Saturday, December 5

We have been at sea since leaving Curaçao about 5:00 on Friday.  We will travel all day today and all night tonight, arriving in Cartajena, Columbia early on Sunday.  Doesn't seem possible, but the weather is becoming increasingly hotter and more humid.  We have a lovely veranda, but it is nearly impossible to enjoy sitting outside.  

Today, we had a special presentation on the history of the Panama Canal which we attended. We enjoyed very much hearing about the building of the canal.  More later when we actually transit the canal.

This afternoon, the Ship Capatain spoke to the group about his maritime history and also how long he had been with Holland American.  He is British rather than Dutch as most of our Holland Captains have been.  Passengers were invited to ask questions of the Captain.  One remarkable fact he shared was they are celebrating 25-30 years of service for several employees.  Others have fewer years, but many more loyal employees-- many time they are generational and several generations of the same family serve the Holland Family of ships.