Friday 27th Nov. Land Ahoy

We had thought we would do the Zumba class on deck this morning but failed to get out of bed in time.  We did make it to the theatre to see a presentation on The Panama Canal which was interesting but also very funny as the presenter a professional travel writer. Just a few facts I remember. It was planned and started by De Lesseps who also built the Suez Canal. The dirt removed would go 4 times round the Earth but there again the number of Big Macs sold would go round 6 times. There are locks at the Caribbean side and more on the Pacific side of the isthmus. There are 3 chambers which raise or lower the ships. With extra big ships there is sometimes only 12 inches on either side. The ships are held in place by machines called mules. After the Lock there is a lake called Gatun. The ships go round the lake which is good to know as we thought the ship might have to reverse back out as we are not going through to the other side.  And finally, it is costing this ship 240000 dollars to pass through!  The presenter told us about the top ten questions he has been asked about the Canal.  How high will the ship be out of the water when we are in the locks?  The answer was - the ship will not leave the water at any time of the transit. Will I see monkeys in trees from my cabin?  Answer - not unless you have transferred to another cruise through the jungle. Question -if I catch a fish in the Canal will be it fresh water or salt water?  Answer - does it matter, it will be a dead fish.

On the the Atrium to watch a Martini making class. Actually it was like a show. 3 bar stewards gave demonstrations of flairing ( juggling bottles, cocktail shakers and glasses ) -brilliant. One steward looked amazingly like a dark coloured Brad Pitt.  Another steward prepared and poured out 10 cocktails simultaneously. 

Me being silly, but not had a cocktail, at this point

The Steward doing it properly

Sunny and hot today so we found a quiet spot at the pointed end of the ship with padded sun beds.  Sandra and I like to re enact famous films or songs so I posed for "Walk like an Egyptian". Actually I wanted to portray Titanic, but the Captain came out and told me to get off the railings.  Memo to self - should have gone to Zumba this morning.

We have just watched a Mr Sexy Legs competition round the pool, ( Didn't it used to be Knobbly Knees?). 6 men volunteered and they all had names like Chuck, Woody and ..... Bronco.  No lie.

Panicked when these two women sat down together on the edge of the pool.

Back to the cabin for relaxation and an early shower etc. Tonight it is the Captain's champagne reception and best frocks must be worn. 

Well here we are, having a cocktail before the champagne, well we are on our holidays. 

The reception was just a case of the Captain introducing the senior members of the crew, so who was steering the ship then?  In the restaurant, we met a really nice couple who were from Durham, moved to Yeovil but currently living in Trinidad as he was a search and rescue helicopter pilot.  We also had blueberry mojito ice as a palate cleanser between courses.  Oooh get us!  The show was better than last night, singing and dancing.  Early night as we arrive in Aruba at 7am but sail again at 12noon so only time for a short shore visit but will be glad to be on dry land for a bit.