Going Loco Down in Acapulco

Next stop after Panama Canal was Acapulco. Very hot here and lots of persistant Mexican sellers, a bit like being pestered in Egypt. We walked around a star shaped fort for a while, until the sun got the better of us and we headed back to the ship and air conditioning. Whilst getting a cold drink from the bar, noticed that the football was on, so Tom spent the rest of the afternoon watching footie while Pauline read a book.
The following day we anchored off Zihuatanejo (pronounced - Zee-what-a-nay-ho) and were tendered in to an unspoilt town with lots of character. Although it was only a small place, we enjoyed it far more than Acapulco. The people were very friendly and understood 'No Thanks'!
We are now at sea for three days, before arriving at San Francisco where we disembark.

Panama Canal

After leaving the pretty port of Oranjestad in Aruba we set sail for the Panama Canal.
We woke early, as we entered the first locks at around 7:00am, and we didn't want to miss anything.
Also scheduled for that time was P&O's Oriana, so Arcadia (our ship) and the Oriana did the first set of locks side by side. It took about 8 hours to reach the Pacific Ocean. A fascinating day, and one we will always remember.

Steel Drums & Dreadlocks

Arcadia berthed beside a posh boat which we have seen before in Bergen last year, it's owned by a russian fertilizer firm (so we've been informed, but it could be a load of crap!). Barbados is a green and sunny isle, with lovely coastlines. We took a tour of the island by minibus and Noel, our friendly driver, showed us Sandy Lanes golf course where $300 will get you 18 holes.

Atlantic Crossing 19-1-10

We are now nearing Barbados and the sea has calmed down and the weather has warmed to a pleasant 27degC in the shade. The balcony is great, from there we have been watching flying fish as they escape the wash of the ship. The Arcadia is lovely, managed to watch a few films in the cinema and have been to some shows in the theatre. Today we are going to see Murray Walker on the second of his three talks about his life as a motor racing commentator. Last night we went to a Chinese buffet, it was like being at home in the 'Wing Wah' (only no snow!).

No Fun in Funchal

Thanks to our super chauffeur and his wife (John & Jackie) we arrived safely in a freezing cold Southampton, with plenty of time to catch the ship.
Imagine our delight when we discovered, upon check-in, that we were upgraded to a balcony room. Everything was sailing along swimmingly until we hit the Bay of Biscay when we would have had a smoother ride on 'splash mountain'. Pauline spent the next 36 hours flat on her back, and it was nothing to do with me!
Today (Thur) is our first stop in Madiera where although it's warm, it's also wet. It looks a beautiful place and one that we would like to visit again when it's sunny.
Next stop Barbados, but first another 5 days at sea. Fingers crossed that it will be a bit calmer.

Pre Cruise

P&O Arcadia sets sail on Sunday 10th Jan 2010 at 6pm, from Southampton.
Hopefully the snow won't stop us from travelling and we will be there in time for the Lifeboat drill, err... we mean buffet.