Special thanks to Sara Morrison, HAL’s Coordinator of Onboard Sales, for sharing this post from her Zuiderdam cruise.
Before going on vacation I studied up on the history of the Panama Canal and how it was made. As a result of my homework, I eagerly anticipated our partial transit of the Panama Canal all week. I woke up early in anticipation for our morning arrival to the canal locks. After a hearty breakfast (I really miss the Lido omelet station!), I headed up to deck 10 to find a good vantage spot. We approached the locks just after sunrise. A travel guide came on the loudspeaker and started to give us all kinds of fascinating info about Panama, the canal and how it operates.
To have someone narrate our transit through the locks was a great addition to the experience. I was blown away by the size of some of the ships that pass through the canal. We had a tanker come through right next to us and they had very little wiggle room. After passing through the locks we anchored in Gatun lake and those of us participating in shore excursions tendered off of the ship. The Zuiderdam then continued on to Colon, Panama.
Sara Morrison
Coordinator, Onboard Sales
Approaching the locks.
The canal's lock.
The canal locks opening.
Tanker.
Sunrise.
I thought the fascination of the canal was a “man” thing, but I can tell you with a partial and a full crossing, I am still in awe. The walls have been inches from my window and I spent hours in the thermal spa watching everything. Thanks for sharing your adventure.