"Semi-Live" Aboard the Celebrity Infinity - Panama Canal Nov 21 - Dec 5, 2010 W/Pics

[sayvan]

After a day in Puntarenas, we had the opportunity to relax and kick back with our fourth sea day of the cruise. The Itinerary on this cruise was well spaced and the sea days were perfectly spaced. The weather today was overcast with the sun breaking through the clouds occasionally but never really hanging around for too long. In some ways this was a relief as today was extremely warm and humid. Actually, I think this was one of the hottest days so far.

 

I, as always got up early and headed for the oceanview grill. I had the usual breakfast but spiced it up a bit with some pineapple and melon. I bet you're thrilled to hear that. In hindsight, I have no idea why I eat this much for breakfast on a cruise. When home, its a bowl of cereal and thats about it.

 

I always enjoy the wake at the back of the ship:

 

As was our custom, after breakfast we again went over to our spot on Deck 11 where we liked to hang out. We also spent a fair bit of time today in the pool to help keep us cool.

 

As we were sailing today we hardly saw any land except for this Island in the middle of nowhere. I have no idea who it belonged to or what it was called but it was very odd to see it without any other land mass around it:

 

For the most part we spent the entire day outside enjoying the pool, Mast bar and a smooth day of sailing. After our day outside we cleaned up and headed for the show.

 

Tonights show in the Celebrity Theatre featured singer Paul Tanner. Tanner had a great voice and was a singing impersonator. It was a pleasure to watch and listen as he treated the audience to very clear sounds of Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Mick Jagger, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson. Although he wasn't exact on a few, he was extremely close and IMHO was very entertaining. Tonight again, I would have to give the Celebrity evening show two thumbs up!

 

Paul Tanner:

 

 

[sayvan]

Prior to the show tonight we made a couple of stops. The first was in the Casino. We played a few slots, came away with nothing and then moved on for a few drinks in the Rendezvous lounge.

 

Casino:

 

 

 

We usually make it to the casino for a bit each day but on this trip there just seemed to be so much to go and we only made it there this one time.

 

Baires Quartet in Rendezvous Lounge:

 

The Lounge:

 

 

Having fun at the Lounge after the show:

 

[sayvan]

After the Show when we returned to the Rendezvous Craig and Vicky decided to hit the dance floor.

 

 

 

We then arrived for our 8:30 dinner. Once again, the food was great and well presented. I have read numerous threads about folks complaining about the food they serve on some cruise ships. Personally, I just don't get it. Regardless of the cruise line, I have never found a reason to complain about the food. There always seems to be something on the menu to suit your needs or particular tastes. Further, I certainly don't have 4 or 5 course meals at home, as I am sure most people on a cruise do not. So all in all, how can you go wrong? Perhaps I have just been lucky.

 

Vicki, Dale and Tracy enjoy a moment during dinner service.

 

After dinner, we closed the night off back in the Rendezvous Lounge for the first evening of Karaoke on the ship. Now, if I was to have a disappointment on the entertainment side, it would have been the lack of Karaoke on this cruise. We always have a great time listening to the good, the bad and of course the ugly at Karaoke. The Rendezvous was packed so my thoughts are not independent on this. Once folks had a bit of liquid courage things got even better at the mic.

 

A good time was had by all this night and it was a fitting end to another perfect sea day. Tomorrow, we would be arriving at the Panama Canal... the whole reason for the journey we were on.

 

A few shots from the Karaoke night:

 

Me and my girls... Vanda, Vicki and Tracy:

 

[sayvan]

Sayvan, from another fellow Canadian, I am really enjoying your review, more so because I am considering a cruise on celebrity sometime next year but is still on the fence. Having tried a few cruise lines, I really enjoy Carnival cruises. Not sure how it will be cruising with a 5 and 8 year old on celebrity so I am doing my research now.

 

As you said earlier, you will not really be doing a comparison between carnival and celebrity but I really would like to get your thoughts on the food between the two lines, understanding that food is subjective. I have done 3 carnival cruises and definitely enjoyed their food much more than on Princess or RCCL.

 

Bevie

 

Bevie - thanks for following along and the nice comments. As I said in my most recent post's I always find the food to be great. I have never had a bad experience. If I don't like something there is always something else to find. The food on Celebrity was fabulous. I did not find any reason to complain about. The variety at the buffet left you with more than enough choices and they had great fish and chips and the Pizza was to die for! I will say that the Pizza I had on this ship was the best I had ever had. The menu in the dining room was different each day but always had the regular stuff you could order as well.

 

On this cruise there was only 14 kids in total so I cant really comment on a comparison to Carnival or the kids program. Although, I understood the following cruise to ours had close to 350 kids. Certainly on the Infinity there were not the water slides you find on other ships but there was a kids area and it appeared to have the usual toys etc. I would probably give the nudge to Carnival or RC over Celebrity on the kids front but then again I have only experienced the Infinity.

 

Would I sail on Celebrity again... absolutely. Will I sail on Carnival again... Yep in February 2011!

[Hatteras51]

Thanks for keeping this post going. I'm really enjoying it and anxiously waiting to hear your review of the Panama Canal. As I mentioned awhile back in this thread, I am thinking about booking this cruise. So far, your reviews and pictures are swaying me to go ahead and book it. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[cookiejarvis]

I noticed that several gentlemen had jeans on in the evenings in the lounges....was this the norm? Were jeans prevalent in the MDR? DH always tries to dress within the recommended code and on casual nites, he wears kackis (sp) like dockers. We never go back and change after dinner since we eat late seating all the time. BTW, absolutely love you review.

[ORV]

I noticed that several gentlemen had jeans on in the evenings in the lounges....was this the norm? Were jeans prevalent in the MDR? DH always tries to dress within the recommended code and on casual nites, he wears kackis (sp) like dockers. We never go back and change after dinner since we eat late seating all the time. BTW, absolutely love you review.

 

Well jeans are now allowed in the MDR on all but formal nights so it shouldn't be any kind of issue, BUTlet's not let this excellent thread turn into a dress code discussion please!

[caribbean52010]

Well jeans are now allowed in the MDR on all but formal nights so it shouldn't be any kind of issue, BUTlet's not let this excellent thread turn into a dress code discussion please!

 

 

Well put, thanks

[cookiejarvis]

Well put, thanks

 

 

I agree. Just wondering after seeing the photos.:o

[h & m]

Bevie - thanks for following along and the nice comments. As I said in my most recent post's I always find the food to be great. I have never had a bad experience. If I don't like something there is always something else to find. The food on Celebrity was fabulous. I did not find any reason to complain about. The variety at the buffet left you with more than enough choices and they had great fish and chips and the Pizza was to die for! I will say that the Pizza I had on this ship was the best I had ever had. The menu in the dining room was different each day but always had the regular stuff you could order as well.

 

 

Sayvan

 

Thanks so much for the review and lovely photos. We are on the Infinity in April, with unfortunately a very slow roll call so far. You have really helped making my excitement grow, and seeing the ship makes it seem real. Keep up the good work :)

Edited December 20, 2010 by h & m

[kcb]

Some 5200+ views in the less than two weeks that you have been writing this...

 

I just wanted to say that there are obviously a lot of people following your adventure.

 

I am really enjoying it and Thank You for taking the time to share.

[docandbabe]

Could you tell me your camera settings (f-stop and speed) for the shots at the shows. Since you aren't supposed to use a flash, I assume adjusting the settings is the only way you can take the photos (unless, of course, it works on the automatic setting).

 

Don

[sayvan]

Thanks for keeping this post going. I'm really enjoying it and anxiously waiting to hear your review of the Panama Canal. As I mentioned awhile back in this thread, I am thinking about booking this cruise. So far, your reviews and pictures are swaying me to go ahead and book it. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

I would definitely recommend you go for it! We were actually a bit hesitant at first on this one but I am so glad we decided to do it. This by far was one of the best I have ever done!:D

[sayvan]

I agree. Just wondering after seeing the photos.:o

 

So just to answer the question you did see some jeans in the MDR but these were usually more designer but for the most part I would say most men wore the Dockers or Khakis type. I wore jeans on the first night (embarkation) and one other time. It's all good! ;)

[sayvan]

Sayvan

 

Thanks so much for the review and lovely photos. We are on the Infinity in April, with unfortunately a very slow roll call so far. You have really helped making my excitement grow, and seeing the ship makes it seem real. Keep up the good work :)

 

Thanks... our roll call was very slow and not near as crowded as the connections party.

 

Steve

[sayvan]

Could you tell me your camera settings (f-stop and speed) for the shots at the shows. Since you aren't supposed to use a flash, I assume adjusting the settings is the only way you can take the photos (unless, of course, it works on the automatic setting).

 

Don

 

Hi Don,

 

I actually have a setting on my camera that is for "high sensitive" situations and that is actually what it is called. I use this setting when in darker areas such as the Theatre and it compensates for the lack of light. The only concern I have is usually with movement as you tend to get a little blur. I find if i use a small tri-pod such as a spyder pod that will also benefit the shot and it is not cumbersome at all. As for the speed (which was set automatically by the camera in this setting the F-stop is usually around 3.7 and speed 1/13.

[sayvan]

Well this was the day we had been waiting for. The Panama Canal was upon us. The previous few days were spent to trying scout out the best position to view it from. Opinions on this were flying all over. Discussion about whether to be in the front or whether to be in the back? We fully expected it to be very crowded regardless of where we ended up. However, the crowds were not all that bad (perhaps some were busy throwing their towels on chairs to hog them up for the day) and folks for the most part were very good at sharing the space.

 

The next question of course was at what time should we be up on deck? Much like the best location rumours, the talk on this was running rampant as well. These suggestions ran anywhere from 4:30 am until 7:30 am. At one point, we actually discussed simply staying in a bar all night long to be the first to see the locks. I mean after all, this is what we were here to see. We did however, come to our senses. Although, I am not sure how many senses we actually had left. By the way, I can tell you all the rumours about the spot to be and the best time to be there were well... wrong!

 

I had decided to get up on deck early regardless. Not wanting to miss a thing and of course being a bit like a kid on Christmas morning I did in fact set my alarm for 5 am and was up on deck by 5:30 am. Yep... I am an idiot! The upper levels of the ship were like a deserted Island. Not a soul to be found anywhere. I think the guys on the bridge were even asleep!

 

Now what to do.... I headed for the Oceanview Café for an early breakfast and then I went back to the room.... ever so careful not to wake up Vanda ..again... and hung around until about 7:15. We were scheduled to be at the first set of locks around 8 am.

 

All I saw at 5:30 am....

 

notice the empty hallway outside my room....

 

After waiting around we then made our way back up to Deck 11 and then to very front of the ship where there is a small deck one more flight up. We positioned ourselves right along the stairs, which put us with a pretty good view, around the centre of the ship.

 

We had been blessed with great weather the entire cruise...until today. The rain was falling very hard and the sky was grey. For a guy who loves to snap the pictures, I was a bit distraught as we started out.

 

However, once we had our umbrella (I think its great that Celebrity provides an umbrella in each stateroom) things seemed better.

 

The journey into the Canal had begun. As we left the Pacific Ocean we could see the Bridge of the America's directly ahead of us.

 

 

View to the port side:

 

View to the Starboard side:

 

Getting closer to the bridge:

[sayvan]

Despite the rain it was very warm today. Somehow, the rain just doesn't seem to matter as much when its warm (how's that for positive thinking!).

 

Slowly we passed under the Bridge of the America's.

 

 

Ahead of us you could see the NCL's Norwegian Star, which would be near us the entire day as we journeyed through the Canal.

 

We then made our way toward the first set of locks and our exit from the Pacific Ocean would be complete.

 

Getting ready to enter the first stage of the Miraflores Locks:

 

[sayvan]

We then entered the Miraflores Locks and began a lift that would move the ship 16.5 metres (53 ft) higher then when we first entered and allow us to traverse Miraflores lake as we headed toward the second set of locks. We stayed at the front of the ship on Deck 11 for the first set of locks.

 

I will let the pictures tell the rest of this story:

 

 

 

Rain continues to fall as we pass through the Miraflores Locks:

 

Getting ready to move to the second section:

 

 

Dam near the first set of locks:

[sayvan]

After the rise up from the Pacific Ocean we entered Miraflores Lake and headed for the Pedro Migual Locks

 

Tracks the Train mules run along securing the ship within the lock:

 

 

Tracy and Reg with a nice spot to watch the transit through the Miraflores lock:

 

 

Miraflores Lake with the New Millennium Bridge in the background:

 

Two ship side by side in Miraflores Locks

 

We then went down to deck 10 and went out to the aft area of the oceanview café. By the time we made our way back there the rain had slowed and was almost stopped.

[sayvan]

The Pedro Miguel Locks are the smallest locks along the Canal. They have one flight and raise the ship 10 metres (almost 33 ft). The aft view gave a different perspective as we pulled through the locks.

 

NCL Ship behind us now:

 

Lock doors:

 

Another shot of the doors from the aft (someone had asked about awning on the aft cabins - you can see them in this shot)

 

Shot of the Miraflores locks from inside the Pedro Miguel Locks:

 

Control House:

 

Moving out of the Pedro Miguel Locks:

[sayvan]

 

 

A tug to help us through the tight bends of the Culebra Cut:

 

Once into the Cut, it was pretty much Scenic cruising for the next few hours as we approached Gatun Lake. We had made our way through the first two sets of locks in just over two hours and as 10:30am approached we would be cruising until around 1 pm before entering the lake. The cruise along the Cut was very beautiful and very green. Along the way you could see water falls that flow into the canal and feed it with all the water it requires.

 

 

Off in the Distance the Norwegian Star is still in the Pedro Miguel Locks:

 

[sayvan]

 

Millennium Bridge:

 

 

 

 

 

Well that's all the time I have for today but stay tuned as tomorrow I will complete the remainder of our transit through the Panama Canal. Thanks for sticking with me through this long review!

[atlgators]

They say, "A picture is worth a thousand words." The person who said that truly knew what he was talking about. Fabulous pictures.....wonderful story. We are taking the same trip on the Constellation Jan. 2. Thanks so much for the preview. Can't wait to see the rest.

 

Barb

[aneka]

Thanks for the great review and the wonderful pictures. We will be doing a Panama Canal cruise on Infinity in March. Your posts are making me very anxious to board the ship and get going. Thanks for the great posts. I was wondering where Tracy and Reg were sitting on the ship to watch the canal passage. It looks like a prime spot! Were the chairs there or did they move them to the spot from somewhere on deck? Keep the posts coming we are waiting to see the rest of the cruise.

Thanks,

Annette