Originally, the Panama Canal was built to shorten the travel time needed to ship to cross the Atlantic and Pacific. Opened on 15 ships in August 1914 and is now estimated to spend at least 13,000 merchant ships annually.Since commercial use, the canal has become an exotic destination for those who want to travel a great channel. There are numerous cruises offered and vary the length of stay, ports and the cruise will take different paths through the channel. Whatever cruise you choose, it will be a memorable vacation that will not be forgotten.
You can choose to embark on your cruise form various different locations. You can leave from Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans. Because of the many departure points this makes it very convenient to take a Panama Canal Cruise.
No matter were you start your cruise you will be taken across the full length of the canal that will include breathtaking views of an incredible engineering accomplishment while affording you many tour options along the canal. You can Kayak or Sail on Lake Gatun, you can schedule visits to the canal railroad which highlights sites along the canal and takes you through miles of Central Rain forest.
There are six large locks along the canal that lift up the ships form sea level up to eighty five feet and then smoothly lower it. Sometimes there are only inches to spare on each side and this is a site that each of us should experience once in our lifetime.
There was a time when Panama Cruises were thought to be for the old and rich. Now cruises are available for all ages and pocketbooks. The next time you are thinking of taking a cruise make sure you include the Panama Canal as one of your options.
