Opinion on Excursion (Panama Canal Experience) with NCL ... Why We Should/Shouldn't Take It

[ajtraveler66]

We will be on the NCL Bliss in January and will port at Panama Canal Pacific Cruise Terminal.

 

From what I understand, there are two ways to cross the canal, and since we're on the Bliss (a bigger ship) we will not pass through the original canal.  (I may have this all wrong).

 

We are trying to decide what excursion to take.  Going to Panama City looks like it might be a nice one.  But then, some have said that since we are not passing through the original canal, that we might want to consider an excursion that lets us see the original at work.  Is the excursion below what they are talking about?... and is it really worth it since we'll be passing through the newer canal.

 

Since we're at this cruise terminal for more than a day, is it possible to take more than one excursion?

 

https://www.ncl.com/shore-excursions/PCT_01/Panama-Canal-Experience?destination=Panama+Canal+Cruises&port=PCT&sort=searchWeight&sortOrder=asc&perPage=12

 

[BillB48]

21 minutes ago, ajtraveler66 said:

rom what I understand, there are two ways to cross the canal, and since we're on the Bliss (a bigger ship) we will not pass through the original canal.  (I may have this all wrong).

 

What will be different in the Bliss's Canal transit will be the locks used.  Other than using the new, larger locks the transit will be in the original Canal.  The new locks and the original locks are only separated by a short distance and are within sight of each other.  The bottom line is there are about 4 miles of the "new" Canal that are different from the original 50 mile Canal.  The sights that you will see are essentially not any different than going through the original locks.

 

29 minutes ago, ajtraveler66 said:

We are trying to decide what excursion to take.  Going to Panama City looks like it might be a nice one.  But then, some have said that since we are not passing through the original canal, that we might want to consider an excursion that lets us see the original at work

Choosing this excursion will take you through the original locks where you could experience the operation, however the rest of the transit route will be a repeat of the Bliss's Canal transit.

 

I assume you are thinking of visiting the section of Panama City known as Casco Antiguo.  This is the old walled portion of the City that was founded after Henry Morgan sacked Panama Viejo.  MAny interesting sights, Church of the Golden Altar, ruins of the Church of Santo Domingo (flat arch), Plaza Francia and Las Bovedas. 

 

Believe your ship arrives late in the day on the first day, so not sure if there will be any usable time for an excursion then or not.  However it may be possible to combine a shore side visit to Miraflores Locks to view the operation as well as visit Casco Antiguo.

[ajtraveler66]

Thanks BillB48.  Most helpful.  

[nansi]

On 7/20/2023 at 9:57 AM, BillB48 said:

However it may be possible to combine a shore side visit to Miraflores Locks to view the operation as well as visit Casco Antiguo.

You might want to check on the Miraflores website. Right now it looks like the museum and exhibition hall is closed and the only thing open will be the locks (obviously) and the iMax theatre for a movie. They don't give an re-opening date, but that may change by the time you sail.