Cruising in the Time of Covid: Explorer January 19 – February 4, 2022, San Diego to Miami

[GoNavyFamily]

Tidbits of information:

Captain announced today a slight itinerary change. Instead of Colombia on Jan 31, we will arrive Feb 1 and Jan 31 becomes a sea day.  Jamaica is now cancelled so as to arrive at Miami on schedule.  No great loss on not going to Jamaica in my opinion! I believe the change is because Colombia revised their rules for cruise ship passengers, and maybe others;  as of Feb 1 the requirements to go ashore are less strict. 

 

The only few covid cases announced appear to be asymptomatic ones from mandatory crew testing. I have heard of no passenger cases.

 

I meant to post that mask wearing on our Puntarenas excursion was great, as is what I see onboard in required areas. 

 

Funny quick story...our butler saw we were on the veranda when he delivered our afternoon canapes and opened the sliding door. He automatically locked it when he closed them and a bit later when we tried to go in, we realized we were locked out. Very fortunately our immediate neighbors were out on their verandah and we asked them to call the butler to come let us in. Not sure what we would have done had our neighbors not been outside!

[NSWP]

5 hours ago, Jimmcdaniel said:

They look like "brochure people".

Classic...Spanish Croc bait, lol.

[purpleally]

4 hours ago, DatawCruiser said:

Maybe because they are standing in close proximity to others?

No.  Outdoors. A handful of people. No mask. 

[Essiesmom]

Panama Canal time.  Miraflores,locks:

 

 

Pedro Miguel Locks from 
Cerro Luisa cam

 

 

 

[forgap]

It’s champagne and caviar Sunday and we are transiting the Panama Canal.

 

But first, a continuation of our gluttony chronicles.  We had reservations at Chartreuse last night and started with cocktails in the Meridian lounge.  I am continuing to work my way through the menu, and tried a Virgo yesterday.  This is a scotch drink (monkey shoulders scotch,  chili and pineapple reduction, and cinnamon bitters.  Delicious! 

 

At Chartreuse we split the terrine de fois gras au sauterne. (Excellent and the perfect size for two)

 

 

Then went on to thé salade de crabe d’Alaska (not my favorite, a bit fishy.  I prefer blue crab or dungeness.

 

 

and the salade de betterave (beet salad). Don’t ask me how this ended up as a video rather than a photo!  

 

 

 

Our main course was sole grenoblois (a tad overcooked)

 

and queue de homard rôtie avec mousseline de St. Jaques sitting in an almond broth (roasted lobster with a scallop mousseline.  Really good!)

 

 

Dessert was a lemon Bavarian 

and a Rose a la Chartreuse

 

We actually (for a change) took in a show last night.  A very funny comedian.  She had the audience roaring!  

 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by forgap

[RachelG]

George sent his crab appetizer in Chartreuse back as he felt it was off.  The waiter came back later and said the chef had tasted it and agreed and had pulled the rest from the menu that night..  So for now would avoid the crab there.  They must have gotten a bad batch.  Seems like they should be checking this before serving to passengers.

[GoNavyFamily]

It was a wonderful experience going through the Miraflores and Pedro Miquel locks this morning and we are currently about to reach the Gatun locks into the Atlantic ocean. The commentary over the ship's speakers this morning as we approached the locks was informative but humorous and easy to enjoy.

 

I have so many photos but will try to select just a few.

 

For future cruisers on this ship and itinerary, a great place to view is from the infinity pool Deck 5 aft. You can access it through any of the outside doors  on the deck. There were very few people there. I stopped at Coffee Connection on my way out there at 7am. And you can walk across to either port or starboard to view different perspectives. 

 

It is a beautiful day here and the sun is very intense.

 

We had salad and matza ball soup for lunch outside at La Veranda. So good to have a lighter lunch and what a view as we transited through the Culebra Cut to Gatun Lake!

 

Some photos of the day so far:

 

Bridge of the Americas, Infinity Pool in foreground

 

 

 

 

 

Gate and hinges as we pass the tight fit through the lock

 

 

 

 

See the ship towards top going through the new locks!

 

Gatun Lake

Gatun Lake

 

I will post more photos later.  I have so many, it is hard to select a good representation. Plus I have a lot of videos, too hard to upload!

 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Hmm, I would probably spend the transit in the Infinity Pool!

[tripperva]

GoNavy - Great posting. Many thanks. I love seeing the infinity pool where I enjoyed so much time on the previous cruise.

[forgap]

Well done Go Navy!  I have nothing to add.  We lucked out with beautiful weather!  We are perched in the observation lounge fir a birds eue view of the Gatun locks.

[Camillus112]

21 hours ago, NSWP said:

Classic...Spanish Croc bait, lol.

Can you clarify your comment?

[2012_Alaska_bound]

17 hours ago, GoNavyFamily said:

For future cruisers on this ship and itinerary, a great place to view is from the infinity pool Deck 5 aft.

 

Thanks for this tip! Doing the PC on Grandeur Christmas 2023. Now I just need to remember this!

[GoNavyFamily]

Today is a sea day.

 

We viewed going through the Gatun locks into the Atlantic yesterday in a different way, from our cabin veranda on deck 14. (We had watched the entrance into the canal from deck 5).

 

On our way to the lock, we saw the dam system that controlled the 21 rivers which provided waters for the building of the lake and locks. In order to make the canal, towns were abandoned and what is left is now under water. During certain seasons, diving is offered to view them. Another interesting piece of information provided by our commentator is that during the building of the canal, the native wildlife fled inland. It was discovered that the species differed from their inland counterparts due to evolutionary needs. The area on either side of the park is now a national park, undeveloped and left beautiful and peaceful.

 

 

Most of our perspective from our veranda was one of comparison with the container ships in the adjacent locks, heading into the canal. While they were being raised in each lock, we were being lowered. 

 

We could see the lock from a distance as we approached, and we were more or less held at one location until our turn.

The hard working and important tugs headed our way, signaling our turn was near.

As we approached the first lock, two people in a rowboat came out to grab the ship lines that would help attach the steel cables that ultimately would provide tension between the lock trains and the ship, keeping the ship in place and moving it forward as needed.

 

 

See the cable lines from ship to train cars.

 

We could see the first ship entering the west lock on our port side. Note the height of the light pole. From our balcony, as we got closer, we were almost even with the lights at the top. A later photo will show how far we lowered.

 

 

This first ship passed through the lock (their last one before entering Gatun Lake, while on our side the first lock on the way back to the Atlantic ocean).

 

We passed a lighthouse but either I missed the commentary on it or nothing was said. I liked the way it looked though!

 

Another ship eventually came through the lock beside us.

 

At the point of the next photo, we had passed through two locks, I think, and had been lowered most of the 85 feet that the ship is brought down before entering the Atlantic. Look at the difference in perspective with the light pole from the earlier photo! Originally our balcony rail was closer to the top of the lights.

 

Here you can see a perspective between two locks by looking at the difference in the water level in each.

 

Finally we exited the final lock and the train cars held tension in the cables through the end of the pier, which extends well beyond the final lock door. Once the cables were released, the ship began moving away.

It was interesting to see how the train cars are turned to head back at the end. Look at the train on the "lazy Susan" type of circle. It was spun around for the train to go on the track to head back. 

 

We approached the final bridge before open ocean. This photo was taken before the previous ones, as we were just moving away, but shows the bridge ahead.

The suspension system of cables struck me as so beautiful, I had to take a close up photo.

 

 

Hello, Atlantic Ocean!

And we celebrated our passage through the Panama Canal.

 

 

[CJANDH]

Great pictures. Bring back memories of our passage through the canal just before the covid breakout. I particularly remember the little row boat that came out to catch our ropes and tie us into the electric "mules" (the tow trains). Keep up the great reporting.

[forgap]

We are sailing somewhere in the Caribbean as we slow walk to Cartagena, Columbia.  Today is a sea day and the reality of the trip being almost over is sinking in.  We received instructions on how to complete the online survey and we have turned in our debarkation plans.  Foreign nationals needing Covid tests are being scheduled.  Four days left on board as we conclude our cruising leap of faith in Covid times. 

 

At this point in all the cruises we have taken we just aren’t that hungry anymore.  On a kitchen tour on a previous cruise, the executive chef said that this is the point that people start to complain about the food.  But, we continue to indulge the sin of gluttony…

 

Wagyu beef en croute

 

vegetable terrine

 

I failed to take pictures of our main course (marlin for my husband, risotto for me with a side of lobster tail and herbed butter) but dessert was delectable!

 

Of course we continued with our cocktail research.  My husband actually deviated from his standard marguerita and tried a “Made in 1888” (Brugal 1888, lime juice, sugar free vanilla syrup, maple syrup)

 

and I went old school with a Cosmopolitan.  Delicious! 

 

Be warned, however, that at this point our clothes don’t fit properly, our eyes are puffy, and we have the dissipated look of the over indulged.   The excellent Regent mirrors and lighting don’t help.  At our age we need mood lighting and minimal full length mirrors.  The one in the closet is exceptionally accurate (to my dismay).   Exercise and diet will be my watchwords on reentry into real life!  

 

 

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Nice pix of the transit, thanks!

[forgap]

For those interested, this is the nationality breakdown of our intrepid Covid cruisers:

 

US 303

Canada 16

Netherlands 4

Great Britain 46

Belgian 5

Germany 12

Denmark 2

Ecuador 1

French 2

Ireland 1

Jamaican 1

Luxembourg 2

[1982CruzStart]

Thanks for all the time you gave us. Am really going to miss the contributions from all of you. 

[boblerm]

Thank you again, forgap and GONavyFamily, for your very informative and interesting posts.

A couple of questions-

 

I recall that when cruising first resumed, we were informed that during excursions they were using an app on phones in which you could listen to commentary from the guides.  Is that still the case, and if so, how is it working out?

 

Is there a phone app on which you can see the daily menus?  Passages?

 

Hope that you continue to enjoy the rest our your cruise.

 

Bob

[forgap]

1 hour ago, boblerm said:

Thank you again, forgap and GONavyFamily, for your very informative and interesting posts.

A couple of questions-

 

I recall that when cruising first resumed, we were informed that during excursions they were using an app on phones in which you could listen to commentary from the guides.  Is that still the case, and if so, how is it working out?

 

Is there a phone app on which you can see the daily menus?  Passages?

 

Hope that you continue to enjoy the rest our your cruise.

 

Bob

We have not had any excursions using the app.  I downloaded it just in case, but haven’t needed it.   I am not aware of an app where the daily menus are available.  I just turn on the TV and they are there in all their glorious detail.  
 

One app that was helpful is a vaccine passport app.  I loaded a pic of my vaccine card and my drivers license and did the same for my husband.   I fear loosing my actual card so that is with my passport.  We were asked once to show our card and they accepted the documentation on the app, 

[forgap]

Good Morning, Cartegena! 
We have a walking tour this morning , and, fingers crossed, it’s a “go” with no additional Columbia hurdles.  I had an early night last night.  The wind picked up and there was some rock and roll.  I put on the patch and took other sea sick meds but I waited too long and they didn’t kick in until after I left an unfinished meal in Chartreuse.    I slept 10 hours, though, and feel perfect this morning.  

[forgap]

Cartagena is a wonderful stop.  The cruise terminal is close to the old city and we took a walking tour.  I am so happy that we arrived in the early morning and our tour was re scheduled for 8:30 am.  The heat really built up as the morning progressed.  
 

We passed by the home of Gabriel Garcia ***** and I gave of a nod of respect.  The old city had architectural covenants and Gabriel did not follow them so his more modern house is hidden behind a wall. 
 

The old city is a bit of Buenos Aires and a bit of HAVANA in its ambiance.
 

 

Modern high rises  dominate the landscape beyond the old walled city.  

On the start of the tour our bus was on the pier next to the ship.  On the return we were dropped off at the cruise terminal.  All I can say is WOW!  There is an Avery filled with macaws, parrots, peacocks, and miscellaneous other birds.  It is not contained so I assume the birds can come and go as they please but why wander when you get ideal living conditions?  They also had a nice gift shop.

Tourism makes up a good percentage of their economy so they were quite happy that the January drought was over and three cruise ships were in port, ours, a Holland America ship and the NCL Bliss.  We look tiny don’t we?

 

 

Edited February 1, 2022 by forgap

[Robbie555]

13 hours ago, forgap said:

Good Morning, Cartegena! 
We have a walking tour this morning , and, fingers crossed, it’s a “go” with no additional Columbia hurdles.  I had an early night last night.  The wind picked up and there was some rock and roll.  I put on the patch and took other sea sick meds but I waited too long and they didn’t kick in until after I left an unfinished meal in Chartreuse.    I slept 10 hours, though, and feel perfect this morning.  

Congratulations with the "Go!!!!!" Excellent!

 

Looking at other threads, several other cruise lines had to skip the planned port of call in Cartagena, Colombia because of assorted Covid-19 testing issues.

[GoNavyFamily]

Catching up on this sunny sea day to post about our stop in Cartegena de Indias, Colombia yesterday. @forgap really described it well. It has been over 40 years since we visited this city and my memories are pretty vague. We were immensely impressed with what we saw-a beautiful, clean well kept city full of historically interesting places. Our tour bus had a whopping 11 people on board so we felt like we got a pretty personal tour. Our guide was a font of facts about the history of the area. Unfortunately, until I do a search to confirm, I can't remember the long Spanish names of the various people or locations we visited but my curiosity has been piqued enough that I now want to read more.

 

Here are a few representative photos of the day.

 

Castillo San Felipe

 

A cultural dance show at the Navy Museum

 

 

Street scenes in the walled city...very charming, all Colonial and Republican era homes, many with lovely flowers on the upper balconies or espaliered trees.

 

Many vendors selling tourist goods "Almost free today" and "Promotion just for you, lady" heard frequently. Others, like this woman, with whom you can take a photo for "just a dollar". But all licensed and regulated and they moved away when we shook our heads "no". 

And, as described by @forgap, a most delightful route from the bus drop off area back to the ship! There were so many birds, and even monkeys....it was like the rainforest creatures we never saw on the Costa Rica rainforest excursion had been moved to Colombia. The gift shop was comprehensive and if you want a decent piece of emerald jewelry or other souvenir for a reasonable price, I would wait to buy here rather than the more expensive stores in the walled city.

 

Upon returning to the ship, we enjoyed lunch at La Verandah. I had a falafel power bowl. It has taken me through most of the cruise to figure out that, for me, eating soup and salad or something like this is much better than a very heavy mid day meal. Too bad it took me this long as I am returning home much heavier (but tanned).

 

Leaving Cartegena de Indias

 

 Passing a different fort as we reached the end of the land, cruising away. I'll have to look up what this one is called and it's history.

 

My (retired) Navy husband was very excited to spot this in the water as we first left the harbor. Viewing in person, it appeared closer than in the photo.

 

Here is what it looked like zoomed in. Can any readers tell what this is?

(Hint: starts with SUB)

 

 

Another beautiful sunset as we headed out to our final two sea days.

 

I have enjoyed posting on this thread and will likely only post once more, when back home, about the disembarkation process and my overall impressions as a first time Regent cruiser.  I hope I have been able to provide good info to future cruisers and will always be happy to answer any questions!

 

 

 

 

 

[1982CruzStart]

Robbie555, thank you so much for all your great pictures and commentary. So appreciate you taking the time to take us along with you. Enjoy your last couple of days and safe travels home.