World Travels With Jeff: 2010

While I have never been a big fan of large cruise ships, I have always been interested in the experience of going through the Panama Canal. My chance presented itself when longtime friend and cruise aficionado, Greg Carroll came up with the idea. He had never experienced the canal either. With over 20-cruises under his belt, Greg had a good booking company that seamlessly arranged our two cabins. On April 25th, we set sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on our 15-day adventure to San Francisco, California.

Once we arrived in the pre-boarding dockside terminal in Fort Lauderdale, we knew we were in trouble. We were, by far, not only the youngest folks to be boarding, it seemed we were among the few that were not either obese, with a cane, a walker or some form of mobility enhancement. I maybe exaggerating a bit, but not by much. Some extraordinarily nice people mind you, but a prominent demographic difference neither one of us even remotely expected.

Once on-board, Greg and I soon took stock in the situation and determined there were two things we needed to do on this 'cruise'. Number one determination came from Greg: "You and I are going to need to pay close attention to getting along". My contribution was to have fun despite our unanticipated circumstances. And that is just what we did.

Jamaica. Not recommended. Other than premium beachfront compounds, the island is not particularly safe. Jamaica was never on my, 'go' list. It just happened to be our first port of call.

Four railroad locomotives, two on either side-of canal, pull and release huge wire cables in coordination to keep the ship from scraping the sides of the canal. Significantly, these locomotives do not pull the ship. In the Panama Canal, all ships propel themselves. Near entering the canal, a crew from Panama Canal authority joins the captain on the bridge for the eight hour passage process.

Now. Check this out. Look carefully. Count three cargo containers back. See those three humps? Those are three tires filling a 40-foot cargo container that is eight feet tall. Well that's just not enough roof space for these tires. There are expensive tires, then there are these proportions. Wow.

Of all the huge folks on this cruise, this was one guy that knew what he was doing.

A frequented meeting spot. Our ship flies the flag of Malta.

Ship helicopter landing zone in case of emergency.

Some guy.

Expanding the canal.

Greg Carroll tolerating my photography.The picture does not do justice.

Greg and our driver in Costa Rica.

Taz. Hungarian. Out at sea to legally avoid the military draft.

Once settled in on this cruise, it became clear to me the ship entertainers were likely the most vital and interesting people on the ship. I was right. 8:45pm was the 'late' show. After that, everybody went to bed except the talent. The talent consisted of some fun folks. Hanging out with these folks made the trip more fun.