Puerto Chiapas – Puntarenas redux

1/15/26

On sea days or on light port days, I’ll blend in a host of other topics about the cruise or the journey (mental and physical) to taking a world cruise.  Today was a light port day as I spent just an hour off the ship walking around the port.  But more on that after a word from our sponsor:

Why this, Why now? (a post I meant to post prior to embarkation)

When I was in college, I read a book called Rabbit Redux by John Updike.  I don’t remember anything about the book except the title and specifically the word “Redux”.  I love that word and specifically the nuance of it.  The term “redux" comes from the Latin word "reducere," meaning "led back." It signifies something that is restored or brought back, and has been used in titles since 1662 to denote revival or return. In contemporary usage, it often describes topics that are revisited or reinterpreted.  How perfect for this redux of our 2023 world cruise! 

The truth is, this is a do-over that didn’t need doing over.  We were so happy and blessed with the experience and memories of the WC23; how could we risk it falling short of that, thus rendering that memory somehow tainted?  But risk and fear are something to be managed intentionally, purposefully, and calculatedally. (yes, I make up words).  Maybe even spiritually.  But to allow risk and fear to keep you from experiencing the world, people, tastes, aromas, sights….and ultimately happiness, that’s not who I am.  It was who I was until my 40’s and I’ll expand on that later.  But suffice it to say, it’s not who I am now and I’ll never “redux” to being that person.  You can mitigate risk, and therefore fear.  It may take a bit more planning, it may be at a slower pace, it may mean you eliminate elements of a trip like this but without eliminating the trip entirely.

As I write this on day 5 of the cruise, fully re-acclimated, fully “reduxed”, I’m reminded of everything I love about this lifestyle.  As snooty as that may sound, I don’t mean it to.  We’re going to be spending 131 days in an inside cabin, for goodness’ sake.  How snooty can that be?  But I am so happy and honored I get to share that happiness with you.   Here’s to many happy reduxes. 

And now back to our regularly scheduled show:

Puerto Chiapas was a lot like Puntarenas, huge, untapped potential.  Like Puntarenas, the weather was ideal, warm with light ocean breezes.  Unlike Puntarenas, however, they had a beautifully assembled port with engaging options so you didn’t need to take the $10pp roundtrip shuttle to the nearest town, 40 min away.  Not to mention, that town was described by Whatsinport.com as “sketchy”.  In addition, the US State Department issued a travel advisory for this port, perhaps due to its proximity to Guatemala, but not sure.  Suffice it to say, we opted to remain in the “compound”, which had locals performing native dances with cute kids and adults in native, colorful attire.  On a side note, I did leave the compound briefly to get a geocache.  I have my priorities 😉

There was also a VERY nice pool that appeared to be available for all cruisers alongside an open-air pavilion serving drinks and snacks at reasonable prices.  If you don’t have the drink package, getting a $2 corona off the ship is very appealing, since it’s $8 on the ship.  So, the pavilion was pleasantly crowded.  In addition, there was a small shopping area in a large palapa with the typical jewelry, clothing, Knick-knacks and hot sauces.  I actually bought a shirt for $20 because I hadn’t seen anything quite like it before.  Mexican in design but not so much so it couldn’t be worn for a casual Atlanta evening with friends.  I was back on the ship by 11am.  Later in the day, many people we spoke with didn’t even get off the ship.  I get it.  The ship is a mecca of relaxation on port days due to fewer optional activities and distractions.

I played pickleball before breakfast and disembarking, which was a great way to start the day.  I did not go to the fitness center for the first time since we boarded.  I needed a break.  I skipped lunch and started a new book, a real book, pages and everything.  I read or listen to most books on my tablet.  A real book felt great for a change, but I’ll never part with my e-reader.  Along with a libation, we spent a relaxing afternoon in the indoor pool area with an occasional dip in said pool.

Dinner was my typical ½ portion of the pasta-of-the-day with a salmon filet.  The pasta had a red sauce with spicy sausage and fennel, which was delicious with the salmon.  I’ll try that at home sometime, that is if I don't forget how to cook.  The evening show was a comedian/acrobat.  I’ve never seen someone so capable of balancing or juggling so many different objects. It was interesting and engaging.

And just like that, it was time to retire to our stateroom for the evening. Tomorrow is Hualtulco, Mexico, one of our favorites. I'm really looking forward to this redux.