Day 12 Panama Canal Full Transit

 The day we have been waiting for! Cruising the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the Isthmus of Panama in Central America. It is a crucial maritime shortcut that allows ships to avoid the lengthy and dangerous trip around the southern tip of South America, known as Cape Horn. The canal significantly reduces the distance and time required for ships to travel between the two oceans.

It was officially opened on August 15, 1914. The canal consists of a system of locks that lift ships up to Gatun Lake, which is situated at a higher elevation, and then lower them back down to sea level at the other end. This process allows ships to navigate through the otherwise mountainous terrain of Panama.

The Panama Canal has had a profound impact on global trade, shipping, and geopolitics, as it has facilitated the movement of goods and vessels between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1999, control of the canal was transferred from the United States to Panama through the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. The canal has since undergone significant expansion projects to accommodate larger vessels, boosting its capacity and importance in the modern maritime industry.

We decided to wake up at the crack of dawn because we don't want to miss a thing. Before we even get out the door we are crossing under the first bridge. These were taken from our ocean view room on deck 5.

Bridge of the Americas: Also known as the Puente de las Américas, this bridge is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal near Panama City. It was completed in 1962 and was a key transportation route, connecting the two sides of the country before the construction of the canal expansion projects.

Then we grab breakfast and head to the back of the ship for the sunrise and see Panama City in the morning. I just want to know where did we go all night long. Because I was taking photos of Panama when we were leaving and it looks like we are still pretty close.

View from the aft Bridge of Americas

Arriving at the Cocoli locks. 

The Freighter before us. 

The narrow space between the balcony's and edge. 

This tugboat is guiding and pushing us through. There are a few of them 

Part 1 going through the locks

The Centennial Bridge 

This is the second bridge going through the locks. 

Cruising through the Canal 

The Atlantic Bridge     

The Third Bridge 

                                                            Part 2 leaving the locks.    

#PanamaCanal #Cruising #Cruiselife