It is good to be back and writing. As is the norm, remembering what is involved to succeed in putting ‘pen to paper’ had become somewhat ‘misty’ over time, a refresher was called for. Yesterday, during ‘practice’ I was horrified to find that the “plugin” I use to get the map in my post no longer functioned. A great deal of time was spent trying to find an alternative, successful however it takes longer to get it in the post.
Having departed Port Everglades, Florida, on Tuesday, we made our way south, through the Old Bahama Channel, the stretch of water which lies between the reefs of the Bahamas and the north coast of Cuba.
We rounded Cuba’s eastern tip, passing west of Haiti and thus entered the Caribbean. The weather had not been kind to us; sandwiched between 2 weather fronts, we experienced a gale force 8 and rough seas most of the way, so much for azure blue and calm Caribbean.
Now we are at peace, in this sheltered harbour on the north coast of Colombia. Our guests are ashore, however we continue to work; the morning being taken up with briefings for our next leg of the voyage, to the San Blas islands and then a drill involving all crew, involving first response emergency teams and then an abandon-ship, lowering boats into the water and taking them for a ‘jaunt’ around the harbour.
Our boats swung out and ready to lower
One of new tenders
As with many of the ports we visit, there are few with dedicated Cruise terminals and, more often than not, a cargo berth is assigned. No exception today, we are alongside a coal berth, however the authorities have done their best to tidy it up for us.
Wind can be a challenge here, as a consequence, an enormous wind-break spans the gap in the higher ground.
We depart here this afternoon and make our way to San Blas tomorrow, followed by our Panama Canal transit. I leave you with some photos of Santa Marta, more later………..
Arriving into the Bay
The sun rising, the city through our sun-screens
In my mind’s eye I am enjoying the camaraderie of being with you all on the 2019 WC. Wife Dee and I are booked on the 2020 WC.
New tenders, eh? Well I am impressed!
Keep up the good work with the blog, Capt. Jonathan.
Best wishes to all the passengers.
Very happy to hear from you again. It’s quite windy here in St Martin as well!
Wonderful to hear from you again. We have been patiently waiting for “Captain, who’s driving?”
Looking forward to viewing pictures and narrative of your visits to places we will never be able to see in person.
Kind regards to you and your family.
Welcome back, Captain. Safe travels.
Captain Jonathan,
Thank you for taking time to share your experiences during this formidable cruise! We thoroughly enjoyed it last year and with your comments, it is like sailing with you again!
Safe and wonderful sailing!
Great to be cruising round the world again – thank you for taking us with you!
Can hardly believe that 6 years has passed since our first World Cruise with you, and then again 4 years ago our last World Cruise.
Wishing you and Karen a fabulous voyage and if you are going to be in Bora Bora let me now so the G.M at St Regis can expect you.
Looking forward to your posts so that I can relive our fabulous World Voyages with you and Karen.
Good to hear from you Jonathan!
I look forward to living vicariously through your blog as you take us around the world!
Love and hugs to all!
Hi captain Jonathan glad to have your words of your adventure back . Take care of my friend Lorraine and her friends and I can’t wait to read your next post.
Thanks for posting, Captain! We realize it takes time to do this, but so appreciated! Loved being a part of your passenger list last year and look forward to sailing with you again next year!
Thank you Captain..It’s GREAT to hear from you again..and for those of us at home it’s a wonderful break from the reality of a rainy winter here in Comox BC.
So glad you are back…….read somewhere that you were having a problem with your computer
Haven’t heard from H.Zeller, who is on one of Mark’s MSC ships.
I’m sure she missed all of you.
Hi to Henk
Ahoy Captain,
I am and have been shedding tears remembering our so special World Cruise from last year. Just now again watched the funny video showing ship, Captain, staff and crew. I still am amazed at the wonderment caused by this experience. The ship and all of you have become near and dear to my heart. Did celebrate the Holidays aboard and seeing some familiar faces. Will enjoy following along with this year’s adventure. Thanks again for your and Henk’s devotion to and recognition of the crew family aboard. Safe journeys.
So good to hear from you again. Virtually going on a World Cruise again with you is so exciting. Thank you for taking the time to do this for us who are left behind.
So glad to hear from you, Captain! We look forward to updates as you sail the world! Thanks very much for these fascinating glimpses of so many wonderful places and experiences!