Panama Canal questions

I know that there's been some back-and-forthing about upcoming (2020) PC cruises, and I hope that the interested parties receive answers soon and that those answers will be to their liking. My questions are in a different category.

While the Canal has never been on my bucket list, as I know it is for others (and I know that some people enjoy the transit so much that they do it a number of times), we think that we would enjoy (if not go ga-ga over) the transit and the chance to see its engineering marvels. Here's the thing though: When I look at the ports on various of those itineraries (and the ports really do vary), very few of them excite me. And while we absolutely enjoy being onboard the Regent ships, the main appeal of cruising for us is the ports/excursions. So here are some questions:

Which ports have people found the most interesting?

Which ones meh, and which not interesting at all?

Are there certain times of year that are better for the transit, others less so?

My sense is that most people don't bother getting vaccines for these itineraries. (I've "searched.") I think that if vaccines were necessary, I'd pass. Otoh, I'm the greatest mosquito magnet that I know, so I'm somewhat wary. I'd be curious to know if anyone felt very strongly that not getting shots would be a mistake. (I realize that the decision is finally a personal one, in consult with one's physician.)

Any other things I should consider in contemplating a Panama Canal transit? The primary appeal for us, btw, is that we don't have to travel far; there are definitely places I'd rather visit.

Thanks!

Poss,

Good evening. My wife and I did a 21-day cruise on the Navigator (our favorite Regent ship - we are in the minority, I know) through the Canal in September, 2011. We loved the stops in southern Mexico and in Guatamala and Columbia on that itinerary. I think picking the "right" excursion is the key to any port. Even if the Canal transit is not on your bucket list, it is a fascinating way to spend a day.

Tim

I know that there's been some back-and-forthing about upcoming (2020) PC cruises, and I hope that the interested parties receive answers soon and that those answers will be to their liking. My questions are in a different category.

 

While the Canal has never been on my bucket list, as I know it is for others (and I know that some people enjoy the transit so much that they do it a number of times), we think that we would enjoy (if not go ga-ga over) the transit and the chance to see its engineering marvels. Here's the thing though: When I look at the ports on various of those itineraries (and the ports really do vary), very few of them excite me. And while we absolutely enjoy being onboard the Regent ships, the main appeal of cruising for us is the ports/excursions. So here are some questions:

 

Which ports have people found the most interesting?

Which ones meh, and which not interesting at all?

Are there certain times of year that are better for the transit, others less so?

My sense is that most people don't bother getting vaccines for these itineraries. (I've "searched.") I think that if vaccines were necessary, I'd pass. Otoh, I'm the greatest mosquito magnet that I know, so I'm somewhat wary. I'd be curious to know if anyone felt very strongly that not getting shots would be a mistake. (I realize that the decision is finally a personal one, in consult with one's physician.)

 

Any other things I should consider in contemplating a Panama Canal transit? The primary appeal for us, btw, is that we don't have to travel far; there are definitely places I'd rather visit.

 

Thanks!

DW and I did the PC over New years 2017 on the Explorer. We had a great time but primarily due to the new ship and the festive holiday atmosphere & decorations plus special shipboard events. I'm and engineer and the PC was on my bucket list; I enjoyed the transit (we had a beautiful day and a gifted lecturer). Also the cruise was relatively well priced.

Our ports/excursions were generally bad or ho-hum. I would't recommend day trips to Guatemala, Nicaragua or Cabo. The port in Costa Rica doesn't reflect that beautiful country. Despite our concerns we had a safe, enjoyable day in Acapulco. Cartegna was especially nice but the stay was short.

I have posted recently on the Panama Canal aspect on other Regent Threads. Our next will be this June 3rd on Navigator, LA to NYC. This will be the latest of several such journeys, both east to west, and west to east through the Canal on Regent ships, as well as one on Holland America and one on Princess.

And--we are signed up for that now-famous Explorer March 18, 2020 LA to Miami segment. Did this way-back in September. That was well-before the current booking "freeze", which began in December.

Not to worry--all will be revealed in the next few days. And, everyone will be happy, no matter on what vessel (Explorer or Splendor). We expect this particular segment will be another sell-out.

All previous sailings going back many years have emanated from, and arrived at a U.S. port. That is one aspect of our interest in an itinerary involving the Canal. Sailings began from either NYC (where our son and two of our grandchildren reside); from Miami (where my wife's brother and his family reside); or from LA. It is a short flight from Seattle to LA, when taking the west to east routing. Going east to west--we arrive early at either NYC or Miami to stay with relatives for a few days before either boarding. When going west to east, remain at Miami or NYC after leaving the ship.

No anxiety about transfers, and such. Also, the hotel(s) we have stayed at in LA before boarding have been first-class. When on Regent, we leave Seattle at least one day early (Concierge), to have the hotel and transfers included.

Now, as to other aspects of your query: Frankly, ports-of-call do not mean that much to us. We like extended days at sea on quiet seas. Have been fortunate. No matter the time of year (and, of course, cruise companies schedule this routing to minimize exposure to possible hurricanes during that "season") sea conditions have cooperated. Of course, this is no guarantee.

No particular ports stand out as not-to-miss, except Cabo San Lucas, and anywhere in the Grand Caymans. San Juan, Puerto Rico has been wonderful (except it continues to recover from the latest series of hurricanes).

As to mosquitoes: due to my health history related to prior military service, am acutely aware of potential hazards. That has NEVER been a factor on a Canal itinerary. No specific health advisories have been issued by either the Center for Disease Control, or inoculations/pills required by a cruise line. In contrast: did a Navigator May-June 2017 itinerary from Miami, south through the Caribbean, to Brazil and upstream to Manaus on the Amazon River; then backtracked to Miami. That trip required a Yellow Fever shot (or a Doctor's waiver); plus our doctor (a specialist in tropical diseases) prescribing a separate series of other inoculations; plus malaria pills, and so-on.

I would encourage folks to employ common sense as to clothing in tropical climes. We wear light-weight long-sleeve tops when off the ship(s), and long pants. Head cover, sun glasses, sun screen, and such. Take plenty of water bottles if on a tour. And--do not wander off on our own.

It never gets old when actually transiting the Canal. On-board lecturers always provide a history of Panama--Columbia--and the Canal (to include the trials and tribulations of the French, who first made the attempt in the1880s); and the politics of how Teddy Roosevelt ("I built the Canal.") connived to put the USA and the Army Corps of Engineers in charge of getting that particular "Ditch" dug to completion.

I would highly recommend reading David McCallum's "The Path Between the Seas" epic before boarding. Actually, I read that book during one of those trips. Not sure if we will be routed through the newest series of locks on this June's, or the 2020 cruise.

Hope this helps.

GOARMY!

Poss, we have done this cruise before. I'm like you the PC transit part, once you go thought one lock (to us) the next few are the same. The ports so so, but we're not tour people. We enjoy the ship and the cruise so this is perfect for us.

GOARMY - all was revealed yesterday. The March 18, 2020 cruise is now a couple of days early and will be on Splendor instead of Explorer (the same for the MIA - LAX.)

Poss, we enjoyed the Panama Canal crossing - it was quite interesting but agree that they are not the best ports in the world (but it depends upon what you like). For instance, we love Mexico so Cabo would be a good port for us. While I would not rate the Panal Canal amongst our favorite cruises, it is not one of the worst. We are on the LAX - MIA cruise (if we can someone get our “dead” booking from Explorer to the Splendor!

We, too, are booked on Explorer- LAX-MIA, March 2020. We booked this because it was on the Explorer. We love that ship. It is 16 days with lots days at sea to relax and enjoy. Been through the PC three times before this sailing. It's an interesting experience, when you know the history.

Almost like a repositioning cruise, but without having to fly to Europe. We live in Florida in the winter and have a son in LA. So it's great for us.

We are very excited about the switch to Splendor. We had planned to book a Splendor cruise for that summer/fall. Now, it's like a big surprise.

We hope that the transition will be smooth.

Sheila

All: Based on past experiences--I do not take anything to the bank until our TA confirms same.

That "revelation" will be conveyed very, very soon--officially. Frankly, expect to see our TA, or one of his/her Agency's representatives, at LA in March, 2020. Just-like we did at Miami back in March, 2017 when awaiting Explorer's departure, via Barcelona, to Venice in connection with Regent's 25th Anniversary series of celebrations. Explorer was then the latest addition to the Line. A series of great add-on experiences.

Here we go, hopefully, again at LA w/Splendor. However--still await confirmation.

Must consider--this is a really-big deal in the context of another one of those 1st World situations involving launching a 5+star ship. Not an everyday occurrence. Timing is everything.

Oh, BTW: Teddy also opined "I took Panama". He needed to "navigate" this action to assure the Canal would be completed in the newly-created Zone in Panama, and not further north in another Central American country. Just read the book.

Best.

GOARMY!

Thanks for the interesting responses. I'm making notes and of course am not at all surprised to hear differing views.

I do hope I get more feedback on the ports.

Happy sails to all.

The reason we are signed up for a Panama Canal cruise in 2020 (and it now seems this will be on the Splendor) is quite simply that on our last PC cruise in 2005 we learnt SO much about the canal, its history, frustrations and construction from a wonderful lecturer on the Mariner that we felt it was our most interesting cruise ever.

We also really loved the day at Puntarenas - we went to the Poas Volcano which was magnificent - and the Cordon Bleu cooking classes that we on the ship at the time (at least for me, not for Ken!)

That said: there is nothing in this world that beats going up or down the Pacific Coast of the Americas with the sunsets to the west and dolphins and flying fish in the water as you sip your evening drink.

And that - plus the canal, Nicaragua (where we have never been) and Guatemala (never been to the west coast) - is why we are going back. That this will be on the Splendor.... well! Just splendid!

Gerry

We loved our cruise from Miami to Lima which transited the Panama Canal. Our favorite port was Cartagena where we had an overnight—loved it. We also visited Curaçao. We have been there several times and love that island. The crossing through the canal was a highlight though. I enjoyed it more than I expected.

I am a huge mosquito magnet and didn’t see any the entire trip.

I have been through the Canal 3 times and found every time fascinating. The best transit was when we stopped in Panama City for the entire day and we took a private tour that took us from coast to coast. It was a great day.

I am also a misquito magnet and had no issues at all.

I highly recommend doing the Canal.

We, too, are booked on Explorer- LAX-MIA, March 2020. We booked this because it was on the Explorer. We love that ship. It is 16 days with lots days at sea to relax and enjoy. Been through the PC three times before this sailing. It's an interesting experience, when you know the history.

Almost like a repositioning cruise, but without having to fly to Europe. We live in Florida in the winter and have a son in LA. So it's great for us.

We are very excited about the switch to Splendor. We had planned to book a Splendor cruise for that summer/fall. Now, it's like a big surprise.

We hope that the transition will be smooth.

Sheila

I must have missed where it was explained about the switch to Splendor. Could you elaborate? What happened with the Explorer for those dates?

We are doing our first PC transit on the refurbed Mariner during our first of three legs sailing to Auckland this October (Miami to Honolulu). The cruise includes Havana, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Columbia, Guatemala, Mexico ports and stops in San Diego before sailing to Honolulu. This voyage works well for us having close friends visit the Mariner for lunch in San Diego.

Now part of Regent's new offers that include a 3 category suite upgrade.

Please see:

https://www.rssc.com/cruises/MAR181010/summary

We are doing our first PC transit on the refurbed Mariner during our first of three legs sailing to Auckland this October (Miami to Honolulu). The cruise includes Havana, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Columbia, Guatemala, Mexico ports and stops in San Diego before sailing to Honolulu. This voyage works well for us having close friends visit the Mariner for lunch in San Diego.

 

Now part of Regent's new offers that include a 3 category suite upgrade.

 

Please see:

 

https://www.rssc.com/cruises/MAR181010/summary

Wes:

We had close friends from San Diego area join us for lunch on the Explorer when we visited there in 2017 (a terrific reunion). The Regent people were super in helping access BUT the Port security personnel held up our friends' access for more than an hour. It may expedite the visit if you meet them at the on-shore security point.

Jim

I must have missed where it was explained about the switch to Splendor. Could you elaborate? What happened with the Explorer for those dates?

For ages now the two Panama Canal cruises in March 2020 have been listed as wait list only on the RSSC site. some of us (Travelcat, Bellagio Cruisers and me) are on these cruises...

Anyway "all is now revealed" ! The cruises have been shifted to slightly different dates, a little earlier than originally planned. The itineraries remain the same as before. The ship is now the Splendor instead of the Explorer. We are waiting to see our new bookings. Tomorrow these should be sorted out for those of us who are already booked and then on Thursday (12 April) booking is open to the public. Prices are a bit higher than on the original Explorer cruises but one expected that with the new ship. However for those of us who are already booked our previous fares are being honoured. Which is great! :D:D:D

The Miami/LA cruise now leaves 25 Feb and gets to LA 12 March. LA to Miami leaves 14 March and arrives Miami 30 March.

The Explorer will do two Caribbean itineraries before heading off to Europe as planned. Those itineraries haven't been announced but on the RSSC German site the map of Caribbean ports is there for all to see!! That might be an "oops moment" - I don't know.

I must have missed where it was explained about the switch to Splendor. Could you elaborate? What happened with the Explorer for those dates?

Gerry explained it all above. We booked Explorer for this sailing in September. We were “on hold” with Regent since December. We had so many conflicting stories as to why. But when the Splendor itinerary was released, we realized what was happening. Then last week we received a letter from Regent with the switch details. We are so excited to be able to have this opportunity.

Look forward to seeing you in August on our exciting journey. Hugs to Crystal.

Sheila

Do I mind even one bit that my original questions have to a certain extent gotten lost in the Explorer/Splendor back-and-forthing? Nope — not one bit! :D Especially as the posts have been from old CC friends, who've helped so much in the past. And, of course, with the recognition that I've certainly done same in others' postings. I'm very glad that the long-baffling E/S situation seems to have resolved to everyone's liking. That's great!!

Meanwhile, Gerry and Rachel and 1982 and Wes — thanks a bunch for your feedback. I feel more interested in a Canal itinerary than I did to start and will hope to book one of the cruises if we and the world hold more or less steady.

Poss, you're very welcome; wanted to share this year's Mariner PC voyage as it begins in FL.

DeepFreeze63, thanks so much for the helpful San Diego port information. We will now plan to meet our friends at the security point with Regent documentation giving them approval to board.

To have a memorable crossing, any side offer better experience?if looking from our balcony? Thank you for sharing your experience.

Side of the ship doesn’t really matter through the Panama Canal. We were up top to get the best views from all sides for a lot of the time. You go through the first set of locks where you definitely want to be outside to see well. Then you sort of camp out in Gatun Lake, with not a lot to see. Then through some more locks where again it is best to be outside.

Having done this "crossing" both east to west and west to east--the latest post says it all. Unless a mobility issue limits movement, suggest going outside your suite, and veranda. View this day-long event (always during the day) at whatever Observation Lounge is available--if outside heat is an issue. Otherwise, just walk around an exterior deck.

There will be the onboard Lecturer, who will have prepped all-aboard during several earlier appearances in the ship's Theater, on the loudspeaker giving highlights of what you are seeing in real time.

And, the larger the ship, the closer the experience. Well-recall on a Princess ship clearance distance between our vessel and a particular canal lock wall was, eh, close. Like, really-close. Dramatic. Just-waved at the on-shore personnel manning various tracked "cars" assisting safe transit through that particular lock. Up, and down; or down, and up. Calm water and safe movement. They always waved back.

On smaller Regent ships--not so much as to a close scrape. But still, This is the time to spend about 12 hours soaking in the experience on an outside deck. If restricted to one's balcony: no worry, just tune-in the Lecturer's real-time comments on the ship's channel. Every time for us has been a bit-different, but consistent as to interest.

Hope to see some of you on June 3rd, when we sail-away on Navigator from LA, via Canal, to NYC.

Then, yet-again, March 2020 on Splendor from LA via Canal to Miami.

Best.

GOARMY!

I know this sounds odd, but because of a timing problem we when through the canal at night. It really was nice, in fact I enjoyed it better during the night than the day. Its was kind of magical with all the lights. We're going to do it again next week, day time again. We enjoy being on the ship which is why we're doing it again.

Never done a night crossing. Perhaps, the smaller the vessel, the less any risk at night.

Anyway, ships are totally-tethered. No wandering though a lock. Total control.

GOARMY!

Never done a night crossing. Perhaps, the smaller the vessel, the less any risk at night.

Anyway, ships are totally-tethered. No wandering though a lock. Total control.

 

Have to say it really surprised me how fun it was at night. A whole different look. We had no say so, it just happened because of a mix up in the schedule.