Weather Question for March 2018 Panama Canal Cruise

We are sailing from San Diego to Fort Lauderdale on the Oosterdam via the Panama Canal, leaving 4 March 2018. I was wondering what kind of weather we might expect in the Pacific as we head down the coast from San Diego. Anyone with firsthand experience at this time of year? I am assuming the weather in the Caribbean will be "mild."

I am also curious just how far offshore the ship sails between ports. Out of sight of land, or what?

Inquiring minds want to know!

The days from San Diego to Cabo area will be cooler...warming quickly, to hot and humid when you get to the Canal. The Caribbean will be warm.

Land will be about 20 miles off in some locations...a barely visibly mountain range for the most part.

Ships sail at least 12 miles off shore as much as possible in order to keep the casino open. From Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta you could be 150 miles or more west of the mainland.

Many thanks!

I'll see you - well, some of you - on board!

The canal passage will seem hot as there is generally not much of a breeze and the ship will not be moving fast enough to create any cooling. If you are outside during the canal passage, be prepared for more than "warm."

Jim

Well, Jim, I pretty much expected that. I read several books about the Canal construction when I was a kid, and was impressed by the hot HOT conditions the workers had to endure. I have also been advised to take steps to prevent insect bites in Panama, due to yellow fever. You know; cover up, use insect repellent, etc., so that should give us an even more authentic Panama Canal experience!

I was mainly interested in the early part of the cruise, when we will be on the "cold" North Pacific, but apparently a windbreaker and some grog should see us through.

Cheers,

Fred

I have also been advised to take steps to prevent insect bites in Panama, due to yellow fever. You know; cover up, use insect repellent, etc.,

 

 

Cheers,

Fred

Fred, you will not be troubled any mosquitoes during your transit for several of reasons. Areas that you will find mosquitoes are away from urban areas, under the tree canopy where there is very little apparent wind just before sunrise and just after sunset. During the transit you are at times away from urban areas but you are sufficiently far enough from the shore with enough breeze to keep the little buggers away. The time of year you will be making your transit is another reason you wont be bothered by them. March is well into the Dry Season and the mosquitoes don't really fare too well even in their favorite habitat mentioned above in the Dry Season.

Covering up because of the sun, that is the best reason!