Catagena

Cartagena in Colombia was the final port of call on our trip but we had already decided that there was nothing that we really wanted to see or do ashore so we would just spend the day on board ship. The ship docked in the container port so there was plenty to watch as the non-stop process of loading and unloading the container ships went on around us. Because of where we were docked, we couldn't see much of the old city apart from the fort/castle which was on a slight hill in the distance. What we could see looked fairly prosperous and there was a lot of high rise built all along one "arm" of the port which looked beautiful later on as darkness fell and the lights went on and we sailed away.

At sea
So, last 2 days at sea before we reach Fort Lauderdale on Sunday.. With everyone being on board, loungers were at a premium but we found a couple on the boat deck and read and dozed - and visited the buffet a couple of times. Dinner was the final formal night and the one where they have all the relevant departmental heads, chefs, maitre'd etc come out and be introduced to the diners.  On Celebrity they also have a Baked Alaska Parade where the lights are dimmed and all the waiters parade out with baked alaskas held high. Auld Lang Syne was sung (after a fashion) and then, after the stage show, it was time to head up to the Constellation Lounge for the Gala Dessert Buffet - just in case you still needed a little something to keep your appetite at bay till breakfast! There were big ice sculptures and plates and plates of "patisserie" laid out on beautifully lit tables. We resisted and went for a walk round the deck instead - a very windy walk it must be said, but still warm and humid.
Last day
Managed to get out of bed at a reasonable time today as we wanted to go and see the Crew Talent Show in the theatre.  It was actually quite good and everyone had a good laugh. Then the Cruise Director brought a small selection of every branch of the crew up on stage for the "farewell wave" - lots of cheering and clapping and a few words from the Captain.

Following this we watched a cookery competition between two of the chefs and 2 passengers,with a lot of witty banter and some audience questions, and then we went back to our stateroom and packed the majority of our stuff.  The rest of the day will be spent trying to finish the library books so that we can return them before we dock tomorrow, a bit of eating (of course) and just general relaxing.  The weather is overcast but warm which suits us just fine.
Casual dress for dinner tonight, final photos and exchanges of e-mail adresses, luggage outside the stateroom door by 11pm and it will almost all be over.  However we still have a shore excursion tomorrow before our flight so there's  a few more hours of vacation to squeeze out of the trip!