how does a partial transit work with cruiseline excursions?

[chris153]

We are on the Emerald princess in November.  It only does a partial transit through the new locks. Wanted to experience old locks as well.  When I look at times in port excursions are confusing.  Do they take you off the ship before it goes throught the new locks?  Then after your excursions (choosing one going through old locks on a tour boat)  You get back on ship.  BUT THEN, does the ship go back through the new locks? on its way back to Fort Lauderdale? Any help is greatly appreciated.  Really want to go through locks on ship, but also want to do old locks. 

[Essiesmom]

The ship will lock up into Gatun Lake via the new (Agua Clara) locks, tender excursion participants off to the Gatun Yacht Club where you will meet your excursions.  While you are on the excursions, the ship will lock back down and sail to Colon where it will retrieve excursion participants.  EM

[BillB48]

Your partial transit cruise on the Emerald gives you an excellent opportunity to experience both the new locks and the original locks when you take the Panama Canal and Locks Transit by Boat excursion.  The bus ride to and from the excursion also provides a look at some of the country side as well as a great view of the Panama City skyline.  The only down side to a partial transit cruise is that you may be tempted to book a full canal cruise.  If you do, I would recommend booking a cruise that uses the original locks.