Amazing Panama Canal

Author: Carolyn A.
Date of Trip: October 2010

This was the day, the day we had waited for and it did not disappoint. We dressed quickly and headed for the bow on deck 10. There were about a dozen people there ahead of us; we had a magnificent view as daylight approached. The lights of the city shone brightly. The calm waters around us were filled with ships waiting for there turn for passage. As amazing as this was Mother Nature added her own special touch. The clouds were thick and low and the sky kept filling with brilliant flashes of lightning. The flashes of light would back light the clouds. It was absolutely magical. It was almost as if nature was applauding the amazing accomplishment of the men who built this and was paying tribute to the thousands of men who had paid the ultimate sacrifice to see this completed.

We sailed under the bridge of the Americas just as dawn broke. It was so amazing to see. Dr Ryan began narrating the passage a few minutes after 5:15 and he continued through out the day. He made us aware of all of the history and the flora and fauna of the area. He was wonderful.

The day continued with each lock and each rising and lowering of the ship being more magnificent than the one before. We stood for hours savouring every moment. We exited the canal and entered the Caribbean Sea at three o’clock in the afternoon. Ten amazing and unforgettable hours had come to an all too soon end. But the wonderful part for us was the fact that we would be doing it all again. We were booked for the return trip. Our dream would come true TWICE and this is definitely marked off of our bucket list! Thank You Princess.