December 22, 2024

PANAMA CANAL CROSSING - 12/16/24

We crossed from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean today, in roughly 11 hours, via the Panama Canal. We started at roughly 7:45 a.m. and many of us were on deck to witness. We had an expert narrator on board, the whole time, who was very informative, witty and entertaining! The canal is a 50-mile artificial waterway composed of a series of 3 locks on either side of lake Gatun. It is an engineer marvel with a fascinating history. The voyage ended with a gorgeous full moon bathing the canal and making Panama City sparkle.

  • First of 3 bridges we go under

    First of 3 bridges we cross under

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  • Water coming out of first lock from prior ship step up

    Water coming out of lock after ship ahead of us enters 2nd lock.

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  • Us watching - see me to the right of middle along rail

    Residents watching from top deck 9 - see me - just past middle on right!

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  • View of 3 ships in locks, 2 ahead of us and one coming the other direction in opposite lane

    View of 3 Ships in locks - 2 ahead of us and 1 coming other way in 2nd lane.

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  • Entering first Lock

    Us entering first lock at 830 a.m.

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  • leaving the last lock

    Us leaving last lock at roughly 9:30 p.m.

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  • Panama city in moonlight

    Gorgeous full moon with Panama City sparkling

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  • Full moon magic!

    Full Moon Magic!

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By Patricia Patrick October 13, 2025
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