2005 Panama Canal Cruise -- Departure

Updated July 18, 2005

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The first part of our 2005 cruise through the Panama Canal took place in Miami, that well-known source of Cuban food and cruise ships. We had arrived the previous day (thank heavens) by air from Maui after two long flights. The first was a "redeye", the second from Dallas-Fort Worth to Miami. Nearly 12 hours travel time. We spent the day in Miami, resting and walking around the downtown area a bit. The hotel, the downtown Hyatt was well-located for a cruise, but was really a convention hotel. The room we were in was noisy (lift bridge outside our window), but we managed. Getting to the ship was easy, a 5-minute taxi ride. We arrived at the ship early, in spite of warnings to avoid the cruise port early in the day, and had a very smooth, easy time getting on board. The ground management in Miami is very professional.

These photos show a bit of our time in Miami and on board the beautiful new ship.

These pictures were taken primarily with our (now not so) new Kodak DX6490, which we love. The 10x optical zoom is great, and the electronics do a fine job of automatic adjustment and flash operations.

Bob and Sandi onboard the Pride of America. Miami in background, along with the Imagination.	Just Bob with Miami skyline.	The RCCL Majesty of the Seas, berthed near us. This was one of only two other ships in Miami that day.	Lifeboat drill: our muster station was the beautiful Liberty dining room, one of two main dining rooms.	Conning the ship out of Miami. This photo was taken from the lovely balcony of our CruiseCritic team, "livermorenancy". John and Nancy had splurged on this very nice super suite, and were kind enough to invite us other CC'ers up to watch the departure.
Equipment for the old airlines that used to ply between Miami and Caribbean islands.	The bridge between downtown and Miami Beach. We had to turn around here, since the Pride of America was pointing in, not out.	Turning...	Still turning...	Nearly there...
Looking back at the cruise port area, where we were berthed. Now we can head to sea through the channel.	Bob and Sandi, taken as we left Miami.	Near Miami harbor mouth.	Big development near Miami harbor mouth. Must be a bit of a drive to the grocery store!	The Cruisecritic gang. We had a lot of fun on this cruise.
Miami a long ways off now. We're cruising!!

2005 Panama Canal Cruise -- Departure

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