Monday 23rd February at sea, very calm, cloudy, 26 degrees

We woke around 6.00 and we were on the promenade deck just after 06:30. As you opened the door onto the deck the humidity wrapped itself around you like a blanket. It was not sunny. The sea was dead calm and looked like glass as the light caught it. (You could understand why it had been called The Pacific Ocean. It was soo peaceful and soo beautiful. The sea seemed to stretch out forever in all directions. One of life’s great experiences. Magical. Ed)

On our way around the deck we came across the most amazing moth

Apparently they fly vast distances and we think this one will have been attracted by the lights from the ship from Panama and flown out towards them.

We have been a bit confused as to how and when we reach the Panama area but things were all as normal this morning so I went to ukulele in the usual way and we both attended the Bridge lesson. I think Maureen has now got the lesson/play ratio about right. I still made some silly moves. I console myself with the fact that I cannot be an artist at everything!!

Next up were the further adventures of Mr. St Paul, stunt director etc. and now speaker on cruises. Once again he told a good story. It is interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes on these epic action films.

Lunch was taken outside. Although there is not bright sunlight, the cloud seems to be holding in the heat and it was a very steamy 26 degrees.

We then adjourned for a bit of down time before Keith went off to find a spot to write and then went to watch the football and it was my turn for a pedicure. Between us we have more pampered feet than we have ever had!!

At 5.30 there was a message over the tannoy telling us how we approach Panama in terms of passport presentation. Up until now our passports have been kept by Reception and been stamped en masse as we have moved through the countries we have visited, but in Panama the passports have to be presented individually and personally. Hopefully 1800 cruise goers will not want to leave the ship at the same time tomorrow or we will be in a real fix! We need to walk to passport control, go through passport checking and be on our bus 10 minutes before 8.30 when the first time we can leave the ship is 8.00 am. Hmmmm. Even I can’t make those sums add up. I will keep you posted!

Dinner was a limited affair as two of our compatriots were off in the Indian restaurant for dinner. Nevertheless we had a jolly meal. We are unlikely to be in for dinner tomorrow as we hope to have a lovely long lunch in Panama. We shall see. Exciting times ahead! (I’m really looking forward to it! Everyone says it’ll be one of the highlights of the trip! Ed)

will keep you posted!