When is the best time to go?

[ap0805]

We are planning a trip Feb 2008 to the Panama Canal with RCCL. Wondering what the waters will be like? I have read several messages but most are about the longer trip from East coast to West cost or vice versa.

We were thinking of leaving from Florida and coming back to FL (10 day trip). Any of you have any problems with the ship rocking? I know it's hard to determine what the whether would be like but any information any of you could or would share.:)

 

Thanks to all who share their experiences, it does help those of us who haven't been out there yet. Thanks again:p

[BillB48]

We did the 10 day partial transit of the Canal on the Brilliance of the Seas this past February. All in all it was a smooth trip and there was only one day that was rainy but not rough. Having said all that, it doesn't have any bearing on what the weather/seas will be like next February or even next week for that matter. That time of year is a good time for the Caribbean, there are generally few organized tropical systems to stir up the waters. There is always the chance of rain and of course there is plenty of humidity for your sweating pleasure! Just be aware that some people are very sensitive to movement of the ship even in calm waters. Just be sure you bring along some sort of seasick remedy to use until you get your "sealegs."

 

In short the trip was great, in fact we have booked the same ship for the 11 day partial Canal transit in March 08. They have changed the itineray somewhat so it won't be the same cruise.

[LHT28]

We left MIA for a full transit in January ...there was a storm system in the Caribbean and we had rough seas from Grand Cayman to Cartegena...36 hours of bumpy ride

 

We did the reverse cruise in Feb & the seas were fine all the way

 

You just take your chances

[AlvaroLuis]

For some reason (currents & wind) it is usually a smoother ride coming from an Easterly port toward Cristobal, as opposed to going the other way around. In any case, it's dry season in Jan-Feb so the possibility of rain will be minimal.