COLOMBIA

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It was really nice having two sea days which gave us time to get organized, meet our Cruise Specialists passengers and stow everything we brought aboard. It took some fancy footwork to find the tuxedo, studs, shoes, evening dress and accessories amid all of the different bags and get the clothes pressed and presentable in time for the opening round of parties. Our first night at sea began with a festive block party where we met our neighbors out in the hallway. This was followed by the formal Captain’s welcome aboard party in the atrium. Captain Dag introduced the ship’s staff which included many friendly faces. Engelbert the Hotel Director, Jamie the Cruise Director, Dana is Jamie’s assistant and wife, Phil the Tour Manager, Gudrun the Cruise Consultant and Cornel is the Executive Chef. It is a great team and they know how to run a good world cruise.

On Christmas Eve day we arrived in Cartagena, Colombia. Since we had just half a day to explore this new port (to us) we hired a taxi to show us around and get the lay of the land. Cartagena is a beautiful colonial city which is famous for its surrounding ramparts and colorful street markets. It appears to be rather unscathed from all of the political turmoil which has embroiled Colombia over the last half century. The old town is very picturesque with the narrow, cobbled streets, flower covered balconies and ornate churches. It reminded me of the French Quarter in New Orleans. We walked the protective walls of the city and they explored the side streets and markets. It seemed that all of the locals were stocking up with last minute Christmas supplies. We saw some lovely houses which looked like they would be the perfect stage sets for the movie, “Love in the Time of Cholera.”

Back on board ship we got our first taste of the new Regent nine piece orchestra as well as the Peter Gray Terhune singers and dancers as they performed a pre-dinner Christmas show. Their rendition of “All I Want for Christmas is You” set the pace for this lively show. This was followed by the Filipino crew performing holiday songs under the direction of Manny, the room service manager. It is amazing to see the depth of talent of these young people whom we usually see mainly in their other roles as stewardess, waiters and pool attendants.

After dinner in LaVeranda it was time to hit the hay in order to be up bright and early to watch our approach to the eastern locks of the Panama Canal. Plus we had heard via the grapevine that Santa would be arriving by boat on Christmas morning.

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Comments

[Frank D]

Love in the Time of Cholera
“It appears to be rather unscathed from all of the political turmoil which has embroiled Colombia over the last half century.” I’m sorry but the rest of the country is just as peaceful and safe just read the other post on this site, also I’ve been to Colombia several times so I know what I’m talking about. It’s very sad to see that people still believe that Colombia is just like Iraq or Afghanistan. It is certainly not. “We saw some lovely houses which looked like they would be the perfect stage sets for the movie, “Love in the Time of Cholera.” The reason you did is because the movie was filmed in Cartagena, so you were actually on the set! Happy travels

[Barry MacKay]

First Blog for me
Great to hear of your Christmas day through the Canal. My only Canal visit was a U-Turn voyage last year. Not as exciting as hitting the Pacific. Hopr my "subscribe" worked. Kep them coming!! Cheers, Bear