richwmn

I have sent a message to see how they might want to be contacted. Please be aware that these tours were organized by someone I met in Panama a few years ago, and while he does now run a business doing tours and such this was different than what he normally provides.

@HAL Sailer, @Quartzsite Cruiser I haven't seen the cracked window. The hole in the roof of the Lido will be patched. The replacement will probably not happen until a dry dock, the same with the window. The radio antenna can most likely be replaced, possibly with a spare, while underway, but again I have not actually seen the damage. I called it minor because nothing had to be repaired before we could get underway.

Continuing on with Monday, about 6 hours since I returned to Zuiderdam. I had another excursion to Panama City. We had the same host as last night and the same sequence. Shuttle to Isle Perico, then a van ride into the city. Again there was walking along with narration on the history of Panama. It was interesting to see some of the same areas as the previous night, only in the light and with the crowd that we had Sunday night. We were told the history of Panama, along with the events the led to control of the former Canal Zone returning to Panama. It was very interesting and our host was well versed in the history of his country. Administration Building for the former Canal Zone Hand made Molas from Panama, always very pretty. My Garlic Shrimp lunch, all very good! We got back to the ship in plenty of time, and I was in time to play Beatles Music Trivia at 6:30. I didn’t win (I missed one) because several teams got perfect scores. It was fun. At 7:30 I went into the Gallery Bar where they were supposed to be playing the College Football National Championship Game. At the beginning it didn’t appear that the game would be playing in the Gallery Bar, the screens had a error message, even tho we could see it on screens in the Casino. The bartender didn’t really seem concerned until right at 7:30 we asked him to call and try to get it fixed. A few minutes later the screens reset and the game was available. I watched the first three quarters with friends there, then watched the finish in my cabin. I shouldn’t need to say I was very pleased with the outcome.

January 10th, 2023 – At sea Good morning from Zuiderdam and the first of many days at sea heading for French Polynesia. It is a beautiful day, after 2 full days in Panama. When I last posted we had completed the Gatun Locks and were headed toward the Pacific. The passage went without any problems, and we arrived at Fuerte Amador about an hour early. We did take a lightning strike which made a hole in the top of the Lido. I had arranged a Night Life tour of Panama City. We met in the Ocean Bar at 7:30 and left the ship. The dock are at Fuerte Amador is new and is still under construction. The area around the dock is full of construction equipment and dirt roads. We had to take a shuttle from the dock to Isle Perico. Our host was there, along with thousands of party goers. Monday was a holiday for Panama and locals were out in droves celebrating on Sunday night. The walk to where the van was parked was a bit long, but filled with commentary about Panama. Then we drove into the city and had a dinner at a very nice local restaurant. We had a section of tables set aside and had a selection of three meals. I chose the fish and it was very well done. Others said their meals were excellent as well. The service was great and portions large. After dinner we took a walk with commentary about the history of Panama and the architecture. The next stop was a roof top bar. After an elevator ride we got to a wonderful view of Panama City. The weather co operated and we had a good view of the city lights. Our host pointed out notable areas. The provided drink was good and we stayed about 45 minutes. After another short walk, we arrived at the second roof top bar. This was a party bar with techno music and a large crowd. The other thing it had was another spectacular view. Everyone was having a good time and again the weather was great. After another short stay we took the elevator to the ground floor. Our van was waiting and we were taken back to Isle Perico. The shuttle got us back to Zuiderdam around 1 am.

Good Morning from Zuiderdam! @StLouisCruisersSandi is correct, I did have a late but enjoyable night last night. Actually, ESPN is doing a replay right now and of course it is on my TV. I had a very good time returning to Panama and having the opportunity for see a friend again. With the exception of a few minutes on the way back to the ship, we had good weather the entire day. We were nearby and heard, saw, and felt the lightning strike that hit Zuiderdam. There was only minor damage so we are on our way. We are at sea until the 18th when we arrive in French Polynesia. I hope everyone has a great week. Thanks again to @rafinmdRoy for publishing the Fleet Report and Daily (with maps) each day and to the F&B department for their continued support.

I didn't hear any mention of it, but I arrived back a little after 4 after a very nice day in Panama

I only said that this isn't a new charge.

From this post you seem to feel that this is a new change. It isn't. HAL has been charging for the mini fridges in the inside and outside cabins on the R & S class ships for over 20 years - hardly a new charge. All other cabins, and all cabins on newer ships, have a mini fridge in each cabin.

Funny that the two screen captures were posted by people on Zuiderdam. This is my third full transit of the Canal. The first was on USS Kinkaid in 1976 from east to west. The other full (west to east) was also on Zuiderdam along with a partial on Zuiderdam.

January 08, 2023 – The Panama Canal I was up bright and early and managed to see the lights of Atlantic side Panama. Then we did the first set of locks at Gatun. This is always an interesting part of the trip. Three sets of locks raise the ship 85 feet to cross Panama. The on board commentary is always good. It is an engineering marvel of the 1900’s that still works today. Already at 6:30 people were up and about trying to get good views of the passage. I didn’t have any trouble getting breakfast and was invited to join @Cat and her DH for breakfast. I did enjoy talking to them. Here are today’s activities and menus

If the stars align right, I can update things. This morning the stars are not aligned. Waiting to enter the Panama Canal (sometimes affectionately know as 'The Big Ditch')

It is evening on Zuiderdam, for me a nice view from the balcony watching Volendam for a few minutes. I took a picture, but the phone camera didn’t do much of a job of it. Someone on Volendam took a picture of us, hope they post it somewhere We will be staying together thru the Panama Canal tomorrow, overnight in Fuerte Amador, then leave together about 5:00pm on Monday. So today was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. I was here once before in December of 2010 and enjoyed the visit. For that stay we were at a dock right in town and could walk to see actual Puerto Limon. Today we stopped at an area away from town and the only way to do anything was via a tour or cab. I was disappointed because I had hoped to walk around the town. It was a very pretty day and I’m sure that those who went out had a great time. Aboard ship was also nice. It was very laid back and relaxing. Very little crowding at lunch. The 4:30 trivia had a good crowd, but I didn’t do very well again. Many of the questions were more current than I am good at. This evening the Lincoln Center Stage was moved to the Main Stage. I’m sure the show was good, just wasn’t in the mood for it tonight. I have enjoyed that type of music both on ship and at home and recognize the talent that the on ship musicians have. Looks like the comic, Steven Scott, will perform in Rolling Stone Lounge at 9:00 pm. Hope he has a different show. Zuiderdam is having 3 happy hours for the time being. The times, I think, are 4 – 5pm, 6:30 – 7:30pm and 10 – 11 pm. Happy hour drink prices are 50% off. That really helps the budgeting! Tonight we change the clocks again in preparation for Panama. When we leave there Monday we will be changing the clock regularly. I know it is late, but here are today’s menus:

Volendam at sea just now.

Feb 19th and 26th are charters for Olivia's 50th Anniversary Mar 5th is a 7 day cruise to San Juan and BVI

You can also purchase OBC in advance, have some provided by your Travel Agent, or have OBC from Stock benefit, Military Benefit, or a couple other programs HAL offers.

It is $30 per day for longer cruises, I believe starting at 30 days but I'm not 100% sure of when it starts.

January 07, 2023, Morning in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. It is a little after 7:00 am, and we are already moored next to Volendam in Puerto Limon. We are scheduled to be in port from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. So far it is a very pretty day outside. The menus are not available yet, but here are the activities for today: Some views of Puerto Limon from the ship this morning:

Headed toward Puerto Limon, Costa Rica -

It’s Friday evening, January 6th. First, Tonight’s quote This morning everyone took a Covid-19 test, and I guess too many people tested postitive because we have to mask for another 3 days. However, in his message the Captain said no further testing was indicated. It’s Friday evening, January 6th. First, Tonight’s quote The presentation on the Panama Canal was very good. Ian is also a good presenter and I found the content to be good. I do feel that a couple of important points were left out, but that is to be expected since it was only supposed to be an hour long. Movie trivia today was a bit difficult for me since I haven’t see a lot of more current movies. A couple of the questions: 1) What is the book that Forest Gump kept in his suitcase? 2) Clarise Starling was a character in what film? 3) Who was the serial killer in the movie Halloween? 4) (bonus) Name the five Marx Brothers? The show tonight on the Main Stage was Dance Fever, featuring the Zuiderdam Singers and Dancers. It was nice to see a this group and they put on a good show. Despite the fact that the background music was pre-recorded the show was pretty good. Both the singers have a good voice and the choreography was good. All in all a nice way to spend a little time. Tonight we change time zones again. Tomorrow we will be in Puerto Limon, Costa Rica early in the morning. This is a nice port with some interesting excursions available. The Captain said the weather should be nice, so it should be a great day.

One of the servers told me a few minutes ago that we will be having 3 happy hours tomorrow, and for at least until they change their minds (Zuiderdam WC)