Panama Canal Discovery Cruise
A Panama Canal discovery cruise is offered by several cruise companies. The trip is usually at least two weeks long and includes stops at multiple islands and countries. The Panama Canal is a man-made, 51-mile long canal that cuts through Panama and connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, saving ships 18,000 miles of navigating all the way around South America.
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Through the Canal
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Most itineraries for Panama Canal discovery cruises include a full day at the canal. Passage through the canal takes a full day on a cruise ship, and guests can get an up-close view on how the process works. The ship passes through three different "locks," or areas of the canal. Water fills or empties from each lock, which raises or lowers the ship to the proper elevation to cross into the next lock, until the ship is through all three. This process has been called one of the modern engineering marvels, and is fascinating for guests to witness on board their cruise ship. Cruise ships can cross the canal going in both directions.
Destinations
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Different cruise lines offer different destinations for Panama Canal cruises. Because of the nature of the trip, most itineraries are one way, meaning the cruise ends in a different port than it began, so you will need to take travel arrangements into consideration when booking your cruise; you will have to fly into one city and return from another city. Besides the Panama Canal, most cruise ships stop at several Caribbean ports, including Aruba, St. Maarten, St. Lucia and the Cayman Islands. Depending on where you leave from and where you end, there are several other possible destinations along the way, including the Mexican Riviera, Florida or Europe.
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Cruise Lines
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A variety of different cruise lines offers cruises through the Panama Canal. Because of the length of the trip, most cruise lines only offer a handful of cruises each year, so it is best to book as far in advance as possible. Princess Cruise Lines offers the most trips through the Canal each year (as of 2010). Other cruise lines include Azamara, Celebrity, Costa, Holland America, Crystal, Cunard, Regent Seven Seas, Norwegian, P&O, Royal Carib, Voyages of Discovery and Cruise & Maritime.
Canal History
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Several attempts to build the canal were made, dating back to the 1500s. The most significant attempt was made by the French in the 1800s. Though their attempt failed, they did succeed in excavating much of the land. The United States successfully built the Panama Canal, which opened in 1914. The U.S. began the project in 1903, though were ordered to stop in 1904 for two years to contain the diseases in the area. Approximately 27,500 workers died during the construction of the canal. Disease, landslides and general working conditions killed the majority of the people who died. The canal was built to make trade route more efficient between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The project cost $352 million.
Optimal Travel Time
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The Panama Canal cruise season is from October through April. Panama's rainy season ends in November, so it is best to go after November for better weather.
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References
- Photo Credit Paso por el canal image by venecosta27 from Fotolia.com
