We'll be going from San Diego to Ft. Lauderdale. Which side of the ship will have the best view and things to see?

Jenny: Both sides will offer about the same view so don't worry. The rainforest is the main thing you see going through the canal and it is on both sides. If you'd like a good view of the locks, etc. here are your choices. 1. Go out on deck (but it will be crowded) if you have an inside cabin. 2. To avoid the crowd look out from your window if you have ocean view (but try to get the highest deck possible and, 3 (your best choice) get a balcony cabin on the highest deck possible.<BR>Enjoy the cruise!

We found the best view to see the locks filling, the railroad pulling the ships, the little rowboat and all the action on the land is from the front(bow).<BR><BR>We were out there early getting a good spot and then don't leave until you have seen all you want. It does get jampacked on the bow.<BR><BR>You can't really see your own ship in the locks,etc. We're up too high, but being a 2 lane canal, you can watch the ship in the next lane as the locks fill and they move forward.<BR><BR>Very interesting and good narration on some of the ships as the process enfolds.

Jenny---<BR>I would definitely suggest you go up to the bow of the ship to get a view and perspective of the ship entering the canal. Stay as long as it interests you. But remember it will be hot and very humid. The ship I was on, took all the chairs off the deck so more people would fit. It was very crowded at first.<BR><BR>By noon most were getting bored. As we ate lunch in the dining room you could see our ship rise and lower in the locks.<BR><BR>It takes several hours of course to do the locks with the lake in between. I feel you will have ample time to see this process from bow, balcony, even the stern of the ship is interesting.<BR><BR>One more important suggestion---Be sure to take your camera outside in plenty of time for it to aclimate to the warmth and humidity (maybe as much as 45-60min.) Some people's cameras were fogged up when they wanted pictures of the ship entering the locks.<BR><BR>Also for yourself--drink plenty of water if it especially hot.<BR><BR>You are in for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy!!

I too have experienced the fogging problem. It takes about half hour to get the condensation out.<BR><BR>I find a warm place in the cabin to keep the camera. On the side or top of the refrigerator or on top of the light in the bathroom and keep the light on all night.<BR><BR>Paul

It was one of the hottest days I can ever remember- yet one of the most interesting. Read the book Path Between the Seas before you go to get the whole story about the building of the canal. It makes the crossing that much more interesting.

The ship I took through the canal showed us a movie the day before we reached it. I think it was called--&quot;A Man, A PLan, A canal--Panama&quot;. It will help you also. Maybe you can check it out at your local library. Just a suggestion!!