what can be seen of new locks from old locks

Hi,

Six years ago on a canal cruise, we could see the digging being done for the new locks. We are looking to go again in the next year or so. Since we can't know if a particular ship will actually go through the new locks, how much, if any, of the new locks are actually visible from the old ones? Are there any existing excursions that let you get a good look at them?

Thanks.

Unless the ship you take your cruise on is one that is too large for the old locks, it will almost without a doubt use the old locks. As far as I know, none of the cruise lines have committed to bringing any of their larger ships through the Canal... yet.

You will be able to see the expansion locks from your ship as you approach the current locks, it will probably be a mile or so away so you won't be able to see much detail. Possibly by the time you take your cruise you may be able to see ship in the new locks which will give some added perspective. Although both new locks on the Atlantic and Pacific sides are relatively close together, because of their relatively low profile and the natural terrain you really can't see much of them from the present locks.

As far as tours, presently there are tours to the new lock complex on the Atlantic side, at this time there is not a formal visitor's center on the Pacific side... I would imagine there will be one eventually however. Whether or not there will be tours to the new locks on the Atlantic side will depend a lot on the type cruise you select. Many cruises do not actually stop in Panama in conjunction with their transit, so that is something you will have to be on the lookout for.

Thank you very much for the information. Pretty much what I was thinking it might be, but figured better to ask and know for sure than make a lot of assumptions.

Just went through the canal a few days ago. Hardly anything of the new locks to be seen from the ship. Only the new entrance canals and some distant buildings.

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Thanks for the input. Not what I want to hear, but what I expected to hear.

. As far as I know, none of the cruise lines have committed to bringing any of their larger ships through the Canal... yet.

The Caribbean Princess is scheduled to do a number of partial transits using the new locks starting in October 2017. Look at message #2 in this message thread for a complete listing of the 13 cruises that ship is currently scheduled for.

Tom

Since I wrote that I have come across a complete schedule of Princess cruises for both the current locks as well as the new locks. The Caribbean Princess's schedule can be found on page 4. Thanks:)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49958086&postcount=1