Have you ever cruised the Panama Canal?

[petlover]

My husband and I are considering a cruise to either New England/Canada (New York to Montreal) OR the Panama Canal from Los Angeles to Ft. Lauderdale (or visa versa).

As for the Panama Canal cruises, I've heard it described in so many ways from "the best", "total relaxation", "fascinating" to "hot and boring". I'd really like to hear your opinions.

We've cruised in most parts of the world but the 2 places we haven't been to are the Panama Canal and the New England/Canada trip.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[iamirish]

I have taken the Panama Canal Cruise twice, once from LA and the other from Florida. Since you live in So Cal - I would strongly suggest that you fly to Florida the day before, spend a night in the hotel and enjoy life all the way back to California.

When you cruise from West to East – keep in mind that besides the 3-hour time difference you will have to make-up, you will have a 5-6 hour flight back home.

Tom

[Bill S]

Marcie: arguably, which itinerary one prefers is a matter of "different strokes for different folks", I still would recommend you consider the Panama Canal itinerary. We sailed from FLL to Acapulco on the Noordam in '99 and the canal was amazing!

As much as we appreciate cruises which bring us to places of spectacular beauty, we were highly impressed with the engineering miracle that is the Panama Canal. While some might find a full transit dull, we did not. It is like a sea day, but with the main attraction/activity taking place outside! Admittedly, this is largely a male perspective so I hope you get some feedback/opinions from the distaff side of the equation. Hope this helps, however. :)

[doone]

I did a partial canal transit last March on the Rotterdam, I can tell you this, it was hardly boring, I found it fascinating. I would highly recommend either the partial or entire transit, either one will certainly be wonderful.

[jhannah]

We have sailed both, and both are great cruises. I'd say you won't go wrong either way. However, the points iramirish made seem to call out that the Panama Canal trip is the one for you. Neither my DW nor I found the Panama Canal boring. It indeed is an engineering marvel. Depending on when you go, you will likely find the transit hot and humid. But that shouldn't be any big deal. In addition, some of the ports of call on that itinerary are quite enjoyable. If you read "Path Between the Seas" before you go it will really bring the experience to life. Whichever you choose, go and enjoy!

[BJane]

We have done both, New England four times and the Canal three times. We enjoyed both although they were certainly different. Any chance of doing one this year and the other the next? My favorite Canal trip was the last one. We sailed from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego. During transit day I was outside for the entire time. It was wonderful and I got more out of the trip by being outside the entire time than I had on previous trips where I popped in and out. Whichever you choose I'm sure you will have a great trip.

[Gsel]

We also did the partial transit on the Rotterdam last March. Boring would be the last thing I would call it! Anyone who can be bored at any time on this cruise has a real problem. Be sure and do some reading on the history of the Panama Canal before you go and go expecting a beautiful, educational, and perfectly fascinating experience.

[Himself]

I have done the partial twice and the full a number of years ago. I recommend it very highly but warn you to be a little aware of the heat and humidity when in the Canal.

HIMSELF

[Kami's pal]

Did Panama in December '99 on Crystal Harmony. My father was in construction, and I learned to appreciate the wonders of human imagination and ingenuity from him. Ever since I learned about Panama, I'd wanted to go. I wasn't disappointed.

Yes, it is hot and humid. Harmony's waiters were very watchful, bringing constant supply of water, iced tea and cold cloths. I had sunscreen but still looked parboiled by the end of the day. And very tired. I'd been so busy climbing up and down and around to see ALL the views. There was a commentary from the bridge too, which was much appreciated. My camera battery gave out and I'd forgotten to bring another. Fortunately, The concierge at the pursers' desk had a few squirreled away! I get excited just remembering.

But St Lawrence/ New England is on my list. Maybe if I'd done that trip, I'd be as excited. I hope to do both.

[petlover]

Thanks so much for all the great information!!
As of now I think we're leaning towards the Panama Canal.

The itinerary we're looking at is 14 nights, December 5, 2005 from Los Angeles (with stops in San Diego, Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco, Huatulco, Puntarenas, Gatun Yacht Club, San Andres Island, Grand Cayman-Georgetown) to Ft. Lauderdale.

Going East to West (as recommended) put us into Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday schedules and much higher prices! How bad is it going West to East to save $$?
I have a cabin on a courtesy hold which is the furthest front, starboard side with a huge balcony but does NOT have a wrap around balcony. The balcony faces outwards but not frontwards.

How does this itinerary sound? Am I on the wrong side of the ship or does it matter?
Thanks so much! :)

[garydm]

We did the 16 day San Diego to FLL on Statendam in January of this year and had a great time. I tried to locate your cruise but it did not show. If you stop at San Andres Island for more than just an hour or so, I have a wonderful place for you to spend the day. We were diverted from Cartegena to San Andres for security reasons and it turned into some thing great. It was not bad coming back from FLL to the West Coast via plane, but the trip east on the ship was much more enjoyable.

We are doing an 11 day New York to Montreal in September 2005 and putting a group together for it on Crystal. We have not done this area before.

Happy planning!

Gary

[Gsel]

Petlover,
The side of the ship you are on really doesn't matter! In fact, you never know what your view of the canal will be until the pilot comes aboard and your ship is assigned a "slot". You can always go on deck and enjoy the wonderful special rolls and service there. No matter where you are you will enjoy this experience. You are doing it at a great time of year, the weather will probably be much cooler. March was great, it was warm, but no unbearable. Have fun! Remember to look for Revneal's review when he gets back, it will give you a lot of great information.

[ekerr19]

We sailed the Panama Canal from Costa Rica to FLL over the Holidays on the Amsterdam.

It is still my favorite cruise - :)

[PEFER33]

Regarding which side to be on: Our group found that the best locations to watch the locks work was forward and aft. That way you can see the gates open and close. I also was able to get out onto a low open deck. There you can watch as the ship rises or lowers in the lock. Move around and use you balcony as a refuge, especially when you are sailing through Gatum Lake.

Phil

[CaptData]

I sailed from San Diago to FLL. I am single and had fun. Do read the book between 2 seas as above. It is a once in a lifetime experience. i loved fthe fact that they had a historian on board who gave comments throughtout the day about the canal. There is also a place where you can get off a see it from the land side as well.

Yes it was hot and humid (rainforst is there lol).

Save Canada/New england for a fall trip (late Sep/very early Oct).

[gizmo]

Going West to East I would take a Port side cabin if you like to sit on a verandah. There are some nice views along the coast of Mexico.

Gsel is right about the canal. There is no way to tell which lock the ship will go through.

[jazzsea]

I've done both, several times. I particularly like the Canada/New England cruises. Nothing better than getting out of hot and stormy Florida during August or September. In Fact, DH and I are sailing on Rotterdam, October 20, 2004, Ten day Canada/New England.

We also enjoyed the Panama Canal in the spring from Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle/Vancouver. Very relaxing and very scenic.

[Cinder]

Both cruises are excellent, but I'd go Panama Canal first.
Gizmo is right about taking the port side if possible. I remember cruising the Mexican Baja and thinking it was one of the most unspoiled beautiful sights I'd ever seen.

[garydm]

We went thru the Canal West to East in January and found the shade on the starboard side of the ship. It is really a welcome treat in the heat. Fortunately, we had a verandah on starboard.

Gary