aliaschief

@rafinmdWe are entering Miraflores locks if you been watching on canal web sites.

Just went through the Culebra Cut and eight mile excavated gorge. Which took its toll on laborers, machinery and engineering know how. Then we passed under Centennial Bridge and entering Pedro Miguel Locks.

The Zandam and Eurodam just passed by each other in Gatlung Lake and we were treated to a huge tooting exchange. Folks waving and yelling at each other. Fun time.

In last chamber Gatun Locks. Somewhere in Gatun Lake we will meet MS Zandam which is headed East.

Passing through the Gatun locks. It’s hot out here.

Good morning. We are at the entrance of the Panama Canal. I believe the Pilot boat just arrived and we soon will start our transient. Our third transit and we will have our fourth next January on the World Cruise. So I don’t feel compelled to run to the bow and jockey for position. Just stepped out on Verandha and we soon will be passing under the bridge. We had a great prime rib dinner last night and the service was spot on. I asked our waiter is they were understaffed in MDR and he stated there is a shortage of assistant waiters. Would never know that in our late fixed upper dining experience. We have noticed our last few cruises many empty tables at late dining. Like days of old when you can have a lengthy conversation with your waiter. So it’s time to rise and head for a coffee and a traditional Panama Roll. Sandi thanks for starting and all you do to keep the Daily rolling. Bruce

Just a few pics from our day in Cartagena today. Just heard our Cruise Director announce there will Ball Room Dancing coming up in BB King Lounge. Sure some of our dancers will like that.

Bon Voyage!🛳🍾

I enjoy grilled cheese but to pick it up some I add some sweet relish and yellow mustard. Yummy. Tonight is MDR and I’m thinking prime rib. Tomorrow a Panama Roll for breakfast to keep the tradition going. Plan to see a comedian in main showroom tonight. This guy is ready for a shower!

We took a walking tour which also included some local cuisine tastings. Hot and very humid it was. We thought it was a very good Hal tour. Tons of vendors trying to sell you junk.We have walked over three miles so far today. Short day back on board was 1.00 PM and we just set sail for the Panama Canal. Maybe I have heat exhaustion as I had to edit this after typing whole post inside the quote!😅

We have just docked in Cartagena, Columbia on a rather humid and foggy morning. Never have been here and I guess I was surprised by the many skyscrapers as seen from our working dock area. We enjoyed a lovely dinner in Tamarind last night. It never gets old. Our pre dinner libations have been in the Pinnacle Bar and it has been hopping. I need to get ready for our early excursion. This will be a short visit as we leave at 1:00 PM. Thanks for the Report and featured post. Bruce

Bruno thanks for checking in. Praises for your caretaking. Your special.

Bon Voyage!🛳🍾

Just stating the facts. If you don’t like long lines in early dining the late fixed dining does not have that issue and it’s an alternative choice. After close to 500 days on Hal I think I know that.

Dom Perignon! That sounds a step above our choices on Eurodam.

Currently on Eurodam. Last two nights we dined in fixed upper dining at 7:30. Food was good, served promptly, ample portions, wait staff professional, and took time to converse and we were done and gone in less than an hour. Late fixed dining had no long lines and many empty tables. Could be long lines on early and lower dining if everyone wants to eat at same time. Second day and my only very minor issue is that bar soap has been discontinued so next time I’ll bring my own. French Press coffee has been discontinued in Pinnacle Grill. We’re happy cruisers

You know some cruisers set their expectations so high they’re unattainable. Some folks just aren’t happy and gripe over everything. They must be miserable to live with.

@JazzyVSorry to hear about your knee. I wouldn’t want to wait until Friday.

@RedneckBob Sarah is the Pinnacle Grill Manager. Just got back from our breakfast there.

Not a bad price.

@kazu Here are copies of Chefs dinner menus that are on display in Neptune. David Burke’s I have to find a copy.

Our Concierge is amazing. Last night I wore a new pair of dress pants that were just too long with the shoes I brought. My pants are now on their way to ships tailor for alteration. Love our crew.

Good morning. Sunrise has occurred but clouds on the horizon pretty much ruined a photo op. As the Fleet Report states we are at sea with a slight swell. We set our clocks back last night so the extra hour was nice and put us back on our regular Central Time. Tomorrow will be our first port of call. Cartagena, Columbia. Last night we dined in MDR and the meal and service was fine. Tonight is Tamarind. On our first Dressy night there were a handful of tuxes, quite a few in sports jackets sans tie and many just with a collared shirt. Ladies glittery tops and quite a few who must have eaten in Lido or changed after dinner. Couple of tips. If you like using bar soap bring your own as it has been discontinued and only liquid soap and shampoo/conditioner. For those who question whether mask are being worn the answer is very few. Late upper dining starts at 7:30 PM and there are many empty tables. We were in an out in less then an hour. @kazuI’ll try and take a photo of the David Burke menu and the Canelleto and Pinnacle Grill Chef’s menu. This being a twenty day cruise more offerings but not sure Fleet wide. Speaking of menu’s the regular Canelleto menu appears to be the same and not what we have seen on other ships. Well it’s coffee time so thanks for the report and postings. Oh yeah we have been to today’s port in Figi but pics are home. Bruce

We each have our choices and I respect that.

Give it time. The current ships internet we have been able to text, FB, Google and post pictures here on Cruise Critic. Albeit sometimes slow but useable to a degree. The new Star Link also has issues if no satellites covering area. A project in progress.