I just received this from Colleen. She's having trouble posting so I'm posting this for her.

Live from the RSSC Voyager 12-26-04

Christmas Eve we had dinner at Compass Rose and although there was plenty to select from, the chef’s choice was a version of British Christmas including goose, trifle, and a type of figgy pudding. As a matter of act, earlier in the day, they gave a goose cooking demonstration. Those that attended enjoyed it. Generally, we’ve been eating at La Veranda for lunch and fill up on salads of mixed greens and loads of vegetables. Oh I eat dessert and other things, but I’ve been good about these fresh salads since they are just so good. I might have 3 plates of that stuff.

Christmas day’s dinner at the Compass Rose was supposed to be a typical American holiday dinner. We all agreed with the turkey and stuffing and pumpkin pie but had serious doubts about the shrimp and one other item that escapes me know. As usual the food and the company were quite good. We are usually getting to dinner about 8 pm or a little later and like the last people seated. Guess this is the age group that eats early.



Go ahead and laugh but I have taken up needlepoint. I probably won’t finish my project on the ship but I’m finding it enjoyable. The needlepoint instructor is the social host named Jack. He learned to needlepoint approximately 3 days before I did. Jack has certain other talents. When he is not sailing on Radisson he is one of 11 certified Disney Prince Charmings. I bet you are really laughing now.



We took a tour of the locks and the former canal zone. The former canal zone is a very nice area of homes and condos, rather upscale. The locks are just fascinating. We heard about several canal swimmers (Jack Haliburton in 1928 paid a 36 cent toll), currently the most expensive fee is paid by a Princess ship, over $200,000. Watching the locks operate is so interesting. All gravity run, no pumps. When we sat in a lock and waited until it filled it was so smooth, you’d hardly know water was running in under the ship.



The Christmas Eve show was put on by the staff with some stories and songs from their native lands. The Russian dancer (actually the dance captain) was probably the most popular but Prince Charming has a nice voice. They were all quite good. Actually before dinner, the staff had a sing along Caroling session and when we asked for an encore they said “no” because they had to go wait on the dinner tables. So we even had singing waiters in a way.



The Christmas night show was a Broadway production. Songs and dances from West Side Story, South Pacific, Les Miz, Cats, and several others. The place was packed. Hardly a seat to be found (650 seat theater). Actually Christmas tea time was packed, too. We really had to work to find several seats together. Still no luck with the trivia. At least we consistently come in second place.



Gosh I hate to be so picky but I will comment on the shelf in the shower to put the bottles of shampoo, etc. It is not a very stable place for 4 oz bottles. I keep knocking them over so I just put all the bottles on the floor but the room stewards keep trying to use the shelf and the bottles are precariously balanced there as I type. The products provided are 4 oz bottles of Aveda shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion.



We’ve been playing trivia with a lovely couple from Virginia. He uses a walker but both are still very sharp. Found out today he is eligible to be in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest lung transplant recipient who has survived (one year so far). Guess when I get nosey, I’ll ask just how old he is. They get off in LA or I’d tell you’ll to look out for them. I’ll also try to get a full name so we can look him up in the Guinness Book when they get all the paper work filed.



Today they have an open bridge for the afternoon. I think I really should have been an engineer because I found that every bit as interesting as the canal locks. Interesting to note that they have the lifeboat crew list posted. In the event of an emergency, the tour director, 3 assistant tour directors and the head sommelier will be in my lifeboat. Wonder what that means?



As this is the 7th day of our trip and I feel that my vacation is just getting started, I can safely conclude that a one weeks vacation will never be enough for me ever again.