Okay, so sailing through the Panama Canal was on my bucket list forever, and I finally got to do it on the Ruby Princess. She’s one of Princess Cruises’ older ships—kind of like that beloved vintage car that’s not shiny but has a lot of character. With about 3,000 guests on board, we never felt like things were overcrowded.
One of the best parts? The ports we stopped at. Cartagena, Colombia, totally stole the show. We ditched the typical group tours and grabbed a private driver and guide to wander through the Old Town. The streets were dripping with color and art everywhere, and lively music in the air. Then we hit this little park where monkeys and sloths just hung out doing their thing. No cages, just chillin’ in the trees. Honestly, that was amazing.
Oh! And get this—right when you step off the cruise ship in Cartagena, you walk through this mini zoo. It’s wild—exotic birds and monkeys up close, like you’re stepping into a nature documentary, but live. We weren’t expecting it, but it was really unique.
Then there was Limón in Costa Rica. We booked a tour through the cruise line to explore the Tortuguero canals. Picture this: slow-moving waterways surrounded by thick jungle, and tons of wildlife peeking out—iguanas soaking up the sun, herons hunting for breakfast, and the occasional splash that kept us guessing. It was peaceful, beautiful, and exactly the kind of nature break I didn’t know I needed.
Now, the real star? The Panama Canal itself. We woke up super early before dawn and grabbed a spot on deck just in time to sail under the Centennial Bridge as the sun was lighting up the sky. Watching the Ruby Princess inch through the locks was nuts—these massive chambers lift and drop the ship like it’s no big deal. And somewhere along the way, a small crocodile decided to swim alongside us. How’s that for a wild escort?
Looking back, this trip was everything I dreamed it would be and then some. From the vibrant colors of Cartagena to the quiet jungle canals of Costa Rica, capped off by that mind-blowing ride through the Panama Canal, every day felt like a new adventure.
And yeah, the Ruby Princess might be a bit of a classic, but sailing her through this iconic waterway made the whole thing feel even more special—like being part of history with a sprinkle of everyday magic.
If you’re thinking about this trip, just do it. Seriously, you won’t regret it.
