There are moments in life that linger far beyond their calendar dates—etched in memory like the golden sunsets over the open sea. One of those moments for me and my wife unfolded this January, when we joined dear friends from Los Angeles and Las Vegas for a 12-day South Caribbean cruise aboard the majestic Emerald Princess. It was our first time cruising together, and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.
Our adventure began on January 11, 2025, sailing away from the Port of Fort Lauderdale under a clear blue sky, full of hope and laughter. The voyage was a spectacular mix of relaxation, exploration, and delightful surprises, with stops at some of the most breathtaking destinations in the Caribbean—Aruba, Bonaire, Cartagena, the Panama Canal, Colon, Limon, Grand Cayman—before returning to Fort Lauderdale on January 23.
Each port offered its own magic. Aruba greeted us with sunshine and colorful architecture. Bonaire enchanted us with its quiet charm and crystal-clear waters. Cartagena, Colombia, pulsed with history and culture. But it was the partial transit through the Panama Canal—watching the Agua Clara Locks in action and gliding through Gatun Lake—that truly captured our imagination. In Grand Cayman, we ventured to a shallow part of the ocean—four to five feet deep in the middle of nowhere—where we swam and felt like children again, full of joy and wonder.
What made this cruise even more meaningful was the incredible crew aboard the Emerald Princess. I was proud to learn that nearly 60 percent of them were hardworking Filipinos, serving with grace and excellence in housekeeping, food service, customer relations, and maintenance. Their warmth and tireless effort made us feel like royalty. Special thanks go to Edsar and his team at the specialty dining restaurant Bochilie, and to Robert Renicado the gracious manager at Seafood Streamers.
Dining aboard the Emerald Princess was an adventure on its own. The buffet offered a delicious variety every day, but for those with a craving for elevated cuisine—think steak, lobster, and exquisite seafood—the specialty restaurants were the perfect indulgence. We found ourselves returning often to Bochilie not only for the food but for the outstanding service and warm company.
Entertainment was vibrant and lively throughout the voyage. One of my personal highlights was joining Jazzercise on the deck during the day—great music, high energy, and laughter all around. At night, the ship came alive with the timeless sounds of the '60s through the '90s, and the karaoke sessions became the heart of our evenings. It was here that I surprised my friends—and perhaps even myself—by singing What a Wonderful World in my best Louis Armstrong impression. The applause was deafening, the smiles genuine. That night, the world truly did feel wonderful.Here is my video link-> https://youtu.be/WrdTeIcxMsU?si=9UFmhUPfagLLflmr
And yes, I was often called “Captain”—thanks to a captain’s hat inspired by former Golden State Warriors player Klay Thompson. It became a fun trademark, sparking smiles and conversations wherever I went.
Of course, every adventure has its unexpected turns. Upon our return to Fort Lauderdale, our luggage was briefly missing at the baggage claim. But thanks to the foresight of using AirTag locators, we were able to track them down, and Princess Cruise promptly shipped them to our home via FedEx within three days. Crisis averted!
As we disembarked, there was a touch of sadness that the voyage had ended, but an even greater sense of gratitude for the memories made. To my wonderful wife Aileen , and our dear friends Bong, Rommel, Ruby, and Beth—thank you for sharing this journey. To the entire Emerald Princess crew, thank you for your care, your service, and for making us feel truly at home at sea.
We’re already looking forward to our next cruise in May.
To anyone considering a journey through the Caribbean—don’t hesitate. The ocean is calling, and the Emerald Princess is ready to carry you to joy.
(TAMBULI NG BAYAN - Fernando ‘Ronnie’ Estrada)
PHOTOS: Taken from 12 days South Carribean Cruise