Before you cruise, consider reading "The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914" be David McCullough. It's a long but excellent read and really helped me appreciate this trip!
I agree completely. I read this and several other books about the canal prior to our full transit in February 2019 (great time for weather!) and the information really added to the experience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND the book and the trip!!
I'm glad you mentioned that, I meant to say that in my comment above. You are absolutely spot on. It is long, but it's a FASCINATING read. As he put it, it was the "moonshot of their time."
Thank you so much. I just checked it out from my library's Overdrive. Looking forward to traveling this summer (again) without leaving my comfy chair. Perhaps we'll be prepared to cruise next spring.
I was on the NCL Gem.....that pulled into New York Feb 14th 2019 just just before they shut the Cruise LInes down,....we went thru the Old Locks.....in Oct of yr before was on the NCL Joy that went thru the New Locks....my preference is there is a lot more to see in the old locks....if you get a chance....they are the best cruises outside of Alaska possibly.
I haven't done a cruise, but I spent a day at Mira Flores watching the ships pass through. Words almost can't describe it. After viewing the history museum inside the building which details the incredible effort made to create the canal it was just sublime to stand outside and wave at a cruise ship and have the passengers wave back! Watching the locks fill and empty and the giant ships slip through is an awesome experience. It's like something you've heard about all your life, but until you're actually there you don't realize what a staggering achievement it is.
The Panama cruise was my second favorite to Alaska. It was truly fascinating. Along with the mechanics of the canal, the immense size of the freight liners up close boggled my mind. The effort putting the canal in is amazing on its own. Thank you for posting this!
I did a 21 night panama canal cruise (San Francisco, CA to New York, NY) on NCL right when covid was starting to make itself known. It was an amazing cruise.
Yes it was an amazing trip! I did a 21 day L.A. To New York in Nov. 2019 on the NCL Bliss and went through the new lock system. Highly recommend doing this if you have a chance. Many years ago we did a Caribbean cruise and did an excursion to the old lock system. I was awestruck how fast the water filled and emptied each lock. There was a cargo ship going through so we saw it in action. The tour guide said we were very lucky as many times there were no ships scheduled to go through. Just amazing!
@@Michael-Bennett knowing what I know now I wish I would have done a back to back new york to new york, 41 day cruise. I am thankful we could squeeze it in because like you said, amazing. Remember the "washy washy oooot ooot" Singing/ dancing crewmember?
We did a full transit on Celebrity Summit from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego. The Panama Canal cruise is absolutely amazing. When we started the transit, sailing through the rainforest, we saw hundreds of yellow & purple butterflies. Sitting on our balcony, feet away from a cargo ship, seeing the workings of securing hundreds of 40' stacked containers was also a sight. Watching the mules do their work and the mesmerizing sight of the locks, opening & closing and the force that raised or lowered the ships was truly an amazing experience. This is definitely a bucket list cruise.
I would recommend that given the choice, you do the old locks full transit first and then have a reason to back and do the new locks, maybe on a much bigger ship, the 2nd time around. Given the canal was finished in 1914 the original locks has to be the priority
We did the old locks about ten years ago. Sitting at a window and watching the side of the locks is an amazing experience. A Panama canal cruise should be on every bucket list, IMO.
We've done 8 transits to the Canal. Four each direction and twice through the new locks. It is our favorite cruise, with east to west topping the list.
I got to do a full transit on my birthday in January 2014 on our way to ports in Ecuador and Peru and it was amazing. It’s miraculous how the tug boats guide the gigantic ships into the chambers and never touch the sides. It’s interesting to see the cuts that were begun and eventually abandoned. The new channel was well under way but not finished. That was fun to see too.
I cannot tell you how absolutely blown away I was going through the Canal! It was w-a-y more fun than I ever thought it would be, and I would do it again in a heartbeat just to watch all the mechanical stuff involved. I might not be quite as geeky as you, but I'm damn close!
Thanks for your objective and clear-headed cruising reviews. I myself have never been tempted to go on a cruise, despite my pleading wife, and your programs helped confirm my beliefs. Then, you upended everything with this video. I MUST see the Panama Canal. Since reading "Path Between The Seas," by David McCullough, I have yearned to do so. Thanks a million!
... if your gonna plan out a cruise remember to do it while you still can ... the longer the better...not 4 or five days ... go ten at least so you can really ... relax and take it all in Panama Canal would be perfect ...
Gary, I lived in Panama in the early 70’s, very different today. I lived on the Atlantic side, Colon, for a few months and then moved to Coco Solo Naval Station. The Country was very poor back then, the people lived in shanties, no running water, no plumbing. They had a community bath house and toilet. Glad to see they are doing much better.
Hi Betty, I also lived there from 1953 to 1966. I was there about 10 years ago and the Atlantic side was still poor. Actually in worse shape than when I left. Coco Solo is now a container port and the first row of housing inside the front gate of Colo Solo is a total slum. Colon had really gone downhill. Did you attend Cristobal High School?
Is the Pacific side better/more developed? I've always wanted to visit Panama. But I'm the type of traveler who hates going to the obvious destinations like the capital city or the obvious tourist cities. I like to go to the lesser known areas of places that are much quieter and much more local. What would y'all recommend?
@@keastonz If I recall correctly, the whole Country is only around 50 miles wide. You have Panama City and Colon. P C is on the Pacific side, Colon on the Atlantic side. I’m certain the neighborhoods have changed, it’s been 50 yrs since I was there. If you want to sight see, Colon is your best bet. Lots of history there, old pirate hang outs. I’m sure there are tourist guides. Big mistake when Mr. Peanut gave it away!
@@bettygibson634 Thanks for the info. I know it's a very small country. But definitely packs a big punch with it's beauty. I'm hoping to visit sometime next year (hoping the world is a little more stable).
Community bath house..that's luxury. I grow up in a very poor part of Eastern Europe, no electricity, water in the well which dry out quite often and parents who didn,t want any change for better. And I manage to escape from there, living comfortable in south Florida, going for Panama Canal cruise in Dec. Wish I was born in USA, love this country!!
I did the full transit in January 2018 from LA to Miami and am now scheduled for Miami to LA in April 2022. This has probably been one of my favorite cruises. I recommend everyone do it at least once. Thank you for the extra information you have provided.
I did the full transit through Panama Marine Adventures on the MV Pacific Queen. No need for a huge cruise, it's a one day trip, only a few hundred bucks, includes meals. They pick you up at your hotel at about 6:30 AM and a van takes you back.
We have cruised the Panama Canal twice, once through the historic locks and once through the new locks. The historic locks are a must and can only accommodate ships with fewer than about 2400 passengers. On our last cruise, a crew member told us how to access the roof of the bridge. It was through a small, unmarked door at a dead-end hallway. The door was normally locked but unlocked during entry into the canal. Great views with few people. It pays to have a plan.
Another amazing waterway is the Trent in Ontario Canada. 37 locks 2 of the world's tallest hydrologic and one railway system. 387 km long and 7 days to complete. A lot of Americans do this on "The Loop".
When we did our full transit I started reading David McCullough's book on the history of the canal at the beginning of the cruise.. I wanted to complete it before going through the canal but it is a very long book. I did finish it before the end of the cruise.
Doing the Panama Canal cruise in October 2021 from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale (21 days/HAL). This will be our second time going through the canal. Wonderful experience! ❤️
We were stationed in the Canal in 1977-1980. First house right on the canal next to the Bridge of the Americas. I watch the ships come and go while sitting at the dining room table. Then we moved across and had the jungle as my backyard.
8:03 remember that sunscreen is a *consumable.* It wears down. Plan to reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours, especially if you sweat. Not one-and-done with putting it on in the morning once.
I still remember my first transit. I was working as the Officer of the Deck on a US navy ship...just cruising through on a modern ship is so much more relaxing! LOL
Excellent content! I am a Panamanian, and former bridge officer on cruise ships and now a tug boat captain in the Panama Canal. I am glad I have found your RUclips channel, very helpful for my Virgin Voyages Experience a couple of weeks ago. Will definately keep following your videos whenever I wanna try a different line that I havent worked or sailed on.
We did a partial transit Jan 2011. We were told about flooding in the rainforest of Panama in December 2010, with over 315% of normal rainfall. The raising waters in Lake Gatun were a threat to the locks, and to prevent damage, all the gates were opened for 17 hours allowing un-told millions of gallons of lake water to drain out both sides directly into the oceans.
Hi Gary, I was fortunate enough to go thru the Panama Canal on a partial transit on the Caribbean Princess in 2017 from the East coast. I loved every minute. It was so fascinating. I took the excursion which takes you through the smaller locks and you wind up on the Pacific coast. Just blew my mind. Highly recommend it. There is a wonderful PBS video that is well worth watching to enhance your journey.
Thanks! You've given me some additional ideas for our April transit. This will be our second. First was LAX to FL through the new locks. April will be FL to LAX via the old locks. The new locks don't use the mules, they use tugs. So April will be different in several ways. Oh, and it'll be on a Seabourn ship as well, so a small ship experience. A hint if you're going through on Princess. Plan to do the balcony breakfast on transit day. We were in a forward suite with gawkers on the observation deck forward of us and above us. It was fun to have them gently teasing us about sharing our beautiful breakfast. The real reason though is to have a great breakfast without having to leave a location with a good canal view. David
I highly recommend the cruise either the half or complete transit. So nice. Got to see a lot of wildlife and also we were in Panama, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Very educational and a lot of fun.
I did a Panama Canal cruise, Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco, on Princess in November 2018. I was extremely satisfied (despite the heat and humidity) though I found the canal transit itself to be just a small part of the overall trip.
I've been fortunate enough to do the canal twice going in both directions. The first time I went I wasn't really to excited about it because I though it was more of an interest to the men on the cruise but I was more then wrong. Very interesting scenery, history and how the canal actually works. The second time I went through and we had a stop in Panama, I did a nature excursion in a small boat with about 20 other people and traveled the canal amongst the large boats to get to our destination. It really gives you a eye level perspective of the achievement of the locks and the size of some of these freighters.
If you get a veranda, find out which side of the ship the sun will be on and get the "shady" side. We did that our second transit and were able to sit in the shade all day.
Absolutely agree. We cruised it two years before the completion of the expansion. Our commentator/guide had grown up in the Canal Zone and worked there as a young man. If at all possible, go all the way through, not round tripping back to the same port. Either way though, this is a must cruise.
I did the Partial Transit on the NCL Jade in Nov 2017. We went up into the canal, then were tendered off to meet our excursions. I did the Bus/Train tour. We got on a bus that did a scenic tour the rest of the way across, with a knowledgeable guide, and made a few stops, the last of which was to get on the train back. Sitting and relaxing as we rode back to the "east" side enjoying the beautiful scenery. This remains one of my favorite cruises.
My wife and I had a booked cruise, in 2020 however Covid-19 took over and the cruise got canceled. We have now rebooked after all these years for Feb. 2025 and honestly can't wait again. Hope we picked a good time to go? We are excited and looking forward to the cruise. Thank you, Gary, for your videos and information. The old locks will be very interesting.
This is among your most valuable videos since it hits all the high points of such an important trip. The sunscreen tip can never be related frequently enough since a bad burn can devastate any trip. Bucket list voyage.
Did a full transit through the original canal on the Disney Wonder in 2014. Awesome. Had an amazing retired canal pilot (Captain Puckett) who gave daily presentations on the history of the canal before we arrived there from San Diego. Dodged two hurricanes along the way, causing us to miss visiting Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Exciting!! Kudos to Captain Gus! Unforgettable trip.
My wife and I did the westbound from San Diego to Galveston on the Disney Wonder. This was so good that we will be planning a Eastbound cruise. One things that we did was we had a balcony cabin that gave us a good view.
My wife and I did a 16-day, eastbound transit in 2012. We started in Seattle and ended in Ft. Lauderdale. It was our favorite cruise so far. We hope to do a westbound transit in the future.
My daughter and I did a partial transit through the Panama Canal, and it was the most interesting trip ever done. I was on a princess ship and they have an open area at the end of the deck we were on. We approached the area about 6 AM, and my camera and I were ready! My daughter went to the coffee shop and brought me back a very large coffee, and we spent the morning taking pictures. I was able to share the whole process with my family. My son said it was like watching a time release documentary, but it was me pushing the button on the camera! I purchased the book, The Path Between The Seas” for my grandson. I recommend this cruise to everybody I talk to. I’m so thankful that I was able to do it, as well as an Alaskan cruise. They should be on everybody’s bucket list.
I LOVE this... I was sure I had to go on a world cruise to experience the canal, and I had never heard of the partial crossing into the lake, and then back. Thank you for this... I will now check who is doing these partial cruising's and when.
Been through the Panama Canal twice now, absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to doing again on our 2023 world cruise. As always another interesting video. Thanks Gary 👍
We did it In November 2019. One of the best cruises we have taken. 16 nights FLL to LA. We read The path between the seas. Well worth the money, time, and long read!
I did the canal the first time on Island Princess in 2014 (full transit) and a second time as a passenger on a container ship Spirit of Shanghai in 2016. The cruise ship transit had a docent so there was plenty of information before and during the trip, mostly about construction and history. The container ship transit was more about operation as I had bridge access. I recommend either type of trip added to someone's todo list.
I’ve always loved canals, my experience had before been restricted to the UK canals and River Thames. I was never a cruise fanatic as I always thought that formal dress was required. I made a cruise with Norwegian from Vancouver to Alaska and back as their Freestyle cruising appealed to me. The next year, 2011, I saw the Panama Canal cruise with Norwegian was leaving Los Angeles for Miami and this suited me greatly. Stopped off in various countries for excursions, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Columbia. It was a great trip and ticked off many items in my “bucket list”.
We did a Panama Canal cruise 27 years ago. We went from Acapulco to San Juan with stops a Costa Rica, the ABC islands and St Thomas. 14 days on Royal Caribbean. Wonderful experience.
Ah Gary that brought back memories. Our day long full transit was our very favourite of the hundreds of days that we have spent on cruise ships.. It was simply amazing.
I always thought the only way to see the Panama Canal was on a large and expensive cruise ship package. I finally made a full passage on a small day trip boat out of Panama City. About $100 including bis return from Colón to Panama City. No extended cruise necessary. As nd MUCH lower cost to have this incredible experience. They off 1/2 canal trips weekly and full padsage once a month.
Did a P&O cruise on the Arcadia ages ago and did the complete transit on route to the Pacific. Fantastic experience. Barbeque and deck buffet serving all day so we missed nothing. Loads of people waving to us as we reached the visitor centre! Memories for life!! Excellent tips on this Gary!
This is one of our favorite cruises. We have done twice. Partial and full. We will do again. Either one. The onboard speakers/historians made it also. Princess do a fantastic job. We preferred them to the other line we used. Highly recommend 👍👊
I couldn't agree more. I've been cruising for over 20 years, been all over the Caribbean, a cruise to HI, and 2 Alaskan cruises, and my full transit of the Panama Canal was the most interesting experience of them all. In fact, I want to do it again. I've had other cruises where I've enjoyed the company, the dinner companions, and over experience more. But it's the one cruise I'll always remember.
We did a partial transit through the Gatun locks on the Norwegian Pearl a few years ago. Up before sunrise and had a upper bow vantage point. This was almost magical. Loads of pictures. I watched the crewman on the commercial ships in the locks next to us as you are really close. They got some time off as their ships were being towed through just like us. I took pictures of these guys taking pictures of us. They seemed as happy as all of us and waved at us. Tremendous experience.
We did this cruise on Holland America from Ft Lauderdale to San Diego where we live last Feb to March 1. A week and a half later COVID shut everything down. We were glad to do it then and it was quite enjoyable.
Thank you for the video. We're going from Ft Lauderdale to LA next April 2023. We just got off a 2 week Caribbean cruise, but the canal is something I've always wanted to do. We got a balcony room so we can spend the day enjoying it. Looks fascinating!
Another option is repositioning cruises. Cruiselines reposition in spring from the Caribbean to the West coast and Alaska and back in autumn. We did this twice with Disney. Once each way. First time through the old locks and second time through the new locks. The old locks transit was our favorite.
Just did the last Alaska cruise of the season on the Serenade of the Seas and on that cruise, booked the follow up cruise through the Panama Canal. This was a bucket list item for us and it did not disappoint. We were the first cruise ship with passengers since the pandemic started and they scheduled us through the old locks, which was truly fascinating. Each port stop we were the first cruise ship passengers since the pandemic (there were a few start up “bumps”, but still was a great cruise). The passage was epic and the experience worth it. I’ll do this again.
Thanks Gary. I recognized several passengers in your footage: I think I may have been on this cruise with you. Like you, I have also done the canal thrice. Tip: If you make a stop in San Diego, be sure to visit Balboa Park which was built for the Panamanian Exposition.
We did a partial transit on HAL's Zuiderdam in 2009. Fabulous, but it rained so much! We did a canopy ride, a train trip, a Panama jungle hotel visit, and walked up to a vantage point where we could see a cruise ship passing through the canal. It was November so we were unlucky with the weather but the trip was memorable.
We watched from our aft balcony. The ship channel. We could watch the bow. Our balcony was on the working side it was great watching the transit in action and we could see the gates closing and cars using the temporary crossing. Loved it and will go again
Gary, one thing to consider is Panama Canal cruise that leaves out of Long Beach (Los Angeles) CA close to but after January 1, that way your cruiser can go up to Pasadena and watch the Tournament of Roses parade.
It sounds boring to me, but all these comments saying how great it was surprised me. I am just looking at starting taking cruises, I'm 56. I've travelled the world, so I want to make my first cruise awesome without breaking the bank. I'm not rich, so maybe 6k total for 2 people.
My aunt took me on a Norwegian cruise montevi bay cartegena the San blas island then two stops in coasts rica then Acapulco when I was pregnant with twins. Amazing cruise lovely brilliant people fun expeditions. Many engineers on board and people celebrating 25 th and 50 th anniversaries. One woman was celebrating their 40 th and not waiting. She was smart.
This is a timely topic. We're doing our first northbound transit in October, 2021 on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We've done 3 southbound transits and each was magnificent. Your tips are spot on.
I've done a repositioning Disney cruise through the canal and it was fantastic. It rained and The Wonder scraped the canal causing some cosmetic damage, but it was very memorable. We had a canal expert on board that gave seminars throughout the cruise which made it even more enjoyable.
This trip is STILL on my bucket list with my cruising partner (girlfriend from university) and now that she^s retired WILL be able to do the Nov-April time frame and do the coast to coast option….I`ve been to Colon on a Caribbean cruise and we chose the excursion to the canal visitor`s center - so interesting! Got to experience going through locks last fall on our Duoro river cruise and that was alot of fun!!!
I did this more than 10 years ago, a 16 day trip from LA to Tampa on the NCL Star with a forward facing suite. Worth every penny. Amazing trip. Great weather.
Our most recent cruise (January 2020) was a Panama cruise with Princess. We used the newer Agua Clara Locks, but our excursion was a tour that also included the old locks and the remnants of the canal the French dug. Very interesting and I highly recommend it.
We did a full transit from New York to San Francisco in January of 2020, 21 days. The canal is quite impressive and the experience of sailing through the lake was worthwhile. Don’t know when we will cruise again….
Was stationed in Panama with the US Army in the late 80s on the Atlantic side of the canal. At our base we could see the ships sailing by heading to the Gatun locks. Have also transited the canal on US Army landing craft.
for myself I vote for the option of veranda suite, non-stop ice-cold room service salads and cocktails all day long, and just take a few photos of whatever shows up on your side of the ship; for quiet time crossing the Gatun, read alternating chapters from Chidsey's Panama Passage and Engle's Silver People out loud to each other [honestly, all the running about squishing together in exhausted, sunburnt, sweaty herds sounds awfully draining...]
My wife and I booked a 21-day Celebrity Cruise in 2012 for our 10-year anniversary. This included a full west-to-east transit through Panama Canal. It was a truly fantastic eye-opening trip and would do again!! One advice I would pass along is this: if you have shore excursions during your full transit cruise which includes the Panama Canal, consider going east-to-west instead. This way, time zone changes are later going east-to-west which will make getting up in the morning easier for your excursions.
My wife and I are doing the Miami to Seattle on Carnival in April 2022 with our daughter her husband and our 16 YO granddaughter.It's their first cruise I am hoping things are ironed out by then and also I hope this isn't too long for them as it's their first. Never been on Carnival only have done HAL in the past which we loved as we are Seniors but the cost difference for a cruise of that length is significant and figured there would be more to do for them on Carnival.
Did the full transit on Holland America a few years ago, the whole trip was wonderful stopping in countries I had never thought of visiting. As you stated, it rains a lot, during our transit a lot of cameras died in the rain. Had a GoPro along and used it for much of the transit. Be prepared.
Thank you so much for the informative video. My husband and I, as well as my brother and his wife, sailed to Alaska in Sept. My brother mentioned that the Panama Canal should be our next cruise. I have been hesitantly researching the trip. After watching your video, I’m convinced it’s a cruise to do.
Gary, I don’t think the “mules” pull the ships through. The ships travel with their own power. The purpose of of the mules is to center the ship in the canal. Since they are moving so slowly the rudder control in not good. So the cables from the mules function to keep the ship from hitting the walls.
I went through the Canal in 2011 and was always under the impression that the Mules pulled you. Your post made me research and you are absolutely right! Ships do use their own power and the mules are there to guide the ship and prevent it damaging the canal.
@@hobsonp67 they are mostly to prevent damaging the ship. The concrete of the locks will live, but the ship’s paint is ruined when scratching the concrete.
This was a 'bucket list' cruise for me, but my wife wasn't looking forward to "watching water go up and down". She even ended up loving it. And yes, best advise was lots of sunscreen because you lose track of all the time you are spending watching the water go up and down. We both will do it again (and again).
Is the Panama Canal on your must-do list??
I went with my family but much too young to remember. My mom went skeet shooting off the coast of Nicaragua
@@dcg509 aw yes, skeet shooting on cruise ships go the way of the carnival cruise topless sunbathing area (accessible to female passengers 16+)
We are going in March!
We went in January 2020 on HAL through the old locks and had an amazing time. It's definitely on our 'do again' list.
It is now
Before you cruise, consider reading "The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914" be David McCullough. It's a long but excellent read and really helped me appreciate this trip!
I agree completely. I read this and several other books about the canal prior to our full transit in February 2019 (great time for weather!) and the information really added to the experience. HIGHLY RECOMMEND the book and the trip!!
great tip!
I'm glad you mentioned that, I meant to say that in my comment above. You are absolutely spot on. It is long, but it's a FASCINATING read. As he put it, it was the "moonshot of their time."
Thank you so much. I just checked it out from my library's Overdrive. Looking forward to traveling this summer (again) without leaving my comfy chair. Perhaps we'll be prepared to cruise next spring.
I hear David's voice when I read his great books!
The last cruise I went on before the pandemic was a Panama Canal cruise. I had one of the most enjoyable cruises of my life!
Did you get lucky
I was on the NCL Gem.....that pulled into New York Feb 14th 2019 just just before they shut the Cruise LInes down,....we went thru the Old Locks.....in Oct of yr before was on the NCL Joy that went thru the New Locks....my preference is there is a lot more to see in the old locks....if you get a chance....they are the best cruises outside of Alaska possibly.
@@lcasey6597 makes me want to leave Ft. Lauderdale and go around South America now ... new bucket list item ... thanks ...
The canal is a cruise I do want to go on. Thank you for the video. Enjoy your day!
I am Panamanian and I love how you talk about my country!!! Thank you!
I haven't done a cruise, but I spent a day at Mira Flores watching the ships pass through. Words almost can't describe it. After viewing the history museum inside the building which details the incredible effort made to create the canal it was just sublime to stand outside and wave at a cruise ship and have the passengers wave back! Watching the locks fill and empty and the giant ships slip through is an awesome experience. It's like something you've heard about all your life, but until you're actually there you don't realize what a staggering achievement it is.
The Panama cruise was my second favorite to Alaska. It was truly fascinating. Along with the mechanics of the canal, the immense size of the freight liners up close boggled my mind. The effort putting the canal in is amazing on its own. Thank you for posting this!
I echo your thoughts about Alaska being your favorite! 15-day Princess Cruisetour in 2016. Absolutely awesome. But Panama canal a close second.
I did a 21 night panama canal cruise (San Francisco, CA to New York, NY) on NCL right when covid was starting to make itself known.
It was an amazing cruise.
We did the cruise just before you! 20 Days NYC to San Francisco. Agreed, an amazing cruise and the most fun we've ever had with the people we met.
Yes it was an amazing trip! I did a 21 day L.A. To New York in Nov. 2019 on the NCL Bliss and went through the new lock system. Highly recommend doing this if you have a chance. Many years ago we did a Caribbean cruise and did an excursion to the old lock system. I was awestruck how fast the water filled and emptied each lock. There was a cargo ship going through so we saw it in action. The tour guide said we were very lucky as many times there were no ships scheduled to go through. Just amazing!
@@Michael-Bennett knowing what I know now I wish I would have done a back to back new york to new york, 41 day cruise.
I am thankful we could squeeze it in because like you said, amazing.
Remember the "washy washy oooot ooot"
Singing/ dancing crewmember?
We did a full transit on Celebrity Summit from Ft. Lauderdale to San Diego. The Panama Canal cruise is absolutely amazing. When we started the transit, sailing through the rainforest, we saw hundreds of yellow & purple butterflies. Sitting on our balcony, feet away from a cargo ship, seeing the workings of securing hundreds of 40' stacked containers was also a sight. Watching the mules do their work and the mesmerizing sight of the locks, opening & closing and the force that raised or lowered the ships was truly an amazing experience. This is definitely a bucket list cruise.
This will be my retirement gift to myself. Only 2 years to go!
@ sheila flory. This will make a wonderful gift. I've done both full transit and partial transit and the railroad. Everything was amazing.
I would recommend that given the choice, you do the old locks full transit first and then have a reason to back and do the new locks, maybe on a much bigger ship, the 2nd time around. Given the canal was finished in 1914 the original locks has to be the priority
That would be so interesting, to also see the other ships transiting.
I've been in the control room and the viewing platform. It's amazing!!! So cool you've highlighted this because it is an awesome experience.
Afternoon Gary, can you suggest a cruise line and ship for a First time traveler thru the Panama Canal? Full transit please?
We did the old locks about ten years ago. Sitting at a window and watching the side of the locks is an amazing experience. A Panama canal cruise should be on every bucket list, IMO.
what ship? tx
We did a full transit on the Coral Princess. It was beyond amazing!
I also did the full transit about 4 years ago on the Coral Princess. I agree with you it was amazing and I highly recommend it.
I had it scheduled for our anniversary last spring - but of course it got cancelled 😞 so disappointed
We've done 8 transits to the Canal. Four each direction and twice through the new locks. It is our favorite cruise, with east to west topping the list.
I got to do a full transit on my birthday in January 2014 on our way to ports in Ecuador and Peru and it was amazing. It’s miraculous how the tug boats guide the gigantic ships into the chambers and never touch the sides. It’s interesting to see the cuts that were begun and eventually abandoned. The new channel was well under way but not finished. That was fun to see too.
I cannot tell you how absolutely blown away I was going through the Canal! It was w-a-y more fun than I ever thought it would be, and I would do it again in a heartbeat just to watch all the mechanical stuff involved. I might not be quite as geeky as you, but I'm damn close!
Thanks for your objective and clear-headed cruising reviews. I myself have never been tempted to go on a cruise, despite my pleading wife, and your programs helped confirm my beliefs. Then, you upended everything with this video. I MUST see the Panama Canal. Since reading "Path Between The Seas," by David McCullough, I have yearned to do so. Thanks a million!
... if your gonna plan out a cruise remember to do it while you still can ... the longer the better...not 4 or five days ... go ten at least so you can really ... relax and take it all in Panama Canal would be perfect ...
Gary, I lived in Panama in the early 70’s, very different today. I lived on the Atlantic side, Colon, for a few months and then moved to Coco Solo Naval Station. The Country was very poor back then, the people lived in shanties, no running water, no plumbing. They had a community bath house and toilet. Glad to see they are doing much better.
Hi Betty, I also lived there from 1953 to 1966. I was there about 10 years ago and the Atlantic side was still poor. Actually in worse shape than when I left. Coco Solo is now a container port and the first row of housing inside the front gate of Colo Solo is a total slum. Colon had really gone downhill. Did you attend Cristobal High School?
Is the Pacific side better/more developed? I've always wanted to visit Panama. But I'm the type of traveler who hates going to the obvious destinations like the capital city or the obvious tourist cities. I like to go to the lesser known areas of places that are much quieter and much more local. What would y'all recommend?
@@keastonz If I recall correctly, the whole Country is only around 50 miles wide. You have Panama City and Colon. P C is on the Pacific side, Colon on the Atlantic side. I’m certain the neighborhoods have changed, it’s been 50 yrs since I was there. If you want to sight see, Colon is your best bet. Lots of history there, old pirate hang outs. I’m sure there are tourist guides. Big mistake when Mr. Peanut gave it away!
@@bettygibson634 Thanks for the info. I know it's a very small country. But definitely packs a big punch with it's beauty. I'm hoping to visit sometime next year (hoping the world is a little more stable).
Community bath house..that's luxury. I grow up in a very poor part of Eastern Europe, no electricity, water in the well which dry out quite often and parents who didn,t want any change for better. And I manage to escape from there, living comfortable in south Florida, going for Panama Canal cruise in Dec. Wish I was born in USA, love this country!!
I did the full transit in January 2018 from LA to Miami and am now scheduled for Miami to LA in April 2022. This has probably been one of my favorite cruises. I recommend everyone do it at least once. Thank you for the extra information you have provided.
I did the full transit through Panama Marine Adventures on the MV Pacific Queen. No need for a huge cruise, it's a one day trip, only a few hundred bucks, includes meals. They pick you up at your hotel at about 6:30 AM and a van takes you back.
This was one of my favorite shore excursions. Like you, I geeked out watching it in action. Simply amazing considering when it was built.
We have cruised the Panama Canal twice, once through the historic locks and once through the new locks. The historic locks are a must and can only accommodate ships with fewer than about 2400 passengers. On our last cruise, a crew member told us how to access the roof of the bridge. It was through a small, unmarked door at a dead-end hallway. The door was normally locked but unlocked during entry into the canal. Great views with few people. It pays to have a plan.
Another amazing waterway is the Trent in Ontario Canada. 37 locks 2 of the world's tallest hydrologic and one railway system. 387 km long and 7 days to complete. A lot of Americans do this on "The Loop".
When we did our full transit I started reading David McCullough's book on the history of the canal at the beginning of the cruise..
I wanted to complete it before going through the canal but it is a very long book. I did finish it before the end of the cruise.
Doing the Panama Canal cruise in October 2021 from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale (21 days/HAL).
This will be our second time going through the canal. Wonderful experience! ❤️
I might be on that ship with you!! First Panama cruise for me, so really hoping to get the time off work.
@@j.l.5958 Great! Hope you get the time off! Will be a wonderful cruise!
Gary, you do such a great job of giving us the full information. Really want to take the full cruise and your information really helped. Thanks!
We were stationed in the Canal in 1977-1980. First house right on the canal next to the Bridge of the Americas. I watch the ships come and go while sitting at the dining room table. Then we moved across and had the jungle as my backyard.
What a great experience.
8:03 remember that sunscreen is a *consumable.* It wears down. Plan to reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours, especially if you sweat. Not one-and-done with putting it on in the morning once.
I still remember my first transit. I was working as the Officer of the Deck on a US navy ship...just cruising through on a modern ship is so much more relaxing! LOL
Excellent content! I am a Panamanian, and former bridge officer on cruise ships and now a tug boat captain in the Panama Canal. I am glad I have found your RUclips channel, very helpful for my Virgin Voyages Experience a couple of weeks ago. Will definately keep following your videos whenever I wanna try a different line that I havent worked or sailed on.
We did a partial transit Jan 2011. We were told about flooding in the rainforest of Panama in December 2010, with over 315% of normal rainfall. The raising waters in Lake Gatun were a threat to the locks, and to prevent damage, all the gates were opened for 17 hours allowing un-told millions of gallons of lake water to drain out both sides directly into the oceans.
Gary, fascinating video! Many thanks for the specific tips like getting up early and using the right sun protection.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Gary, I was fortunate enough to go thru the Panama Canal on a partial transit on the Caribbean Princess in 2017 from the East coast. I loved every minute. It was so fascinating. I took the excursion which takes you through the smaller locks and you wind up on the Pacific coast. Just blew my mind. Highly recommend it. There is a wonderful PBS video that is well worth watching to enhance your journey.
Thanks! You've given me some additional ideas for our April transit. This will be our second. First was LAX to FL through the new locks. April will be FL to LAX via the old locks. The new locks don't use the mules, they use tugs. So April will be different in several ways. Oh, and it'll be on a Seabourn ship as well, so a small ship experience.
A hint if you're going through on Princess. Plan to do the balcony breakfast on transit day. We were in a forward suite with gawkers on the observation deck forward of us and above us. It was fun to have them gently teasing us about sharing our beautiful breakfast. The real reason though is to have a great breakfast without having to leave a location with a good canal view.
David
Great tips :-)
I highly recommend the cruise either the half or complete transit. So nice. Got to see a lot of wildlife and also we were in Panama, Colombia, and Costa Rica. Very educational and a lot of fun.
I did a Panama Canal cruise, Ft. Lauderdale to San Francisco, on Princess in November 2018. I was extremely satisfied (despite the heat and humidity) though I found the canal transit itself to be just a small part of the overall trip.
I've been fortunate enough to do the canal twice going in both directions. The first time I went I wasn't really to excited about it because I though it was more of an interest to the men on the cruise but I was more then wrong. Very interesting scenery, history and how the canal actually works. The second time I went through and we had a stop in Panama, I did a nature excursion in a small boat with about 20 other people and traveled the canal amongst the large boats to get to our destination. It really gives you a eye level perspective of the achievement of the locks and the size of some of these freighters.
We did the Panama Canal in Jan 2016 and it was awesome. We went from LA to Ft Lauderdale on Holland America.
If you get a veranda, find out which side of the ship the sun will be on and get the "shady" side. We did that our second transit and were able to sit in the shade all day.
good tip
Absolutely agree. We cruised it two years before the completion of the expansion. Our commentator/guide had grown up in the Canal Zone and worked there as a young man. If at all possible, go all the way through, not round tripping back to the same port. Either way though, this is a must cruise.
I did the Partial Transit on the NCL Jade in Nov 2017. We went up into the canal, then were tendered off to meet our excursions. I did the Bus/Train tour. We got on a bus that did a scenic tour the rest of the way across, with a knowledgeable guide, and made a few stops, the last of which was to get on the train back. Sitting and relaxing as we rode back to the "east" side enjoying the beautiful scenery. This remains one of my favorite cruises.
We are going on our first Panama Canal cruise in April, I am sure it won't be our last but this video has helped so much, thank you!!
My wife and I had a booked cruise, in 2020 however Covid-19 took over and the cruise got canceled. We have now rebooked after all these years for Feb. 2025 and honestly can't wait again. Hope we picked a good time to go? We are excited and looking forward to the cruise. Thank you, Gary, for your videos and information. The old locks will be very interesting.
This is among your most valuable videos since it hits all the high points of such an important trip. The sunscreen tip can never be related frequently enough since a bad burn can devastate any trip. Bucket list voyage.
Thanks!!
Did a full transit through the original canal on the Disney Wonder in 2014. Awesome. Had an amazing retired canal pilot (Captain Puckett) who gave daily presentations on the history of the canal before we arrived there from San Diego. Dodged two hurricanes along the way, causing us to miss visiting Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Exciting!! Kudos to Captain Gus! Unforgettable trip.
My wife and I did the westbound from San Diego to Galveston on the Disney Wonder. This was so good that we will be planning a Eastbound cruise. One things that we did was we had a balcony cabin that gave us a good view.
My wife and I did a 16-day, eastbound transit in 2012. We started in Seattle and ended in Ft. Lauderdale. It was our favorite cruise so far. We hope to do a westbound transit in the future.
My daughter and I did a partial transit through the Panama Canal, and it was the most interesting trip ever done. I was on a princess ship and they have an open area at the end of the deck we were on. We approached the area about 6 AM, and my camera and I were ready! My daughter went to the coffee shop and brought me back a very large coffee, and we spent the morning taking pictures. I was able to share the whole process with my family. My son said it was like watching a time release documentary, but it was me pushing the button on the camera! I purchased the book, The Path Between The Seas” for my grandson. I recommend this cruise to everybody I talk to. I’m so thankful that I was able to do it, as well as an Alaskan cruise. They should be on everybody’s bucket list.
Awesome review!
We did Panama Canal in 2017 and it was amazing! 10/10
I even did a couple of songs on the balcony during transit! 💪🏻😎🎸
A full transit of the Panama Canal is definitely on my cruise wish list!
You should do it, it is great!
I LOVE this... I was sure I had to go on a world cruise to experience the canal, and I had never heard of the partial crossing into the lake, and then back. Thank you for this... I will now check who is doing these partial cruising's and when.
I would prefer to do a full transit which is about a 15 day cruise LAX to FLL or reverse.
Been through the Panama Canal twice now, absolutely fabulous. Looking forward to doing again on our 2023 world cruise. As always another interesting video. Thanks Gary 👍
We did it In November 2019. One of the best cruises we have taken. 16 nights FLL to LA. We read The path between the seas. Well worth the money, time, and long read!
I did the canal the first time on Island Princess in 2014 (full transit) and a second time as a passenger on a container ship Spirit of Shanghai in 2016. The cruise ship transit had a docent so there was plenty of information before and during the trip, mostly about construction and history. The container ship transit was more about operation as I had bridge access. I recommend either type of trip added to someone's todo list.
I’ve always loved canals, my experience had before been restricted to the UK canals and River Thames. I was never a cruise fanatic as I always thought that formal dress was required. I made a cruise with Norwegian from Vancouver to Alaska and back as their Freestyle cruising appealed to me. The next year, 2011, I saw the Panama Canal cruise with Norwegian was leaving Los Angeles for Miami and this suited me greatly. Stopped off in various countries for excursions, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Columbia. It was a great trip and ticked off many items in my “bucket list”.
We did a Panama Canal cruise 27 years ago. We went from Acapulco to San Juan with stops a Costa Rica, the ABC islands and St Thomas. 14 days on Royal Caribbean. Wonderful experience.
Ah Gary that brought back memories. Our day long full transit was our very favourite of the hundreds of days that we have spent on cruise ships.. It was simply amazing.
I always thought the only way to see the Panama Canal was on a large and expensive cruise ship package. I finally made a full passage on a small day trip boat out of Panama City. About $100 including bis return from Colón to Panama City. No extended cruise necessary. As nd MUCH lower cost to have this incredible experience. They off 1/2 canal trips weekly and full padsage once a month.
Did a P&O cruise on the Arcadia ages ago and did the complete transit on route to the Pacific. Fantastic experience. Barbeque and deck buffet serving all day so we missed nothing. Loads of people waving to us as we reached the visitor centre! Memories for life!! Excellent tips on this Gary!
This is one of our favorite cruises. We have done twice. Partial and full. We will do again. Either one. The onboard speakers/historians made it also. Princess do a fantastic job. We preferred them to the other line we used. Highly recommend 👍👊
Agree !!
I couldn't agree more. I've been cruising for over 20 years, been all over the Caribbean, a cruise to HI, and 2 Alaskan cruises, and my full transit of the Panama Canal was the most interesting experience of them all. In fact, I want to do it again. I've had other cruises where I've enjoyed the company, the dinner companions, and over experience more. But it's the one cruise I'll always remember.
We did a partial transit through the Gatun locks on the Norwegian Pearl a few years ago. Up before sunrise and had a upper bow vantage point. This was almost magical. Loads of pictures. I watched the crewman on the commercial ships in the locks next to us as you are really close. They got some time off as their ships were being towed through just like us. I took pictures of these guys taking pictures of us. They seemed as happy as all of us and waved at us. Tremendous experience.
My husband and I did the Panama Canal cruise in 2019. Probably our best cruise. Highly recommend it if/when it is safe again.
We did this cruise on Holland America from Ft Lauderdale to San Diego where we live last Feb to March 1. A week and a half later COVID shut everything down. We were glad to do it then and it was quite enjoyable.
Thank you for the video. We're going from Ft Lauderdale to LA next April 2023. We just got off a 2 week Caribbean cruise, but the canal is something I've always wanted to do. We got a balcony room so we can spend the day enjoying it. Looks fascinating!
Another option is repositioning cruises. Cruiselines reposition in spring from the Caribbean to the West coast and Alaska and back in autumn.
We did this twice with Disney. Once each way. First time through the old locks and second time through the new locks. The old locks transit was our favorite.
Just did the last Alaska cruise of the season on the Serenade of the Seas and on that cruise, booked the follow up cruise through the Panama Canal. This was a bucket list item for us and it did not disappoint. We were the first cruise ship with passengers since the pandemic started and they scheduled us through the old locks, which was truly fascinating. Each port stop we were the first cruise ship passengers since the pandemic (there were a few start up “bumps”, but still was a great cruise). The passage was epic and the experience worth it. I’ll do this again.
Thanks Gary. I recognized several passengers in your footage: I think I may have been on this cruise with you. Like you, I have also done the canal thrice. Tip: If you make a stop in San Diego, be sure to visit Balboa Park which was built for the Panamanian Exposition.
fab! It was a great trip..
Most relaxed cruise we’ve been on! Love it!!
We did a partial transit on HAL's Zuiderdam in 2009. Fabulous, but it rained so much! We did a canopy ride, a train trip, a Panama jungle hotel visit, and walked up to a vantage point where we could see a cruise ship passing through the canal. It was November so we were unlucky with the weather but the trip was memorable.
We watched from our aft balcony. The ship channel. We could watch the bow. Our balcony was on the working side it was great watching the transit in action and we could see the gates closing and cars using the temporary crossing. Loved it and will go again
Gary, one thing to consider is Panama Canal cruise that leaves out of Long Beach (Los Angeles) CA close to but after January 1, that way your cruiser can go up to Pasadena and watch the Tournament of Roses parade.
Absolutely well worth the effort of getting up early & experiencing the whole passage.
It sounds boring to me, but all these comments saying how great it was surprised me. I am just looking at starting taking cruises, I'm 56. I've travelled the world, so I want to make my first cruise awesome without breaking the bank. I'm not rich, so maybe 6k total for 2 people.
Thank you Gary for being so informative . I enjoy watching all your vlogs.
Glad you like them!
I’ve done three full transits. I like the Pacific to the Atlantic better. It is an amazing experience which ever direction you are going.
I cruised the Panama Canal from the Caribbean to the Pacific, it was an incredible journey.
My aunt took me on a Norwegian cruise montevi bay cartegena the San blas island then two stops in coasts rica then Acapulco when I was pregnant with twins. Amazing cruise lovely brilliant people fun expeditions. Many engineers on board and people celebrating 25 th and 50 th anniversaries.
One woman was celebrating their 40 th and not waiting. She was smart.
that's cool how you linked the video within your video. THANKS
This is a timely topic. We're doing our first northbound transit in October, 2021 on the Nieuw Amsterdam. We've done 3 southbound transits and each was magnificent. Your tips are spot on.
I've done a repositioning Disney cruise through the canal and it was fantastic. It rained and The Wonder scraped the canal causing some cosmetic damage, but it was very memorable. We had a canal expert on board that gave seminars throughout the cruise which made it even more enjoyable.
This trip is STILL on my bucket list with my cruising partner (girlfriend from university) and now that she^s retired WILL be able to do the Nov-April time frame and do the coast to coast option….I`ve been to Colon on a Caribbean cruise and we chose the excursion to the canal visitor`s center - so interesting! Got to experience going through locks last fall on our Duoro river cruise and that was alot of fun!!!
I did this more than 10 years ago, a 16 day trip from LA to Tampa on the NCL Star with a forward facing suite. Worth every penny. Amazing trip. Great weather.
Thanks for sharing!
Our most recent cruise (January 2020) was a Panama cruise with Princess. We used the newer Agua Clara Locks, but our excursion was a tour that also included the old locks and the remnants of the canal the French dug. Very interesting and I highly recommend it.
We did a full transit from New York to San Francisco in January of 2020, 21 days. The canal is quite impressive and the experience of sailing through the lake was worthwhile.
Don’t know when we will cruise again….
We did NYC to San Francisco, 20 days with Norwegian. Jan. of 2019. Great cruise, great people.
The last cruise we did on Princess was ocean to ocean and they had a gentleman commentating on the whole cruise minute by minute
Was stationed in Panama with the US Army in the late 80s on the Atlantic side of the canal. At our base we could see the ships sailing by heading to the Gatun locks. Have also transited the canal on US Army landing craft.
for myself I vote for the option of veranda suite, non-stop ice-cold room service salads and cocktails all day long, and just take a few photos of whatever shows up on your side of the ship; for quiet time crossing the Gatun, read alternating chapters from Chidsey's Panama Passage and Engle's Silver People out loud to each other [honestly, all the running about squishing together in exhausted, sunburnt, sweaty herds sounds awfully draining...]
Gary, fantastic tips for the canal. Never thought about doing it, but you've got me hooked.
My wife and I booked a 21-day Celebrity Cruise in 2012 for our 10-year anniversary. This included a full west-to-east transit through Panama Canal. It was a truly fantastic eye-opening trip and would do again!! One advice I would pass along is this: if you have shore excursions during your full transit cruise which includes the Panama Canal, consider going east-to-west instead. This way, time zone changes are later going east-to-west which will make getting up in the morning easier for your excursions.
My wife and I are doing the Miami to Seattle on Carnival in April 2022 with our daughter her husband and our 16 YO granddaughter.It's their first cruise I am hoping things are ironed out by then and also I hope this isn't too long for them as it's their first. Never been on Carnival only have done HAL in the past which we loved as we are Seniors but the cost difference for a cruise of that length is significant and figured there would be more to do for them on Carnival.
Did the full transit on Holland America a few years ago, the whole trip was wonderful stopping in countries I had never thought of visiting. As you stated, it rains a lot, during our transit a lot of cameras died in the rain. Had a GoPro along and used it for much of the transit. Be prepared.
Thank you so much for the informative video. My husband and I, as well as my brother and his wife, sailed to Alaska in Sept. My brother mentioned that the Panama Canal should be our next cruise. I have been hesitantly researching the trip. After watching your video, I’m convinced it’s a cruise to do.
Looking forward to this cruise in 2023
Gary, I don’t think the “mules” pull the ships through. The ships travel with their own power. The purpose of of the mules is to center the ship in the canal. Since they are moving so slowly the rudder control in not good. So the cables from the mules function to keep the ship from hitting the walls.
I went through the Canal in 2011 and was always under the impression that the Mules pulled you. Your post made me research and you are absolutely right! Ships do use their own power and the mules are there to guide the ship and prevent it damaging the canal.
@@hobsonp67 they are mostly to prevent damaging the ship. The concrete of the locks will live, but the ship’s paint is ruined when scratching the concrete.
This was a 'bucket list' cruise for me, but my wife wasn't looking forward to "watching water go up and down". She even ended up loving it. And yes, best advise was lots of sunscreen because you lose track of all the time you are spending watching the water go up and down. We both will do it again (and again).
Was our first ever cruise on Crystal Symphony 21 days Valparaiso to Miami (2016) via the canal, absolutely wonderful. You captured it beautifully.