear and the air was warm and we had an absolutely fabulous time. We eventually got back to our hotel around 8:00 pm. What a day!

14 April - Miami Beach Florida

Checked out of our hotel in Orlando this morning and commenced the next leg of our trip - a drive down to Miami Beach. Our plan was to drive along a secondary coastal road hoping it would be scenic and interesting.For a little while it looked promising but after a couple of hours of endless suburbs and no sign of the coast we connected back to the Florida Turnpike and arrived at our hotel in Miami Beach around 4pm. The weather here has been sunny and warm and later in the afternoon we walked along the beach and took in the local sights. The atmosphere is a bit like the Gold Coast but quite run down. Miami Beach's hey day was in the 50's and 60's and a lot of it is looking pretty tired. However, in more recent times a lot of renovation has taken place and hopefully this will produce a new lease of life. At any rate it is a wonderful location, and given the tropical weather and the beautiful beaches the area will return to its former splendour. Tomorrow we're taking a day trip to the Florida Keys which is a long chain of islands extending from the Southern tip of Floriday. We're hoping to make Key West which is right at the end of the chain.

13 April - Kennedy Space Center

Picked up a Herz rented car this morning, and after collecting the girls back at the hotel we drove to the Kennedy Space Center. The first hour or two of driving on the right hand side of the road are always a bit exciting, and this morning was no exception.

The Kennedy Space Center was awesome. You know you've arrived when suddenly you spot a retired space shuttle parked just near the road. The facilities for visitors are outstanding. Currently a shuttle is located on the launch pad for an April 19 launch and we were able to view it from an observation platform. We also visited the Apollo visitor center which features an actual Saturn rocket, a command module and a lunar landing module. Later in the afternoon we experienced a ride in a space shuttle lift off simulator.

Altogether an outstanding day. Tomorrow we drive from Orlando to Miami along the scenic coastal road.

12 April - Orlando Florida, Universal Studios

It was great to get to bed last night after some 30 hours of travelling. Woke up reasonably refreshed this morning and after breakfast we caught the free shuttle from out hotel (Holiday Inn and Suites, Universal) to the Universal Studios Resort. We arrived there at about 10:30 and after an action packed and fun filled day we caught the last bus home at 7:10 pm. John and I then walked to a nearby shopping center to buy beer, gin and mixers (pretty cheap here) and after pre-dinner drinks in our suite, we walked down to a restaurant right next door to the hotel. Our rooms are very nice, suites with separate living and sleeping quarters and John and Sandra's room next door can be accessed from our room.

Tomorrow we pick up a hire car and we plan to spend the day at the Kennedy Space Center.

11 April - Up, up and away

Up at 6:45 this morning to catch the 7:30 courtesy bus to the airport. The flight's not departing till 11:20 but you're supposed to be ready to check in three hours early. Once we got rid of our bags we had breakfast and then headed for immigration and the duty free shops in the international terminal. Bought a pair of noise cancelling headphones before boarding the first leg of our trip - Melbourne to Sydney.

After 20 minute wait in the transit lounge we were able to board our next 747 for the Sydney to Los Angeles leg which takes 13 hours. Reached LA and passed through US Immigration and Customs - a relatively painless procedure. It all takes time though and in the end we only had 20 minutes to spare to reach the boarding gate for our flight to Chicago and Orlando.

Arrived at the Holiday Inn in Orlando just after midnight. We'd been travelling for more than 30 hours but it's still the same day. Tomorrow - Universal Studios.

10 April - Leaving Home

Picked up John and Sandra at 2 pm. Stayed at Cilom's a motel and car storage place near the airport. Had some dinner and then an early night.