Krazy Kruizers
November 9th, 2004, 12:34 PM
We passed under the Bridge of Americas at 7:30 AM and went through the Miraflores Locks at 8:30. While going through the locks we enjoyed our Panama Buns - each time we have them they are different - each chef has his own version of what they should be. We always enjoy watching the mules work as we go through the locks. It was busy day in the canal today - a lot of freighters. When we got to Gatun Lake around 2 (late again - we were supposed to be here by 1) we saw a small cruise ship going through the Getun Locks - wish I had thought to check out the Canal schedule before we left home so that we would have known what ship it was. It reminded us of a Crystal ship. Since that cruise ship didn't enter the Miraflores Locks ahead of us this morning, we are assuming that she anchored here over-night.
The previous day a lot of supplies were loaded onto the ship for the big Lido sale. They actually had some lovely t-shirts and various Mola items.
Those of us who have stopped in Gatun Lake in previous years were disappointed to find that we would not be able to pay just to use a tender to go over to the "yatch club". In fact, no arrangements had been made for the vendors to be there. There weren't even any musicians or dancers. Absolutely nothing!
Because of our late arrival one tour was cancelled and others were shortened - darkness was setting in by the time the anchor was dropped and tenders were made ready for use. Of the 3 remaining tours, one tour had a major problem - the Eco Cruise, Ft San Lorenzo & Gatun Lake tour. After the motorcoach ride the people were supposed to board a catamaran for an exploration of the canal. The catamaran never showed up. The owner thought that since we were so late in our arrival, it wasn't worth his time to do the tour. Fur was flying the next day at the shore excursion office over that tour.
Since many of the tours ended earlier than what was expected, many people made it back in time for their proper dining times - shorts and all were allowed in the dining room for dinner. After the big problem the other evening about people missing meals, special arrangements had been made for the tour people to have dinner in the Lido. This time the special arrangements weren't needed.
We spent a delightful evening watching the freighters going through the locks.
The previous day a lot of supplies were loaded onto the ship for the big Lido sale. They actually had some lovely t-shirts and various Mola items.
Those of us who have stopped in Gatun Lake in previous years were disappointed to find that we would not be able to pay just to use a tender to go over to the "yatch club". In fact, no arrangements had been made for the vendors to be there. There weren't even any musicians or dancers. Absolutely nothing!
Because of our late arrival one tour was cancelled and others were shortened - darkness was setting in by the time the anchor was dropped and tenders were made ready for use. Of the 3 remaining tours, one tour had a major problem - the Eco Cruise, Ft San Lorenzo & Gatun Lake tour. After the motorcoach ride the people were supposed to board a catamaran for an exploration of the canal. The catamaran never showed up. The owner thought that since we were so late in our arrival, it wasn't worth his time to do the tour. Fur was flying the next day at the shore excursion office over that tour.
Since many of the tours ended earlier than what was expected, many people made it back in time for their proper dining times - shorts and all were allowed in the dining room for dinner. After the big problem the other evening about people missing meals, special arrangements had been made for the tour people to have dinner in the Lido. This time the special arrangements weren't needed.
We spent a delightful evening watching the freighters going through the locks.