Panama Canal..port or starboard?

[flatwallet]

Cruising from East to West through the Panama Canal (say from MIami to San Diego) is one side of the ship better than the other for a verandah cabin? This would be an April cruise.

[gizmo]

There is no way to tell which set of locks the ship will use since it is not assigned until the ship actually arrives at the canal.

I only did a partial into Gatun Lake. We went through using the right set and when we came back through, the same set of locks were used. It was more interesting since we were on starboard and could now see the ships close up in the other set of locks.

Sorry but I can't help with a full transit, but I am sure others can.

Being in a starboad cabin around the Cabo area is better since you will see all the scenary from the ship. For this reason I would book a starboard cabin.

Have a nice cruise.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Have done a full transit canal several times. Going from east to west - we prefer the starboard side of the ship especially once you exit the canal and start up the Pacific coast - Starboard side at Cabo is the best most times.

But, as had been said you won't know which set of mules you'll be using until you get to the locks. On our last full transit we were on the port side and everything to see was on the port side. And when we got to Cabo, our ship pulled in and port faced Land's End.

Tough decision.

[gizmo]

I was thinking more of the scenary along the coast when the ship leaves Cabo, not when it was anchored.

[jazzsea]

I like the port side of any ship. Maybe it is because of the even numbers, I don't know.

We are doing a partial transit in January on Rotterdam and we are in a starboard side cabin. I don't think it will make any difference

[lknick]

My conclusion is that it will make no difference except in the locks, and since locks are assigned on arrival, there is no way of predicting on what side the mules will be.

[flatwallet]

I appreciate your input on this question. I probably will go for the starboard side as it seems that is where most of the land area is. (is the correct term for that leeward?)

[Toad]

Going on the Rotterdam in Feb. My parents booked portside and we booked starboard, that way we will be covered no matter what! Why not take a friend!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Toad

Love it!

The best of both worlds ( in this case - sides)!!

[garydm]

We were on the starboard side in January on Statendam and this was the "right" side as we were adjacent to the action. As pointed out, you will not know until you get there. One consideration tho is the sun as it can be very hot. If you select port side on an east to west trip or starboard on a west to east trip, I think your verandah will be more in the shade than not(at least we were), and given the temps, I was pleased we were in the shade.

Gary

[ualtim]

SEWP - Starboard Eastbound / Westbound Port. Not as ellegent as POSH, but SEWP (soup) it is :o