QuattroRomeo

Did a quick run to the Colon shops. Rather disappointing. A duty free place, 4 Embera Indian stalls, and a big mall with very few stores. Indian stalls were the best. 

Had a quick dinner in CO: watermelon and feta appetizer, rockfish for the main (overcooked), and passionfruit mousse for dessert - very tasty:

Saw the crew putting the lifeboats back in position as we neared open water. On our way to Colon next. 

Heading back through the locks, and under the bridge:

Walked around the ship a bit yesterday after lunch, only saw some watches on display by the shops.

Yes they had panama rolls at breakast, and I also noticed them outside on Seaview deck port side. I think they were at the bow on Deck 5 too.

Had the Central Park pizza for lunch at NY Deli. Way too hot up there. Surprised the cooks didn't faint!

There was a display of Canal t-shirts and souvenirs on tables at the fwd end of Lido pool. Will see what's available in Colon.

We are now in the locks again, heading back. It was interesting this morning listening to Tjalling (Cruise Director) speak about the experience of the Zaandam and previous Rotterdam in Mar 2020 when they had to surreptitiously head through the locks at night with no lights on to get back to Ft Lauderdale. He was aboard the Zaandam. If you have read Cabin Fever, it was truly horrific for them.

Yes the excursions are back- at least some of them!

Tenders headed out at different intervals as called, from deck A gangway.

Deck 5 bow open for viewing.

Extremely hot and humid in the Panama Canal today. Nice and sunny, clear views. The life boats on deck 3 are nicely tucked in for the locks.

1 hour ago, didi1900 said:

what ports have shuttles?

 so far you have posted only Columbia. I do have issues with walking using a scooter on board Thx for posting

Other than Half Moon Cay, which is by tender, the only other port we've done so far is Curacao. I didn't notice any there but there could have been; we docked pretty close to town. Of course it isn't close for scooters! The ship tour buses do come up close to the ship. Our tour was private so we just exited the security gate and waited by the side of the road. Lots of taxis there. There are some shopping tents right off the ship. 

Right now we are in Gatun Lake, and they are calling the ship tours one by one. Cannot do private ones from here. 

Dinner in CO wasn't as good tonight. I didn't take as many photos since we ate with another couple, so at least the company was good! 

I had the CO special lemon shrimp pasta. Had a nice flavour but shrimp and sauce were overcooked while the pasta was a little too al dente. The English toffee/date pudding was our favourite dessert last time on Rotterdam, but tonight was bland. Didn't go to the show- Step One Humanity was on. 

Will just try to get a good sleep and be up early for the Panama Canal tomorrow!

Out and about:

Have to say the "sales" in the shops are pretty pathetic. Haven't seen anything too great yet..and if you want the colourful bags and other Columbia souvenirs, get them in the terminal shop. Better prices and selection. Will see what is on offer in Colon tomorrow.

The staff have been great and the food generally good so far. But we don't really do the Lido. Have to remember to check out the cakes! From what I have heard walking by in the evening, BBKings singers are good but not great, Billboard is not great ( to me anyway). Haven't caught Rolling Stone act yet. 

Then got a latte and bossche bol at Dutch cafe. Had to laugh- when I cut into the bol, it was empty..!

Had to go back and get a cream infusion! Everyone just laughed along with me!