Panama Canal Cruise

[artnbarb]

Yes, I realize this is a Slow Europe forum, but you guys are my go-to resource for everything travel related! Next year is our 30th anniversary, so we're thinking of using that as an excuse to do something in addition to our time in Italy. The idea of a Panama Canal has never been at the top of my list, but Art is interested, and I think I could get on board, figuratively and literally!

I think I'd like to cruise FROM the west coast to Florida, but if there's some reason for sailing east to west, I'm flexible. Since we live in Florida I just thought it would be nice to be (almost) home at the end, and not have to face a long flight.

Has anyone taken a Panama Canal cruise? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[SuzanneF]

I have not taken the Panama Canal Cruise; however, some friends have. They have gone on Windstar.

Tom and I have gone on a number of cruises with them - they are not the usual big ship cruise. They have two ships doing Panama Canal itineraries in 2020, the Wind Star (148 passengers) and Star Pride (212 passengers). If you are wanting a big ship experience, this would not be the right fit. Very casual, no formal nights, no big entertainment shows, no casino. They also do not sail from either coast, rather they pretty much go back and forth between Colon and Puerto Caldera or San Jose and Colon. However, this gives you more port stops and less time at sea.

Hope this helps get you started. Hopefully, someone who has done this on a big ship can give you other ideas.

 

[artnbarb]

@Wendy&Rob , I know you've done some Panama Canal cruises - are you around?

 

[Steve R.]

We've only been on one cruise & that was Holland America's from Florida to the Panama Canal and back to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. about 8 years ago. No West Coast aspect at all. We only went because a couple of close friends, who we've traveled with have gone on a # of cruises and wanted us to try one. We didn't actively dislike it but I can't say that I would recommend it either. It was nice just hanging out on our balcony, watching the waves roll by, talking with our friends without any time stress. It was also nice to not have to worry about moving luggage or the many other little things that take up time during independent trips. And we met some interesting & friendly people as well - when you're on a cruise you get to know them better because they don't disappear after a dinner or bar drinks, but are around for days to continue to talk (or avoid, if need be). Since we weren't yet retired, the "decompression" effect of a cruise was good for us as well - not much (if any) tv, no real internet time, no cell phones, etc. That was very nice.
On the other hand, although I'll fondly remember the interesting land tours we took in Costa Rica & Panama City (as well as going thru the canal locks), but they were in general cookie cutter, designed for the "lowest common denominator", and (mostly) more surface than what we'd do on our own by far. We enjoyed the trips to a banana plantation & to Panama City's old section but would've done better on our own, especially if we hired a private guide. And the on board ship activities weren't very attractive to us either. Eating (food is ever present), gambling, sitting by the pool & drinking at the bar seemed to be the major activities for many & that just doesn't hold our interest for any length of time. We bought the cruise video afterwards and realized that we didn't even go to most of the on board things that were on it - and, based on the video, we'd make the same choice again. All seemed designed to create an artificial "we're having fun" atmosphere without any depth. That sounds harsher than I mean it to be, as I realize that they don't have any other option &, overall, we found things to do and weren't bored.
Best wishes on your 30th. Hope that was helpful, although a bit jaded.

 

[artnbarb]

We too are taking Holland America - they seem to have the most cruises. I've been told if I want to see the Panama Canal to do the entire canal, so that's why we picked the option we did. I didn't see the itinerary you took, but maybe they don't do that one anymore.

We always book our own shore excursions, and I'm looking at one for Costa Rica. For the other stops I think we'll just wander into the town, have a look around, maybe have something to eat.

As for the shipboard activities, I think you can be as busy or as lazy as you want. We're not big partiers, so we don't attend any evening activities. If we were card players there's always a game somewhere, but that's not us either, nor are we gamblers. I enjoy reading in a lounge chair somewhere quiet, or finding a game of trivia, or even better, walking on the treadmill to counteract some of that endless food.