So, you spend a lot of money to have the experience of transiting the Panama Canal. Then the canal folks (who, according to local media reports, may have been hampered by an employee work slow-down) won’t let the ship go through until dusk.
At least one passenger is seriously peeved.

After putting some thought into this, I have to side with the cruise line. It appears that the fault lies with the Panama Canal authorities who held the ship up. What was Silversea supposed to do?

Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead?

Break on through to the other side!

I certainly understand how disappointing it was not to go through the canal in daylight. It was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. But on a cruise there are things that the company and the captain can’t control, like the weather or foreign bureaucracies.

Remember folks, despite all the comforts, cruising is still an adventure!

Are you thinking about a cruise vacation on a small ship? Are you getting a bit weary of the crowds and lines and impersonal service on a large ship? How about trying a romantic sailing ship with very comfortable accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine?

I give you: Windstar, the alternative to the typical cruise ship experience.

After 8 or 9 cruises with Windstar, I can attest to the relaxed yet refined atmosphere you will find on board. (continued below the fold)

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Have you ever wondered what happened to a famous classic cruise ship like the Winston Churchill or the Canberra? Or one that you sailed on years ago and haven’t heard about lately? Would you like to keep up to date on new cruise ships that are being built and launched?

This website has the answers to all your questions.

Since 2003, Paul Timmerman has been compiling an astonishing amount of information and photographs (interior and exterior) of hundreds of ships. He has researched the history of pleasure cruising from its earliest days all the way to what new ships are currently on order with shipyards around the world.

Do go visit Cruise Ship Odyssey — it’s fascinating!

I’ve been at this quiz and the others at the link for most of the morning.

Help me — I’m addicted!

Silversea wins the luxury cruise survey again!

Respondents who would recommend Silversea say it is “by far the best in cuisine, service and luxury,” and comment on the “classy personalized experiences.”

The Luxury Institute (wouldn’t you love to work for a company with that name?) has polled high net worth cruise travelers and they have voted for Silversea, followed by Seabourn in second place and Lindblad Expeditions in third.

Lindblad? I’ve heard of them, of course, but always pictured a more bare-bones experience with them — dressing in layers on a glacier and penguin viewing trip, trying to stay warm by sipping bad coffee from a styrofoam cup. Well, this just goes to show that your humble cruise correspondent is not afraid to admit when she’s wrong!