Many people add the Panama Canal to their bucket list cruise vacation, just like they do with Alaska. That's why it's crucial to have some knowledge before embarking on this trip.
The Panama Canal is named one of the seven wonders of the modern world, or the cruise travel world, and this makes it so popular.
Some of the important facts to note about the Panama Canal.
- It has a rich history, but it is very dark.
- It was completed in 1914.
- The engineering behind it is a marvel, especially because it was completed in 1914 (Old Locks).
- It is not a straight canal, like the Suez Canal, it is a series of locks. (Amazing Technology)
- There is a man-made lake called the Gatun Lake, which is the second largest man-made lake in the world.
Just from these few facts, you probably already have a glimpse of why, the Panama Canal cruise is a bucket list travel for so many people.
Panama Canal is located in a country called Panama. On your trip to the Panama Canal, you will learn the history of the Canal, and the engineering behind it, and get to enjoy your time in Panama.
But if you are interested, you can learn about the Panama Canal here.
Most people who visit the Panama Canal prefer to do it by sea so that they can experience the full wonder of the locks, without the hassle of dealing with hotels.
It is important to choose your Panama Canal cruise wisely because not all cruises to the Panama Canal are the same.
We are going to look at the different transits of the Panama Canal, so that you may have an idea of what to expect on your next cruise.
But if you would like to enjoy a seamless planning process, we are here to help you plan your next cruise to the Panama Canal. You can start by filling in the travel request form that is provided here.
Panama Canal New Locks.
Old Locks.
As we mentioned above, the Panama Canal is very different from other canals because it is a set of locks.
The old locks were completed in 1914. They were constructed over a century ago, and they are an impressive feat of engineering.
These locks are made up of massive steel gates that close off a chamber, which is then filled or emptied with water to raise or lower the ship.
It takes about 8 hours to cruise through the old locks.
New Locks.
The locks went through an expansion and the new locks were built and completed in 2017. The new locks are bigger and they can accommodate larger ships.
Panama Canal Full Transit Vs Partial Transit.
The full transit is a complete passage through the locks and it takes about 8 hrs to complete. The full transit can either be through the old locks or the new locks.
On the other hand, the Partial transit covers only part of the canal, and it takes about 4-6 hours. Passengers disembark at one of the ports of call in Panama and enjoy a shore excursion, they then embark on the ship again and proceed to the next port of call.
Things To Do.
Enjoy a scenic cruising through, either the old locks or the new locks.
The transit can either be a partial transit or a full transit.
A cruise through the old locks allows you to enjoy the modern marvels of the past, while a cruise through the new locks allows you to enjoy a cruise through modern technology.
The old locks are smaller, charming, and closer to Panama City. So you won't have to travel long if you want to explore Panama City.
If you choose to take the Panama Canal cruise shore excursion, you can enjoy this full transit of the Panama Canal. You will explore all three of the old locks- Miraflores, Pedro Miguel, and Gatun locks.
Relax and Enjoy Panama City.
You can explore Panama City on your next cruise to the Panama Canal. This is because Panama City is the capital of Panama and the locks are in Panama.
There is so much to see and do in Panama City, but this tour is a great option if you want to enjoy the city highlights.
Most cruise ships will dock in Panama City for at least a day or two. An overnight stay in Panama City will ensure that you learn more about the Panama Canal.
For instance, you may choose to visit the Miraflores Center. This is a place where you learn about the engineering behind the locks and how they work.
On this guided excursion of Panama City, you will enjoy a visit to popular places like the Panama Canal, Amador Causeway, and Casco Viejo.
Relax And Enjoy Colon Panama.
Colon Panama is another port of call for Panama Canal cruises. You may enjoy a visit to some of the popular destinations in Colon.
One of the most popular destinations in Colon is the Gatun Locks, where you can witness the massive ships passing through the Panama Canal.
This is an incredibly awe-inspiring sight to see, and a must-do for anyone visiting the area.
You can also visit the Agua Clara observatory desk. It is a perfect place to watch the massive cargo ships make their way through the locks.
If you love Kayaking, you can enjoy this activity on Gatun Lake. Or you may enjoy a boat ride through the Panama Canal.
If you would like to explore more, you can enjoy this guided tour of Colon Panama. The beauty of this guided tour is that it starts from the cruise port in Colon Panama.
Conclusion.
Enjoy a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and historical learning on your next Panama Canal cruise.
It is amazing how you can lounge on the balcony of your cabin, on one of the decks, and enjoy some of the excursions.
So why wait to book? We are here to guide you through this amazing adventure. We help plan your next cruise vacation so that you can enjoy a stress-free vacation. You can start by filling out this cruise travel inquiry form.
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