Scenic Eclipse Central America Discovery Cruise

On the 3rd April (Day 1) we flew down with Copa Airlines from Miami to Panama City and had a pre Cruise night at the amazing Panama Hilton. Private transfer all included by Scenic from the airport to the Hotel. What a superb Hotel and what a fascinating City it was. Staff from Scenic were waiting at the Hotel and we were fully updated on everything. On Day 2 Scenic put on lovely coaches for the short journey to the Port in Panama City where after a quick registration we were into our amazing suites and a briefing by our lovely butler Tyla. Of course all our cases were within the suite waiting on us. Brilliant service. I want to say cabin but it’s a suite and it was amazing. Large walk in bathroom with walk in shower, walk in wardrobe, large bedroom area, large lounge and yes large Balcony. It had everything. Tyla asked what drinks we preferred and even what spirit as she was filling the 2 decanters with our spirit of choice. Vodka and Lagavulin 16 year old. Wow. Our first night was in Elements and a superb Dinner followed by drinks and entertainment in the main lounge. This was also where the Whisky Bar was. If you are a lover of Whisky particularly Scotch Whisky as I am, then this is the Cruise Ship for you. A mesmerising selection. Jura 30 year old, Lagavulin 16 year old, 12 year old Dalmore and Macallan, 18 year old Bowmore and a massive selection of other Scottish Malts, Irish Whiskey, Japanese Whiskey, American Bourbons and more. All included and this is just Whisky. The selection of other spirits was also staggering. These are nips you would pay £20 and more for back home but all included every day all day. There was never any Blood in the alcohol stream. Day 3 involved a stop on Isla Cebaco in Panama. Stunning Island in the Gulf of Montijo. Short ride on the Zodiacs onto the beach and a day on the beach complete with Lava Sand (Couldnt walk in bare feet it was so hot) and of course a full Bar. Day 4 was a stop in Costa Rica in Golfito the most southern port in Costa Rica. Very complicated history and forced to recover when the United Fruit company moved south to Ecuador taking the massive banana trade with them. Off we went on a trip into the most intense of rainforests in search of wildlife at Casa Orquideas and unique vegetation. Great trip and lovely walk through the rainforest. Day 5 was a stop at The Curu National Park, Isla Tortugas on the Nicoya Peninsula. Incredible eco-tourism experience on our penultimate stop in Costa Rica. Great walk around the Curu Wildlife Refuge and our lovely guide pointed out some amazing wildlife. Couldn’t believe the number of Scarlet Macaw,s and the Monkeys, White faced, Spider and Howler Monkeys. What a noise they make. Loads of Iguanas and lizards. On our return and after lunch it was off to the back of the ship where the Marina had been set up, yes you’ve guessed it with a full bar and you could paddle board, snorkel or just swim in the warm seas. Totally amazing and it turned into a great party as you can imagine. Day 6 was an amended stop in Bahia Culebra, Playa Panama in Costa Rica. We were originally meant to stop in Corinto, Nicaragua but red tape prevented this but it allowed an excursion into the Palo Verde National Park and a boat ride down the Tempisque River. Incredible how close we got to all the wildlife especially the Crocs. Day 7 was a stop in Acajutla, El Salvador. Never thought I would visit El Salvador but we did and off we went on a coach tour of some local towns to see where some of the world,s best coffee is grown. We visited Nahuizalco and the colourful and busy market in Ataco. Complete with armed police escort. Day 8 was a stop Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. I chose to visit the amazing Colonial Antigua and what a trip this was. Amazing scenery through the volcanic mountains to the most amazing and colourful of towns. There were markets everywhere selling the most incredible goods on the cobbled streets of this famous and historic town. It used to be the most important seat of the old Spanish Government between Mexico City and Lima in Peru. Rich history which is evident throughout. This is a must if you ever visit Guatemala. Bought a few souvenirs before the most amazing lunches I have ever had at the 5 star Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. Day 9 was a stop in Huatulco, Mexico. One of Mexico,s best kept secrets. Beautiful port with a lovely and very busy beach. Took the tour to see how Tequila but mainly Mezcal is made. They are both made from the Agave plant so we had a great afternoon visiting a large Agave plantation and saw the manual process of making Mezcal which the locals prefer to Tequila and of course had a few samples. From my limited knowledge Mezcal is made manually in a similar process to Tequila but Tequila is big business now but is only made from the Blue Weber Agave whereas Mezcal is made from different variety,s of Agave so popular at lots of independent plantations. Day 10 We were At Sea so a leisurely day, had breakfast in the Suite all served by our Butler Tyla, then had a great afternoon on Deck 10 soaking up the sun, in and out the hot tub and many cocktails. Day 11 At Sea so déjà vu from Day 10 with a night time Disco on Deck 10. Day 12 was meant to be a stop on Islas Marias off the Nayarit Coast but again red tape prevented it so off we went to Puerto Vallarta instead. Absolutely delighted as this is a really popular destination so it was great to see and explore. We had a tour of the City but were left for 2 hours to explore the massive markets and boutique shops/cafes and restaurants. Picked up some lovely hand made cigars and had a few Dos Equis and Margaritas as well. When in Rome and all that. Day 13 was a stop at Isla Cerralvo or better known as Jacques Cousteau Island as he lead many expeditions to this amazing Island and it is only really accessible by boat. The snorkelling was superb and yes you’ve guessed it they put up a full bar on the Island. It was also perfect for the Submarine and Helicopter to do tours as well. This was the penultimate day onboard and so we had to pack and have our cases outside the suite by 11pm. Very well organised. We had a final meal all together at the amazing Azure Café paired with that amazing Argentinian Lager. Day 14 we arrived into Loreto and flew up to LA for an overnight in the lovely Bevery Hills SLS Hotel. Day 15 Scenic put on transfers to the airport for our flights home. Awesome trip and many thanks Scenic.