Atlantic to the Pacific in record time.

The sweeping aft decks of the Majestic ORIANA - not only decked in flags but with passengers enjoying the moment and soaking up the atmosphere at the same time.

ORIANA coming alongside ARCADIA in the Gatun lock.

Good Day Everyone,

What an exciting day we have enjoyed on board Arcadia. We went through the Limon Bay breakwaters on the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal at 0600 hours. We then proceded to the Gatun Lock Complex, where we entered and followed the ISLAND PRINCESS up the three lock chamber steps until we were 86.9 feet above sea level. Princess Cruises is a sister Company to P&O Cruises.

It was at this point that we were joined by Oriana. There was great excitement as passengers and crew exchanged greetings with each other. The gap between the two ships at the narrowest point was only 64 feet - you can just imagine the joy! Oriana looked splendid with a banner over the side saying 'Oriana loves Arcadia'! Thank you to all those lovely people on board ORIANA who took the time to create such a masterpiece. This was apprecaited and much talked about.

Captain Julian Burgess was on the Bridge Wing of ORIANA, and on the Captain's Observation Deck we could see David Shepherd, Oriana's Executive Purser and Naomi McFerran -Passenger Services Manager. We have all sailed together in the past and are great friends - you could feel the affection across the divide. As Oriana approached us, the decks were packed with people and she resembled a beautifully decorated American Cup Cake! To come alongside ARCADIA was just the 'icing on the cake'. Lots of our crew have family working on board Oriana and they were enjoying the 'magic' of the moment. These are special times and they pass, oh so quickly, but remain in our hearts and minds.

We then did a 21 mile transit of the Gatun Lake before passing Gamboa and entering the Gaillard Cut which is the narrowest part of the Canal and slices through the Continental Divide. The original elevation here was 333 feet above sea level and at this point a 297 foot cut had to be made into and through the mountain chain.

We then entered the Pedro Miguel single Lock Chamber, sailed across Milaflores Lake before entering the Milaflores double Locks Complex where we were lowered down to sea level on the Pacific side.

These are the 'mules' that pulled ORIANA throught the lock. People often make fun of passengers and new crew about the 'mules' and it has been known for folk to ask for carrots to feed the mules!!!!

We then proceeded past the Port of Balboa on our Port Side and the Port of Rodman on the Starboard Side before passing under the Bridge of the Americas out into the mighty Pacific Ocean. We entered deep water Pacific Ocean at 1530 hours and so in fact our transit today is one of the shortest we can remember.

Our Cruise Director Nigel Travis started our commentary at 0630 this morning from the Crows Nest and continued through until 1530 hours. We tried to 'shut him up' when the Oriana was alongside but our Nigel - he was not going to be outdone by Oriana's Cruise Director Gary Glading!!!! We love Gary and sent him our best wishes.

Our Ship's Photographers had a long day themselves. I saw them off on the Ship's Pontoon into our Agents Boat at 0615 hours and they returned back on board hot and sweaty at 1515 hours.

All in all it was a wonderful day for our Passengers and the Ship's Company and a day they will never forget.

Nigel and I are sitting in my office going through the events of the day. I thank Nigel for his first class commentary and for assisting me with this blog post - you have it 'live'.

My thanks to Commodore Steve Burgoine and our Chief Engineer David Jewkes for getting us through so effortlessly - this is a very busy day for the Bridge and Technical Team.

Our passengers are now looking forward to a 'Sparkling' evening on board; with fine dining and entertainment.

I have lots of photographs so I will have a sort though them and post some more soon.

All good wishes from James and Nigel - The Arcadia Panama Team!

At Panama - the world divided - the world united.