PANAMA CANAL

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We reached the first set of locks in the Panama Canal around daybreak. It was raining as we entered the Gatun Locks. One of the beauties of having a balcony is that we can be outside and still be protected from the liquid sunshine. We sat on our porch, enjoying tea and berries from room service while marveling at the transiting operation of what is sometimes referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” There was a running commentary given by an employee of the Panama Canal Authority. The PCA has been in charge since the United States handed over the operations of the canal to the Panamanian Government in 1999. It costs our cruise ship around $160,000 to take this short cut from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. The lowest toll ever paid was $.36 by Richard Halliburton when he swam the length of the canal in 1928.

We spent Christmas day anchored in Gatun Lake before proceeding to the locks on the Pacific side. As soon as we dropped the hook we saw a very strange sight-- Santa Claus skiing around the bow of our ship. Santa (aka Jamie, the Cruise Director) was being pulled by a run-about driven by Captain Rudolph (aka Captain Dag). They circled the ship several times to the delight of all the children on board and many adults also. Our friend and fellow Cruise Specialist member, Bob Sass took over the Santa duties on board and handed out presents to all the kids. Bob and Nicky’s grandchildren sat on Santa’s lap and never guessed that it was their grandfather playing Old St Nick.

We tendered ashore to the Gatun Yacht Club where we enjoyed folk dancing and entertainment. The San Blas Indians also sell many handicrafts as well as canal souvenirs. I bought some hand carved wooded toys from an Indian woman, who was covered only in tattoos and a small cloth skirt. It was right out of National Geographic, however, the cell phone she was talking on didn’t quite fit into the whole quaintness picture.

While ashore we took a swim in the canal. After all, how many people can say they swam in the Panama Canal on Christmas Day while being serenaded by native music? There were two lifeguards keeping an eye out for any wandering crocodiles or snakes.

That evening we had our first Cruise Specialists party. We scheduled it so that it would take place while we were crossing the Continental Divide and passing through the Miraflores Locks. We had the party on the outside deck, behind the Horizon Lounge. It was a perfect location for viewing our transit through the locks. When we were in Cartagena, we purchased packets of Colombian coffee and put them in red and green burlap gift bags. These were presented to our guests at the party. The Panamanian wooden toys were gifts to our two young passengers. We invited the ship’s roving magician to perform various sleight of hand and amazing card tricks. The passengers, especially the young boys, Adam and James, were enthralled with Mio the Magician. We were at eye level with the locks and mules. The mules are the mechanical trains which pull the ship in and out of the locks. There was a container ship in the chamber next to us and their crew members were out on deck taking pictures of our party. The weather was perfect for an outdoor event and many passengers commented on how special the evening was. For us, it was one of the nicest parties we have ever had on board. This was a Christmas to be remembered as the magical evening ended as we cruised under the Bridge of the Americas and into the Pacific Ocean.

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Comments

[Annette]

Happy New Year
I especially like the skiing santa and his blue reindeer. Nothing like that in London, but trees and carols everywhere and then over a million pounds (sterling) worth of fireworks. Christmas crackers and party poppers were our own contribution to the new year's eve festivities. Keep the blog going. It's terrific.