Panama Canal Cruise Experience
Vacation Planning Guide

Entering the Miraflores Locks

Vessel assisted by locomotives

locomotive

Mechanism used to open and close the locks

Locks open

Cruising to the Gatun Lock

All Images © Weston Images

Fast Facts !

When to go!

During May and September, cruise lines use the Panama Canal to reposition their ships between Alaska, Mexico, and The Caribbean. Some ships cruise the Panama Canal during other periods of the year, embarking in South Florida or San Juan, and debarking in Costa Rica or Mexico.

Preferred Cruise line and Cabin-type!

Since the Panama Canal Crossing is the attraction, any specific cruise line or ship would offer he same experience during the crossing.

Due to the abundance of things to see during the crossing, Ocean-view staterooms with balconies provide superior value.

What to Take!

1. Video Camera
2. Still Camera
3. A Good Book or Relax between the locks.

During the ship's transit through the first lock, passengers will crowd the forward decks of the ship. Upon reaching the third lock (hours later), the crowd is significant less.

The Locks!

The three locks consist of the Gatún Locks, near the the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pedro Miguel Locks and Miraflores Locks on the Pacific Ocean side.

How does the Panama Canal work?
(Source: "Panama Canal" pamphlet by ACP/Autoridad Del Canal Panama)

The Canal's three sets of locks, with two lanes each, serve as water lifts, elevating ships 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level, to Gatun Lake to allow vessels to cross the Continental Divide, and then lower them back to sea level on the other side of the Isthmus. During lockages, the miter gates seal the locks chambers allowing gravity to drain the water from the higher body of water to the lower. Approximately 197 million liters of fresh water are used for each lockage, and are ultimately flushed into the sea.

During their transit through the waterway, vessels use their own propulsion. However, on their passage through the locks, ships are assisted by electric locomotives that align and tow the ships using cables. Working in pairs, locomotives move on the rails and keep the vessels in position inside the locks chambers. Depending on its size, a vessel might require the assistance of up to eight locomotives.

more info: Consulate General of Panama

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