How to Take a Panama Canal Cruise

Taking a Panama Canal cruise offers a trip unlike other tropical cruises in the Caribbean. During the 51 mile pass through the canal, you'll experience history of the Americas and witness the mechanics of sailing ships through a man-made body of water. Observe these steps for your trip, making sure everything goes smoothly as you sail through the Panama Canal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate a cruise line or travel agent that offers small cruise ships, 700 maximum passengers. Going through the canal on a small ship makes the trip friendlier and smoother. Larger ships tend to be cumbersome, scratching the canal and ports of call.
2. Book your cruise early and preferably between September and April. After you book your cruise, take time to plan what to take and research the Panama Canal, which is rich in history of the Americas.
3. Discuss with your travel agent what you want to get out of the trip. Have her arrange the best itinerary, so the cruise is smooth, care-free and relaxing. In your itinerary you must include an excursion to Panama City where your drive through a rain forest to get to the ruins of the old capital city that was established in 1519 and visit the old colonial city Casco Antiguo that was established in 1673.
4. Reserve a cabin on the aft (back of the ship) with a balcony or veranda. The cruise through the canal lasts a long day, so with a veranda you can relax and enjoy the scenery with an iced cold drink.
5. Make a list of what you need to take on the cruise. Your cruise line offers passengers lists as a standard procedure. Look over their list and add to it.
6. Begin organizing and packing at least two days before boarding because you want enough time for last minute shopping needs. Check everything off the list as you go making sure not to miss anything. If you forget to pack something, the item will be available on the cruise ship for double or triple the price.
7. Inquire about the weather conditions before you board. Most certainly, the tropical climate is hot and balmy with occasional cool nights and rain storms. Sandals and loose fitting cotton clothes keep the days comfortable, and the chance of cool nights calls for a light pull over or sweater. Bring a compact umbrella in case you get caught in a brief rain storm.

Tips & Warnings

• Anyone can reserve a Panama Canal cruise, but mainly retirees come aboard because of cost and the length of time for the cruise, which averages 14 days.
• During your cruise selection process, you can choose a full crossing or a partial crossing. Full crossing boards on the East Coast and disembarks on the West Coast or the other way around. Partial crossing starts on either side going only part way and turning back to the original boarding port.
• The Panama Canal operates three locks, a "must see" experience from the back of the ship as it goes through each lock. A very exciting and physically challenging excursion is to the Gatun Locks Observation Area of 80 stairs to reach the lower platform to view ships going through the locks. This is quite an educational experience as well as.
• While cruising through the canal take excursions to Chagres River where you encounter tropical wildlife in their natural habit. You will see capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, crocodiles, turtles, three-toed sloths, various kinds of toucans and other bird life as well as an abundance of butterflies
• Do inquire about robbery and theft at different ports of calls. Some have been reported, so it's best to be cognizant of any problems arising.