July 4, 2015, Saturday, Cartegena, Colombia

There are differing opinions as to whether or not we should be worried about visiting Colombia.  In fact, it could be said for Nicaragua and Guatamala.  Even Mexico mentioned that as tourists, we might be apprehensive about visiting their countries.  It seems to boil down to the Pan American Hwy which goes through all of these countries, and the likely possibility that drug smuggling would be going on through this corridor and the consequences of interfering with this economy.

I did take a copy of my passport as well as my driver's license and some cash and  a credit card.  Normally we only bring a small amount of cash and our room key to get on and off the ship.

Entering Cartenega harbor

July 4th brunch

An old fort

As seen from our tour boat

Our boat, taking the hour long trip to the Oceanario

This is an aquarium with enclosures right in the ocean

Turtles

Walking along to view the enclosed areas

Looking out from a walkway

I think these are milk sharks

Posing

We had a dolphin show

Inside there was a small aquarium exhibit area

After the aquarium we went to a beach for lunch and massages on the beach.

Cartenega as we came back to the ship, very late

Everything turned out just fine - as far as safety  goes.  Our tour, however, was delayed and we did not make it back to the ship by 5:30pm as we should.  We barely made it by 6:00pm.  when the ship was scheduled to depart.

July 3, 2015, Friday, crossing the Panama Canal

Last night was a beautiful full moon.  This morning We saw the sun rise over the Pacific ocean.  This is the only place  from the Americas where you can see this because of the way Panama is twisted.  We are anchored off the entrance to the canal looking towards Panama City which is supposed to be a beautiful skyline.  There is a lot of haze.  This city has medical tourism as a major industry because of the good prices for medical treatment.

Our first view of the area, early morning as we approached the canal

Passing Panama City skyline

As we entered the canal area from the Pacific side  There were many ships out here waiting.

They put on two pilots who inspected the whole ship and will guide us through the canal.  We also added a commentator who talked to us throughout the day.  We had had several lectures onboard ship about the canal and saw two documentary movies.  This commentator still had lots more to tell us about the transit.

Panama City skyline  at different view

Pilots entering our ship to guide us through the transit

Passing under a bridge before the first lock

Past the bridge looking over the top deck of Insignia

Pilot boat leaving as we enter first locks

Photos from the deck

First lock is ahead

Locks are opening

Looking as we enter, through windows of the Horizons lounge

Ship ahead in in second stage, we are entering this one

Aaron captured this photo of our ship going through the canal.

These cars guide the ship

Our bridge and the other lane

More along the side

Official office of Gatlin Locks, the Pacific side locks

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Guide cars use these tracks

Looking out our lanai.

We were aware of the canal all day long and viewed it as much as possible.  We were in a lake for a long time before reaching the Atlantic.  As soon as we got into the Atlantic, the seas and weather changed and we were in for a storm and rocky seas.