For
more than 100 years, the Panama Canal has been an invaluable shipping link
between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It’s a wonder of the modern world, and
worth seeing just for the magnificence of its engineering. The canal is also surrounded
by the lush, tropical scenery of Panama, making it that much more attractive as
a cruise destination.
There
are three ways to see the Panama Canal via cruise ship: a full transit of the 50-mile
canal and its three sets of massive locks; a partial transit; or a day
excursion from the port of Colon, on the Atlantic end of the canal.
A day
excursion (or “faux transit”) from Colon won’t take you into the canal on your
cruise ship, but on a smaller excursion boat. First, you’ll take a bus to the
town of Gamboa. You’ll board a boat that will take you through two sets of locks,
all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Then, you’ll ride a motorcoach back to your
ship. If you’re on a cruise that calls on Colon, be sure to check your options
for this type of excursion.
A
partial transit cruise may be a good choice if you have a limited amount of
time, as these cruises are usually just 7 to 10 nights. This option lets you stay
on your ship as you sail into the canal and go through one or two sets of
locks. Your ship may bring on a canal expert who will explain the history and
engineering of the canal as you cruise.
A
full transit cruise can go Atlantic to Pacific or Pacific to Atlantic. You’ll
spend a full day in the canal, going through all three sets of locks. Plus, you
may have the opportunity to explore Panama City, on the Pacific end of the
canal, with its beautiful old town and modern skyscrapers. Note that most full
transit cruises are at least 14 nights, and most are not roundtrip (unless they
are quite long indeed, such as a world cruise). These cruises usually stop in
other lovely Central American ports, too.
Cruise
season in the Panama Canal is October through April: November brings the end of
the rainy season in Panama, so that may help determine your choice of departure
date. Talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert, about more
options for your cruise to Panama and its storied canal.
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