More cruise toys

 Previously bought cases for the tags from the cruise line, but Joe I’ve got tags for my name and address, to be used on the plane. 

And something interesting.  Electronic tags that will keep track of my luggage.

Transportation

 Just booked the shuttle from the port to airport.

Still need to book car service from our friends’ house outside Tampa to the port

Finally!

 We are checked in, and have a time slot to arrive at the pier.  Now we can finalize our transportation.

Still unable to check in

 No one in our roll call has been able to check in.  It seems to be a system failure.

I’m a bit nervous, I am anticipating a nightmare on the pier as 2,000 guests try to check in.  We have to follow COVID protocols because we are going to Cartegena, which adds an extra layer of anxiety.

And what time are we supposed to show up, anyhow?  We need to arrange transportation to the port.  

Very aggravating.

Excursion and diningBooked

 First the excursion 

Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals Experience

Embark on a naturalist expedition through the unspoiled tropical wilderness of Veragua Park. Fly through the rainforest canopy in an openair gondola. Explore the mysterious canals of the "Costa Rica Amazon" by jungle boat. Meet with experts to learn about deadly snakes, bizarre frogs, brilliant butterflies, and other jungle dwellers. Hike beneath the massive trees lining Victoria River. Spend the day immersed in and amazed by the incredible biodiversity of the Costa Rican jungle.This tour is provided by an operator that has been third-party certified to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's Criteria for Tour Operators. Tour the rainforest of Veragua Park by air tram, jungle boat, and hiking on foot. See and learn about the rainforests inhabitants including snakes, frogs, monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife. Immerse yourself in the serene world of fluttering butterflies as you stroll through a butterfly garden.

And then, the specialty restaurants 

Tuscan Grille Dinner

Rustic elegance with a contemporary, minimalistic edge. Guests dining in Tuscan Grille will enjoy a lively, sophisticated atmosphere, serving iconic Italian dishes with a modern twist. Our fresh, original menu features handmade pasta, artisanal salumi, fish, butcher cut meats, and USDA Prime dry aged steaks. Our regional Italian wine menu features authentic Italian cocktails and beers.

AND 

Le Petit Chef™ at Qsine

Enjoy one of the most unique dining experiences in the world, that includes animated performances by Le Petit Chef where he creates animated versions of the main courses on our outstanding menu. So you’re able to get a vivid preview of your meal before it arrives and everyone else’s. Whimsical, unexpected, and often hilarious, the chefs’ presentations are the perfect complement to our lively cuisine, and will help to make the evening unforgettable.

Getting close!

 So you’re supposed to be able to do on line check in 45 days before your cruise.  That day has come and gone, but check in remains unavailable, with no explanation.  My guess?  They just changed all the COVID protocols … again.  Now there are no requirements to test, no requirements to be vaccinated …unless …

And that “unless’ is the key.  In order to get off the ship in Cartegena you have to either have proof of vaccination or test before you board the ship.

So, 32 days before the cruise, we still can’t check in.  

And we have run into a couple of frustrating circumstances.

We haven’t booked a shore excursion for Costa Rica.  The one we want was listed when we booked the cruise last year, but then it was removed from the website; it reappeared a few weeks ago, but you can’t reserve it yet.  I’m guessing there’s an issue with the vendor.

And then we decided to take advantage of a deep discount and book specialty dining the first night of the cruise.  We wanted Tuscan Grille, but it’s completely booked for that night.  We can still get a discount if we book another night before we sail, but the savings won’t be as good.  I think we’re going to book the second night of the cruise.

Still, I am starting to feel excited…