Panama Canal Cruise April 2010

[Delbankin]

Hi,
We are thinking about taking a cruise that includes the Panama canal in April (mid-end) next year.

Can anyone advise what the weather would be like at that time of year. I note that these dates are amongst the last cruises in the area before ships move elsewhere - is this because the weather is unfavourable then either too hot or too wet?.

Being from UK we don't know much about the pro's and con's of weather at various times of year. Any help would be appreciated.
Del.

[BillB48]

Don't know what your itinerary is, but that probably won't be a huge factor as the Caribbean is warm and humid year round. As far as the Canal is concerned, April is nearing the end of the dry season in Panama. There may be an increased chance of rain but I would not let that be a huge factor in your decision. Most folks coming from a temperate climate will find the tropics warm and humid no matter when they travel there.

In regards to this being some of the last cruises to the area really does not have much to do with the unfavorable weather in the tropics. This is a very common time for cruise lines to reposition ships to Alaska or back to Europe as summer approaches. Most cruisers just want a break from winter, so more ships where it is warm!

[LeVoyageur]

I will be on the Carnival Elation out of San Diego passing through the Panama Canal.

I hope to meet some CruiseCritics on this extended voyage.

Which is higher? The Atlantic or the Pacific?

Must I wear a Panama hat while traversing the canal? ;-)

Are most flying out of Mobil or trecking to another airport for transportation home?

[BillB48]

Looks like you are new to CC, so welcome aboard! Here is the link for like minded cruisers who will be on your particular cruise. Looks like they are already getting ready for the trip... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1062279

Technically all the world's oceans are the same level. Now for the but... At the Pacific entrance, (Panama City side) there are two tides per day that can have a range as high as 20'. While on the Atlantic side, (Cristobal/Colon) generally has tides of less than a foot.

If you don't have a Panama hat perhaps you would be out of uniform, you will be fine in any event as long as you have a hat!!

Can't help you on the flying out of Mobil question. Keep in mind if you can't get a decent flight out of Mobil, New Orleans, (MSY) is only 2 hrs. away.

[LeVoyageur]

Originally Posted by BillB48

Looks like you are new to CC, so welcome aboard! Here is the link for like minded cruisers who will be on your particular cruise. Looks like they are already getting ready for the trip...

Originally Posted by BillB48

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1062279

Technically all the world's oceans are the same level. Now for the but... At the Pacific entrance, (Panama City side) there are two tides per day that can have a range as high as 20'. While on the Atlantic side, (Cristobal/Colon) generally has tides of less than a foot.

If you don't have a Panama hat perhaps you would be out of uniform, you will be fine in any event as long as you have a hat!!

Can't help you on the flying out of Mobil question. Keep in mind if you can't get a decent flight out of Mobil, New Orleans, (MSY) is only 2 hrs. away.

I really was hoping that the ship could surf a wave from one ocean to the next. Cowabunga!

One mentioned that they were getting off in Tampa. I didn't know that that was possible. I'll have to look into that as air would be better for me. Others are traveling to NOLA before flying home.

If they don't sell Panama hats at Wal*Mart I'll have to wait till I get to the canal.

[LeVoyageur]

A Happy Thanksgiving to all who are looking forward to our Panama Canal trip on the Carnival Elation 4/30/10

Here is a card I prepared for you

http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/ga...see.091126.htm

.