Pam, Casey and I had already booked a cruise before things had became finalized for "Chipper Cruise II, Beyond Atlantis". In fact, we will be doing the exact same cruise (same itinerary, same ship, etc.) only 30 days earlier (first week in December).

You might call this a scouting trip for the Chipper Cruise, however, since Pam, Casey and I have already been to some of the destinations, I can give you some info right now.

Belize has at least one casino (a Princess Casinos property) that does not open until around noon time. Entry requires proving you have money to use. They will ask to see some cash, but there was no entry fee.

Panama - I've not been to the port we will be going to, but I believe there is an excursion to tour the lockes. I highly recommend it. I am not certain if they have casinos there.

Limon, Costa Rica - When we were there before we did an excursion that was a Rain Forest tour. In a word, it was FABULOUS! We were bused (an air-conditioned, full-sized, english speaking tour guide and no mountain slopes) from Limon into the interior (an hour and a half ride through Dole country, and Del Monte).

At the rain forest's edge we boarded a ski-lift like gondola and went for a long ride into the rain forest (under the canopy) and it actually rained (briefly) while we were there. At the end of the line, the gondola does not just return the same way you go in. Instead, it rises above the canopy and the entire return is a completely different view!!

It was great!

Although Costa Rica has casinos, I did not have time to look for them in Limon. I highly recommend this part of the World for a cruise and even though I will be scouting everything out, I'll be sure to leave some chips for the main party travelling through the following month!

Jim Follis