This was our second cruise aboard Equinox.This time we did a southwestern Carribean trip.
We met a nice couple from Germany who sat in the table next to us at dinner(fixed seating).We also met a number of people from the Chicago area and Illinois. Trivia team members.We ended up with many trivia wins. You now win tickets for each win and then turn them in on the last day of the cruise for the various items they usually hand out. eg.hats,pens,etc. We had the same person from another cruise running the trivia almost every day.
The ship: In very good condition. Don't really know when it last was in for refurbishing. However some of the furniture showed signs of wear. Especially in the lounges.
Christrina the shopping guide was very helpful we met her on another cruise not long ago.She remember me as she likes watches as I do. She sent me to DI for the Bremont watch I bought before. She also gave me a Bremont Sport Shirt during her watch seminar(I was wearing the watch that day) We met her in Grand Cayman as I was looking to buy a Philip Stein watch ,went to DI again bought it and then went to Murano's for a birthday gift for Mrs. Frosty.
Ports: Cozamel-- went to Piranaha Joes for T shirts and a hat. I like their stuff. Have many shirts from the different islands. Bought a Harley D. T shirt for my son in law. Nice store near the pier shops.
Grand Cayman --just did shopping as noted above.
Cartagena-- did shopping by the dock area,got a very nice Tapir wooden figure--more about this later.
Limon--stayed onboard, been there before to see the Canal
Costa Rica-- the only shore excursion we took on the whole cruise.
We went to the Rain Forest. about a 2 hour bus ride to the central interior. Slow ride as road construction held us up. Saw a sloth in a tree (bus driver stopped for viewing) SLOW moving animal.
When we got to the Rain Forest Park we had to board small buses to take us to the tram way and park buildings. Very winding and hilly ride getting there.
Once there we boarded a tram which held 6 + 1 guide who described the tour.
This was by far the MOST pleasant tour I've ever had. Very quiet and peaceful just a whisper of a breeze.NO BUGS,Rain or animal noises Just a faint bird call(Toucans) and the small stream water flowing. This tram lasted 70 minutes riding low then high amongst the foliage. Very hilly terrain,first your almost at ground level then 100' up.
After the tour we saw 2 Tapirs--very large pig type animals -had long pointed snoots. Huge.
We had a very nice Costa Rican lunch in the pavilion. Had a very modern gift shop. Bought a framed painted feather with a Toucan ,very different. They had a butterfly enclosure to view the brilliant blue irridesant types and others
I hope you try this tour if you like nature. Very beautiful and relaxing. The long bus ride is worth it.
The cruise by far was one of our best. Tahiti is still #1 however.
Frosty 4 
[ 03-05-2016: Message edited by: joe at travelpage ]