Tuesday, May 9, 2017 – Anchored off Panama City, Panama – Drizzle, Rain – 86F

Distance from San Juan Del Sur to Panama City – 636 Nautical Miles

We are in our holding position in the waters off Panama City – we will be here until 5:00 AM tomorrow morning so people can go see Panama City (passengers have been warned about eating and drinking off ship but I doubt that will stop some people from giving it a try).  The problem today is the weather.  Intermittent showers (with lots of rain) are probable.

Fuerte Amador from the ship

I had my normal breakfast in the Lido Café this morning – before heading up to Deck 11, I first started my laundry (I love the Guest Laundry on Deck 8) so that got me to the Café around 7:45 AM, a time when most of the excursion folks had already finished their breakfast.  I brought Ellen her breakfast (fruit, two soft boiled eggs, lox with cucumbers and tomatoes, and a slice of French Toast).  I did not spill the tea in front of the 11^th deck elevator this time (did I forget to mention that).

With somewhat low expectations, we took the tender (a very short ride) to the shopping area at Fuerte Amador.

Symphony From the Tender

Tendering to Shore

Symphony From Pier at Fuerte Amador

A new city sign graced the tender pier area.  The trend toward signs continues.

The Symphony is really close

Not much had changed there with the exception of a new ice cream parlor – “Dulce Idea”.  The heat and humidity drove us back to the ship pretty quickly.

Back on the ship, we visited the Pursers Desk to inquire about transportation from NY to the airport.  Rather than dealing with cabs and shuttles from Manhattan Seaport to La Guardia, we purchased Crystal Transfers (for Speakers).

After lunch in the Lido Café (scoop of tuna and salad bar), we spent the whole afternoon reading in the Palm Court.  I started a new book – Jack Reacher’s “The Affair” (number 16 in Lee Child’s series).  Like a lot of his books, there is a familiarity to this book which makes you wonder if you haven’t already read it.  Pretty sure I haven’t.

I stepped outside to get a picture of Panama City - which still doesn't look like a real city - too new and white.

We passed on Jamila’s 5 PM concert then went to dinner at the Crystal Dining Room.  The best part of the meal was the Potato Soup on the Modern Menu.

It was very pleasant on the open deck so we walked a bit after dinner.  Also got some great pictures of Ellen and Panama City at night.

The ship is putting on a Folkloric Show but we opted to go to the Palm Court and read again – it was very quiet and calm up there – trying to avoid the commotion overload near the end of the day.