We were anchored inside the harbor, Limon Bay. Around 6:45 a.m., we got our pilot. It took about an hour to reach the first set of locks. At this time, I made my way forward on deck 10 and it was a madhouse. Later I was told that some people had even slept up there last night. There were tons of white coats wandering around. People would not budge from their spots up front for anything, not even for others to get pictures. That's ok though, if you sleep up on deck, you should get some kind of bragging rights!
The Gatun Locks were the most popular with the cruisers. I was able to sweet talk a cast member standing up high to take some pictures for me, as there was no way I would be able to get up front. Then I left and headed down to deck 4. I liked that deck, it wasn't as crowded and the people were friendly. It took a little over an hour to get through all 3 locks. I went to the secret deck 7 to see them close behind us and that was just as fun as being up front in my opinion. The people were taking turns on the railing and letting everyone get a chance up front. Magical!
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I was told this time the photographers are being boated across, not by helicopter so they won't be taking any pictures from the air like last time.
After we made it through the Gatun locks, almost everyone went inside for a brief time, as it was hot and humid.
....Pedro Miguel locks in the afternoon. Our final locks, the Miraflores locks, I went back to deck 4 and finally to deck 10 again. By the time we made it through, I was able to get to the front, yeah!!!! Got some nice pictures of the bridge and of Panama city up front. At the Miraflores locks, there was a tourist center and a bunch of people were there waving at us. It was ironic that we were taking pictures of them taking pictures of us! Mickey came out and waved and the captain sounded the horn several times. Everyone cheered.
By the time we went under the bridge, it was 4:45 p.m. I left then to pick up the kids and get ready for dinner. Our dinner was set for 6 p.m. instead of 5:30 so everyone could see the whole thing before we ate.
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Supper ran a little late and I had laundry in. I left before dessert and went to the laundry room. That room was a mess! People were going crazy there too. Moving clothes around and stuff. My dad even had his bag of clothes thrown in the garbage. Luckily he found them but he thought someone had stolen his clothes at one point. I made it a point to sit with my clothes while they were drying so no one would throw them on the ground. One lady took up 4 washers and 2 dryers at the same time!!!!
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Oh yeah! We got a lithograph from Ducky Williams tonight too! It had king Triton on it and the ship going through the locks. Very very nice. We also took one of our dinner menus and had our server, assistant server, head guy and the dining room manager sign it. It will be a wonderful souvenir. Up next: Day at sea, Twice Charmed, Prince and Princess menu, Ducky Williams presentation