ERNIE

My wife and I are thinking of a Panama Canal cruise in December of 2000. Any advice on cruise lines? Any thoughts or advice will help. Thank you.

sandy

Our family (8) sailed the Sun Princess through the canal last October - Alcapulco to San Juan. Great time. <BR> <BR>The only problem encountered was the pre-cruise flight and our travel agent booked that. You can avoid the problem we had, just travel a day early and NEVER book on the last flight of the day if you really need to be somewhere at a specific time. We were 7 hours late arriving, and the Princess folks were waiting at the airport to whisk us to the ship. But hearing the gangplank coming up behind us made us realize what a close thing it was. <BR> <BR>All the way through the canal was neat. Many folks on shore waved, watching the Canal crew work was very interesting. Princess was very nice. You might want to select your cruise by itinerary too. There is little to see in Costa Rica, but the people are friendly. But, it is considered a malaria area by the folks who check blood donors. Not that you are likely to get bitten and catch the disease. The attitude for blood donors is it is still Okay to donate if you were not off the ship at night. <BR> <BR>The other ports were fine. Cartegena is primarily a cheap fuel stop as is LaGaira,(sp?) Venezuela. Half day, quick tour of the historical forts etc. Aruba is a pleasant Caribbean Island, Nice folks, pleasant scenery and good snorkeling and diving. Ditto St. Thomas and San Juan. <BR> <BR>I can recommend Princess heartily, and the Canal was wonderful. GO, and enjoy..

elaine

Ernie, <BR> <BR>My husband and I cruised Panama Canal 2/97. Ship was Legend [RCI], but think Vision now does the canal. It was really a wonderful experience. If possible, a cabin w/balcony is great, since you can listen to all the announcements, i.e., what you are seeing, etc. without having to be up on deck. We made a mistake and cruised San Juan/Alcapulco. It was a 10 day rather than 11 day cruise. The trip home from Alcupulco was unpleasant as we waited such a long time for our flight. We were warned of this, but needed to return by a certain date. Sandy's review of Sun Princess also sounds wonderful. Think either cruise line could be considered. It is a more 'sedate' cruise and we're glad we went.

Lisa

My aunt went on the Sun Princess through <BR>the canal last March and she had a wonderful time. I don't know if Grenada is still on the itinerary, but <BR>that was my aunt's favorite port call. <BR>She said the transit through the canal <BR>was THE highlight of the trip. She was <BR>very satisfied with Princess and is planning another cruise next year. <BR>Have fun on your cruise. ENJOY!!!!!!

Vickie

I've been through the Canal several times on a variety of ships (Princess, QE2 and Crystal) and enjoyed it. The ship's process through the locks, and the other parts of the canal, is fascinating and the on-board commentary provides interesting insights. Bring binoculars for checking out the islands you pass and shoreline. I agree with the idea of getting a cabin with a balcony if possible, but don't worry if you can't.

Sandy

Message: We went last Nov. over thanksgiving on RCCL's VISION. We had a great time. We did a post cruise tour in Alacaco. Would not do that again, guards with large guns were all over the place, we were staying at the Hyatt and some loacal told us the guards where there for us.The air was so bad it was hard to breath. Next time we will do a pre-cruise on the canal trip. One more thing, when you go thru the canal, at the first lock the crowds are big, but if you wait until the second or third lock, everyone has left and you can get a better view. But let me warn you it is hotttt!!!. We never pay for a balcony room or for that matter an outside room, we like being up on deck, and meeting all the other people. <BR>