Panama Canal vs Caribbean

[cruisinfromBC]

Looking for suggestions for a 10 day +/- cruise. Can't decide between Panama Canal or the Caribbean (again). We have sailed twice with Celebrity, first cruise was out of Ft Lauderdale on the Solstice, which we loved. Second cruise was out of San Juan on the Summit..not so good. Looking to travel in mid October to early December. Would prefer a newer ship as we found the Summit a bit worn down after being on the Solstice. Wouldn't mind trying another cruise line?? :)

[Putterdude]

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

 

A full transit Panama cruise is a wonderful experience and one we hope to do again soon but with your time frame you will be going in what is referred to as the "rainy season". I think I would stick to a Caribbean cruise in the the time frame you have set out. We have done several cruises in the Caribbean with Princess, the Grand, the Ruby and the Crown, all with good results. We are doing one this January on the Constellation just for a change of venue...she has been fully redone and people speak very highly of her. I believe the Emerald Princess is doing some 10 itineraries in the Caribbean this year.

[cruisinfromBC]

Thank you!! We get more than enough rain in Vancouver so last thing I want on a vacation is more of the same..lol. Guess I start looking at the Caribbean again.

[STARFISH*4]

we did full transit Panama Canal first 2 weeks of December and the weather was fine...only rained thru one of the locks which was very welcomed from the heat--we would go again at this time.

[tmitchell82]

I would do the Panama Canal. There is something to be said for cruise through one of the wonders of the world. We did the 10 day round trip partial transit on Princess. Got both the Caribbean and the Canal all in one cruse. It can be the rainy season in the timeframes you specified, but there is never really a completely dry season there.

[navybankerteacher]

Look at HAL's Zuiderdam - 10 and 11 day cruises fro Fort Lauderdale with half transit of the canal -- giving a good taste of the experience -- while also giiving Caribbean flavor with stops at Aruba and Curacao - plus one or two other ports.

[Keith1010]

I would do the Panama Canal.

 

We've done this a few times and for the time frame you mentioned it was in early November. The temperature was more moderate. Since you've done the Caribbean twice, it would provide a nice opportunity to see other ports and also transit the canal.

 

Keith

[cruisinfromBC]

Yes, I did see the Zuiderdam one and thought that looked pretty good. Just not sure what the ship it like?? We are in our late 40's and my husband still likes the night life. Would he find the HAL boring?

[navybankerteacher]

Yes, I did see the Zuiderdam one and thought that looked pretty good. Just not sure what the ship it like?? We are in our late 40's and my husband still likes the night life. Would he find the HAL boring?

 

HAL ships are not as "lively" as Carnival's - but I believe there is enough going on -- the service and food are distinctly better than that on other lines, and the ships are less glitzy - with more traditional design and layout. If a very active nightlife is important, HAL might not be the best choice - but in all other respects: far superior. You are the best judge of the overall experience you want.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done the Zuiderdam partial Panama Canal cruise --it is a nice introduction to the operation of the locks.

 

We have done several full transit canal cruises -- really love them.

 

There is night life on the Zuiderdam -- Casino -- Northern Lights for disco dancing -- Ocean Bar for dancing -- etc.

[cruiseapril]

If you do take another Caribbean cruise, you might consider the HAL Noordam which has some very good 10 day itineraries. Plenty to do day and night on this ship.