Train Trip-Panama Canal

[Toad]

Any recent cruisers done the train trip to the west side of the canal? How long a trip is it? Is it train both ways or bus one way? Is it HOT? Can you see lots from the lower car? Is it all day? Do you miss any of the cruising in the canal?

[jhannah]

We took the ocean-to-ocean train trip earlier this year. A bus takes you to the train station and you ride pretty much parallel to the canal. Once over on the Miraflores side, you get on another bus that takes you over to the locks, where you can watch up close from the land side. If I remember correctly, it's a half-day excursion. A box lunch (snack) was served to us on the train. We enjoyed the trip. Those who stay on board the ship watch the ship go back through the Gatun locks and dock at the pier. I'm glad we took the train. We got to see some great scenery and had a photo stop across the water from Panama City. It's a round trip, and the train is air conditioned. Very comfortable.

[Toad]

Thanks for the reply.... sounds fun!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We did the train trip - loved it.

The snack we were served consisted of a small fruit cup, a granola bar, a bottle of water, a small bag of chips, and a peppermint candy.

You go through the Gatun Locks and anchored right inside. Then you tender to the area where you board a bus to go to the train station.

When the train returns to the station you get back on the buses and return to the tender area.

Once everyone is back on the ship, the ship then goes back through the Gatun Locks to the Caribbean.

[Toad]

We did the train trip - loved it.

The snack we were served consisted of a small fruit cup, a granola bar, a bottle of water, a small bag of chips, and a peppermint candy.

You go through the Gatun Locks and anchored right inside. Then you tender to the area where you board a bus to go to the train station.

When the train returns to the station you get back on the buses and return to the tender area.

Once everyone is back on the ship, the ship then goes back through the Gatun Locks to the Caribbean.
So I guess this means that you do not miss any of the ships actual transit through the canal?????

[Gsel]

Great fun, but be sure you eat a good breakfast before you go. Don't depend on the "snack" or you will be very hungry. We did it last March and really enjoyed the day. The train itself is lovely, beautifully restored and very comfortable.

[jhannah]

So I guess this means that you do not miss any of the ships actual transit through the canal?????Yes and no. (I'm not a lawyer ... really :) ) When doing a partial transit, the ship enters the Gatun Locks around daybreak. Once into the lake, those with tours are tendered to shore. The ship then turns and goes back through the Gatun Locks to port. You don't miss going through the locks ... you just miss going back through the Gatun Locks the other way. Plus, you don't really traverse any of the canal itself except the approach to Gatun Locks. On a full transit, where you start your cruise in California and end in Florida (or vice-versa) then you go through the whole kit and kaboodle.

[Toad]

Thanks all. BTW is the train airconditioned?

[Gsel]

Sure is!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

When we were on the Rotterdam in 2003, the ship stayed anchored in Gatun Lake. It didn't go to any port to pick up the passengers from their tours. So everyone got to watch as we went back through the locks.

This must be something new - going to a port to pick up the passengers.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We were in the domb car - even though it is air-conditioned, it was hotter than the other cars.

[Toad]

Krazy Kruiser:
Do you think that it is cooler in the lower portion of the train? Could you see as well?

[Krazy Kruizers]

I don't know if the view is as great in the lower cars or not.

We loved the domb car and sat right in front of the air-conditioner so we stayed cool. Also it was an overcast day when we left and it poured on the return trip so we didn't have the sun beating down on us.

[Himself]

If I ever get back to the Panama Canal, I will have to try the train trip.
Himself

[NoCruiseBlues]

My wife & I took the train last Jan. It was FANTASTIC. We paid the EXTRA charge for the DOME CAR, and are glad we did. the view from uptop is SPECTACULAR. The train Conductor (host/guide) Marty was a PISTOL, he even had dancing girls (lol), entertain us. Just a quick note, be sure to attend the lectures about the canal prior to any excursion, it is most educational & informative. Also, when U land in Colon, be sure to buy Mulah's, either on a shirt, or just by themselves. They have proven to be quite the conversation piece. Enjoy the cruise, we did. May all your cruises be pleasant & memorable ones.

[jhannah]

We had Marty, too, and he was truly wonderful!

Another good preparation for visiting the canal is the book "Path Between the Seas" by David McCullough. It's huge ... but really covers detailed history of the construction project.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We were also fortunate enough to have Marty.

This past Oct/Nov we ran into Marty at the Amador tender pier. And he remembered us - had quite a chat with him.

Anyone who ends up having Marty as their conductor will have a ball.

[Gsel]

We wern't in the dome car, but the view was great. Others that were in the dome car said it was very warm. We were cool and comfortable!

[Southbound]

We booked the domed railcar trip for our upcoming 12/22 on the Rotterdam. So glad to hear it has A/C. Are restrooms also available on the train?

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes, each car has its own restroom.

[BCEagle78]

We took the domed train in Nov 2003.

Although there are many positive comments about this excursion, we were not really impressed... as a matter of fact we found Marty to be somewhat obnoxious... I am glad that others enjoyed his style... We thought the train we overpriced for what you got and would not do it again.