Panama Canal

[Bub]

I am wondering how long it takes to get through the canal, do all cruise lines do this? Like to hear from someone who has done the west coast through to the east coast.

B

[Cruise Fanatic]

I did a 16day Panama Canal cruise from San Diego to Miami. It's been quite a while ago. But if I remember right it was about 8 hours going through the canal from West to East.

[Bub]

Thanks CF, I am surprised that it only took 8 hours. Any highlights you might share?

B

[Cruise Fanatic]

The front of the ship will most likely be packed with people when you first start through the canal. Get there early to stake out your position. Take a travel mug with you so you can fill up with coffee and enjoy the view.

It has been a long time so maybe it was a lot longer like 10 hours or so. I've done Panama Canal twice. Once going all the way through, and the other just out in the lake and turn around. Maybe that was the 8 hours and the whole canal was much longer.

[f-mattox]

No Cruise Fanatic, 8 hours is just about right. I've done the full transit twice and both times it was about 8 hours from first sight of the Gatun Locks to cruising under the Bridge of the Americas.

I know some like to move around a lot and get different views; but I think the best way to see the Canal is from your own balcony and with lots of room service that day :-)

[Bub]

Thanks f-mattox, I think you are absolutely correct about the balcony. That would be the place to be, we love the balcony and get lots of use out of it, I know many say you are never in your cabin anyway so why bother to pay extra for a balcony room but I think it is very much worth it.

B

[Sonny V]

A balcony cabin is perfect for a Panama Canal cruise. It was about 8 hours when we went through it on the Vision of the Seas.

Sonny

[Dave]

I think the best way to see the Canal is from your own balcony and with lots of room service that day

I never thought much about it, but you are probably correct that room service gets a workout while transiting the canal. I'll bet it is their busiest time on that cruise.

I also agree about the balcony. No crowding and you have a convenient bathroom.

[Maurine]

I'll find out in a couple months!

Wish I'd thought of the balcony. Oh well.

[Bub]

Hi Maurine,

Please let us know your impressions of the Panama Canal cruise. Maybe, you can change your cabin to a balcony? I think it would be worth it.
B