Whether you are reading that right to left or left to right cruising the Panama Canal is one of the greatest travel wonders of the world. In December we flew to Panama City to board a ship that sailed thru the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic and then up the coast of Central America. COPA which is the national airline of Panama flies 4 nonstops a day from JFK to Panama City.
Arriving in Panama City 2 days before the cruise departed we had time to explore this fascinating city. Hotel prices and meals were very reasonable and the weather was gorgeous. Panama has only 2 seasons. The dry season which runs from mid-December to mid-April and the rainy season which lasts from late April until late November.
Panama City is home to a very large and thriving Jewish community and we took a wonderful Jewish tour filled with history as well as current sights. We also booked a city tour which took us to the Miraflores Locks Visitors Center where they have a fascinating IMAX movie about the construction of the canal.
Two days later we boarded our ship and settled in for 9 days of sunshine and warmth in contrast to the chilly December weather in New York. Our first day on the cruise was spent transiting the canal which takes anywhere between 8 – 10 hours.
Built by the United States between 1904 and 1914, the 51 mile long canal connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. It cuts across the narrowest point of the Isthmus of Panama. Locks at each end lift and then lower ships to and from Gatun Lake, an artificial fresh water lake 85 feet above sea level. The locks were built to reduce the amount of digging required for the canal’s construction.
Ships pay a toll to transit the canal based on size. A personal boat under 50 feet is about $800. A large cruise ship could be $500,000. It depends on the number of beds on the ship.
Many cruise lines have Panama Canal itineraries. The best months to sail are in the winter as it’s the dry season and you can enjoy the sunshine as well as a respite from the cold weather.
So whether you sail east to west or west to east it’s a journey you will never forget!
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