REAS Group 2009 Seminar Cruise January 19 - 30, 2009 Jewel of the Seas

Panama Canal, Panama

Day 7: Sunday, January 25, 7 am - 3 pm (tendered)
Started by the French in the early 1880's, completed by the United States in 1914, the Panama Canal is a wonder of the modern world. Built at a then cost of $375,000,000 and an estimated 27,000 lives the Canal has had a significant influence on world trade and military affairs. Construction involved the excavation of more than 260,000,000 cubic metres of  earth, the building of several dams, and creation of what was then the largest man made lake and lock system. So much excavation spoil was generated that some of it was used to reclaim nearly 500 acres of the Pacific Ocean.

Our cruise will take us through the three-stage, nearly 2 km long Gatun locks to Gatun Lake, 26 metres (almost 85 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean, passengers who have purchased excursions may then tender to shore. The ship will subsequently return to the Atlantic through the Gatun locks and dock at the Cristobal Pier in Colon, Panama. Most shore excursions will meet up with the ship at the Cristobal Pier.

While our cruise ship does not do a full traversal of the Canal, there are several excursions to the Pacific locks. Visit the Miraflores locks (Pacific side) by train (follows the Canal), bus, or small ship (ferry). This last mode of transport will actually take you through the Miraflores locks, Pedro Miguel lock and Gaillard Cut. Gatun Lake is a diverse and unique bio-system. If seeing the whole Canal isn't your thing, perhaps an eco excursion or a visit to a primitive native village appeals.

Planning: Wikipedia Entry, Royal Caribbean Cruising the Panama Canal page, Panama Canal Authority, Panama Canal Virtual Museum, How the Canal Works, Wikipedia Entry for Gatun Lake.