My day on the Panama Canal

Doesn't time fly, well just a week ago I was sat in the sun going through the Panama Canal, and today I am back in work!

I did say in my blog about the canal on 30th January that I would try to get some photo's up when I got back, so before I write a review of the cruise I thought I would give you a quick review of my shore excursion.

So as a port Colon Panama does not have a massive amount going for it, well last Sunday about 80% of the passengers on Celebrity Equinox were in the Theatre trying to get away on an excursion of 1 kind or another, with approximately 450 people travelling to canal to do the same excursion as us.


So first by coach, and there were 10 of them, taken to the Dredging division of the Canal just before the start of the Gailard Cut. Then we went through the Pedro Migel and Miraflores locks to the Pacific Ocean, before returning to Colon by coach.

With so many people we were on 2 smaller trip boats, we got the best of the 2, early 20th Century boat with about 75 people on board - the Isalmorada.  A bit of history, she was once owned by Al Capone and used to run alcholol from Cuba in the prohibition!

Not only was the boat excellent, so was our guide, Uncle Marty, a Panamanian with a smooth American accent who was a mine of useful information about the boat, the canal and many other things during the day. In fact did you know, that the original plans were for smaller locks but were changed to allow 2 boats then being built to get through, an American warship, the Pennsylvania and an early cruise ship that never actually made it, the Titanic!

So if you have been on a canal or even a river cruise the locks work in the same way to change the level of water and raise or lower the ship it is just the size which is so different. Its strange to see an Ocean going cargo ship moving through the landscape!

So just a few photos:-

A car transporter in the Pedro Migel Locks

The next few photos show the opening of the Miraflores locks, notice the double doors in the first stage then the bottom door opening to the Pacific side.

The interesting thing, as the last door opens saltwater from the Pacific meets freshwater from the canal and is an excellent feeding place for Pelicans. 2 spotted waiting for the gates to open and get their rich pickings!

The canal has been operating for nearly 100 years, and when that milestone is reached the new locks they are now building will allow larger ships to use the Canal. Panama is spending nearly US$5 billion and you can just see the construction work close to the Pacific locks.

If you want to be geeky, well we all do at times, why not follow the link to the live webcams on the canal.

So was it worth it? I think so and the bonus for me was that being on a small boat we got to see the locks and see some of the feats of engineering that brought this place to life. An excellent day out.

Can you get away with 23 kilos of luggage?

I was just finishing packing my bag last night ready for my trip to the Caribbean, and trying to see how I could get everything there I needed within the luggage allowance from the airline.

Well having checked carefully, as I going on Celebrity Equinox this time there are no Self Service Laundrettes on board, just the same as most of the American lines, Royal, NCL and Holland America so I will be subject to the usual extortionate laundry charges. How different is Princess, with facilities available on ship - must be because it was once owned by P&O?

At least when I was Norwegian Epic they left a bag near the end of the cruise, they would wash and iron a full bag for $25; considering the normal price this was a bargain and one we did use.

Additionally, there will be no irons available to use, without the usual fee and that will definitely be to heavy to carry onto the plane. I do at least like to put on a shirt that has been ironed before I go out to dine in the evening.

So, think I might try Wal Mart, Home Depot or Walgreens while I am in Miami to buy one to take on board, but will Celebrity's security screen catch it?

Well, you are going to have to wait to find out, but rest assured when I get back I will give you the low down!

Travel Insurance - do I really need it?

I will make no apologies  about highlighting this subject again, especially with recent events. If you want to read my previous post click here.
I know how annoying it can be when a situation arises on board your cruise, you have the insurance in place and you think 'great I'm covered for all circumstances'. But then, when you do make a claim the insurance company says 'Not covered under our policy', so you are now doubly upset!

But, did you know that you can take out a policy that covers you specifically for cruises? You will get all the usual cover but you get the all important extras that a normal policy will not cover you for.

What are the extra benefits of the cruise specific policy?
 - Missed departure on the outward journey
Say you get stuck in traffic on the Motorway ahead of you, or if you miss the ship because of Strike, industrial action or adverse weather
 - Missed port departure
Cover for expenses to make the next port of departure, accommodation and travel to join your ship if you fail to arrive at your international departure point because of being  stuck in traffic on the Motorway ahead of you, or if you miss the ship because of Strike, industrial action or adverse weather
 - Cruise cabin confinement
You become ill on the ship and you can not leave the cabin and missing out on the ports of call
 - Unused cruise excursions
- Cruise itinerary change (whilst you are on board)

The policy may be that bit more expensive than the standard policy, but its not a lot more and sometimes it may be worth comparing the 2 as for just a little extra the level of cover may suit your needs better.

This is just a brief summary and of course my comments above are not substitute for the full terms and conditions and these can be provided if you ask.

So if you still need to arrange insurance for your cruise give me a call, of course you do not have to of booked your cruise through www.cruise.co.uk to be able to take advantage of the policy.