Panama 08/17 With Andrew Derek
- Thread starter Andrew DEREK UK
- Start date
Ski-and-Sea
DIS Veteran
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Andrew.....great job with the TR. We really appreciate you taking the time to give us so many timely updates.
Do the passengers on the Magic know the 8/17 Wonder couldn't make it back to Port Canaveral because of t.s. Fay and got diverted to Port Everglades?
We did make it to Castaway Cay both times even though it was incredibly windy on the second CC day. We lucked out that the wind was blowing in the right direction in order to dock.
So we're wishing you sunny skies and smooth sailing for the rest of your journey back to Port Canaveral.
Do the passengers on the Magic know the 8/17 Wonder couldn't make it back to Port Canaveral because of t.s. Fay and got diverted to Port Everglades?
We did make it to Castaway Cay both times even though it was incredibly windy on the second CC day. We lucked out that the wind was blowing in the right direction in order to dock.
So we're wishing you sunny skies and smooth sailing for the rest of your journey back to Port Canaveral.
orlandothebeagle
Gotta love the beagles.
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Thanks andrew for taking the time, sounds great!
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Andrew--do you happen to know if Stephan from France(Head Server), Andrew from the Phillipines(Server) are onboard right now?
Head Server Stephan from France
Server Andrew from the Phillipines
Server Andrew from the Phillipines
jlawall
<font color=royalblue>Captain Lucky, the Great Pro
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Yes, Andrew, how was the weather today???
orlandothebeagle
Gotta love the beagles.
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I wish you did not post that, now I am worried if that happens to us, flying at 2pm! how often does that happen?
Andrew I hope the weather is great with you!
Andrew I hope the weather is great with you!
Andrew DEREK UK
DIS Legend
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- Mar 8, 2004
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- 29,143
Its Wednesday morning, and we are at sea today going rather slow at 9 knots, looks like we are actually stopped when we are on the verandah. Weather is calm seas glassy but there are clouds around and possible storms.
Arrival time on the TV at Aruba is 7.00am on schedule and we are about 200 miles away from it.
Tuesday Cartagena review, what a great day, we went in very slowly to the port we found out later, the port entrance looks very wide but due to pirate threats in the past the Spanish put lots of rocks in the lagoon entrance and they are just underwater, there are a couple of specific routes in and out of the port, if you do not follow these you hit the rocks, the locals in the past knew this any invaders didnt.
We were welcomed into the port by lots of local singers and dancers in colourful dresses and clothes, Cartagena, really pulled everything out for our arrival, we had a great view Port side of the activities on the port pier, there were at least four buses loads of people there to welcome us, and another 20 to 30 buses arranged for shore trips, our trip Deluxe Catagena had over 300 people on it and the start on ship was rather disorganised due to this.
But as soon as we had our Disney sticker we were on the buses with good wide windows and off, we went to the fortress first then la Popa, both interesting old architecture and places I had been to before, Street vendors were everywhere trying to sell you hats, drinks, local items, t shirts, jewellery etc, All day you couldnt go anywhere without as few coming up to you, but a firm no and they did go back.
I would have liked a little more time in the fortress, but La Popa was great, we had a magnificent view of 360 degrees all around the City from this high point; it was up winding roads, and the entire tourist buses were going up and down.
This is a sanctuary and an old monastery and a holy place, we were guided around but the main thing is a views, we could clearly see the Magic, amongst the containers in the industrial port.
We then went to an old market, and purchased some Cartagena local items, again lots of street vendors but felt comfortable here, then off for a walking tour of the old part of the city, the small streets have lots of historic buildings and fountains and is beautiful.
We went to the City church blessed by a Pope, and then a folklore show and a drink, again very well run and a great show.
Lastly we went to the modern shopping mall for Cruise tourists only, street vendors were outside, inside was lots of high class jewellery shops selling Columbian emeralds etc. This was hard sell, and I didnt enjoy this part, we wanted to look at the jewels but someone was with you all the time, and prices high, last time we came to this Mall in 1994, we purchased a ring had it valued in London and t had a flaw in it, the price was the same as buying it in Hatton Garden in London, so we avoided it this time, St Thomas is far better for purchases, imho.
Weather held out, they gave out ponchos first thing and many roads were flooded in town, but it didnt rain.
Getting back to the ship about 3pm, Topsiders etc was closed so there was long lines for Plutos and Goofy galley, we had something to eat, first time since 8am and then a swim.
Whilst getting dressed for dinner later we watched an interesting film of the dry dock of the Magic last time, how it has to have two every five years how its planned what they do, and a film of the changes last time, will be interesting for the Dry dock in a week to see what extras they do, but I know a lot is the same, change Carpets and wood on decks and pools areas, as Servers staying on have told me this.
Dinner was tastes of the Caribbean a very nice dinner all served hot and well presented, still took about 2 hours, this cruise dinner seams to take longer than others.
The Show was fantastic, David Devries hosted it and started in the audience with be are guest, then Sarah Litzsinger joined him on stage with another artist a Piano player and signer, sorry forgot the name but also has started on Broadway.
They did loads of songs not just Disney and had a lot of chat about the shows and things happening, like Beasts tail falling apart in one show and trying not to laugh.
Songs from Beauty and the beast, little mermaid, Wicked, Noel Coward, Disneys When you wish upon a star etc were included. Only complaint should have been longer it was about 45 mins long. But a great show.
Later we had a deck party very well attended with the live band, and the characters, the dessert buffet was to die for, I have seen many, and lots of dessert buffets I would call unbeatable, well they were all beaten by this one, two great ice carvings, one was a giant pineapple, were centrepieces, and so well made. Watermelons had a name of each of the ports of call carved out on them in a row, all the way through Panama to Aruba. Whilst I was full, I had to try some and we took it back to the room.
We lost the last of three hours last night and are on Florida time now.
Tonights show is another great one not to miss we have had a considerable varies entertainment offering this cruise, tonight its Darren Romeo a magician, who is under the Siegfried and Roy banner.
More presentations from Don Ducky Williams today, and Bingo $11k jackpot, they have had limited Pins and a 7 night cruise on offer so far.
The New Mermaid film premiered at sea in the last few days and we have Walle and Cars on repeat showings today.
I do read all your comments but when I am back offline due to internet costs.
Thanks for all posts.
Arrival time on the TV at Aruba is 7.00am on schedule and we are about 200 miles away from it.
Tuesday Cartagena review, what a great day, we went in very slowly to the port we found out later, the port entrance looks very wide but due to pirate threats in the past the Spanish put lots of rocks in the lagoon entrance and they are just underwater, there are a couple of specific routes in and out of the port, if you do not follow these you hit the rocks, the locals in the past knew this any invaders didnt.
We were welcomed into the port by lots of local singers and dancers in colourful dresses and clothes, Cartagena, really pulled everything out for our arrival, we had a great view Port side of the activities on the port pier, there were at least four buses loads of people there to welcome us, and another 20 to 30 buses arranged for shore trips, our trip Deluxe Catagena had over 300 people on it and the start on ship was rather disorganised due to this.
But as soon as we had our Disney sticker we were on the buses with good wide windows and off, we went to the fortress first then la Popa, both interesting old architecture and places I had been to before, Street vendors were everywhere trying to sell you hats, drinks, local items, t shirts, jewellery etc, All day you couldnt go anywhere without as few coming up to you, but a firm no and they did go back.
I would have liked a little more time in the fortress, but La Popa was great, we had a magnificent view of 360 degrees all around the City from this high point; it was up winding roads, and the entire tourist buses were going up and down.
This is a sanctuary and an old monastery and a holy place, we were guided around but the main thing is a views, we could clearly see the Magic, amongst the containers in the industrial port.
We then went to an old market, and purchased some Cartagena local items, again lots of street vendors but felt comfortable here, then off for a walking tour of the old part of the city, the small streets have lots of historic buildings and fountains and is beautiful.
We went to the City church blessed by a Pope, and then a folklore show and a drink, again very well run and a great show.
Lastly we went to the modern shopping mall for Cruise tourists only, street vendors were outside, inside was lots of high class jewellery shops selling Columbian emeralds etc. This was hard sell, and I didnt enjoy this part, we wanted to look at the jewels but someone was with you all the time, and prices high, last time we came to this Mall in 1994, we purchased a ring had it valued in London and t had a flaw in it, the price was the same as buying it in Hatton Garden in London, so we avoided it this time, St Thomas is far better for purchases, imho.
Weather held out, they gave out ponchos first thing and many roads were flooded in town, but it didnt rain.
Getting back to the ship about 3pm, Topsiders etc was closed so there was long lines for Plutos and Goofy galley, we had something to eat, first time since 8am and then a swim.
Whilst getting dressed for dinner later we watched an interesting film of the dry dock of the Magic last time, how it has to have two every five years how its planned what they do, and a film of the changes last time, will be interesting for the Dry dock in a week to see what extras they do, but I know a lot is the same, change Carpets and wood on decks and pools areas, as Servers staying on have told me this.
Dinner was tastes of the Caribbean a very nice dinner all served hot and well presented, still took about 2 hours, this cruise dinner seams to take longer than others.
The Show was fantastic, David Devries hosted it and started in the audience with be are guest, then Sarah Litzsinger joined him on stage with another artist a Piano player and signer, sorry forgot the name but also has started on Broadway.
They did loads of songs not just Disney and had a lot of chat about the shows and things happening, like Beasts tail falling apart in one show and trying not to laugh.
Songs from Beauty and the beast, little mermaid, Wicked, Noel Coward, Disneys When you wish upon a star etc were included. Only complaint should have been longer it was about 45 mins long. But a great show.
Later we had a deck party very well attended with the live band, and the characters, the dessert buffet was to die for, I have seen many, and lots of dessert buffets I would call unbeatable, well they were all beaten by this one, two great ice carvings, one was a giant pineapple, were centrepieces, and so well made. Watermelons had a name of each of the ports of call carved out on them in a row, all the way through Panama to Aruba. Whilst I was full, I had to try some and we took it back to the room.
We lost the last of three hours last night and are on Florida time now.
Tonights show is another great one not to miss we have had a considerable varies entertainment offering this cruise, tonight its Darren Romeo a magician, who is under the Siegfried and Roy banner.
More presentations from Don Ducky Williams today, and Bingo $11k jackpot, they have had limited Pins and a 7 night cruise on offer so far.
The New Mermaid film premiered at sea in the last few days and we have Walle and Cars on repeat showings today.
I do read all your comments but when I am back offline due to internet costs.
Thanks for all posts.
orlandothebeagle
Gotta love the beagles.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2008
- Messages
- 7,514
back to Fl timeSounds like you are having a ball, I hope you took picys of the water melons.
samily
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2008
- Messages
- 2,361
OMG- I can't believe I am just finding this report now!!! I need to check the trip reports more often! lol Sounds like you are having a great trip - thanks for taking the time to post & letting us share in your adventures! Hope you have smooth sailing home! 
scottishwee35
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 7, 2005
- Messages
- 6,123
Hi Andrew
Thank for update
Scottishwee35
Thank for update
Scottishwee35
jenn&nelsonrego
<marquee><font color=blue>The first person to repl
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
- Messages
- 2,011
Oh! I love Fitz!
He was our waiter on our honeymoon cruise in 02.... In 04 when we went back, we did not realize that we could have requested him, howevr, we were in line for a picture when I heard a young girl behind me mention him.... I asked her to tell him we said hi (along with a detail he would have to remember) and she told us that he would be at the dessert buffet... When we went to see him he recognized us immediately and there was a wonderful round of hugs... On our 06 cruise, we requested him once again and had an incredible time! We have requested him again for this upcoming cruise and have our fingers crossed... Did you say he is a restaurant manager now???
Andrew DEREK UK
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2004
- Messages
- 29,143
Fiz is a restaurant manager now, weather is great no where near the bad weather now.
Nice restful day at sea today, the ship has been going very slow all day about 9 knots and looks as if its stopped at times, the ship on decks was rather empty for the first part of the morning, I think that everyone is a bit tried after loosing a nights sleep and the late deck party last night, mid morning more cruisers appeared.
The seas have been very calm all day and we have had views starboard side of the last bit of Columbia.
Topsider buffet at lunchtime was Asian buffet and featured a noodle station. I didnt eat much as we had Palo afternoon tea.
Palo afternoon tea has changed we had a good table next to the window and sea view on a great weather day, and the server was good and the actual drink of tea was great. However the food side has changed a lot from the teas we have expensed over the years and IMHO, has downgraded.
You used to get proper cut sandwiches on bread with no crusts and served on a silver service tray with various levels. You had great fillings like curried chicken, cottage cheese, Cucumber, and cheese, Egg, etc, traditional English sandwiches, now there is a roll and different types of bread, not a traditional no normal fillings and for example the Cucumber was replaced with something like a pickle. You had a club sandwich, which the bread was toasted, which isnt normal.
The Scones were not good, rather flat and we asked for them to be replaced.
The cakes as ever were great and a good choice, the service was attentive and whilst we were not happy with some aspects, they tried there best and said the chef had changed and also the corporate chef had changed the menu.
You used to get a great English sherry trifle that was gone; there was a Lemon Tiramisu in a small long glass.
We spoke to the Palo manager Marco, and he said he would note our concerns about the change in the menu. I do feel personally they have got this wrong, but he said the sherry trifle was not popular at all?
Disappointed on that.
Off to dinner soon.
Nice restful day at sea today, the ship has been going very slow all day about 9 knots and looks as if its stopped at times, the ship on decks was rather empty for the first part of the morning, I think that everyone is a bit tried after loosing a nights sleep and the late deck party last night, mid morning more cruisers appeared.
The seas have been very calm all day and we have had views starboard side of the last bit of Columbia.
Topsider buffet at lunchtime was Asian buffet and featured a noodle station. I didnt eat much as we had Palo afternoon tea.
Palo afternoon tea has changed we had a good table next to the window and sea view on a great weather day, and the server was good and the actual drink of tea was great. However the food side has changed a lot from the teas we have expensed over the years and IMHO, has downgraded.
You used to get proper cut sandwiches on bread with no crusts and served on a silver service tray with various levels. You had great fillings like curried chicken, cottage cheese, Cucumber, and cheese, Egg, etc, traditional English sandwiches, now there is a roll and different types of bread, not a traditional no normal fillings and for example the Cucumber was replaced with something like a pickle. You had a club sandwich, which the bread was toasted, which isnt normal.
The Scones were not good, rather flat and we asked for them to be replaced.
The cakes as ever were great and a good choice, the service was attentive and whilst we were not happy with some aspects, they tried there best and said the chef had changed and also the corporate chef had changed the menu.
You used to get a great English sherry trifle that was gone; there was a Lemon Tiramisu in a small long glass.
We spoke to the Palo manager Marco, and he said he would note our concerns about the change in the menu. I do feel personally they have got this wrong, but he said the sherry trifle was not popular at all?
Disappointed on that.
Off to dinner soon.
orlandothebeagle
Gotta love the beagles.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2008
- Messages
- 7,514
Thanks, yuo make my work night so much more interesting, cant wait to see if youve been on!
jlawall
<font color=royalblue>Captain Lucky, the Great Pro
- Joined
- Aug 19, 2002
- Messages
- 11,591
Glad to hear the weather is doing well, the news has been indicating something is coming up. Sorry, about the tea, only did it once and it was good. Lynn Tarrant took me to the tea at Harrod's, so I guess I'm ruined now for everywhere else! Have a great night on the ship!!
ibouncetoo
<font color=009999>I get excited by the little thi
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2003
- Messages
- 17,486
Andrew, sorry about your experience at tea. I was surprised about how the sandwiches were done also, BUT our batch of scones were out of this world good and I enjoyed the desserts also.
Can't wait for your next installment.
.
and I enjoyed the desserts also. Can't wait for your next installment.
.
scottishwee35
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2005
- Messages
- 6,123
Andrew
I remember about High Tea as I was a bit disappointed with scones because it was fruit scone which I don't like and it don't have plain scones
Also trifle gone too, lemon which my husband loved it and we gave him our and funny to see waiter's face thought he ate all by himself. I have photo of it.
I was surprised that Marco from Australia, he remember us!! from last year Med.
Scottishwee35
I remember about High Tea as I was a bit disappointed with scones because it was fruit scone which I don't like and it don't have plain scones
Also trifle gone too, lemon which my husband loved it and we gave him our and funny to see waiter's face thought he ate all by himself. I have photo of it.
I was surprised that Marco from Australia, he remember us!! from last year Med.
Scottishwee35
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