Passing through the Panama Canal - a Passporter's Tale **Updated 8/21** About This Page:

[ilovedisney247]

Yummy! I'm going to have to take a cruise just for the FOOD! Although parasailing looks like fun too . . . it on the list . . . I wonder how it compares to sky diving?

[NanaTink]

OK, if those things aren't on the menu when we go...I think I may cry! I am already deciding my order.....and that french toast thingy and the creme brulee cheesecake....I'm dying here!

[DyanKJ130]

Sounds like a fun time parasailing!! Dinner looks amazing! Can't wait to hear more

[Minnie Lor]

Now, as I was reading about parasailing adventurers I thought, "that sounds cool. I could handle that". Then you added the part about Bruce's friends or relatives and that did me in.

Dinner and dessert look devine!

[DrDolphin]

After a very long week of no real computer time - now that I am on travel, I have some down time to update this TR

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May 12 - Our first day at sea

Today was our first day at sea and my plans were simple - gym day, some rainforest time, some DVC member time, I wanted to attend the adult enrichment lecture on the history of the Panama Canal and then formal night and the Golden Mickeys. I took some photos today - but as I said - it was sort of Low Key.

I started my morning in the gym with 40 minutes on the elliptical. I had an agreement with Candy (my personal trainer) that I would try to get to the gym on "at sea" days. SO - I went. My ear was still bothering me. I tried going to the med-bay but they were not open when I arrived - so I decided to head back to the room, take a shower and head for breakfast. After my shower - I discovered my wonderfully burned back and shoulders!!


My souvenir from Castaway Cay - BAD CANCER GIRL!!! Hence the rule - reapply often!

After shower and getting dressed I headed to breakfast. I don't have in my notes if Leslie went to breakfast with me - but I think she did this morning. And from the photos I can tell we were in Parrot Cay.



After breakfast - Lesley and I headed to the DVC member gathering - where we met up with LaurieP. Lesley stayed for the whole thing (and of course Laurie and I both had our names pulled from the hat for prizes) but Laurie and I wanted to head to the talk being given by Capt Ken Puckett - a former Panama Canal Pilot who was lecturing on the history of the canal today and would later tell us about what to expect during our transit. I am a but of a historiphile - so I really wanted to go.


Lesley and Laurie P.


I took photos of some of the slides in the presentation - but without flash - they came out really blurry.


After the Panama Canal lecture finished - I headed to the Rainforest for about an hour to read my book and relax, and then I took a shower in the heavenly shower in the ladies locker room. I came back to the room to dress for our first formal night (there were 2 on this cruise) and then we headed for dinner.

We had our picture taken with Captain Thord, as well as chatted with some of the other officers including Patrick the Executive Chef and Anthony from the shops.


Turns out Anthony (here in photos with Lesley and I) is from Manchester in the UK, and his sense of humor SO reminded us of our very own Manchurian - MattnKatsmum - Karen!!! He was SO funny and hat a great wit (turns out he was a pretty good dancer too - more on that later!)

After drinks and photos with the officers - it was time for the Golden Mickeys!

We started the evening with Rhona Rivers on the red carpet - and really enjoyed the show - including running to Donald and Daisy decked to the nines!

I adore this show - I've seen it 4 times now and it never fails to deliver! A must see each cruise.

After the Golden Mickeys we headed to dinner with the Golden Mickey Menu in Lumieres. It was wonderful.

I started with Proscutto and honeydew melon for my appetizer.

I had the Beef Wellington for my entree

And the special Golden Mickey dessert.

Add to that we were all dressed in our finest (and you can see I was not the only one that got some sun on Castaway!)


After Dinner - Lesley and I took a walk up on deck to look at the stars before heading down for the Golden Mickey After party in the lobby with the characters for a balloon drop. We opted to stay up high and observe (and if memory serves the batteries in my camera were DOA since I have no photos of the event).

Next up - another day at Sea in the Windward Passage - will I be as sick as I was last time I was in the Windward passage???

[DyanKJ130]

Great update, Terri!! Your sunburn looks painful!! What's funny is you don't look quite so red when seated next to your tablemate! He looks downright uncomfortable.

Sounds like a wonderful time onboard. The talk sounds interesting and that Golden Mickey show still intrigues me! Can't wait to hear more

[sueh818]

That sunburn!!

That dinner!! I had the Beef wellington and that same dessert on the Golden Mickeys night. *sings* "Thanks for the memories!"

[mcc0313]

What a great couple of days....parasailing sounded fabulous and dinner that evening looked yummy. Glad you got to enjoy the gym - and get some sun .

Your 1st formal night sounded like fun - you both look fantastic and so did your meal.

Can't wait to read more...

[chezp]

Ouch - that sunburn looks painful.

What a wonderful formal night - I love the shot of Donald and Daisy, how cool they both look.

[NanaTink]

The day sounded fabulous, though! The Panama talk will be on my short list of things to do onboard! I'm going to have to try the wellington! That's new on the menu! YUM! Can't wait to hear more!

[lauren-roxy]

That is one painful sunburn. Sounds like a great day!!

[wheatenwalker]

OUCH to the sunburn! Great up date!

[Colexis Mom]

Great update Terri! with the sunburn Great pictures and a great day!

[Disney_Scarlett]

Owie with the sunburn, but that delish food in the evening certainly took the sting out! Can't wait to hear more!

[Grammy Grumpy]

Glad the sunburn didn't keep you down any. (Note to self, bring LOTS of sunscreen!)

Keep it coming.