The Dos And Don'ts Of PANAMA CANAL CRUISES! 

I've transited the Panama Canal five times over as many decades. All were full transits on small and mid-sized ships. It is always fascinating! Don't get hung up in crowded areas of the ship - roam around from deck to deck and from bow to stern. People get tired, so you will get your chance to see canal operations from the rail. Try to stick to the shady side of the ship, since the heat and humidity can be oppressive.

Went on a two week cruise last minute from Florida to Chile just before Christmas thru the canal because it was SO cheap. I didn’t research, didn’t know what to expect. Spent most of the crossing on my balcony and enjoyed an amazing day. I didn’t even realize there was a huge lake area with islands, etc. It was a smaller ship that went thru the old canal and it was just a marvelous experience.

I did this cruise two years ago just prior to the COVID lockdown, on the Eurodam (Holland America) (Fort Lauderdale to San Diego). It was amazing!

Great information, Gary. We went through the old locks in 2013 and saw the new locks under construction. As a civil engineer, I was fascinated by the construction techniques and the amount of soil being removed. The worst part of the trip was the ultimate bad hair day because of the high temperatures and humidity. Curly, frizzy hair and my bangs stuck to my sweaty forehead. No photos, please!!! (Guess you didn't experience that).

Oh Gary I think I love you … my middle age cruise life is gonna be so much better because of you!

My wife and I made the full transit cruise in 2012 for our 10 year anniversary! It was a fantastic 21-day cruise on Celebrity!! Highly recommended! We would agree with Dr. Deitch of sailing from east-to-west instead of the other way for one simple reason - time zone changes. We did the west-to-east cruise and scheduled several shore excursions along the way. You’ll lose one-hour the farther east you go, resulting in waking up earlier and earlier for each excursion activity. Going the other direction you’ll gain an hour which is much easier to deal with.

I've been through the Canal twice. In 1970, going from West to East, but this was on a Naval vessel, so a different experience. Later, in 2009, on the Celebrity Constellation going East to West. A remarkable experience both times and certainly memorable. Close to a quarter of the passengers on the Constellation were German (a group of some sort), so all announcements and the historical information given during the transit were in both languages. Your advise would have been helpful at the time. My wife and I had a balcony cabin, which made the transit much nicer. WE ordered room service and had lunch sitting on our balcony.

We are going on a full transit 15 day cruise on 4/17 from Miami to LA, we can’t wait!

We transited the locks 3 times in the last 6 months on two different ships plus we've transited it 3 other times over the years. It never gets old for me. Your recommendations are spot on. One thing I would add is to recommend taking a land excursion from Panama City to see the new large Agua Clara locks and then experience transiting via the original locks as you recommend.

Very good video. Recently (February 2022) did a full transit through the new (large, 2016) locks. It was just fine. As a civil engineer I was thrilled and contrary to Gary's thought's, I found the cut area fascinating. This was the hardest area to construct and the area that resulted in the highest loss of life due to construction accidents. And if you're on a big ship there's not a whole lot of water underneath you. I do agree that knowing the history of the canal will enhance your experience. I did get up very early and got a prime position for the approach and transit through the ascending locks. Watched the descent through the second set of locks from my balcony with a drink or two. Got great pictures. Even made a time lapse of both transits from a camera I left on the balcony (the cruise folks probably would not approve of a camera sitting on a tripod unattended for a couple of hours but it was a calm day). Do your planning but don't overthink this. You can have a great time doing either sets of locks. The perfect can be the enemy of the good. Be inquisitive and you will have a good time, just be careful of the sun. And I would like to do the original locks but just because my wife and I enjoyed the first transit so much. And remember, going through the Panama Canal has its ups and downs! Thanks for the video.

After a while we headed to the rear the ship, where hardly anyone was and we had fabulous views and got some wonderful pictures. Also Gary didn't mention the yummy Panama rolls and coffee we were served on the bow starting at 5:30am. Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam 2019. I also loved that they brought a guide onto the ship who narrated the whole experience, heard throughout the entire ship.

We went from San Diego to Ft Lauderdale and back on HAL Rotterdam in 2020. It was fantastic.

I recently did a partial transit from Panama City on one of the tour boats Gary mentions. It was supposed to be a full transit but for "logistical reasons" we were disembarked at Gamboa. Personally I felt satisfied with the tour as far as bucket list is concerned, and I didn't have to spend 10 days on a cruise ship visiting other ports that I was uninterested in seeing. In the several days prior to the tour I did visit the Miraflores visitor center as well as the canal museum in Casco Viejo. The advice I took from Gary's previous video was to use sunscreen on the back of my neck. Thanks my friend.

Always great stuff Gary, concise and informative. Thanks for your hard work.

Love David McCullough's book Path Between the Seas. Can't wait to transit the Panama Canal cruise it's on my to do list. Thanks for your excellent video's Gary so glad I discovered them. I'm relatively new to cruising (3 trips so far) but totally in love with it and hope to see more of the world cursing in the years to come!

Went in February 2022. Love the Panama Canal Transit! I watched one of your previous vlogs. Thank you so much for posting!!! This is something everyone should do at least once 😊

Our next cruise in 29 days will go through the Panama Canal. We did it in 2019 also. Being an Engineer, I loved it the first time. I may just relax and enjoy the day this time as it will be a 21 day cruise.

I went through the canal west to east in 1994. I was on the old Royal Caribbean Song of Norway. It was a great experience. I enjoyed it very much. It was our 25th anniversary and it was also the 25th anniversary for the ship. It was a 14 day cruise which originated in Acapulco and ended in San Juan.

Great recommendations. Pathway between the Seas is a must read, a wonderful book.

Panama Canal cruise for me and the wife starts April 27th. Excited to go. Great tips for the cruise. Thank you.

I remember learning about the Panama Canal in school and how 22,000 French people mostly died from Yellow Fever and Malaria. Interestingly, the treatment for malaria (quinine) all ready existed while the canal was being built by the French. Quinine wasn't freely given until the Americans took over which is extremely sad. It wasn't until the pandemic I learned how the French felt to know such medicine exists for your condition, but not have it readily available.

We did the canal on Holland America and went into the lake. We then transferred to smaller boat to go through the canal to the Pacific. Took the coach back to the boat. Loved that! We even touched the side of the walls. It was great. Thank you for your information.

We did partial transit on Carnival Pride. We booked an AFT facing balcony room. What an awesome view from our own balcony!

Great tips, Gary. Loved our full transit through the old locks on the Coral Princess.

Such an informative video! I had no idea there were two canals. This trip is high on my bucket list. Thank you!

I've been through the the old locks 3 times (2x Pacific-Atlantic & once Atlantic-Pacific). I'm booked to do the new locks next year. If you want to stay out of the sun, stay in your cabin & watch the transit on the in room TV bow camera. On Holland ships there's both bow & stern view. When something interesting shows up on the screen, leave the cabin to watch as the ship goes by. I did the Pacific locks on an excursion in a smaller boat. That method presents an up close view of the locks.

Wow, that was very important & very informative information! I had no idea!

Such great advice, with great pictures as well. I thank you, sir. And Bon Voyage for your next tips!

The family did the Panama Canal cruise in 2018 on the Zuiderdam as well. Great trip. We had a rear balcony room and I did a time lapse going from the Gatun Lake to the Caribbean side. It turned out pretty nice. The guides on the ship suggested going to deck 5 as you would be right at the level as the locomotives, which we did and even got to talk to one of the drivers while transiting. A note about watching from the front; as Gary states GET THERE EARLY since as the crowd builds, you are all standing at the same floor level so you will be trying to see over someone's head in front of you and not really seeing anything much. Get a railing view which means getting up in the very early hours before the sun is up.

Thanks Gary, I enjoy all your videos. Thanks for sharing your experience and helpful tips. Very informative. 😊😊

OUTSTANDING 👍🥇 thanks for all these tips

There is an outstanding museum about the history of the canal in old town, Panama City. I spent two hours there before making the transit, and it made things so much more meaningful.

Very interesting and it is the first time anyone has explained what those railway type cars which track the ships going through the canal are for

We also did the Canal on the Queen Victoria World Cruise in 2019. It was an awesome experience! We could see them connecting the ship to the mules from our balcony. It looked like there was only 2 inches between the ship & the wall of the canal! We also were allowed on deck 5 forward, which was a crew deck. It was great, especially seeing the people up in viewing stands on the Pacific side! We also saw 3 yachts in the canal next to us, & watched a huge box tanker pull up very FAST behind them. They quickly scurried to 3 abreast! It was wild! We also had a commentator on the intercom talking about the canal all day long.

I will be cruising on a Viking ship through the canal in late 2023. Thanks for these tips and esp the books.

I was on Seabourn in 2019. I loved the cruise thru Lake Gatun. Beautiful

I've had the opportunity to go through the Panama Canal twice (both times before the new one was built) and each time was a vastly different experience due to the size of the cruise ship. The first time was on a large ship where you looked down on the mules. The second time was on a vastly smaller cruise ship (the Windstar Star) where we were eye level with the mule drivers and we could see the workings of the locks much easier. A Panama Canal cruise is a "must-do" but if you can swing it, try a small ship (under 1,000 passengers)

Thank you for the great information!

We did back-to-back Panama Canal cruises. The one year we went only had two repeat cities, Cartagena and Puntaranus. It was a great experience. We would do it again.

Great insights Gary. Thank you for sharing.

So much good advice and tips, Gary.

Very helpful and informative! A must watch" for anyone planning a Panama Canal cruise. Panama itself is a terrific place to visit, too. Fond memories of fishing for peacock bass on Gatun Lake - great video!🚢👌🏽

We went on the Marina in February from Panama City to Miami. It was a great Cruise. We had a balcony cabin and we got very close to the lock systems. It was so narrow when we went through the locks!

Thank you for the video and information! You’re very articulate, clear and precise….

I just came back from a Panama Canal Cruise. Totally enjoyable.

Another great option is to book an aft facing cabin! That way you can see both sides at the same time. And you can still go to the bow of the ship if it’s open.

Good timing for the video. I go through the Panama Canal in may on the Queen Elizabeth. When we go through the cut will remember that the sides are very unstable, can be slide at any time.

Only got to go through the Panama Canal Twice in my job as an Engineer in the Merchant Navy, but Suez Canal 49 times.

Your sunscreen advice is right on point - I did a full transit in February and got a horrible sunburn!

Great video. We are planning on going at the end of the year, and you brought up things I never thought of.

Great video. Very interesting information. Especially about the difference between the two canals. And the fact that it's not really a canal. I guess had I actually studied a map I should have been able to guess - but I trusted in people only calling a canal a canal...

Done the canal three and a half times. This is a very solid list of tips.

😎FromAZ...Gary, "you the man"...super-great info. Love your tips and points of interest on all your cruise experiences. Thank you so much...This video is very helpful; as I am planning a Panama Canal cruise for my family. Looking forward to more of your cruising and sharing vlogs. XO

Really great info. Thanks

thx so much Gary, we are booked on the Emerald princess Dec 18 in 2022 LAX to FLL. but it is thru the new locks. But we booked it as it will be our first xmas cruise. now I will check which ships do the old locks. thx a lot.

Another great video … looks like you had a great time. - Tony

I've been through both canals, and I like you enjoy going thru the old Canal better. It also depends upon what size ship you are on as to what canal you go thru.

One of my fav cruise experiences was on Celebrity Infinity sailing from west to east through the Panama Canal.

I was really fortunate; our ship had a narrator throughout the transit broadcasting over the ship’s speaker system. She gave an over view of what we were seeing as well as interesting facts, stories, etc. It was wonderful. Plus, the ship had had local artisans come on board so we could purchase souvenirs (for those not going off ship). It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend! (Plus, I went in March so the weather was lovely! Not hot and sticky at all.)

Thanks Gary. We have a PC cruise booked for 2023 on NCL, it’s a full transit of the original canal that starts and ends in Panama with ABC islands. Will definitely keep your tips in mind for this one.

We did the Canal for My Bucket List and it was Great for the views but I was a little let down thinking I would see more of the Mechanical Side of it , ...But still well WORTH THE TRIP....

Thank you for the video!

We went through the Canal on the Wind Spirit, a 150-passenger ship. Nice open deck and small enough that you could walk all over to get many vantage points.

Very useful video.

From Nov 1975 - Dec 1977 I was stationed at Ft Davis on the Atlantic side with the U.S. Army. Going on training exercises, we "Cruised the Canal" from Dock 45 on Gatun Lake to just before the first set of locks on Army Landing Craft (LCM). It was nothing like riding a cruise ship. Packed into the cargo area we had little breeze, just sun exposure. Passing cruise ship tourist would wave at us, showing those tasty drinks while we had canteen water, sodas if we brought them. Going from Colon to Panama City, we often took the train. You paid extra to ride in the air conditioned car, we usually took the open air one. Scenic ride all along the way. It was especially beautiful during the rainy season when you could see lightning in the clouds over Gatun Lake. We also drove from one side to the other. Leaving the Canal Zone at one point, then driving back into it. At that time it was a two lane road. Very rural life style along the drive. Best part was when you entered a Jungle Park on the Pacific side, virgin jungle with beautiful water falls, flowers and the common blue winged butterfly. In Nov 2017 I took my first cruise on Holland America, Westerdam, through the Panama Canal, Fort Lauderdale, Florida to San Diego. Prior to arrival at the locks, I scouted where I would be to take pictures of our entering the locks at the front of the ship, high up. Had my sunhat, sunscreen, and water bottle with me when I got into position hours early, no one else was there yet. Approaching the Gatun Locks I was amazed to see the new bridge. During my time you waited in line at the locks for your turn to drive across. Got lucky our lock time was cloudy as the sun's heat can be oppressive. I So interesting going through the locks. Bow area was opened so more passengers could enjoy the view. We waited on Gatun Lake until our turn to go through the canal. Balcony cabin on the starboard side, we enjoyed the many sights to see. Leaving the final locks I was surprised to see all the high rise buildings on Panama City. Nothing like that during my time in the mid 70s. Unfortunately we didn't have any free time in Panama on either side of the canal. Would have liked to see the changes in Colon and Panama City over the past decades.

We were on the Norwegian Jewel from New York to San Francisco in January of 2020. I remember the day when the BBC News went pivoted from coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan to the emerging pandemic in Wuhan which happened about mid-voyage. In general, I agree with your suggestions. We transited the old locks and, given our port side, mid-ship balcony cabin, had plenty of time to watch operations in comfort between on-deck observations. It’s fascinating. Also, due to our port-side view, we got to wave to (and see the returned waves and cheers) of the prisoners at the prison where Manuel Noriega was held. Even better, the Science Center (the tall building with the platform balconies) was full of visitors including schools groups and we had a wonderful time waving and cheering at each other. It was really delightful. Unfortunately, as with so many others, have not been back onboard any ship since then. Your excellent videos have been very helpful and I appreciate your sharing them with us until that time that we take our next cruise.

Thanks Gary!

We have made the full transit three times. I would do it again in a NY minute!! What an amazing experience.

Your on Oceania I recognize the cabin background. Beautiful!

We have done Panama Canal twice. The first was a partial. We did a tour that showed us the new canal and we went across Panama to Old Panama City. We made a stop at the west end. I felt we saw more this way than going entirely through on our second from east to west. We sailed HAL both times.

the original locomotives that assisted with the ships passing through the canal were built in PATERSON New Jersey.

Another great book about the history of the Panama Canal is "The Big Ditch" by Noel Maurer and Carlos Yu, from Princeton University Press. It's a tome, but it's fascinating. I can't wait to do the full transit.

Keep in mind that port taxes for PC transit (full or partial) are significant and can easily double the normal amount of taxes you would pay for a Caribbean without including the PC.

Holland America is great. All the older people go to sleep super early and you get the whole ship to yourself.

I was trying to decide between Holland and Princess cruise line. Your videos are very helpful. I also see that Holland goes to different ports on the Panama canal cruise than Princess

I just booked Oosterdam, from Chile to Florida, in 2024. We did a partial transit on Carnival a few years ago, and I can definitely say it is worth having a veranda, for part of your viewing. That is also not a line I would recommend, even if you like Carnival, because many of the passengers get irritable, as the entertainment gets fanned out.

I had to pause the video and just comment that I had NO idea there were 2 canals! now I wanna get that book and read up on it!

Totally agree the new canal was boring the original canal is the way to go, much better experience..................

Wife and i did the same cruise on the Zuiderdam. Rained a lot.

Re the Panama, the Norwegian Bliss has a large forward and side facing “room/gathering area” for viewing the transit through the Panama Canal. It’s a great place to experience one’s transit.

We went through the original locks in 1969 aboard TV Fairsky (Sydney to Southampton). Looks like they are using the same locomotive tugs. I remember we got off at Balboa prior to transit and we had a tour on a bus with metal grids over the windows. We were not allowed to get off so not sure what was going on there. After the transit, next port of call was Willemstad (Curaçao).

You are a wealth of informaion.

There are different itineraries, but there is only one Panama Canal with the old and new sets of locks. We did a full transit through the new locks less than a month ago. I’d slightly rather have gone through the old locks, but that’s just a fraction of the transit and we had a good view of the old locks anyway. We had a great time on the Emerald Princess, I would recommend a full transit if you’re able.

I agree 100%. Original canal so much more interesting

I did a full northbound transit on the Ruby Princess about three months ago. Because the ship was so ridiculously huge, we had to go through the newer locks. However, I was able to go on a shore excursion the day before that included a partial transit through the original 1914 locks, so I got to see both types of locks in action. Tip: The bow of the ship gets really crowded during the transit. If you want to avoid the sea of humanity, view things from the stern!

Sorry Gary, but I just completed a full transit through the canal on the Holland Zuiderdam. I found it a real yawner. Other than the history I found interesting, the actual transit was a real let-down. The locks fill up with water at the speed of a leaky faucet. You are right about the crowds, but there were enough viewing spots throughout the ship; I actually had done a partial transit years ago and found it better. All locks are about the same once you've gone through one lock.

My tip is to get up early--before dawn. I generally aim for 5:30AM or so. The approach to the Panama Canal is beautiful before the sun rises--seeing all the lights and the ships waiting to get into the canal. Also--if you get up early you can possibly get a seat at the bow. I've done 4 Panama Canal cruises on Holland America and am fascinated each time. My only disappointment is shore excursions--never have done one that I would rate as excellent. Next time I'm going to just stay on the ship and enjoy the canal itself.

We did a 10 night partial transit on the Zuiderdam a few years ago, it was great. I would prefer to sail from the pacific to the Atlantic since I live in the eastern time zone and can fly home in 3 hrs from Ft. Lauderdale.

And read David McCullough's book The Passage Between the Seas before you get to get the whole fascinating story of the original finished canal (not the new one)

Going on a 14 day Panama partial transit in January 2025 can’t wait

This is fascinating! It prompts me to ask, have you ever cruised through the Suez Canal? Do many cruise ships even go through there (I know pirating off east Africa can be a concern). Also, how do you tell which locks you will be going through when you book a cruise? Will it specify that?

enjoyed your video...will be on a cruise, do you sugest the train or ferry ride?

got family that were there during construction, still have a piano that was there. my 3rd generational grandfather sailed around cape horn in 1850 and is the author of the first surveyed map of California in 1856 . The Goddard Map. George Henry Goddard. I have a painting of his. I'm in Nicaragua now. my family has always been adventurous. Can you imagine Cape Horn in a sailing ship in 1850?

Going Miami to San Francisco on Norwegian next month. Postponed for two years .

Brings tears every time I hear it. Story of me and my dad. How do I convey my mistake to my son?

Good evening Sir Gary. My husband is very interested in going on a Panama Canal cruise so this is very appreciated. Very informative. Thanks so much and see you next video.

I'm surprised you didn't say anything about cabin selection. I don't think I'll ever choose a balcony cabin for a Panama Canal cruise. You did advise moving around the ship and I definitely recommend that. For my next (9th) canal cruise (on Eurodam) I've chosen an oceanview cabin on deck 1. I don't want a balcony because it will be a temptation not to get around the ship. I have on Crystal Symphony usually went through 1 lock on the bottom deck (near the dining room) to experience the walls of the lock going in and slowly rising along the lock wall until daylight returns as the window first reaches the surface and starts to get higher. I want to repeat this on the Eurodam where I can go to complete darkness in my cabin and get even closer to the wall.

The ability to transit a ship through the locks depends on two guys in a rowboat. The locks crew on board the vessel connect lines to the ship and then throws the free end overboard. The two guys in a boat pick up the lines and convey them to the dock crew who attach the lines to the donkey railroad. Doesn't work without two guys in a small boat.

been to the locks twice in PC. I lived in Boqute, northern panama. cool in the mountains. now on the beach in Nicaragua. Its a lot cooler on the west coast at the beach. the Caribbean is too hot for me. At the canal, the observation platform and museum were worth going to see. I'm not a cruise guy. The ships look like a floating apartment building. central america works for me , been going since 2010. its home now.

i went on a 4 month long world tour, we went through the canal..... it's better to buy a 60' sailboat and cruise at your own pace