It's been awhile, and not a planned absence. We were supposed to visit Key West on Thursday, but the threat of high winds kept the captain (and the rest of us away). The problem wasn't visiting Key West, it was leaving at the end of the day. So we skipped that port.
Then as we chugged around Cuba on our way to Santa Marta, Colombia we slowed down. The seas had picked up and the captain wasn't going to go plowing into the waves at high speed. It would have gotten really rough had we done that. So time, speed, and distance came into play and it was clear that we weren't going to get to both Santa Marta and Cartagena. Santa Marta got cut from the itinerary, and on to Cartagena.
I didn't capture the weather map a day ago, but the big orange bowling ball sitting on the coast of Colombia was even bigger and darker orange then. We were OK coming around Cuba and then it really got bumpy.
Doesn't look that big in a picture, but waves were over 15 feet.
Generally, my standard for heavy weather is when they set out sea sickness bags at the elevator stations. This time they shut down the elevators.
Finally we arrive at land. Many aboard are thrilled (including me) that the boat isn't rocking any more.
Shuttle bus driver has the appropriate religious icons, so we're good to go.
There's an aviary at the cruise terminal. Flamingos and peacocks.
Gate to the Old City in Cartagena
We loved this place when we first visited at the very end of ATW 2016.
The old city is walled and ready to repel invaders (unless they come with American dollars).
Returning to the ship, parrots are part of the cruise terminal ambience also.
After a rough start, ATW 2020 has now visited dry land. Tomorrow the Panama Canal.
Then as we chugged around Cuba on our way to Santa Marta, Colombia we slowed down. The seas had picked up and the captain wasn't going to go plowing into the waves at high speed. It would have gotten really rough had we done that. So time, speed, and distance came into play and it was clear that we weren't going to get to both Santa Marta and Cartagena. Santa Marta got cut from the itinerary, and on to Cartagena.
I didn't capture the weather map a day ago, but the big orange bowling ball sitting on the coast of Colombia was even bigger and darker orange then. We were OK coming around Cuba and then it really got bumpy.
Doesn't look that big in a picture, but waves were over 15 feet.
Still, the show must go on. We had a mimosa welcome party for the Around the World guests. Currently about 210 of us with another 145 joining in San Francisco. Biggest ATW yet.
After a rough start, ATW 2020 has now visited dry land. Tomorrow the Panama Canal.
2 comments:
so glad you reached Cartegena and dry land! Beautiful and colorful photos. looks like good weather, hope the worst is behind you. Sounds like a good group of worldlies.
I think it's going to be a good cruise, too. Capt and staff did a great job of keeping us safe. But it was certainly a rocky ride!
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