Cruising the Panama Canal

 Dolphin Vacations Nancy DeWeerdt 616-772-9660

Sailing, Sailing over the ocean blue. The beginning words of a ditty we

have all sung.

For the early years of my life about the only person I knew that sailed

any where was Columbus.

 

The pictures I saw of that vessel sure didn't stir any desire to pack my

bags and set sail on those oceans blue. How things have changed! As times

have passed we have progressed to where we are today in cruising. We all

can enjoy sitting in the lap of luxury without mortgaging the farm,

No matter how big or small that lap of luxury is for you. It could be an

inside cabin, outside cabin, balcony or a suite. If you can dream it we

can find you a cruise to fit that dream.

 

Among some of the more popular are Alaska, Europe (especially with the

Euro rating against the USD) Hawaii and the Caribbean. The Caribbean

Ports are divided into 3 segments, Eastern, Western, and Southern . The

Eastern Cruise boast of islands such as St. Thomas, San Juan, St Maarten

and others. Grand Caymen, Jamica, Cozumel are a few of the interesting

ports offered on a Western Cruise. As a rule the Southern Caribbean

Cruise begins in San Juan and calls at islands such as Barbados,

Antigua, Aruba and others that would otherwise not be reachable on a 7

day cruise. Many of the cruise lines have 10 and 12 day cruises to the

Southern Islands from Florida ports as well. Are you looking to add

something just a bit different to your next Caribbean Cruise? I would

like to suggest a Panama Canal Cruise. A Panama Canal Cruise is any

where from 10days to 20 days or more. The Panama Canal is a man-made

canal crossing the Isthmus of Panama and plans for the canal date back

to 1532. The Panama Canal cuts thru 50 miles of Central America jungle

and stone, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is one of

history’s greatest engineering marvels. The Canal first opened its

locks to the seagoing public on August 15, 1914 making a huge impact on

the shipping world. The canal consists of artificial lakes, several

improved and artificial channels and three sets of locks.

 

If your time only permit's a 10 day cruise and you really want to

incorporate the southern islands as well, you will still be able to experience traveling thru the canal.

 

On our Panama Cruise we left Ft Lauderdale and after a day of cruising

our first stop was Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, Here we went on a river boat

cruise and took in the rain forest. The birds and wild life were unusual

and very beautiful. Some of our group took in the rain forest by way of

a canopy Aerial Tramway. These tours are becoming very popular on the

islands and to say the least an exciting way to see the scenery. Our

next adventure was the Canal it's self. We entered the canal at

Cristobal, Panama. To make the most of the experience you will want to be

up early in the morning as your ship waits it turn to hook up to the

iron mules. These very powerful machines guide your ship thru the canal

slowly and very carefully as there is only inches between your ship and

the sides of the canal. When we were traveling thru the canal we were

alongside ocean going container ships traveling the opposite was. These

ships are HUGE. Also we in the canal with a transport boat ,these are

smaller than the ocean container ships, and one was transporting several

yachts. Of course we were sure that one of those would be waiting for us

when we arrived back in Holland. J Once you have cleared the Gatun Locks

the ship docks for the day in Lake Gatun. You can then swim in the lake

if you choose, thus really swimming in the Panama Canal, or take part in

several very interesting adventures ashore. Get an up close look with

the native people who live along the Chagres River in much the same way

as they did hundreds of years ago. Touring the locks gave us an even

better understanding of how they work . Are you a fisherman at heart?

Then fishing for Peacock Bass on Lake Gatun is for you.

Not being a history buff myself I was only mildly excited about passing

thru the canal, all of that changed as the cruise line had information

sessions and persons on board keeping us posted as to what was

happening. The experience of these world famous locks as it turns out

was indeed a favorite part of our Southern Caribbean Cruise.

 

A fact that you might find interesting is what it cost the cruise ship

to travel thru the canal. February 2008 the most expensive regular toll

for canal passage was just over $313.000 paid by a cruise ship.

 

Traveling on from the canal we headed to Willemstad Curacao , Curacao is

very similar to the island of Aruba. Mostly dessert with beautiful

beaches. We rented jeeps here and were part of a guided island tour.

 

The port of Willemstad is truly a unique and beautiful port to sail

into. The buildings are painted in bright Caribbean colors and have a

"Dutch Touch" in design. As with many Caribbean Islands the snorkeling

is great. As we left port we were treated to a fireworks display.

 

On to Aruba! Having been to the island several times it didn't take us

long to jump in a cab and head out to the beach. This island is so easy

to get around , so rent a jeep and explore! It is mostly a desert

island, with cactus as high as trees, rugged shore line and beautiful

beaches. We have found some great restaurants on the island. The people

are friendly, aren't all Dutchmen?

 

One last stop on this cruise at Half Moon Cay, Bahamas. This is mostly a

beach stop with water sports available and a huge beach party. It was a

great day to wind down and reflect on our 10 days in the Caribbean.

 

If a Panama Canal Cruise sounds interesting to you I would love to help

you plan your trip of a life time.

 

 

 

Nancy DeWeerdt

 

Dolphin Vacations

509 East Washington Ave.

Zeeland, Michigan 49464

 

616-772-9660