Question re: Panama Canal & Zuiderdam

[NelleS]

Good morning!

 

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this question, but DH wants me to confirm:

 

On her 10-day cruise to Panama, does the Zuiderdam actually go through any locks? HAL's site says the ship goes into Gatun Lake, which mean the ship MUST go through some locks. But a friend recently took this cruise, and said NO - no locks.

 

DH & I live in FL and a FLL r/t cruise to the Canal sounds perfect.

 

TIA,

Ellen

[fann1sh]

Yes: there will be one set of locks. Other lines don't, but HAL still locks through the Gatun locks. If you wish, you can book the shore excursion, "Canal Experience" which takes you through all the locks on a small ferry (back by bus). There are tons of other tour options - but you must book a HAL excursion to leave the ship. Or, you can stay aboard, and lock back through the Gatun locks and have a peaceful day on Zuiderdam.

[Mary Ellen]

There is NO other way for a ship to enter Gatun Lake but the locks. You do enter them early in the morning. Maybe your friend slept through that and was doing something else when the ship exited??

[planobob]

As the previous posted have stated you will enter Gatun Lake through the Gatun Locks; Google Panama Canal and you will have a wealth of information available.

 

Bob

[NelleS]

Thank you!

[seacruise9]

Hi,

 

We did the Zuiderdam's Panama Canal cruise this past December. You go through a set of locks early in the morning. You can then leave the ship by tender to do shore excursions or remain on the ship as it goes back through the locks. We did the train ride across to the other side of Panama.

 

I really liked this itinerary. Nice ports and the right number of sea days.

 

Chuck

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have also done the 10 day Zuiderdam partial Panama Canal cruise.

The ship started to line up at 5:30 in the morning to proceed through the outer waters for the approach to the locks.

Be out on the bow to see the locks as you go through them.

Also try a Pamana Bun -- YUM!!