A cruise holiday is often seen as the perfect escape, but according to travel expert Gary Bembridge on his Tips for Travellers podcast, there are pitfalls to avoid, especially when navigating the Panama Canal. He points out: "There is not just one Panama Canal to transit but two quite different routes."
The route a cruise ship takes is determined by its size, which Gary highlights as a "huge issue," noting that the experience can vary significantly between the two paths.
Larger modern vessels like Cunard's Queen Mary II and Celebrity Edge Class ships typically use the newer, wider Panama Canal, explains Gary.
However, he believes that the original canal, dating back to 1914, provides the most stunning views. "In my view," Gary remarks, "the original 1914 canal is the canal to go through...it's the most dramatic, visually interesting and has an incredible history and story to discover."
He advises those who have the Panama Canal on their bucket list to thoroughly research their chosen ship to ensure they get the most out of the journey, reports the Express.
Gary warns that cruise lines may not always disclose which part of the canal they will use, so it's crucial to check the size of the ship before booking.
If your vessel is Panamax size or smaller, it's likely to traverse the original, narrower canal, offering an up-close view of dry land that's simply awe-inspiring.
He recommends cruise lines such as Regent, Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Viking, Oceania, Azamara, and Windstar for their reliability.
Former passengers often share valuable tips on Facebook groups about which ships will navigate each canal section.
These online communities are also a treasure trove for advice on which ships provide the most stunning views and photo ops while sailing through this iconic waterway.
Gary confesses that even with his extensive cruising experience, he missed out on the best sights during his latest journey through the canal: "You want to go on a ship which has the best places to do viewings – especially those forward facing and in open air, so not behind by glass."
He laments his recent trip on the Regent Grandeur, acknowledging his oversight in not verifying the viewing options beforehand.
Gary emphasises that not all Panama Canal cruises offer the same experience, advising to opt for a full 14-day voyage for the complete adventure: "They tend to take place at the start and end of the Alaska season as ships move to and from the Caribbean, as part of World or Grand Voyages," he notes.
Gary explains that for those eager to experience the Panama Canal while enjoying a mix of Caribbean destinations, there are "partial" canal transit voyages available: "If you want to get a taste of the Panama Canal but mostly want a Southern and West Caribbean cruise, you can do partial transit cruise out of Florida... these have a mix of Caribbean ports and head up the Gatun Locks, turn around in the Gatun Lake and come back down."
Mini cruises also offer travellers a brief taste of the historic waterway, while leaning more towards western Caribbean explorations.
To fully appreciate the Panama Canal adventure, Gary suggests some pre-trip homework on its fascinating, and deadly history. However, he emphasises practical tips too: "There are some key things to pack."
He advises holidaymakers: "You're going to be outside for a long time. It's hot, it's sticky, and you can get very sunburnt. So take a hat, ideally with a brim all the way around, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes suitable for a hot humid day with comfy shoes."
He warns not to skimp on the sunscreen, sharing his own lesson after returning from a recent journey badly sunburned.
For capturing those picture-perfect moments, he recommends ensuring your phone has ample storage space and bringing an external battery pack to avoid missing out whilst it charges back in the cabin.
And for enthusiasts taking a dedicated camera along, he doesn't forget to mention packing an extra memory card or two.
Gary has three key tips for those planning their holiday. He suggests attending the daily itinerary talk, which is crucial for meal planning and securing the best viewing spots before the crowds arrive.
He also advises not to stay in one place. As the journey progresses, different areas will offer the best views of the impressive lock gates opening and closing.
Lastly, Gary emphasises the importance of knowing what you can afford to miss: "When you go through the Gatun Lake and Culebra Cut, don't really worry about being out all the time," he says. "It's interesting, but less to see and so good for downtime, resting and eating."
