Thread: Protesters block Princess cruise ship from docking in Costa Rica

Everyone is going to HATE me for this ... but ... while I totally dislike protests of any sort ... I feel sorry for the Shark Fishermen!

They are doing the best they can to make an honest living and now they can't.

We may not agree with what they do ... but, maybe, now ... considering the total world economy ... is not a good time to restrict this ....

Bottom Line: I care more about the MEN who need to do this to make a living than I do about the SHARKS .....

Originally Posted by LAC2

There were 1,550 passengers scheduled for excursions in Costa Rica that day, us included. My husband watched as the fishing boats positioned themselves in front of our ship. The next we know we hear the Loud blast of the ships horn. The odd thing is, the Harbor Pilot was onboard at the time and when the Capt. made his announcement, it made it seem as though the blockade was an unanticipated surprise.

The Coral was then moved to another part of the bay, towards an industrial pier. Don't recall what the name of the port was, but the Captain said we'd be going there while "the Home Office" sorted out the situation. Funny thing is we watched all the tour buses leave the first port heading for the second port.

Ultimately we couldn't dock there either. We were told that taxi drivers were blocking the entry to the port and that the govt could not guarantee our safety nor the ability to leave and return to the dock. So.......our sea days were altered and we left for Panama City Harbor after a medical evacuation was completed.

The best tours sold out in 15 min. Tendering was necessary and reeeeeally slow. Lots of complaints. Too bad too. I thought Princess did really well under the circumstances.

Hey. It was an adventure and we loved the cruise!!

Thank you for the report. It is always nice to hear what somebody who was there has to say.

Originally Posted by LuLu

Everyone is going to HATE me for this ... but ... while I totally dislike protests of any sort ... I feel sorry for the Shark Fishermen!

They are doing the best they can to make an honest living and now they can't.

We may not agree with what they do ... but, maybe, now ... considering the total world economy ... is not a good time to restrict this ....

Bottom Line: I care more about the MEN who need to do this to make a living than I do about the SHARKS .....

Lulu, the problem is that they are being very wasteful and inconsiderate. The fins are the best part of the shark but they are far from the only part of the fish that can be used. By removing the shark fins they are taking the best part and leaving the fish to die. They are also wasting the rest of the animal. What they should be doing is harvesting the entire shark and be good stewards of the ocean.

Originally Posted by nealberk

Lulu, the problem is that they are being very wasteful and inconsiderate. The fins are the best part of the shark but they are far from the only part of the fish that can be used. By removing the shark fins they are taking the best part and leaving the fish to die. They are also wasting the rest of the animal. What they should be doing is harvesting the entire shark and be good stewards of the ocean.

A well reasoned response. Neal is correct. What they are doing is wasteful, and cruel. I still think the Coral should have run them down.

The Coral's web cam today shows the ship docked in Costa Rica. Hopefully, there will be no more problems as I will be there next week and that port was to be one of the highlights of our cruise.

Hope you make it there, JoAnn