Posting for Jan, who is having problems getting LCT to cooperate


Woke up to a bright, sunny morning on the southern/western side of Panama Canal. Yesterday we made the quickest transit through the canal we have ever made. We entered about 6:30am and exited the MiraFlora locks at 2:00pm. No stopping or waiting anywhere.

Interesting to see the construction going on for the new, wider canal. It will be only one lane instead of two lands like the existing one. But it will be wider and deeper to handle the large, large ships. They will not use the "mules", or electric engines but will have a tug attached in the front and in the rear of each ship. It looks pretty sure that they will not meet their 2014 target date.

Stopped in Aruba but didn't do any of the tours. Last stop before the canal was a small island in the San Blas group. The attraction was a "traditional village" and their molas. We decided a hot muggy day was better spent at the pool.

The pool is very nice. It is designed so that there is a shallow area around the deeper pool that has water when not in rolling seas. If you don't want to go into the deeper pool, you can sit in the shallow water to cool off. The pool was long enough for a short lap but really only enough room for 2 people doing laps at the same time.

We have had dinner now in all the restaurants and have enjoyed them all. Restaurant 2 is very similar to the "old" Latitudes on Regent, but not the Asian flavor. Our meal there was good and they our wines there that you cannot get in the other restaurants. We just had the complementary selections which were fine. There was a package you could purchase if you wanted.

The main dining room is good as well. We have to be careful not to sit in the center area where the ceiling is very high because it is noisy and makes it difficult for Fred to hear. The Colonnade changes every night with a different theme. You can also sit outside which is nice on this itinary. We have a list showing us what each night will be. No buffet in the evenings, every thing is served to you. The menu is not large. Usually 3 appetizers, 2 main courses, and a desert on the theme side of the menu, but there are standards you can have any time.

The pool grille has become our favorite for several reasons. The service is fantastic. Most of the staff now calls us by name. The food is very good. There are always several appetizers and salads on the buffet, pizza. Then you order your main course from the wait staff. There is always a pasta dish, and then different grilled main courses, like Garlic and Herb Roasted Pork Chop, Lamb Rack chops, grilled fish. All the main courses come with the same sides which are different every night. Desert is from the buffet. We have tried the pasta dishes, the lamb, and steak....all were very good.

We continue to be impressed with Seabourn. One of the things we like is all the different places on the ship you can find to sit and watch the sea go by. Almost all of the public spaces are in back with guest suites in the front. Exceptions are on Deck 6 there is a whirlpool and sun deck right in the bow. On deck 10 the Observation lounge is on the front. It is the only lounge inside that allows smoking. So far it hasn't been too bad but you definitely can tell there are smokers in the room, but we haven't left because of it.

We are delayed this morning leaving for our tours. They are still fueling the ship for our next ten days at sea. Next stop...Nuka Hiva.

Jan