BTimmer's Almost Live - Zuiderdam 1/2-30/22 -San Diego to Florida RT

[Queen of DaNile]

18 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Masks are not required for photos, and they are taking them in the atrium and throughout the ship.

How are they about enforcing/reminding people to wear masks? Seeing disturbing pictures posted on another site of unmasked guests posing with masked crew on the Rotterdam.

[Btimmer]

3 hours ago, Queen of DaNile said:

How are they about enforcing/reminding people to wear masks? Seeing disturbing pictures posted on another site of unmasked guests posing with masked crew on the Rotterdam.

There is a constant reminder to mask up.

[Btimmer]

We just took our antigen test while going through clearance formalities in Cartegena.  It's a hot and humid day.  We're using the bow thrusters and azipods to keep in position.

 

We had protection while here.

 

[john the pick]

Anyone know which side of the ship is better for Panama Canal viewing going westbound?

[Essiesmom]

23 minutes ago, john the pick said:

Anyone know which side of the ship is better for Panama Canal viewing going westbound?

Port side…maybe.  But you should not stay on your balcony…you will miss 3/4 of the views. Move around the ship, especially on the promenade deck.  EM

[Btimmer]

31 minutes ago, john the pick said:

Anyone know which side of the ship is better for Panama Canal viewing 

Generally speaking, I've found the port side best; but the bow and stern gives 270° views with my preference being to face forward.

[Btimmer]

Here's some more photos from the 'service call' at Cartegena.

 

Our parking location

 

container port area

 

Monastery

 

Modern city skyline of Cartagena 

 

Lighthouse

 

Ancient fort at the exit

[NavArch64]

One "funny" thing about the Panama Canal .... when going "westbound", one actually goes in the south-southeasterly direction. So, the hot afternoon sun would be on the starboard side ... so, maybe the port side would be better in the shade.

[Btimmer]

1 minute ago, NavArch64 said:

One "funny" thing about the Panama Canal .... when going "westbound", one actually goes in the south-southeasterly direction. So, the hot afternoon sun would be on the starboard side ... so, maybe the port side would be better in the shade.

Very true, and I've found the port side scenery to generally be better.

[NavArch64]

Also, if the ships are passing port-port, then one can better view passing ships on the port side. We now have 3 reasons for the port side.

[Btimmer]

Here's some artwork from outside of the Lincoln Center stage area.

 

 

 

 

 

[Btimmer]

2 minutes ago, NavArch64 said:

Also, if the ships are passing port-port, then one can better view passing ships on the port side. We now have 3 reasons for the port side.

Eastbound last week they were passing starboard to starboard.

[john the pick]

Thanks for all the thoughts and info!

[12cruise2]

I'm confused--did you all stop at Cartagena and get off?  Or, what was the service call?  And you had the antigen tests for Cartagena, then? 

[Btimmer]

20 minutes ago, 12cruise2 said:

I'm confused--did you all stop at Cartagena and get off?  Or, what was the service call?  And you had the antigen tests for Cartagena, then? 

The service call is a technical stop to verify we were there by the local authorities and comply with the PVSA.  Nobody got off. We just bobbed in the harbor.

 

The antigen tests were for the Panama Canal transit.  The Captain just came on and confirmed that we received clearance and a sequence for our transit.  At this point he indicated we would reach the Gatun Locks at around 7:30am.

[iflyrc5]

2 hours ago, Btimmer said:

Here's some more photos from the 'service call' at Cartegena.

 

Our parking location

 

container port area

 

Monastery

 

Modern city skyline of Cartagena 

 

Lighthouse

 

Ancient fort at the exit

We took a tour that visited the Monastery on our last cruise that stopped there.  Very interesting and also a great view of the harbor and city from up there.

[0106]

1 hour ago, Btimmer said:

 At this point he indicated we would reach the Gatun Locks at around 7:30am.

When is sunrise?  What time will you need to be up to witness the ship entering the canal?

[Btimmer]

1 hour ago, 0106 said:

When is sunrise?  What time will you need to be up to witness the ship entering the canal?

We pick up the pilot around 5:15am EST and Ian said we should be at the Gatun Locks at around 7:15am EST.  However, times can vary either way.

[Btimmer]

11 hours ago, 0106 said:

When is sunrise?  What time will you need to be up to witness the ship entering the canal?

The link for the camera is:

 

https://multimedia.panama-canal.com/

[0106]

Thank you for the link.  Snow day for MD schools so I’ll be watching in preparation for my 2/13  canal cruise.

[Cruise Suzy]

Think I was just in time to see Zuiderdam start to enter

 

[Cruise Suzy]

[Cruise Suzy]

 

 

[Essiesmom]

[0106]

 

Edited January 20, 2022 by 0106
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