On leaving Corinto. the most glorious full moon.
6:45 in the morning and approaching port, it’s just getting light and, over in the distance to starboard one can see ‘puffs’ of fumes emanating from the top of ‘Vulcan Fuego’ an active volcano just a few miles away. Unfortunately the humidity resulted in poor visibility and despite my best efforts in photography, nothing ‘worthy’ resulted, I am disappointed. I am going to try again on our departure, it should have cooled somewhat by then.
Approaching the port
The port is another General cargo berth, a number of ships at anchor, waiting for either cargo or a berth; we slip past them and into the harbour basin.
Our route from Corinto the Quetzal
We are going to berth on a floating (steel) pontoon, the Cruise terminal. It is a complicated docking, having swung, we back down towards the pontoon itself, however they have no dedicated gangway ashore, so we have to use ours, which is stowed on deck 4, forward of the Bridge. This results in us having to get close enough and far back enough to land our gangway ashore, using one of our cranes. We move so that the gangway is just over the seaward end and, once on the pontoon, move forward again to our final position; we will have to do the reverse when we depart, complicated but it’s the only way to get our guests ashore.
The harbour approach, our track in green
The dock and our track, the pirouette and backing down
Guatemala City lies 50 miles to our north and that it where many of our tours go. There is no town to speak of near the berth, however there is a lovely area at the end of the pontoon which caters for those not wandering today. Sheltered from the searing heat by palm trees and shady nooks, it is filled with stalls selling Guatemalan hand-made goods, gloriously colourful and bright, our guests wander casually amongst the them, some resting in the cafes. I wander with K1, my sole purpose is photographs, hers? Shopping of course!
K1 pillaging
Hand-crafted, this will be a shawl by the end of the afternoon.
A typical stall
The “Amsterdam” is not far away
Hammocks
Bags
..and Carvings
Hammocks being put to good use
A Guatemalan beauty with a headdress of peacock feathers.
We leave here at 7 p.m., onward towards Puerto Vallarta in 2 days time. No early mornings for a day or two, however social events will occupy my evenings, the first of my Captain’s dinners to mention but one.
I’ll be with you again soon. Thank you for all your comments, I read every one I assure you and it’s nice to know that you’re enjoying reading, as much as I enjoy writing.
Always enjoy the chart explanations but this posting the details of the crafts were particularly enjoyable
Maybe some close ups of workmanship by hand of various crafts or carvings … for example I find I have collected horse statuettes from Bali and Nexico and see one on the ground in One of these photos . Makes a nice comparison and trains the eye as well, though you are obviously quite observant personally … safe sailing!
My husband and I did the Spring Florida to Seattle trip on the Amsterdam. Captain Fred was in charge of us. Your pictures bring back memories of this delightful part of our planet. Thank you for bring this to life for us.
Thanks for your interesting comments on your seamanship and the ports and sights. Nice to read what Aunt Rozell D and starting in San Diego what my Mother-in-law will see as they go on the world cruise.
As a offshore racing sailor here on the West Coast I have often marveled at the seamanship by large ship captains such as you. We learned lots of seamanship in the US Power and Sail Navigation Classes. Look forward to seeing you in San Diego.
This port brings back memories of the last cruise my husband was on with me before he died. He enjoyed just being on the ship and seeing the ports and the canal again (our second cruise through). Thanks for the pictures and the memories.
I will be hitting some of these ports on my cruise in February on my way to Peru. So seeing the pictures help me to prepare for that cruise.
Thank you, Captain, for sharing your photos, etc. We look forward to sailing part of your current itinerary in April of ’17 on the Amsterdam. Not only are the photos fun and interesting, but your commentary on weather, docking, etc. are all enjoyable as well. Needless to say, we are looking forward to our April 26th cruise as well as our booked World Cruise in 2018 on this wonderful vessel.
Thanks, Captain Jonathan, enjoy your blog very much n you certainly have a good camera. Pictures are great!!!
Still hope to make another World Cruise but will have to wait.
My husband, Don would have said an airplane was less hassle to Park, I think.
What a delight to read! Your details about the intricate docking procedures are fascinating. I am also loving your photography and very envious of K1 shopping opportunities.A girl after my own heart. CanMt wait to read more . many thanks for the effort from chilly Vancouver, B.C.
Dear Captain Jonathan,
Loved the photos today – what dazzling color. As always you manage to squeeze in and ease in the berths – bravo.
We hope to see the moon tonight but STL is having an ice storm and there is much cloud cover. You all enjoy the heat and humidity…for now…
Wish we were on board to enjoy friends and this amazing itinerary.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Loving your posts from the World Cruise for the third year! Your photography is terrifically fantastic. Thanks for “taking me along”!
Nancy in San Antonio Texas
Cannot wait to join the ship in San Diego. Great reading your posts, makes me feel like I’m already on the ship. My first tee time is Hilo Muni. Cannot wait Captain. See you soon!