For those of you who might be doing a canal cruise, this Princess ship is going thru the canal now.



Coral Princess cam

They sure don't appear to be going very fast ;)

Not fast at all. Guess the process takes time. I think I'd be bored after the first hour.

It does take most of a day to transit the canal, but there are really three stages - so while you can come and go from activily watching the ship's progress it's not always the same. I found the "cut" the most interesting, and of course the locks. You can watch the other channel raise and lower to really see what the process is. With a good narrator you learn many amazing details.

We've been through the canal 4 times and each time I find it fascinating. It really is a marvel. And if you have a chance, read The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914 by David Mccullough

[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TwAAAFUYvNtbOsNSb9TH8Hn*Qkp2b2DJJ3jGRoJz3Kluhz4GKQ4UAESqAzoYDRtV6BrE!x5QDENu0zOd6!QvFSH51MYvlDMSaSrempGUeeyO8ZqczjX6bQ/path%20between.gif?dc=4675461323207515810[/img]

We went through the canal on Legend of the Seas, and Mark was bored into oblivion. Our narrator wasn't born to be a public speaker. The eight hours of "Ledies and Gennelmen" caused our dinner table some great amusement that night; we were highly irreverent.

I can't get him to even consider another transit.

Funny, Pam, I'd have fit right in at dinner!

I haven't been through the Canal, but I do think it is the one cruise I could talk my husband into taking. Although not his profession, he loves architecture & engineering type things. In fact, this was the only cruise my parents ever took - my dad was an engineer & he was enthralled. Ans I must second the motion regarding the book. It is excellent.

Betty

So far I can't talk Dad into going. I'd love to go - we make the wire rope that the locomotives use in the locks. Hey - this could turn into a business trip. Surely they won't mind if I take the scenic route to get there!! :D ;)

Sue:

Surely you need to make an "on site inspection"! The mules are really amazing to watch.

Mules? My minds eye is picturing a poor team of buros dragging the giant ships through. Surely this is the product of an overactive imigination, no?

Robert:

At one time there were mules...or so it goes. Of course now they have locomotives. But they still use a small boat rowed out to meet the ships and attach the line that connects to the "mules"!

I figured as much just thought I was being cute. BUt I do appreciate you taking the time to answer. I know how busy you are at the mo.

Robert:

I just did a quick google....the mules have always been locomotives, even back in 1913 - the first built by G.E. Now the newer version are built in Japan. Sorry for the misinformation - I must have had a senior "moment"!

Just did the Canal on Voyager over New Years and thoroughly enjoyed it. Was not bored at all; far from it. Get yourself a seat outside at La Verandah and just enjoy. It takes @ 2-2 1/2 hours to go thru the 3 Gatun locks. Then you usually have 3-4 hours at the Gatun Yacht Club on RSSC. The approach to the middle locks is very scenic. If you're coming from the Pacific side the Miraflores locks would replace the Gatun locks. Don't miss the entire transit of one or the other set!