Zuiderdam - Partial Canal

[hensghan]

We have just booked our first partial Canal cruise on Zuiderdam, with the following itinerary:

Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US 05:00 PM
1 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas TR SE 08:00 AM 03:00 PM
2 At Sea
3 Oranjestad, Aruba 01:00 PM 11:00 PM
4 Willemstad (Curacao), Antilles 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
5 At Sea
6 Enter Panama Canal Cristobal CO 05:00 AM
6 Gatun Lake, Panama SC 09:00 AM 10:00 AM
6 Exit Panama Canal Cristobal CO 01:00 PM 01:00 PM
6 Cristobal, Panama 02:00 PM 06:00 PM
7 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 06:30 AM 04:00 PM
8 At Sea
9 At Sea
10 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US 07:00 AM

While we have been previously to HMC, Aruba and Curacao, we have never before been to the Canal and we would truly appreciate any input from those of you who have already done this itinerary and can perhaps suggest a few need-to-do or don't-waste-your-time/money side trips, excursions etc.

Also, if any of you can remember, I'd also appreciate knowing which are the formal and other 'special' nights.

Thank you. It's so nice to have this forum and not have to constantly re-invent the wheel. I will, of course, also ask these same questions on the Canal board.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have just booked our first partial Canal cruise on Zuiderdam, with the following itinerary:

Day Port Arrive Depart
0 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US 05:00 PM
1 Half Moon Cay, Bahamas TR SE 08:00 AM 03:00 PM
2 At Sea Formal night
3 Oranjestad, Aruba 01:00 PM 11:00 PM
4 Willemstad (Curacao), Antilles 08:00 AM 05:00 PM
5 At Sea Formal night
6 Enter Panama Canal Cristobal CO 05:00 AM
6 Gatun Lake, Panama SC 09:00 AM 10:00 AM
6 Exit Panama Canal Cristobal CO 01:00 PM 01:00 PM
6 Cristobal, Panama 02:00 PM 06:00 PM
7 Puerto Limon, Costa Rica 06:30 AM 04:00 PM
8 At Sea Formal night
9 At Sea
10 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US 07:00 AM

While we have been previously to HMC, Aruba and Curacao, we have never before been to the Canal and we would truly appreciate any input from those of you who have already done this itinerary and can perhaps suggest a few need-to-do or don't-waste-your-time/money side trips, excursions etc.

Also, if any of you can remember, I'd also appreciate knowing which are the formal and other 'special' nights.

Thank you. It's so nice to have this forum and not have to constantly re-invent the wheel. I will, of course, also ask these same questions on the Canal board.

We did this cruise last Oct/Nov. Be sure that you are up early the morning you near the Canal -- we were up by 5:30 -- that is about the time the ship starts to make its approach. Be out on a deck. Even the bow will be opened so that you can get out there to watch as you go through the locks -- best view here.

And be certain that you try the Panama Buns -- they are only made for that day. There will be trays of them out on the decks and in the Lido.

Not certain what you are looking for in tours -- what are your interests?

[hensghan]

Thanks for the formal nights info, Krazy Kruisers. Those are the nights we will probably try to book the Pinnacle Grill.

As far as excursions go, we are an older but healthy couple who enjoy just about anything from snorkeling to hiking to points of local cultural interest.

I guess what I'm really asking about side trips, excursions, etc., is what did you or others perhaps do that you are glad you did and would recommend to others and, conversely, what did you perhaps do that you in retrospect thought wasn't worth the time or money.

I know that's vague but it's about the best I can do right now.

[CtheW0rld]

do try to take the excursion by train to the far side of the canal. you'll get to see more. i booked very last minute (do to another cruise being cancelled) and the excursion was full.

the 'scenic cruising' on lake gatun is basically a joke. you anchor and wait for your turn to exit the canal.

the stop at cristobol was only about 40 minutes to pick up people from excursions.

[catl331]

There have been good reports from those who went on the Indian Village tour. Make sure you check out the Panamanian handicrafts especially the molas of vibrant colors. Bring throwaway raincoats for the canal and Costa Rica.

[savannahgirl1]

We did the Canal Experience and LOVED it. We boarded a bus which took us to the other set of locks on the Pacific side. There we boarded a ferry which went thru the other locks and let us off in Panama City. We then boarded the same bus and came back to the ship. During the bus ride you get to see a lot of Panama and of course by being on a small ferry you are very up close and personal with the locks, close enough to reach out and touch them. Its not cheap, I think it was $150 pp. Can't remember exactly. Its also very long. It was an all day, 8 hour trip. But we loved every second. There can be a lot of standing if you want to see everything. It can be very hot, bring a hat, sunscreen and bottled water. Lunch is provided, a sandwich, chips, drink and desert. Some folks complain about this excursion, price and length etc. But my husband and I truly loved it and wouldn't trade our video and pics for nothing. To each his own I guess. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have enjoyed the train ride / bus ride to see the canal. Also the Emarca Village (don;t think I have that spelled correctly -- it was a long day).

In Puerto Limon -- have done the Tortuga Canal boat ride and train excursion.

Now since we can't just do 10 day cruises we actually did this cruise twice as back-to-back. The first time the captain didn't get enough tenders out to get people ashore in Gatun Lake to get to their excursions. So we were late leaving there and lost our place in line to go back through the locks. As a result we were in Crystobal for about an hour. Quite a few people were already there (and had been) waiting and waiting for the ship to get there).

But the second cruise, more tenders were used and we left for Crystobal quickly and had about 4 hours there.

[Cruisergal1208]

Those that have done this cruise in Oct/Nov could you please share pictures? Also, tell us about the weather that time of the year at the ports of call. Thanks.

[Iowa-Cruiser]

This was our first (and so far only) cruise. A day-by-day account can be found here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1112708
We loved it. Trying now to find time and money to cruise again.

[Love the beach]

We did the Canal Experience and LOVED it. We boarded a bus which took us to the other set of locks on the Pacific side. There we boarded a ferry which went thru the other locks and let us off in Panama City. We then boarded the same bus and came back to the ship. During the bus ride you get to see a lot of Panama and of course by being on a small ferry you are very up close and personal with the locks, close enough to reach out and touch them. Its not cheap, I think it was $150 pp. Can't remember exactly. Its also very long. It was an all day, 8 hour trip. But we loved every second. There can be a lot of standing if you want to see everything. It can be very hot, bring a hat, sunscreen and bottled water. Lunch is provided, a sandwich, chips, drink and desert. Some folks complain about this excursion, price and length etc. But my husband and I truly loved it and wouldn't trade our video and pics for nothing. To each his own I guess. :)

We loved doing this as well--and also the Tortuga boat ride in Puerto Limon (in the pouring rain!).

[Krazy Kruizers]

Those that have done this cruise in Oct/Nov could you please share pictures? Also, tell us about the weather that time of the year at the ports of call. Thanks.

My pictures are all in photo albums -- have no way of getting them on line. Besides -- since we had been to these ports several times before -- we took only a handful of pictures.

Aruba and Curacao -- no rain. Puerto Limon -- rain both times we were there. HMC - - we were along the lucky ones to get there both times -- no winds or rain. Of Course the Panama Canal was sunny and warm - especially sitting in Gatun Lake the first time for so many hours.

[seacruise9]

Hi,

We did this cruise in December. On the Panama Canal day, we went to the forward observation deck very early in the morning. I agree that the Panama Buns are excellent. We took a shore excursion that featured a train ride (in the dome car) to the Pacific side. Near the Pacific side, we went to an interesting museum that featured a lot of exhibits on the Panama Canal and an observation deck that overlooked one of the locks. We then rode a bus back to where the ship was docked. This was an enjoyable tour.

Chuck

[Krazy Kruizers]

Hi,

We did this cruise in December. On the Panama Canal day, we went to the forward observation deck very early in the morning. I agree that the Panama Buns are excellent. We took a shore excursion that featured a train ride (in the dome car) to the Pacific side. Near the Pacific side, we went to an interesting museum that featured a lot of exhibits on the Panama Canal and an observation deck that overlooked one of the locks. We then rode a bus back to where the ship was docked. This was an enjoyable tour.

Chuck

Years ago when we did this tour we also had the domb car.

The museum and observation deck is at the Miraflores Locks. been there a couple of times -- and saw a ship or freighter in the locks while we were there.

[Cruisergal1208]

Thanks for the responses and good tips.

[oneadam12]

Yes, thank you all for your insights on this cruise. We'll be going on this January 2.http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[boccismom]

We're going on this one next April and I am excited already.

Can someone tell me exactly WHAT a Panama bun is? I've been told by several people not to miss them. I am making an assumption that they wouldn't be real good on a diabetic diet?

[Cruisergal1208]

I read on one thread they are a sweet roll filled with apricot.

[Mizsuzee]

Thanks to all for the information on this cruise. We are going in November and I'm already excited!! :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

The Panama Buns are filled with cream and mandarin oranges.

Recipe here:


Panama Roll dough:
1 pound all purpose flour
10 grams salt (5 teaspoons)
37.5 grams sugar (2 & 1/2 tablespoons)
10 grams instant yeast (5 teaspoons)
37.5 grams butter (2 & 1/2 tablespoons)
1 egg
1/4 liter milk (1/2 cup)
Mix all ingredients together.
Filling:
Custard Cream:
3/4 liters of milk (make sure you boil the milk) (1 & 1/2 cups)
1 Mandarin orange -- cut into 1/2 inch bits
1/4 kilo sugar (1 & 1/3 cups)
125 grams cornstarch (8 & 2/3 tablespoons)
3 egg yolks
Mix sugar, cornstarch and egg yolks first before mixing with the boiled milk. Add the mandarin orange bits.
Topping: Streusel (The Zuiderdam is the only ship where the buns had a topping) - Optional
1/2 pound flour
1/4 pound butter
1/4 pound sugar
Mix all the ingredients together.
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Flatten the dough using a rolling pin then cut into 4 inch squares and put the filling into the center of each square (about 1 heaping teaspoon). Fold the dough over the filling 4 times. Cover the outside with egg wash. Place on cooky sheets. If you are using the streusel, now is the time to top the buns with it.
Let rest for 25 minutes at room temperature.
Bake for 10 minutes -- serve warm. Makes about 2 dozen.

[janmcn]

Don't forget it'll be HOT and HUMID for the canal.
Also, read David McCullough's book The Path Between the Seas for an outstanding "preview" of what you're seeing.
Have a great time...a wonderful trip!

[askworldtraveler]

For the Canal - we chose to stay on the ship - The round trip in the locks was wonderful. The trip back 'down' the locks in full daylight on a very quiet ship was a big reason we went on this trip. 8 hours on a bus/train or other boats just didn't do it for us.

Docking at Cristobal is nothing special - I walked in the "market" set up in the dock side building to sell local stuff. I wanted to send a post card - no one had a stamp to sell....

Took the Arial Tram trip in Costa Rica - Interesting - there was an option to "walk" part of the distance to lunch - I got off the bus for the last 2 miles.... It was really quite nice, quiet and beautiful.

Have a wonderful trip.

If you have a room with a Balcony - sitting outside watching the ship rise (or fall) is excellent....

Enjoy!

[Pokeynose]

I hope I didn't miss this answer to this question. What is the weather like in Oct. and Nov.? We are thinking about those months this year or is next Spring better? Thanks. Barb:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done the canal various months -- it is always hot and humid.

Be sure you wear a hat and take sun lotion with you. Drink plenty of water.

[Pokeynose]

We have done the canal various months -- it is always hot and humid.

Be sure you wear a hat and take sun lotion with you. Drink plenty of water.

Thank you so much. Now we just have decide when. Barb:)

[bigjohn42]

We went in the first week in March 2009 and weather was perfect the whole cruise, no rain, was hot in both panama and Costa Rica, but was not as bad as I had thought it would be, not much humidity except in the late afternoon.This was my favorite cruise to date and I loved the Zuiderdam, she is a great ship with a great crew, have a great time!!!, PS, we did the kayaking in Gatun Lake and was great, did the banana plantation/train/canal in Costa Rica, I recommend to this without the train, was not at all impressed with just the train, the rest was great.