Confused about Panama Canal stop for RCCL Jewel of the Seas

[terryde]

We are on the Jewel cruise Jan 14 2011 and will be visiting the Panama canal. I am confused if the ship actually goes through the locks or not. If not, what is the best excursion to see the operation of the locks?

[BillB48]

The Jewel only stops in Colon and does not enter the Canal proper. The tour referenced below is a partial transit of the Pacific Locks, this would probably be your best bet to see the Canal. CO 26 is RCI's number for the partial transit tour. It was in response to a similar question, let me know if you have any questions.

 

The CO 26 tour is a partial transit through the Pacific Locks and Gaillard Cut. This really is the part of the Canal with a little more "eye candy." Usually you are bussed to Balboa where you will board your boat, sailing in the Pacific channel you will go under the Bridge of the Americas and then on to the first set of locks, Miralfores. After leaving Miraflores you will sail across one of the two artificial lakes in the Canal, (Miraflores Lake) it's only about a mile to the second set of locks, Pedro Miguel. After leaving Pedro Miguel you will be in the Gaillard Cut which is part of Gatun Lake, the other artificial lake. This is where the bulk of the excavation took place in both the French and U.S. construction eras. An added benefit is you will also be able to get a good look at the excavation in progress for the new set of locks for the Canal expansion. The passage through the Cut will take you under the spectacular Centennial Bridge on your way to Gamboa. Sometimes they can run this excursion in the reverse order.

 

 

Here is the thread.... http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=26895152#post26895152