Ile Royale, French Guiana

Posted on 03/01/2018 by Geoff

Today we are visiting Ile Royale or known as Devils Island to us. We were advised last evening we would arrive at 0700hrs but would be leaving at 1100hrs. At around 0350hrs, that time of the night when nocturnal activities take place and our paths crossed, Christine came out with, “Its gone 6 o’clock, we may as well get up and catch the early tender” I naturally got back into bed and suggested she also went back to sleep!!! As things happened due to the strong northerly current our ship lost ground resulting in our arrival being late, arriving around 0900hrs.

At anchor with tender going to island

At anchor with tender going to island


Our tea boy performed admirably again this morning, well done to him. We enjoyed our breakfast watching the Islands from the terrace buffet on the outside deck whilst the ship dropped anchor and discharged the tenders, preparing for the transfer. There is only one small jetty here so we were a 5-minute boat ride away.

Our plan was to wait until the first rush of people had gone, this saved us having to wait in the lounge and get tender tickets etc. Our cunning plan worked; once we had completed breakfast, sorted ourselves out, we walked down to the tender embarkation platform and straight onto a tender and away within a couple of minutes; so far so good but now 3 large Catamarans had arrived from the mainland and they presumably got priority to land their passengers which seemed to take for ages.  Our 5-minute tender ride eventually took around 25 minutes; still it was quite fun bouncing around in the swell!!!

Solidarity confinement, dark away from everywhere

Solidarity confinement, dark away from everywhere

Now for a brief history. The first reference of these islands was recorded in 1552 and in 1595 Sir Walter Raleigh was in these waters; in fact he sailed up the
So tiny, no wonder they went mad!

So tiny, no wonder they went mad!

Orenoque River. In 1604 a French explorer arrives and the entire region between the Amazon and the Orenoque River becomes French Territory.   Around 1763/64 a failed expedition took refuge here and that’s when the islands became known as the Iles du Salut, or Salvation Islands. From 1795 – 1798 during the French revolution, 331 political opponents and Priests who refused to take the Oath of Obedience to the constitution were shipped to this region; obviously not
Horrendous place

Horrendous place

everybody was guillotined at that time!!!     In 1852 the first shipload of Prisoners left France to begin their sentences in Ile Royale, later to be known as Devil’s Island. At that time the French Government, led by Napoleon 3rd, had the idea of getting rid of Prison buildings and their inmates, and in 1854 the law on transportation was passed. Jails were emptied and all prisoners were sent to French Guiana to a prison Complex in the North West of the country where they were subjected to hard labour
Remains of the prisons

Remains of the prisons

however, those most dangerous, or troublesome in the hard labour camp, ended up on the Ile Royale, later known as devil’s island.   The conditions here were dreadful, many went off their rockers; not surprising as the worst offenders were thrown into a cell about 7ft by 4ft with no roof for up to 5 years!!!! The better-behaved poisoners had a certain amount of freedom as the island was impossible to escape from, however: Apparently one man did escape by tying loads of coconuts together and floating away, but where did he float to I have to ask!!!

This penal system went on until it was disbanded in 1938. The strap line for this place must be “Purgatory in Paradise”

One of the restored buildings

One of the restored buildings

To add injury to insult, all prisoners released after completing their sentences had to stay in French Guiana for a time equal to the length of their forced labour sentence, but if your sentence was more than 8 years, after release you had to stay in Guiana for the rest of your life, harsh or what?
My favourite bit, the monkeys, they were fun to watch

My favourite bit, the monkeys, they were fun to watch


Today this is a very nice island to walk around, tropical vegetation, palm trees with coconuts, the remains of the prison
Spot the tiny baby on her back, so cute

Spot the tiny baby on her back, so cute

cells and other derelict buildings, a Hotel, but the exciting part
Peacock enjoying our company

Peacock enjoying our company

was seeing the monkeys that live on the Island. There are two species, The Spider Monkey and the Capuchin Monkey, not too sure which we actually saw!!! There were also Peacocks and Agoetis, large funny looking rats without tails.
Big rats

Big rats

Water used to be kept here and pumped out!

Water used to be kept here and pumped out!

We thoroughly enjoyed our morning and we were back on board at noon, ½ an hour before the last tender left the Island.
Water storage the modern way!

Water storage the modern way!

We
Beautiful idyllic Island shame it has a terrible history

Beautiful idyllic Island shame it has a terrible history

couldn’t wait to get back to our cabin, take off our clothes, as they were soaking in sweat, and have a cool shower before going to lunch.

This afternoon we had the first of six lectures about the Amazon, very interesting but our lecturer has a boring voice and many people dropped off.

Yesterday I was seduced by a rather nice lightweight Blazer in the ships boutique, so bought it; ouch! Unfortunately, to get the right size and a decent fit, the sleeves were too long but never mind the shop staff tell me, we have a tailor on board who will sort that out for you. Late this afternoon we had a call from the tailor, he came over, measured the jacket sleeves and said it would be ready in the morning. I had no opportunity to change my mind!!!!!

We dined in the Buffet again tonight as we both fancied a Lobster followed by a steak; decadent or what!!!!! As we were finished rather too early for “Showtime” we went into the card room and played a few hands of crib.

An old crooner from the UK, Jamie Michael Stewart, entertained us tonight. His main claim to fame was that he was in an American program called “Love Boat”, never saw it my self but apparently it was popular and ran for several years. He sang many different songs from famous Artists such as Frank Sinatra and Barry Manilow to name but two; he was the total professional and had the audience eating out of his hand but he was very good. He has two more shows before we leave the ship.

Another sea-day tomorrow but more importantly we enter the Amazon and cross the Equator when we will be visited by King Neptune and all those who haven’t crossed the Equator by sea will have the initiation!!!!

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Scarborough, Tobago: New Years Day

Posted on 01/01/2018 by Geoff

No rush this morning, we weren’t due to dock ‘till around 0900hrs and as we had holidayed on the island in the past, we only thought of going to Fort King George, not having been there before. We ordered Room service again and wow, firstly they answered the ‘phone and secondly, they brought exactly what we asked for. Perhaps they heard I wasn’t happy and was going to mention it in dispatches: whatever it was, they were back to firing on all cylinders, I hope it continues!!!!!

Because Christine is still coughing a lot we went to the buffet where we can sit in a corner, outside on deck. After a few housekeeping tasks we went for our morning coffee/tea and snifter before leaving the ship. We had an interesting chat with Aldo, the Barista as he wasn’t busy he was happy to chat about his contract and working conditions etc. They may not be paid in the upper echelon of earners but as he pointed out, he lives for nothing, pays no tax and can save all his earnings. If he fancies a beer in the “Crew bar” it only costs him $1, we pay $9, now folks you can understand why people buy full booze packages and naturally try and get their money’s worth.

I digress. We left the ship and as we got to the end of the gangplank, the heavens opened so back on board and got the umbrella etc., and ventured out again. Naturally by now the downpour had ceased and the sun had dried the ground; oh well that’s the nature of things around here. As we walked into the customs hall we asked the tourist information lady how far away is Fort King George, to which she replied ½ an hour walking, up hill all the way so get a taxi and walk down. Ha, that’s for wimps we decided and set off on foot following Google Maps on our ‘phone.   Sometimes, don’t you just wonder why you make silly decisions! The lady in the Tourist office was most probably right; a taxi may have been the best option but the decision was made so off we climbed up a 1.7 Km un-ending hill in the midday sun, still with a number of rests we arrived and felt good; well knackered actually, soaked to the skin, no, not by rain but by sweeting out last nights booze. Still we were there ¾ of an hour after we started and guess what, it was all

Views were spectacular

Views were spectacular

closed. We were obviously annoyed, as when we were heading up the hill, we met a couple heading down; they incidentally took the sensible option, Taxi up, walk down: they told us the Museum was open. We eventually realised that the museum was only open for the organised tours from the ship and this couple happened to be there at the right time. New Years Day is a Holiday here as well, how un-reasonable is that?

The views from up here were stunning; there is no doubt why

Fabulous old trees, and if you look carefully you can see the ship

Fabulous old trees, and if you look carefully you can see the ship

this site was chosen and why the British wanted it, with its commanding panoramic views it was the perfect location to spot any advancing ships, and protect Scarborough.

The history of this site is interesting: In October 1777, Lord George Macartney, British Governor General of Grenada and

Outside the museum. Geoff’s shirt is a little damp

Outside the museum. Geoff’s shirt is a little damp

Tobago, authorized the erection on “Scarborough Hill” of two barracks and double kitchen to house two companies of soldiers, together with capping the hill for a parade ground. By 1779 work was near completion.

In June 1781, Tobago fell to the French. By 1784 the French, under General Blanchelande, began construction of a fort on the hill. Work was halted in 1785 and resumed in 1786 under the administration of Count Dillon. The fort was named “Fort Castries”, named after the French Minister of war.   In 1789 it was renamed “Fort Republique” and “Fort Liberte” in 1790 when the garrison revolted. The British under a Major General Cornelius Cuyler, recaptured the fort in 1793.

The walls everywhere were solid, built to last

The walls everywhere were solid, built to last

Tobago was returned to France in 1801 but by 1803 was again a British Colony. The fort was then referred to as “Fort King George” after King George III, in 1804. On the 11th October 1847 a hurricane damaged and destroyed most of the buildings. A garrison was maintained until 1854 when they withdrew to Barbados.
Powder room, the walls were at least 2ft deep

Powder room, the walls were at least 2ft deep

Today the fort is being restored and reconstructed and will be renamed Fort King George Heritage Park

The lighthouse doubled as a gift shop as well

The lighthouse doubled as a gift shop as well


So now to plod back down again, easier down than up Christine said but I disagree, my knees suffer more going down than they do going up but hey, as there are no Taxis’ we had no choice. We were about ½ way down the hill, sitting on a wall, when a lady stopped her car, wound down the window and asked which way we were going, up or down. Down we said, well jump in she said, I’m going down to the Harbour. We were a little hesitant at first, but she said she was part of the tourist information bureau; I’m not sure why we believed her but did as she said; now that was a very good decision; we were dropped off by the harbour gates a few minutes later.

Back on board we stripped off our wet clothes, had showers and up for a snack lunch, this afternoon we are going to take it easy, after all we had done about 9,000 steps by 1300hrs!!!

Tonight we had re-booked the Red Ginger, the specialty restaurant offering Asian dishes. So, after our lazy afternoon we readied ourselves, headed to Horizon’s for an aperitif before heading to dinner. It was as magnificent as before though I was very conservative and chose the same dishes as last time; it was soooooo nice!!!!!!!!!!! Christine followed my lead and had the same.

The floor show this evening were just two resident singers, they were very good, we stayed ‘till the end!!!! We had planned to return to Horizon’s but after the show we wilted and headed back to the cabin and bed.

Tomorrow a day at sea: washing, the odd lecture and hopefully sunning ourselves before our next stopping place, Devils Island.

 

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Bridgetown, Barbados: New Years Eve

Posted on 31/12/2017 by Geoff

We woke reasonably early and rang room service for our usual cupper but nothing, no nothing happened, no reply; oh dear, another failure to log in the ships questionnaire!!!

Christine didn’t kick-up much of a fuss so I know she’s not right yet. I left her in bed whilst I went down for the 0900hrs appointment with the medical centre only to be told it was Christine they wanted to see, “separated by a common language” eh! so back to collect Christine then back to the centre, this time they were too busy and suggested we went to breakfast and call back after, which we duly did.

Now at this point I am pleased to say Christine was much better, yesterday she couldn’t walk; today no problem, still we had to go to have the needle taken out of her arm, the one they put a drip through, (we don’t know what the technical term is for this) and have a final round of tests, I could see $$$$ signs floating in front of my eyes.

All good to go pronounced the Doctor, just take it easy; keep taking the medicine; no alcohol other than 1 glass of bubbly at midnight and come back if she has any further problems. Oh yes Mr. Page, just before you go the nurse calls, I have all the results of the various tests we have taken, “a wad full”, and your account. Now I am not sure if I mentioned this before, but whilst waiting in the Clinic another patient came out, looked at me and asked if I had plenty of money, he then turned to the nurse and said he would have to take a mortgage out on his house. Bearing this in mind I braced myself and took a look at the bill: good god, no way could I brace myself for this, the guy was right, a second mortgage may be necessary; wait for it, are you sitting down, fortunately I was. The total bill for 2 consultations, 2 hours in the private ward, a few pills and a couple drips etc., just under $3,000. Unreal or what? I suggested to Christine that if she has a re-lapse, I would shake it out of her!!!   Anyway, onwards and upwards, fresh air was called for.

I think this “jolt” improved Christine’s health no end, better than all the drugs taken and now felt well enough to venture into Bridgetown.

When we walked down the gangplank we were surprised to see 4 other cruise ships in the harbour. I always thought the places cruise ships visited, the local port authority organised and spread them, not have them all together as there would be too

We used to bring the dinghy alongside here to get provisions etc.,

We used to bring the dinghy alongside here to get provisions etc.,

many people to deal with all at once which would limit their “take of
The bridge named after Bridgetown

The bridge named after Bridgetown

dollars”. Still we walked the 2 Km to town, albeit with several rests and when we arrived at the harbor where the fishing boats and day trip boats as moored, we
Down memory lane, happy days on Whitbread

Down memory lane, happy days on Whitbread

remembered all the times we used to motor up in our dinghy, and enjoy the local atmosphere; food; drink “Carib”, the local beer; numerous rum punches and Christmas at the Hilton Hotel: ah yes, the
Many a Carib taken here

Many a Carib taken here

memories came flooding back and this contributed to Christine improving by the minute.

We walked over the bridge and sat down in the Harbour Bar, I

They caught three big fish, skinned, filleted and sold to local hotelier

They caught three big fish, skinned, filleted and sold to local hotelier

enjoyed a few Rum Punches whilst Christine did as she was told and enjoyed (I think!) sparkling water. We got talking to a Scottish couple from another cruise ship and what was meant as a one drink and rest stop took us past lunchtime and into mid afternoon. We were right on the waterfront and a fishing boat moored up, stern first and they proceeded to gut, skin and fillet these rather large Wahoo, These are large predatory tropical marine fish of the mackerel family, and prized as a game fish; no doubt they sold them to the local restaurant as “the catch of the day”, fascinating to watch. We then started the long meander back, stopping along the way to make a few family ‘phone calls.
Bless she really enjoyed the music

Bless she really enjoyed the music


We were back on board in time to put our feet up for an hour before the New Year’s Eve festivities begin.  To get us all in the mood, the ship had arranged for a  Caribbean steel band to come aboard and play for an hour by the pool; they were good and had a good reception at the end.  Whilst playing one or two got up to dance but one person in particular really went to town, she looked to be in her 90’s, she had long grey hair, she is always seen wearing gloves, though not tonight she was carrying them, no doubt all this exertion got her warm, anyway, well done her and good luck.

Firstly we ventured into the Martini bar, this had much of the ceiling covered with balloons: someone had done a lot of puffing!!!!!   We then headed to the Grand Dining Room where we met up with the couple we shared a taxi/van when we went to Antigua. The Dining room not only had balloons everywhere but we were all presented with a garland and a hat to get us into the festive mood. The four of us shared a table and had a great evening and I have to say yet again, the 68 Chefs on board surpassed themselves.

Following the meal we headed to the Sirena lounge to listen to the stand up comedian, though American, he didn’t just make jokes for the American contingent; he appealed to everyone though there were a number of risky topics which may have caused a little offence to some, but he didn’t seem to care, on he went and the audience loved it. It also transpires this comic, Tom Drake, is married to our cruise director Dotty Kulasa.

It’s party time

It’s party time


After the show we headed up to Horizons Lounge where there
Great time was had by all.

Great time was had by all.

there was a lively party going on; more balloons everywhere; music; bar rushed off their feet and the countdown to midnight called by the captain. It turned
Party time

Party time

out to be an excellent New Year Year’s Party.

Tomorrow we go to Tobago.

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30th December, a Day at Sea

Posted on 30/12/2017 by Geoff

Today started badly, we couldn’t raise room service for our daily ritual, a cup of tea in bed and also, watching the daily program on TV I heard the lecture that I wanted to go to was at 0900hrs, ouch!!! Add to that Christie wasn’t still herself so not a good start, and oh yes, at 1015hrs was our second boat drill.

We made breakfast OK and Christine kept it light, just fruit. We got back to our cabin just in time for me to go the lecture; unfortunately all Christine did was flop on the bed. Now being the caring husband I am I offered to stay but she said no, you go; I didn’t offer a second chance though.

Again another superb lecture about Pirates, Privateers, and Buccaneers attacking the Spanish fleets which much of the talk being about Sir Francis Drake. It was very interesting how the Spanish organised their plunder from central and southern America, consolidated in Hispaniola now Cuba, and transported it back to Servile in Spain. Though on the transatlantic they were easy targets, they defended their booty well and not as many ships, as were brought up to believe, suffered. It was during the consolidation period where most of the plunder took place, well according to our knowledgeable lecturer.

I rushed back to the cabin to collect Christine for boat drill and found her in a sorry state; she was in bed, had been sick, had a terrible head ache and generally felt sh1t. Now boat drill is compulsory so we had no option but to go, fortunately today’s drill didn’t involve standing on deck, only at our muster station in the grand lounge. As soon as it was over we were first out and she was back in bed. At this stage things weren’t too bad, so I went off to play cribbage with another couple from Canada and when I got back to the cabin, things were not good, her hands and feet had pins and needles, generally lethargic etc., etc., The medical centre was not open so Reception paged the nurse and after describing the symptoms she organised a wheel chair to collect Christine, take her to the ships medical centre for tests. They wired her up to all sorts of machinery did a number of tests, put her on several drips and kept on investigating. The nurse told me to go and eat as Christine was in for the next hour or so being monitored. Apparently her potassium was very very low, and she was dehydrated.

After a snack lunch I returned and after a short time they discharged her arranged a wheel chair to return her to our cabin, told to go to bed and they will see her tomorrow at 1800hrs, me on the other hand, I was asked to report to the centre at 0900hrs, I think this is for the presentation of an almighty bill.

We had a quiet and early night, hoping Christine is better tomorrow, New Years Eve in Bridgeton, Barbados.

 

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Willemstad, Curacao

Posted on 29/12/2017 by Geoff

No rush to get up for breakfast this morning, as we weren’t due to arrive ‘till around 1100hrs. Sometime before 1100hrs the Captain came on the PA apologizing to the fact we wouldn’t arrive now ‘till nearer 1300hrs: the ship had been hampered by currents and adverse weather conditions trying to slow the ship down, successfully as it seems!!! Naturally being a port day there were few, if any, activities so they hastily arranged a few things, one of which I attended. It was a lecture on the 4

Christopher Columbus lecture.

Christopher Columbus lecture.

voyages of Christopher Columbus, www.history.com/topics/exploration/christopher-columbus , called the 3 “G’s”: for God; for Gold; for Glory, and it was an hour well spent. There is a follow-up lecture tomorrow; I’ll be there.
First impressions, a lovely colourful vibrant place

First impressions, a lovely colourful vibrant place


We arrived at the dock in Willemstead, Curacaco, one of the A B C Islands in the Dutch Antilles and went ashore. Our one main aim today was to find a nail place to get Christine’s nails
Beautiful painted houses rows and rows of them, keeping up the tradition of the town

Beautiful painted houses rows and rows of them, keeping up the tradition of the town

sorted. The ship wanted $105 for what she gets done in Pilar for €20 and after some wandering about and asking people we discovered one in the middle of town who said she could do them straight away, yes a success “AND” only $20, what a result that was, and when she came out they looked very nice. That was the good part of the day, the bad part is that Christine has had a nasty niggling cough for the past 10 days or so, and today it seemed to be a lot worse. Now bearing in mind she has a bit of a history of pneumonia I said that she was going to see the ships doctor when we get back and that was that.

Unfortunately we didn’t get to see everything in Willemstad but we did go over the Queen Emma Bridge; this is a floating

Floating bridge

Floating bridge

Pontoon pedestrian bridge, originally built in 1888 but renovated in 2006. This bridge connects the two halves of Willemstad: Otrobanda, the side our ship is docked and
Dutch navy in town, bridge opened to let them through.

Dutch navy in town, bridge opened to let them through.

Punda, where the old part of the town is
Floating market with stalls in front

Floating market with stalls in front

situated, and where we were headed. The other site recommended to see was the floating market, well this was a disappointment, yes it had beautiful fruit for sale but all the stalls were on the quayside with old boats behind, the “floating” part I suppose.
Floating market that didn’t float!

Floating market that didn’t float!

After nails and before venturing back to the ship we stopped

Me playing the drums!

Me playing the drums!

for a drink on the riverfront and was there when they swung the pontoon bridge open and let a Dutch Navel Frigate sail in, they then closed it again. Interestingly, when the bridge is out of use, the old ferry takes over and once the bridge is swung back, the ferry ceases. When we decided to return we took the ferry, anyway it made a
One of the many bridges in town

One of the many bridges in town

change!!!

Back on board and straight to the doctor and after a full examination confirmed it was just a bad cough, it hadn’t gone south into her lungs, told her to not be close to people, gave her some pills and masks, and me a bill for $304, ouch! Anyway if it stops her coughing it will be money well spent.

We were going to the specialty restaurant, Red Ginger tonight but under the circumstances had to cancel so a quick trip up to a quiet corner on the outside deck of the buffet instead followed by an early night for Christine whilst I caught up to date with logs etc.,

Tomorrow is another sea day before arriving in Barbados.

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2 oceans and the Panama Canal

Posted on 27/12/2017 by Geoff

Boxing day, the first of the three sea days was quiet. We were getting over the excitement of seeing and meeting Santa yesterday, over indulging in the culinary delights and having the odd “drinky-poos” relaxing in the sun with the odd dip to cool off with. We also had a chance to get on with our reading.

On our second sea day, we entered the Panama canal from the pacific end passing Panama City then under the “Bridge of the Americas” a road bridge for the intercontinental highway which was built in 1962, however now they have added the additional large locks catering for the larger ships, this bridge is too low, they are going to have raise it!!   Talking about the larger locks, the original locks built for the opening in 1914, still operating today, can accommodate what is called “Panamax” size. To give you an idea, they can accommodate circa 5,000 container-size ships; the new locks can accommodate 10,000 container-size ships and to build these new locks, naturally they had to build new channels. The original canal itself has been widened during the years so this wasn’t a problem.

Just after the Bridge of the Americas we passed the area known

Museum with unusual roof structure

Museum with unusual roof structure

as Biomuseo: The area where the “Museo da la Boidiversidad en panamais”, (www.biomuseopanama.org) (Museum of Mexico) is sited. This building was designed by that “well-known” architect, Frank Gehry who, I don’t think anybody has heard of and perhaps looking at the building, this is not only his “first” building in Latin America, but perhaps could also be his last!!!!! The idea for this museum was thought of back in 1999, but it wasn’t completed and opened until 2014, no surprises for the delay there then! As Christine said when she first saw this and pointed me in the direction of a shantytown: I am sure the museum is worth visiting if we could though.

We arrived at the first set of locks, The Miraflores and Pedro

First lock we encountered

First lock we encountered

Miguel locks; 3 in total raising us 85 foot above sea level. The ships seem to just fit the locks and are held in place by 4 motorised “Mules”, special locomotives built exclusively by Mitsubishi for the Canal. Alongside these locks is the Canal Museum, a much more
The mules steadied us in the locks

The mules steadied us in the locks

Museum, people can stand and watch ships going through, our ship wished them a happy Xmas, and we got an enormous cheer

Museum, people can stand and watch ships [caption id="attachment_5261" align="alignleft" width="150"]Two gates for safety on way out of locks Two gates for safety on way out of locks

going through, our ship wished them a happy Xmas, and we got an enormous cheer[/caption]conventional building and more in keeping with the area.

I have now been through this canal 3 times and still I marvel at the extraordinary engineering lengths the builders went to back in the construction days, bearing in mind “their technology” of the day. It stands testament to their skills that the locks etc., are still working today. Even the concrete laid back then, though a little battered, has stood the test of time.

It was a very sunny and hot day as we meandered through the “cut” and across the Gatun Lake watching the countryside and wildlife, including a couple of crocodiles as we passed by. This man made lake provides all the water necessary for the canal and the lake is filled with all the rain there is around here, and will continue to do so as long as the rain forest stays in tact. This lake also provides the 3448c939-73cd-4dc0-8ce4-c6a376236832power needed through turbines below one of the dams, generating electricity.

About 5 hours later we enter the Gatun Locks and drop back down 85 foot to sea level then out into the Caribbean, past Colon, the complete transit, all 77 KMs (48 miles) took about 7 hours. For those who would like to know more about the history and facts about this wonderful engineering enterprise, here are three (of many) useful links:

In between watching everything we manage to “sit-&-

Map of the Panama Canal

Map of the Panama Canal

tan” have a swim and experiment with rum punches before heading to the room prior to visiting the dining room.

After another excellent meal we retired to our cabin and played Crib as the show tonight didn’t appeal and besides it is very tiring watching things happen in the Panama Canal.

We woke up late on this 3rd sea day; we have very thick curtains across our porthole so with no light, we just slept on! Anyway we had to put our clock on one hour during the night but when we woke we weren’t sure which clocks were right so we switched on the TV to the “map program” the channel that gives us all the facts including the ship’s time. Gosh it was after well after 9 and weren’t dressed, and if we wanted breakfast, we had missed the Grand Dining room but if we hurried we could make the Buffet before it closed at 1000hrs. At this point we knew we were told to put the clocks on 1 hour but the ship clock showed they should have gone on 2 hours. Anyway as we came upstairs we noticed the Dining room was still open, so went along and asked if we were too late, of course not came the reply so we asked the correct time, 0830 Sir, and that was on the ships computer. When we got back to the room they had altered the ships clock on the map channel. Their mistake and we panicked for nothing, the main reason was for this was we were having a question and answer session with the Captain, the Chief Engineering officer and the Hotel Director and this started at 1000hrs.

The weather today wasn’t up to much this morning, the doors to the outside decks were closed off, the pool had been emptied the sea was a little rough, though Christine was convinced the waves were very high, still it was chores day, Christine did the washing and ironing, I helped with the fetching and carrying and all was soon done. Apart from eating, drinking playing games, we had a quiet day until dinner.

After dinner they had a musical show, singing and dancing that we both agreed was good, the background to the show was the last night of prohibition in the US and all the songs were from around that time.

Tomorrow mid morning we arrive into Curacao.

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