Ahhh, Panama!

The short video below highlights our transit of the Panama Canal from the Atlantic to the Pacific aboard the cruise ship Norwegian Gem. I think for most passengers, including myself and my wife, transiting the canal was the reason we picked this particular cruise. Lots of cruises go through one ocean's set of locks into Gatun Lake and then turn around but we wanted to go all the way through.

Transiting the canal was an all day affair. We were up before dawn and we finally reached the Pacific late afternoon. Kudos to my better half for being such a trooper as she really never left the forward viewing deck the entire day. Panama in January is hot and I give Norwegian Cruise Lines for taking mighty good care of us. During the day they made sure to provide ice cold wash cloths to cool our heads, ice cold beverages to cool our throats, and even lunch was served on the viewing deck during this special day.

I'm reading about the turmoil the Chinese corona virus is now causing for the cruise lines and their passengers. Both Norwegian and Royal Caribbean are quarantining thousands of passengers as well as prohibiting Chinese nationals from boarding their ships. Its quite a mess (picture being told to stay in your cabin for 14 days while meals are brought to you once a day) and thank goodness we didn't have to experience anything remotely close to what is happening now. Interestingly, on our first cruise several years ago, Royal Caribbean delayed our ship's (the Legend of the Seas) departure six hours while they disinfected the entire vessel after several passengers on the prior cruise had exhibited symptoms of Legionnaire's disease.

Regardless, transiting the Panama Canal is a trip of a lifetime and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have been able to do it. The history behind, and the blood, sweat, and tears - and yes, thousands of deaths - that went into its construction, bear witness to how important the Canal has played since its completion a century ago.

Put this one on your bucket list!