A trip to the Panama Canal offers travelers a unique unforgettable experience that cannot be repeated anywhere in the world. What better way to experience the ‘Big Ditch’ than in the comfort and luxury of a stunning cruise ship? Cruisers have the option to transit the Canal eastbound or westbound, any time of year, on board short voyages exploring the vast set of locks at Gatun or participating in fuller transits consisting of itineraries around the Caribbean & South America. Here are 3 Reasons why cruising the Panama Canal should be on any traveler’s check-list.
The History
Formed by thousands of workers over a period lasting two different centuries, the Panama Canal is steeped in history. A result of French genius and American mechanical experts, the Canal has proved to be monumental in changing the way ships travel between the Atlantic Ocean/Caribbean Sea & Pacific Ocean and is currently one of the busiest waterways worldwide. The Canal stretches over 77km and was first proposed late in the 19th century, before France attempted unsuccessfully to build a sea-level canal. The United States then completed the Panama Canal in 1914. Your cruise ship will raised 26 meters in the locks to meet the Gatun Lake, with each lockage using 197 million litres of fresh water, which ultimately ebbs away to the sea. Cruises through this monumental Canal tend to take roughly 10 hours, giving you ample time to take in the surroundings and capture the moments.
The Destinations
Among the most exotic destinations in the world, cruises to the Panama Canal region offer travelers the chance to soak up glorious sunshine and sumptuous beaches. Cruises typically depart from California or Florida, taking in stunning ports of call around South America and the Caribbean. Spend a day relaxing on the beach as your cruise ship docks in Montego Bay or find yourself taking in the local culture in Cartagena, Panama Canal cruises really do have something for everyone. Other amazing ports of call you can typically expect during a cruise through ‘the 8th wonder of the world’ include Aruba, Costa Rica, Bahamas & Puerto Rico.
The Food & Drink
Another reason to cruise the Panama Canal rather than taking a land-based holiday there, is the fact that it allows you to experience the rich cuisines of some of the world’s most exotic locations almost every day. As you travel across the crystal clear waters from one Caribbean island to another, you can look forward to what your next destination has in store for you. From the incredible Mexican delicacies to sumptuous drinks out of coconuts in the Bahamas, cruises to the Panama Canal region offer food fans an incredible opportunity to satisfy their tastes.
So if a cruise consisting of glorious sunshine, exotic destinations filled with history, and good food and drink to enjoy with your loved ones is what you are interested in, look no further than an unforgettable Panama Canal Cruise.
Written by Ellis Green of www.LoveCruise.co.uk , a UK Cruise company specializing in Last minute cruises and cruises to the Panama canal
