WE SECURED THE COVER ON OUR CAR, checked-out of the AirBnB and Uber-ed to Port Everglades. Boarding was smooth and efficient—we had already done the gruntwork online—and we were onboard in time for lunch. As cruise ships go, Oosterdam is on the small size; 950 feet long and fewer than 2000 passengers. Although we booked a windowless “inside” cabin, our mid-ship stateroom has a patio door-sized window with a view almost totally obstructed by a lifeboat. Still, we can see the ocean and check on the weather for the el cheapo price.
Approaching Cartagena
Friday and Saturday, billed as Cruising Days, were warm and humid with smooth seas and occasional squalls. Most of the time we could see the northeast coast of Cuba off to starboard. Because we skipped Grand Bahama the captain slipped between Castroland and Hispaniola on route to Cartagena, Columbia.
Docked Among the Container ships
Cartagena floating upon the sea
With Cartagena as a last-minute substation, Oosterdam was sandwiched in among the container ships, not where cruise ships generally dock. And with only four hours in port we decided to stay aboard—we had pretty well explored the city on a previous trip. Besides, there’s a quiet, well-stocked library, a decent gym and three laps around the Promenade Deck equals a mile.
