Panama Canal on the Holland America Oosterdam

This fabulous cruise is the realization of Charles' dream of becoming a cruise lecturer. Click on "read more" if you want some details.

Early in the year while reading about things to do in retirement, Charles came across an article about cruise lecturing. Since he grew up in the Panama Canal Zone and has had a lot of experience preparing and presenting courses, it seemed doable. So, he prepared one lecture, had his presentation filmed, and mailed out DVD's to several cruise lines. Only one, Holland America, does it's own hiring of guest lecturers and they were interested, signing Charles on to lecture on the Oosterdam 19 night cruise departing 11/2/09. With 11 ports and a day spent transiting the Panama Canal there are many new experiences packed into this 19 night Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego repositioning cruise.

Day 1: Embarkation from Ft. Lauderdale


It is interesting to board through the crew entrance and surrender our passports for the duration of the cruise. After unpacking we explore the ship, eat, then endure the interminable lifeboat drill.


Day 2: Half Moon Cay


In a quest to provide additional Caribbean ports of call, cruise lines have created "private islands" which provide a beach day on an uninhabited Caribbean island. Holland America's version (also used by Carnival) is actually Little San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. With cruise fares low, lots of "excursions" are now available at these "ports" to generate additional income. But we are looking for some free fun in the form of snorkeling. Using intelligence gleaned on Cruise Critic, we make our way to the far end of the gorgeous crescent white sand beach where there is a small reef area close to shore.


Day 3: Grand Turk


Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos, is the next thing to a private island with a port area developed a couple of miles from Cockburn Town, the only town on the island. Since shore snorkeling is not an option here, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to act as escorts on ship sponsored tours--Charles on Power Snorkel, Mary Anne on Ultimate Snorkel. Sorry, no fish pictures, but here's a picture showing the power snorkeling device Charles uses (think James Bond):


Here's Mary Anne's tour (to "the wall" and Library reef) and some other pictures:


Days 4, 6, 9, 11, 17, 19: At Sea

Charles presents lectures during the morning of each of the 6 sea days, the history of Panama, the building and operation of the Panama Canal, Costa Rica, the Mayas, the Aztecs, and the What Ifs of History. The lectures are very well received and attended--the 800 passenger capacity show lounge is full for most of them. After each of the lectures, a question and answer session is held in another location and is also well attended.


Day 5: Aruba


It rarely rains in Aruba--but the sky opens up just after we step off the bus at Arashi beach. We take shelter until it blows over then walk back to Boca Catalina where we had intended to get off. We are rewarded with calm, clear water and great snorkeling at Catalina Cove.

There are beautiful little turquoise tailed lizards everywhere.


After making our way back to the ship for lunch, Charles stays onboard to work on his next lecture while Mary Anne explores Oranjestad. Once again she is amazed at the wildlife, this time scores of Iguanas, posing on the rocks.

Other Scenes around town: