ITravelNOw -- The itinerary is looking even better. We will be transiting the Panama Canal under a full moon. Also, we will be in Acapulco on Saturday, Dec. 10, just 2 days before the major Mexico-wide festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Last time we were in Acapulco was at exactly the same time, and we were treated all afternoon and evening to a long series of groups parading down the street right next to the ship, with music, singing and balloons on their way to the plaza. (We were in Puerto Vallarta on the 12th, arriving in front of the cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe just as the runners went in carrying the Virgin's statue and the priest came out to bless the crowd. What a memory!)