Panama Canal

I had good intentions when I set up this blog, but here it is 10 days later and I'm finally posting something! Oh well, better late than never!

Annie and I had a smooth and uneventful flight to Miami on Jan. 10th. Fortunately, all our luggage (as in all 10 suitcases ...+ two carry-ons!) arrived also! 14 weeks is a long time to do without an "essential." We had booked Wed. night at the Four Seasons Hotel, since that was where the World Cruise Gala Send-off party was being held Thursday night. And a gala it was! As usual, Crystal goes above and beyond in all ways. We sat at a table with John Stoll from Crystal, who is the person in charge of the Crystal Shore Excursions. It was an evening of great food and entertainment, along with a lot of laughter and smiles.

The next morning, we were transferred by private town cars to the Crystal Serenity. General boarding was at 3:00, but they let us board earlier to get unpacked and settled. Unfortunately, our luggage didn't arrive until the evening, so we didn't get the unpacking done. It was still nice to get on board. There are a number of people we know from other cruises, including the World in 2005, plus many of the crew who remember us.

We sailed from Miami Friday night (the 12th) around 8:00 pm. A day at sea, and then a stop in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. Not really too much here. The attractions are a plantation and Dunn's River Falls. I've seen both of them - even climbed the falls - in my younger (much younger!) days, so we passed on the shore excursions and just took a shuttle into town. Pretty much all souvenir stores and jewelry stores -- and we are NOT buying any more jewelry this year - or so we say!

Back on the open seas, it's been a bit rougher than either of us thought. Nothing too bad, just a bit rough as we head south. One of the men at our dinner table is a lecturer that Crystal brought on to talk about the Panama Canal. He worked for the Canal Authority for 25 years, and his wife, who's also aboard, is Panamanian. It's been an interesting table. We also have our friends, the Sullivans (Neil & Twinkie), from Newport at our table. They boarded in Miami and will be staying until Valparaiso. Last night we took them to Prego, the Italian restaurant on board. As always, delicious food and wine. although Annie and I were a bit disappointed that they no longer have that tender delicious Kobe beef on the menu. But there's certainly enough other entrees to keep us satisfied!

Today, it was up on deck before 7:00 am to get a good spot on the deck as we began our transit of the Panama Canal. It really was amazing to see how they flood the three locks and float these ships to raise them up and get them onto the lake. After we cross the lake, we'll be at the Pacific Ocean side. Again 3 locks - this time to lower the boat - to get her down in the Pacific. And we're just one of about 40 boats that go through the canal every day. They say it will cost Crystal approx. $200,000 for the ship to go through! The total transit should take about 9-10 hours. We're right by the Equator so it is hot hot hot out there today! It feels good being in the computer room where it's air-conditioned!

Tomorrow and the next we're at sea before we hit Guayquil, Ecuador. That's the port we disembark for our journey to Macchu Pichu. They say a lot of people get ill from the height (almost 12,000 ft. up), but I still think it's worth it. I'll start the altitude medicine tomorrow - but tonight it's the first of the Virtuoso cocktail parties! Can't pass up a free martini! I'll write after Macchu Pichu. Hugs to all --- Karen