ryndam

We are slowly cruising along at a leisurely 11 knots on a flat sea. Today was the very popular Asian buffet lunch in Marketplace. A limited selection is also offered in Waterside for those that prefer a more traditional meal service. Two portions of the Thai chicken/shrimp/lemongrass soup. 😋😋

And not a beet in sight.

Rob

18 minutes ago, PaulaJK said:

A special treat….last evening in the Avenue..when pianist John Barker cleverly braided two guests’ request into an alternating offerings of 42nd Street and ALWeber music… 

creative, artistic and thoroughly enjoyed! Thank you, John.

The Avenue was a much more pleasant setting for casual conversation and listening pleasure in lieu of the loud and over-amplified white party in the Cove. Glad that we have choices onboard. Both venues were well attended, based on your personal interests.

Rob

To hijack Sonny & Cher, “And the beet goes on, the beet goes on.” Tonight’s menu features beets by the tourine-full: borscht. 
 

Rob

4 hours ago, BEAV said:

I LOVE an imaginative beet salad. 
 

But don’t have much need for it post-starter course. 
 

Leave it to Crystal to come up with a beet-inspired trifle for dessert. 🤦

Tonight’s cold snack in the bars was a beet-infused salmon roll-up. Someone in provisioning has over-ordered beets. Waiting for the next drink-of-the-day to be a beet-ladled martini. Not…🤮

Rob

Reflections and menus attached.

Umi Uma was a +1 tonight. Great food. Continuous flowing sake. Fantastic company & conversation. We skipped the white party in the Cove (too loud and over-amplified) and closed down the Avenue instead.

Full sea day of activities tomorrow. 2nd of 3 formal nights this cruise.

Rob

A57AAB5F-95B5-4CE0-B77C-93C237BB7C54.pdf F5A8593B-3114-4B27-A0EE-92F57B77E1F1.pdf F4AFA154-7F74-4FEA-8496-563020A0ED45.pdf

Todays snack. They’re getting healthier. Hummus. Veggie sticks. Melon. Mini Brie on a bun. And the obligatory tartlets for balance.

We are dining in Umi Uma tonight. There were just too many beets on tonight’s Waterside selections. 😖

As many of us learned, just be cognizant of the 540 day credit card chargeback limitations. Or have appropriate travel deposit insurance.

Rob

Cartagena. Hot. Sultry. Humid.

Rob

Touching up the “Panamá Canal racing stripe”.

Waterside menu
 

79598E77-B366-4E6C-BFB8-0A340CA29A70.pdf

Reflections. Menus not posted yet.

09906489-1F68-4C26-A075-CC088B15D49A.pdf

Todays snack. A light snack. Perfect after being on deck for more-or-less the last 10 hours!

Final parting shot. Cartagena tomorrow.

This has been a lengthy transit. Exiting last lock now. And yes, the ship will emerge with a “Panama Canal racing stripe”. The touch-up paint crew will be on the pier tomorrow.

Rob

Passing through Culebra cut. About 2 hours +/- to Gatun locks.

San Pedro lock.

Tight fit.

1 hour ago, gmarsh said:

Any comments about the water situation for the Canal?

Is there enough to sustain the required transits in the future?

 

We'll be doing Christmas '25 through the ditch.

 

Be safe!

 

GeoR

Drought issues over. 40+ transits daily. 
december 2025 is over a year away, so no telling then.

Gonna be a long transit. Almost 90 minutes behind anticipated schedule.

The rope catchers on the port side.

Canal transit times are approximate. Just entering miraflores lock now. About 45 minutes behind schedule.

Canal transit. Approaching the Miraflores locks. The locks on the left are the end of the new locks.

Todays menus attached.

A7B7D2CC-BD8A-4E57-8F9B-936C3ED0C801.pdf 3F60A613-E884-4ED0-A1E6-9D3A227A98C8.pdf

Internet spotty today. No telling.

We had the two center seats at the sushi bar tonite. It is so fascinating watching the chefs prepare each course. And, of course, just looking at all that fish right in front of you….just point and tell the chef how many pieces you want. And the sake flows and flows and…..

Gotta try and get up for the first canal locks tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Rob

Reflections attached. Check out the anticipated transit times on page 2. 🤪🤪🤪

This is not our first canal transit. We will enjoy the Gatun locks at a civilized time in the afternoon.

Rob

5479926E-036B-461A-87B1-52D55A772B5E.pdf