which side on HAL Volendam?

[synet165]

We are thinking of taking an 4/8 cruise on the Volendam which leaves out of Ft. Lauderdale goes to Aruba and Curacao and returns thru the canal to Costa Rica. Does anyone know which side is better for viewing the locks, port or starboard. I would appreciate a prompt answer as I have an appointment with the TA on Monday.

Thanks

synet165:)

[BillB48]

As far as the locks are concerned, there is absolutely no better side of the ship your cabin to be on. At Gatun Locks you can lock up either the east or west side, if you are on a partial transit you may lock back down either side. If you are on a complete transit it still will be the luck of the draw as to which side your ship will lock down. Trying to figure out the "better" side to book is not really possible. Your best views will be from the deck of the ship, particularly forward and aft. Hint: If you are on a partial transit, there is a lot more room on deck for the lockage back down to Cristobal since many passengers will have left the ship for tours.

 

Hope you enjoy your cruise.

[cruising online]

Even if you have a suite, you don't want to stay in it during your transit. There is no one "best" place to be! The best place to be is all over the ship! You'll want to be on the prom deck where you can almost reach out and touch the walls of the canal, and you'll want to be on the stern as you go under the Centennial Bridge, and be on the bow when you're entering the locks, yada yada yada. Transiting the canal you are in narrow areas where the view is the same on both sides. When you are coming along the Costa Rican coast the ship stays in international waters to keep the casino going, so there is really no difference in view.

[Palm Beacher]

We're doing our second partial panama canal cruise in just 96 days and to me it doesn't really matter which side of the ship you're on. I agree with "cruising online" and "BillB48", you want to be out on the stern of the ship when you reach the canal to fulling experience the canal. It's truly wonderful.

 

I would recommend a suite or a balcony.