The long flight to Miami was just about tolerable, and the welcome bed in the hotel, together with a shower made the early arrival – one day ahead of departure on the ship, an easier start to the trip. Breakfast was a tedious affair as the young waitress was not skilled in multi-tasking, one cup at a time was the best she achieved, but the hotel ran a free shuttle to the port and we boarded Regatta to be greeted by many friends from previous trips, both crew and passengers.
Sonya and Jim made it in the afternoon and we were able to settle them in. And so we are on the ‘Between two oceans’ cruise which will eventually take us through the Panama Canal to Lima in Peru.
The Cayman Islands came and went with a beer on 7 mile beach and duty-free purchases and in Cozumel, Mexico, we went to a beach park where the snorkelling and local beer were exceptional, and in Guatemala we plunged into the rain-forest pools under the waterfalls, we skipped Belize as the gangs were on the war-path in the city we were told, and had to by-pass the alternative venue of Puetro Maya as the sea state would not allow us alongside the pier. So on to RoatanIsland in Honduras, where we chilled on the beach and the kids explored an Iguana farm. In 36 hours we reached the Panama Canal, the transit was carried out in glorious weather, and in good time. This place never ceases to amaze with its technology, although 100 years old, still holding good and the sights along every mile worth beholding. We anchored off the city of Panama as if taking breath before starting the run down the west coast of South America. So far the lectures have been very well received, and the cabaret show was well attended. The late night ‘crew show’ was tiring but very worth while – there are more talks and more shows to do….and many more places to see. Tomorrow I’m to be Neptune for those who wish to change from being Pollywogs to Shellbacks – give a lecture and then do my second show – a busy day!