Thanksgiving Reflections 2018

Thankful for ... 
Experiencing New Destinations & Ships

See More Southeast Asia Pics (here)


See our diary from our cruise to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia

The weather in Southeast Asia in January is gorgeous compared to the cold and snowy winter back home.   The Caribbean isn't the only place you can escape the weather.   We encourage you to expand your cruise vacation destination list to beyond the Caribbean.

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. Where did 2018 go? As has become my tradition, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I'm thankful for and highlight some of my adventures this year.

I hope that you, your family, and friends have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. I know that I have plenty of things to be thankful for, including my health, family, and friends and the ability to share my love of cruising with all of you. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to explore new worlds with family and friends again this year.

The cruise industry is strong as ever with new ships and added capacity helping to keep prices reasonable for those that plan ahead.

The value of cruising has never been stronger. Even in these tough times, more and more families have taken to the seas.  Indications are that the record discounts offered the past two years will be coming to an end.  In the meantime those discounts have made cruising an even better value, and consequently we have seen a surge in first-time cruisers.

Thankful for ... 
Sailing on Brand New Ships

Q Smokehouse Norwegian Bliss

Cruises Inc., Cruise One, and Dream Vacations will hold the 2018 National Conference on Norwegian Bliss which just started its inaugural season.  We sailed out of Los Angeles for the Mexican Riviera, but were diverted to San Francisco, San Diego, and Ensenada due to Hurricane Willa.   We enjoyed experiencing this amazing new ship.  It was the largest ship to ever dock in San Diego, so there was quite a lot of excitement in the port area from locals.




We wonder what the Pilgrims, who came to the New World in Tall Ships, would think about the Norwegian Bliss.  Their ships measured 110 feet, held 150 passengers at most, and took months to cross the Atlantic.  The Bliss is about 10 times that length (1082 feet), holds 4990 passengers (double occupancy) and 1750 crew, and took just a couple weeks to cross the Atlantic.

We will be sailing a preview cruise on Celebrity Edge this weekend - this is the most anticipated new ship for 2018.  Be sure to follow us on our social media for live images.

Thank you for making our blog column a part of your lives in 2018.   I hope that the information we share helps you to dream about future cruises of your own. I'd be honored to help you plan those trips. I have the best job in the world - helping make dreams come true. For that, I'm truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

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2014 Royal Winter Caribbean Deployment

Bookings are now open on the 2014 Winter Caribbean season on nine ships, PLUS Panama Canal itineraries on Legend of the Seas®.  Adventure of the Seas®and Jewel of the Seas®, sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico Allure of the Seas® and Oasis of the Seas®, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida Freedom of the Seas®, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida Independence of the Seas®, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with special holiday sailings from Port Canaveral Legend of the Seas®, sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, PLUS 15–night Panama Canal cruises between Fort Lauderdale and San Diego, California Grandeur of the Seas®, sailing Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries from Baltimore, Maryland Serenade of the Seas®, sailing Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans, Louisiana

For more information see  

2014-15 Royal Winter Deployments

2014-15 Royal Caribbean Deployments

Carnival Splendor Heads North for More Repairs

Carnival Splendor after fire in November, 2010

Carnival Splendor Sails to San Francisco for Further Repairs

Many of you have been checking back for updates on Carnival Splendor.  As we mentioned back in mid-December, the Splendor would have some repair work done in San Diego and then sail to San Francisco to have work completed at a dry dock.   That was scheduled for mid-January. 

Today marks a major milestone in the long journey back to service for the Splendor.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2011 (click following link for latest)

Carnival Splendor to Leave San Francisco and Return to Service

Carnival Splendor Sails North Today

It's hard to believe it's been two months since the Carnival Splendor was towed into San Diego following the engine room fire.   The ship will leave the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal today and sail under its own power to a dry-dock facility in San Francisco, where repairs will be completed.

Carnival Splendor has been out of service since Nov. 8, when a fire broke out in the ship’s engine room during a cruise to the Mexican Riviera. The 952-foot vessel was left without power while offshore of Ensenada. With more than 3,000 passengers aboard, Splendor was towed by tug boats into San Diego Bay on Nov. 11, led by the U.S. Coast Guard. Passengers disembarked at the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal and the ship was then moved to the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal on Nov. 18 for the industrial portion of the repairs.

“It’s really a testament of how San Diego came together, including the Port of San Diego, to assist an important customer, Carnival Cruise Lines,” said Joel Valenzuela, director of the port’s maritime operations. “It required working with all of our partners, and our customer base at the cargo terminal to coordinate shipments of goods and space allocation for imports while the Splendor was under repair.”

Carnival Splendor will be accompanied by two tugs as a safety precaution during its multi-day voyage north, according to Coast Guard officials.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Carnival Cruise Lines is still saying that  Carnival Splendor  will return to service February 20, 2011.  It operates year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages from Long Beach.  Since Carnival Splendor is one of the last ships in this market, this is very important to the West Coast economy as well as tourism in the Mexican Riviera.

Related Blog Posts:

Carnival Splendor Cruise Cancellations Extended
Carnival Splendor Repair Status
Carnival Splendor Fire Investigation 
Assisting Carnival Splendor 
Carnival Splendor Without Power After Engine Fire
Carnival Splendor Cruises Cancelled until January 16

Carnival Splendor Cruise Cancellations Extended

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES CANCELS

ADDITIONAL VOYAGES 

OF CARNIVAL SPLENDOR 

AS REPAIRS CONTINUE

Ship Now Scheduled to Re-Enter Service February 20 

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced additional cancellations of Carnival Splendor.  The January 16, 23, 30 and February 6 and 13, 2011, voyages were canceled to allow for additional repair time following the engine room fire aboard the vessel in November. 

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2011 (click following link for latest)

Carnival Splendor to Leave San Francisco and Return to Service

Update:   The investigation is ongoing, but the U.S. Coast Guard has released preliminary findings

USCG Generates Recommendations Following Splendor Fire

Carnival Splendor needs new generator, alternators, switchboard parts

Carnival's statement indicated that as the repairs have been progressing, additional problems were uncovered requiring additional repair time.  In addition, some parts were unavailable and had to be manufactured in Europe.

The ship is currently in San Diego, however, it will sail to San Francisco in mid-January where repairs will be completed at a dry dock facility.

"We sincerely apologize to our guests for having to cancel these additional cruises," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival's president and CEO.  "We made our best effort back in November to estimate the necessary repair time with a strong goal of not having to modify it at a later point in time.  Unfortunately, as the repairs have progressed and we have discovered additional issues, it is now clear that we need more time.  We know this is extremely disappointing for our guests and particularly disheartening for those who already had their vacations cancelled once and are now being affected again."

As has been the case with the earlier cancellations, guests booked on the cancelled voyages will receive a refund or future cruise credit equal to the amount paid, along with reimbursement of air transportation-related change fees. Those who re-book may also receive a 25 percent future cruise discount and/or onboard credit depending on the ship and sailing date of the new booking.

Additional details can be found in Carnival Splendor's Travel Advisory statement.

While this is disappointing, Carnival Cruise Line has once again tried to accommodate guests impacted by this accident.   We all look forward to the day when Carnival Splendor will once again be sailing the seven seas with passengers enjoying the repaired ship.

Related Blog Posts:


Carnival Splendor Repair Status
Carnival Splendor Fire Investigation 
Assisting Carnival Splendor 
Carnival Splendor Without Power After Engine Fire
Carnival Splendor Cruises Cancelled until January 16

The Pictures Tell The Story

Carnival Splendor Repair Status

Carnival Splendor Being Towed to San Diego
Photo courtesy John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Splendor Repairs Underway
UPDATE:

Carnival Splendor to Leave San Francisco and Return to Service

UPDATE:  NOW EXPECTED TO RETURN TO SERVICE FEBRUARY 20, 2011

Carnival Splendor Cruise Cancellations Extended

UPDATE:  JANUARY 19, 2011 (click following link)

Carnival Splendor Heads North for More Repairs

After Carnival Splendor arrived back in San Diego and the passengers headed for home, the long process of determining what happened and returning the ship to service began.   A joint task force made up of Carnival technicians, NTSB, Panama Government representatives, USGC and others descended on the vessel and started the process.

After an initial assessment, it was decided that cruises needed to be cancelled until January 16.  This left passengers and their agents, including yours truly, scrambling to reschedule stranded passengers who had planned holiday sailings on the Splendor.

You might recall that during the incident, Captain Cupisti had to order the release of CO2 in the engine room to distinguish the cables.  The fire crews had also used water to cool down the engine room.

Thus, the engine room must be cleaned up from the CO2 and water before the actual damage can be repaired.   As you might expect, this is a huge job.  We will bring you updates as we learn more about the cleanup and repairs.

Related Blog Posts:

Carnival Splendor Fire Investigation 
Assisting Carnival Splendor 
Carnival Splendor Without Power After Engine Fire
Carnival Splendor Cruises Cancelled until January 16

The Pictures Tell The Story

Carnival Splendor Cruises Cancelled until January 16

The Mexican navy vessel P110 holds position off the
port bow of the Carnival cruise ship C/V Splendor
(Photo Courtesy U.S. Navy)

Carnival Splendor Out of Service

Miami - November 16, 2010 – 11am

Carnival Cruise Lines has cancelled voyages of the Carnival Splendor through the departure of January 9, 2011, to allow time for repairs following an engine room fire last week. The ship is scheduled to re-enter service on January 16, 2011.

Guests who were scheduled to sail on these voyages will receive a full refund of their cruise fare and air transportation costs, along with a 25 percent discount on a future cruise.

Carnival Splendor was towed to San Diego following the fire which occurred off the Mexican coast on November 8. A team from the U.S. Coast Guard, NTSB and flag authorities, along with Carnival's engineers and technicians, is currently on board investigating the cause of the fire. Carnival personnel are being assisted by representatives of the shipyard that built the vessel and other manufacturers of engine room components in assessing damage and necessary repairs.

"We realize how much guests look forward to their vacations and know that they are very disappointed by this news. We too are disheartened that we are not able to fulfill the dreams of those who have entrusted us with their important vacation plans. We sincerely apologize to everyone who was scheduled to sail on these cancelled voyages and look forward to welcoming them aboard in the future. Now that we have a full technical team engaged in the assessment, we wanted to provide this information as quickly as possible," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

Carnival is contacting travel agents and guests on the affected sailings and providing assistance in finding alternate cruises. Travel agent commissions on the cancelled sailings will be protected.

Please continue to check back here for updates. 

If you are affected by this, please click here for an important notice detailing your options.

Related Blog Posts:

Carnival Splendor Fire Investigation 
Assisting Carnival Splendor 
Carnival Splendor Without Power After Engine Fire 

Carnival Splendor Fire Investigation

Port of San Diego - Cruise Termina

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2, 2011 (click following link for latest)

Carnival Splendor to Leave San Francisco and Return to Service

Now that Carnival Splendor is safely back in San Diego, there are a couple questions that beg to be answered:

What happened?   and   What happens next?
(for those booked on Splendor)

Let's answer the second question first.    Here is the latest update from Carnival Cruise Line.   It will take some time to assess the situation, determine the cause, and make necessary repairs to restore Carnival Splendor to service.

The investigation is being held by a joint task force from the Panama government, U.S. Coast Guard, National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB), and Carnival Cruise Line.  Carnival doesn't expect to have any news until early next week.

UPDATE:  November 15, 2010 8 AM

We are still awaiting word from Carnival Cruise Line about the fate of the November 21st sailing.   According to their latest update, they should know more early this week.

Meanwhile, John Heald took a well-deserved day off yesterday from his fascinating account of the events.  He did post a TA's comments which will show you how distorted media reports have been and how well Carnival treated the passengers - going so far as to forgive any onboard expenses (including gambling losses).

Once again, Well Done John Heald and Carnival !!

CARNIVAL SPLENDOR UPDATE

Miami - November 15, 2010 – 2pm

The Carnival Splendor is currently docked in San Diego and a team is on board working to more fully assess damage to the vessel. 

We recognize that many of our guests scheduled to sail on the Carnival Splendor are anxious to hear about the status of their upcoming sailing. At this time, the November 14 voyage has been cancelled. Those guests are receiving a full refund of their cruise fare and air transportation costs along with a 25 percent discount on a future cruise. Our technical teams are working round the clock to assess the damage and necessary repairs. 

We expect to have additional information very soon and will inform all guests accordingly.

Please continue to check back here for updates.

A NOTE FROM GERRY CAHILL, PRESIDENT & CEO:

"On November 11, the Carnival Splendor reached San Diego and all guests and crew were returned safely. We are extremely grateful and appreciative to them for their patience and positive spirit throughout the course of events. We would also like to extend our utmost gratitude to the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, the Port of San Diego and those within the San Diego community, as well as the tug boat operators, bus drivers, hoteliers, our travel agent partners and many, many others who have aided and supported us throughout the past several days. Thank you to all."

John Heald's Blog

If you are a fan of Carnival Cruise Line, you have undoubtedly heard of Senior Cruise Director John Heald and his amazing blog.    John is an ambassador for Carnival and a really fun person to be around most times.   He was onboard the ill-fated Carnival Splendor for the November 7th sailing.   And it's a good thing he was...

Anyone who has been in any sort of emergency situation will, once the event is over, recall how one or more people played a key role in keeping things calm.   The passengers and crew couldn't have asked for a better person to do that than John Heald.

Now that John is back on terra firma, he has begun sharing the story, as only he can do.   If you aren't familiar with his writing style, be prepared to settle in for hours to read his blog.    Be sure to read some of the comments from his readers also.    So far, he has the following posted:

• Smoke On the Water – The Final Chapter
• A Message from a Carnival Splendor Guest 
• Smoke On the Water – Part 5
• Smoke On the Water – Part 4
• Smoke On the Water – Part 3
• Smoke On the Water – Part 2
• Smoke On the Water – Part 1

The news media has covered the stories of passengers arriving in San Diego, so I'll leave finding those stories as an exercise for you.   One common thread in the accounts that we've read thus far is that the crew went above and beyond to turn a bad situation into the best that they could.

As one might expect, the cruise was filled with a mixture of passengers.  Some were on the very first cruise, while others were seasoned cruise veterans.    This obviously wasn't the dream vacation that any of the passengers signed up for, but the good news to take away is that all arrived safe and sound in San Diego several days after the fire broke out.

If this same situation had occurred on a plane, bus, train, or even a car, the outcome might have been quite different.  We realize that many passengers of this Carnival Splendor cruise will have the initial reaction of never wanting to set sail again.  That will be their personal decision of course, but we hope they really look at everything when making that decision.   The cruise industry still has an excellent safety record even with rare events like this one. 

The Carnival crew was well trained and responded well to ”ALPHA TEAM, ALPHA TEAM ALPHA TEAM, DECK 0 ENGINE CONTROL ROOM.”

We are happy to hear that everyone onboard was safe and sound back in San Diego.   Our coverage will continue as more information becomes available.

Attention Carnival Splendor Guests --- we would be happy to report your accounts and comments - feel free to contact us with your story.

Azamara Club Cruises Holiday Sailing

Unforgettable Holiday Celebration

Festive Voyage through the Panama Canal 

with Free Air*

16-NIGHT PANAMA CANAL & CENTRAL AMERICA

2-FOR-1SAVINGS & GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Plus, when you book by Aug 31, 2010, you’ll also enjoy
• Club Veranda Stateroom for
the price of a Club Oceanview†
• $1,000 Onboard Credit
per couple with all Club Oceanview and above staterooms
• Free Air from select gateways

Azamara Journey® • Dec 23, 2010 Holiday Voyage
Dec 23 MIAMI, FLORIDA	Jan 1 AT SEA Learn about Huatulco’s indigenous culture from an onboard expert.
Dec 26 CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA Shop in the beautifully restored Old Town for a holiday surprise.	Jan 2 HUATULCO, MEXICO Snorkel in sparkling waters, watch cooking demonstrations and enjoy Mexico’s diverse culture.
Dec 27 AT SEA Indulge in a soothing spa treatment aboard the ship.	Jan 3 ACAPULCO, MEXICO Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue Center or swim with dolphins on unforgettable Land Discoveries.
Dec 28 PANAMA CANAL (CRUISING) Enjoy the spectacular vistas as you cruise the locks and waterways of the Panama Canal.	Jan 4 AT SEA Delight in fine cuisine paired with boutique wines, complimentary with lunch and dinner.
Dec 29 AT SEA Enjoy our pool butlers. Need we say more?	Jan 5 CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO Rendezvous at the romantic hidden beach of Playa del Amor.
Dec 30 PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA Marvel at the majesty of Costa Rica’s rain forests.	Jan 6-7 AT SEA Sip champagne at an onboard art auction worthy of your collection.
Dec 31 SAN JUAN DEL SUR, NICARAGUA Ring in the new year with romance on a horse-drawn carriage ride in Granada.	Jan 8 SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah ! The Holiday Season has arrived. The eight-day Festival of Lights begins December 11th this year and continues through December 19th. More info....

While onboard Carnival Elation this past week, holiday decorations were hung from the railings (above) as well as the posts in the public areas. In Ensenada, the shops and street posts were also decorated.

Holiday time is a time for families. Regardless of the holiday that you celebrate, there is one common theme ... spending time together as a family to celebrate the holiday. As I walked along the decks of the ship and saw the decorations, I couldn't help but think about the ship's crew. For the most part, the crew will not be spending time with families this holiday season. They will be onboard providing service to passengers just like they do every day of the year.

We sailed out of San Diego on this cruise. In the airport, around town, and even on the ship, there was a military presence due to the various bases in the area. My thoughts about the holidays drifted to the families and service men and women who, just like the crew, will be separated from their families at this holiday time.

Whether you are together for the holidays or separated by many miles, may this be a season filled with joy and happiness. Thank you to those that serve, both on the ships and in the military - our thoughts are with you and your families during this time. Happy Holidays to All.

Greetings from Sea

I'm writing this from the internet cafe onboard Carnival Elation. The Elation sails from San Diego for a fun-filled 3 night cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. It is the perfect weekend getaway from the West Coast.

When we left San Diego, the weather there was perfect. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature was in the upper 60s - much better than the 27 degrees back home.

Last night there was the customary welcome aboard show in the main theater. The cruise director, Steve, welcomed the largest group onboard the vessel. This is the First International Cougar Cruise. They caused quite a stir in San Diego, making the local evening news. So far, they've been pretty tame.

When we boarded the ship, the crew had been putting up the holiday decorations. It is quite festive onboard with the holiday atmosphere.

Today was a sea day. It has been an overcast day, but that hasn't stopped the usual onboard fun such as the hairy chest competition. Despite the cool weather, the pool areas were filled with well-wishers for the competitors.

My favorite spot on the ship is the Serenity Pool area. This is an adult-only venue with plenty of lounge chairs and two hot tubs. If you want to relax, this is the perfect place to hang out.

Tomorrow we arrive early in Ensenada, Mexico. I'll tell you more about Ensenada in future posts. I'm off to the holiday show now featuring the Carnival Singers and Dancers and the Camp Carnival children.

Around the World with Regent

Regent Seven Seas Cruising Around the World

2010 World Cruise
Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes you on a 119-night adventure from exotic locales to lands that transcend time. Discover the rarely visited, including west African treasures Ghana, The Gambia and Cape Verde. Explore the great cities, from Sydney to Singapore and Hong Kong to Shanghai. Each step of this magnificent voyage unfolds new ways of seeing the world aboard Seven Seas Voyager.

San Diego to Fort Lauderdale, 119 nights (Full World Cruise) January 13, 2010

Your world voyage begins with a Gala evening and overnight on board January 13th featuring Jay Leno and The Beach Boys.

Special Offers:

• 2-FOR-1 Fares

• Save an additional $5,000 per guest when booked by September 30, 2009

• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions

• Seven Seas Society savings available

• $2,000 per suite Shipboard Credit (categories MS-C) or

• $1,000 per suite Shipboard Credit (categories D-H)

Inclusions:

• Gala evening and overnight on board January 13th featuring Jay Leno and The Beach Boys

• Visas for U.S. and Canadian citizens residing in the U.S.

• Ground transfers

• Luggage delivery service between ship and shore

• Commemorative gift

Complimentary events: In addition to the complimentary events on the individual segments, full World Cruise guests also enjoy an Ethnic Fashion Show at Three on the Bund in Shanghai on March 6, a Sunset Cocktail Reception on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok on March 20, and a Vintage Fair at Blaauwklippen Estate in Cape Town on April 15.

2010 World Cruise Segments

San Diego to Sydney, 23 nights (Segment 1)
January 14, 2010

Sydney to Singapore, 19 nights (Segment 2) February 6, 2010

Singapore to Hong Kong, 14 nights (Segment 3) February 25, 2010

Hong Kong to Cape Town, 35 nights (Segment 4) March 11, 2010

Cape Town to Ft. Lauderdale, 27 nights (Segment 5) April 15, 2010

Special Offers on Segments:

• 2-FOR-1 Fares

• Save an additional $1,000 per guest when booked by September 30, 2009

• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions

• Seven Seas Society savings available

• $200 per suite Shipboard Credit (categories MS-C) or

• $100 per suite Shipboard Credit (categories D-H)

Take advantage of the special offers by selecting your cabin for the Full World Cruise or One or More of the Segments before the offer expires on September 30th. This cruise will be an experience for you to remember for many years to come.

Call me for complete details of the 119 night World Cruise which ends in Fort Lauderdale, FL on May 12, 2010.

Cruising Panama Canal

The sun is starting to rise. You are standing on the bow of your cruise ship along with many of your fellow passengers. There's excitement in the air as the ship approaches the locks. You yawn (did I mention it's 5 am?). The ship is about to transit the Panama Canal. This is a long process; it will take about 9 hours to complete the full transit.

Even though you have an aft balcony cabin, you wanted to watch from the bow, just like many other passengers. Everyone has carved out their own space along the railings, and things are orderly. Another ship is going through the locks at the same time. This is perfect since you'll be able to watch that ship as it completes its journey.

Five days ago, you sailed out of the Port of Miami for a 14 Night Western Panama Canal cruise. There were several choices when you booked your cruise, but you opted for the full transit which would go from Miami to San Diego. You've already completed three refreshing sea days and a stop in Aruba, so you are ready for the highlight of the cruise.

Since we were transiting the Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific we entered the channel from Limon Bay at the Cristobal breakwater. This sea-level section of the Canal channel on the Atlantic side is 6 and a half miles long and 500 feet wide and runs through a mangrove swamp that is only a few feet above sea level in most places. Our ship was lowered 85 feet in a continuous flight of three steps at Gatun Locks. Each lock chamber is 110 feet wide and 1,000 feet long. The length of Gatun Locks, including approach walls, is one and a half miles.

Besides the locks themselves, the mules which pull the vessel through the locks, are probably the most interesting thing you see as the ship transits the canal. Since most cruise ships are PANAMAX, you'll be able to get very close to the mules, perhaps even being able to talk to one of the drivers.

After going through Gatun Locks, we entered Gatun Lake where we stayed until after lunch time. A Pacific-bound ship enters Pedro Miguel Locks at the south end of Gaillard Cut where it is lowered 31 feet in one step to Miraflores Lake, a small artifial body of water a mile wide that separates the two sets of Pacific locks. The length of Pedro Miguel Locks if 5/6 of a mile.

Shortly before 4 PM, we were lowered the remaining two steps to sea level at Miraflores Locks, which are slightly over a mile in length. The lock gates at Miraflores are the tallest of any in the system because of the extreme tidal variation in the Pacific Ocean.

Be sure to bring lots of sunscreen with you because the sun is extremely hot. The crew made several announcements throughout the day. Those that didn't heed the warning, looked like lobsters at the end of the day.

After completing our transit, our ship tendered near Fuerte Amador, Panama where passengers that wanted to go ashore were able to disembark. We would continue our journey westward around 11:30 PM.

As I mentioned earlier, there are several choices when considering a visit to the Panama Canal. If you don't have the time for a full transit, there are partial transits and some cruises which make a stop at a port near Miraflores Locks (Colon, Panama for example) so that you can visit the information center, see the locks and perhaps take a railway journey between two oceans.

The Panama Canal, which took 10 years to complete (1904-1914), is the 8th Wonder of the World and definitely should be on your must-see list.