PHOTOS & reviews - Repo 8 days Southern Caribbean cruise - Enchantment OTS (4/11/10)

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Sorry, folks!

 

The previous posted images should become "visible" again later today or tomorrow... we regret the inconvenience.

 

As indicated before, the images from the pre-cruise activities (i.e. Miraflores Locks Museum) and then the ports of call visited (i.e. Puerto Limon, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Aruba) will be posted on the appropriate boards (i.e. Ports of Call threads) - some friends from this cruise will help.

 

Note that on Wednesday (4/14/2010), Enchantment of the Seas arrived in Cartagena, Colombia a bit late in a rainy morning... this was the first rain for locals in several months!

 

Thanks again, C. & K., for sharing some photos with us!

 

Some images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in Cartagena, Colombia - April 14th 2010:

 

 

Enchantment of the Seas docking in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

The Pier with view of the Convento La Popa (a 400-year-old monastery) seen up the hill

 

 

Sociedad Portuaria de Cartagena de Indias main wharves - Port Society of Cartagena de Indias is specialized in container management, the first of his class in the country, 3rd busiest in the caribbean sea, and 99th ranked port in the world

 

 

As the busiest container port in the country, and third in grain transportation, the city of Cartagena is well connected with the ports of the Caribbean main, and the rest of the world.

The city is served with three open ports, and more than 40 private ports.

 

 

Cartagena de Indias (Cartagena of Indies or Cartagena of West Indies, in Spanish) is a city on the northern coast of Colombia and capital of Bolívar Department.

 

 

The metropolitan area of Cartagena has a population of 1,240,000, and the city proper 1,090,000 (2005 census). It is the fifth largest urban area in Colombia, and a centre of economic activity in the Caribbean region, as well a popular tourist destination.

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Some more images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in Cartagena, Colombia - April 14th 2010:

 

 

Enchantment of the Seas docked in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

Enchantment of the Seas docked in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

Muelles El Bosque (El Bosque Docks) - specialized in grain storage, expanding to the container market

 

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Some more panoramic views of Cartagena, Colombia with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background - April 14th 2010:

 

 

Panorama of Cartagena, Colombia from La Popa with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background (04/14/2010)

 

 

Panorama of Cartagena, Colombia from La Popa with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background (04/14/2010)

 

 

Panorama of Cartagena, Colombia from La Popa with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background (04/14/2010)

 

 

Panorama of Cartagena, Colombia from La Popa with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background (04/14/2010)

 

 

Panorama of Cartagena, Colombia from La Popa with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background (04/14/2010)

 

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Some additional images of Cartagena, Colombia with the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas in the background - April 14th 2010:

 

 

Enchantment of the Seas docked in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

Enchantment of the Seas docked in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

Cartagena faces the Caribbean Sea to the west. To the south is the Cartagena Bay, which has two entrances: Bocachica (Small Mouth) in the south, and Bocagrande (Big Mouth) in the north.

 

 

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Some images of the Cruise Terminal in Cartagena, Colombia where the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas docked on Wednesday, April 14th 2010:

 

 

 

 

The best coffee in Cartagena is Juan Valdez Cafe (not Starbucks obviously) located inside the cruise terminal.

 

The shop has Wireless Internet Service (TIP: all you need to do is buy a coffee or a pastry and ask the cashier for the code, this will give you about 30 minutes connection service so just buy another coffee and you will get more minutes).

Juan Valdez is also a great place to buy souvenirs and the great Colombian coffee to prepare at home!

 

 

 

The flooded streets of Cartagena, Colombia on Wednesday, 04/14/2010

 

[cruiseknots]

Great Pics!!!!

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As Wednesday (04/14/2010) we had the entire day in beautiful Cartagena, Colombia, the most interesting activities of the day took place late evening.

 

 

The first one was the LOVE & MARRIAGE GAME SHOW (after the casual dinner show) - the hilarious show was managed by the cruise director, Rico du Breil (Canada) and it started around 10:15pm on Wednesday evening in the Orpheum Theater (Deck 5-6):

 

 

Young couple from Utah (?!); married 2 months

 

 

Mary and Dave from Ohio; married 6 years (very funny couple bringing up a personal story in a K-Mart parking lot in the early AM hours)

 

 

A couple from New York; married 33 years

 

 

The young couple hammered by CD Rico du Breil (Canada)

 

 

The matrimonial test made us all laugh a lot that evening!

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Cartagena, Colombia - That Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), cruisers had the opportunity to join the dance floor during the

"Family Disco Hour" (9pm-10pm, Viking Crown Lounge/ Deck 11) or prove that they can sing during the

qualifications for the "Karaoke Stars" competition (8pm, Spotlight Lounge/ Deck 6).

 

Finally, you could have enjoyed the drink of the day (Cartagena sunset, $3.75 + 15%) while dancing at the

"WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), starting 11pm (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

A poolside buffet was also available by the Poolside (Deck 9), starting 11:30pm (Wednesday, 4/14/2010)

 

 

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - That Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

Poolside buffet available by the Poolside (Deck 9), starting 11:30pm (Wednesday, 4/14/2010):

 

 

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

Poolside buffet available by the Poolside (Deck 9), starting 11:30pm (Wednesday, 4/14/2010):

 

 

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

 

Poolside buffet available by the Poolside (Deck 9), starting 11:30pm (Wednesday, 4/14/2010):

 

 

(decoration)

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday evening (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday night (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

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Cartagena, Colombia - Wednesday night (04/14/2010), starting 11pm cruisers had the opportunity to have fun and dance under the stars

during the "WHITE PARTY" by the Poolside (Deck 9), (party hosted by the CD's staff and the show band Zafiro):

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

 

White Party by the Poolside - EOTS in Cartagena, Colombia (4/14/2010)

 

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The images from the pre-cruise activities (i.e. Miraflores Locks Museum or Panama City tour on your own) and then

the ports of call visited (i.e. Puerto Limon, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Aruba) will be posted on the

appropriate boards (i.e. Ports of Call threads).

 

On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia -

a beautiful, sunny day (close to 104 F degrees and very humid - 84% humidity).

 

Thanks again, C., for sharing some photos with us!

 

Some images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas (and the Pier/ beach area) in SANTA MARTA, Colombia

on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

A perfect day starts with a delicious breakfast in the MDR (My Fair Lady restaurant) - Salmon Eggs Benedict

 

 

Santa Marta is a city and municipality located in northern Colombia by the Caribbean sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains,

capital of the Magdalena Department.

 

The city is an important maritime port and hub for tourism, history and culture.

It was founded on July 29, 1525 by Spanish conqueror Rodrigo de Bastidas, who named the city after the Catholic day for Saint Martha, which in Spain was celebrated with festivities.

However many historians argue that he named it after the Spanish city of Santa Marta de Astorgas, which he had also visited.

 

It was one of the first cities to be founded in Colombia. The first one was Santa María la Antigua del Darién.

 

 

RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas docked in Santa Marta, Colombia (4/15/2010)

 

 

 

Temperatures in the city of Santa Marta ranges from 27 to 35 degrees Celsius at sea level, but the Municipality of Santa Marta stretches up to

the highest snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and each 100 meter of higher altitude means 1 Celsius lower temperature.

 

Feeling safe and very much protective by the Colombian Policia (in Santa Marta on Wednesday, 04/15/2010)

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Some more images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas (and the Pier/ beach area) in SANTA MARTA, Colombia

on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas docked in Santa Marta, Colombia (4/15/2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The taxi prices listed by the Pier (one way or round trip)

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Some more images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas (and the beach area close to the Pier) in SANTA MARTA, Colombia on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas docked in Santa Marta, Colombia (4/15/2010)

 

 

 

 

 

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Some more images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas (and the beach area close to the Pier)

in SANTA MARTA, Colombia on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas docked in Santa Marta, Colombia (4/15/2010)

 

 

 

 

 

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Some more images of the beach area (close to the Pier) in SANTA MARTA, Colombia on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Some more images of the beach area (close to the Pier) in SANTA MARTA, Colombia on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Some images of the area close to the Pier in SANTA MARTA, Colombia on Thursday, April 15th 2010.

 

Port of Santa Marta - one of Colombia's most important maritime ports.

 

Isla El Morro (Morro Grande), in Magdalena, Colombia - Lighthouse

 

 

Isla El Morro (Morro Grande) in Colombia - Lighthouse

 

 

Isla El Morro (Morro Grande) in Colombia - Lighthouse

 

 

Isla El Morro (Morro Grande) in Colombia - Lighthouse

 

 

Isla El Morro (Morro Grande) in Colombia - Lighthouse

 

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On Thursday (4/15/2010), Enchantment of the Seas (RCI ship) was in Santa Marta, Colombia.

 

Last images of the RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas (and the Pier area) in SANTA MARTA, Colombia

on Thursday, April 15th 2010:

 

 

 

The ship was scheduled to leave Santa Marta at 4pm on Thursday, April 15th 2010.

Two (2) minutes before 4pm, the Port Police van brought a lucky passenger aboard the ship - he made it, so nobody was left behind in this cruise!

 

 

 

 

Santa Marta, capital of Magdalena dept., N Colombia, is an important port on the Caribbean Sea.

 

The city's banana industry, operated by the United Fruit Company, is one of the most important in South America.

Santa Marta also has fine beaches and is a tourist center.

 

Founded by the Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1525, it was often sacked by corsairs in the 16th cent.

During colonial times the city was important as an outlet for the Magdalena River valley.

It remained royalist during the revolution and was liberated in 1821.

Simón Bolívar died on an estate nearby.

 

 

RCI ship Enchantment of the Seas geeting ready to leave Santa Marta, Colombia (4/15/2010)

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Thanks to C. and K.& DW, we will be posting some images from the Miss Enchantment of the Seas -

competition that started around 4:00pm on Thursday (April 15, 2010) on Deck 9, Poolside

(right after the ship left behind the port of Santa Marta, Colombia)

 

It was a lot of fun as you can see below

[started with each lady competitor randomly choosing a male partner from the audience; then, why each lady was singing "O sole miooooooooo!,"

the dude had to jump a rope in the water as long as the lyrics were sustained by the lady]:

 

Abel presenting the competitors (and the male partners elected)

 

 

First up: Gratiela (from Bolivia) who picked her boyfriend/ husband as partner

 

 

Gratiela (from Bolivia) and her partner (her actual boyfriend/ husband)

 

 

Gratiela (from Bolivia) and her partner (her actual boyfriend/ husband)

 

 

 

Ms. Trini (from Trinidad & Tobago) and her partner