Sailing the Caribbean Sea, Again

We are continuing to sail through the Caribbean Sea on our way to the Panama Canal. The weather has been beautiful and the seas calm for the last few days, perfect for sailing.

Sea days often feature lectures at 11:00 am by one of the Expedition Team members. Today’s topic was “Panama, from Isthmus to Nation,” and Matias recounted the rich and complex history of this country from the pre-Columbian era to the Spanish conquest to the twentieth century.  

Panama, A Brief History

Of course, given our destination tomorrow, a focus was the building of the Panama Canal. Although I was familiar with the failed efforts by the French in the nineteenth century, I did not realize that Charles V of France initiated the first study of a canal route in 1524.

The Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty between Panama and the United States, signed on November 18, 1903, established the Panama Canal Zone and granted the United States the exclusive rights to construct and control the Panama Canal in perpetuity. The canal opened to traffic in 1914. The United States returned the canal to Panama in 2000.

Panama Canal Zone

When I returned to our stateroom, I noticed something interesting on our desk. The Viking Octantis Family presented us with a gift to remember our time in Mexico. Included were a bottle of Mayan Vanilla and a Day of the Dead Amaranth Sparkles Skull candy. How very thoughtful!

Thank You, Viking Octantis Family

I’ve been trying to finish the last few posts from the British Isles segment on our World Cruise, and I made some headway this afternoon. There have been so many other things to do on board that I haven’t had much time. But I shall persevere! 

Later, the Viking Travel Consultant hosted an Explorers’ Society reception for guests who have sailed with Viking before. The passengers on board are certainly a well-traveled bunch and have completed multiple cruises with Viking, just like Tim and me.

Explorers' Society Toast