Ocean to Ocean by boat

[cruiseescape]

Has anyone ever done Ocean to Ocean by boat?? We are scheduled to do that on our cruise. Coral Princess - Oct 15, 2005 :)

[Phyljim]

We took the Ocean to Ocean from the Grand Princess last New Years cruise. It was a great trip. On the bus trip to and from the ferry, we had a great guide, that was full of information on the local areas we passed through. On the ride after the ferry trip, she had a wonderful film about the building of the canal they showed on the bus ride back. She said it was her personal film, not all the buses had it. We don't know about that, but she made us feel special.

 

Ferry itself was comfortable. Everybody had a place to sit. Some areas enclosed and had AC. Mostly open deck with a good percentage of it covered. They served big hoagie sandwiches, and there were beverages available. Was a great day.

 

We felt we had a better view of the canal passing through in a small ship...felt we could see more. Was a fascinating day. Plan on weather being hot, dress accordingly. Sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.

 

And do Enjoy!

[Nitemare]

Scroll down and back a few pages here. There are dozens of reviews of this excursion, pretty much all give it an A+

[DonLou]

We did the "Ocean to Ocean" last February. At Gatun Lake we tendered onto a bus which took us to about the midway point of the canal. From there we boarded a ferry which took us almost all the way to Panama City. After the ferry, the bus took us back to Cristobal Pier where the ship was docked.

 

What was good about the ferry was going up and down through two sets of locks that you can really feel and see (unlike on the cruise ship). We were tied to the side of the locks when this was happening and could touch the walls as the water receded. The guide said that if we touched the walls of the canal, we would be married to our spouses forever! Probably a myth, huh?:rolleyes: My wife made me touch the walls anyway.:p

 

It was very hot outside but the ferry had an air conditioned inside space. I thought the excursion was expensive but well worth it.

[mii]

Another vote for the Ocean to ocean tour. Like Nitemare said scroll down and go back eith a page or two. There is all sorts of info on that excursion.

 

Marilyn

[cruiseescape]

Thanks everybody! I did take a quick look I guess I missed them the first time. DonLou thanks for the info it will be our honeymoon so you know I am going to make my honey touch the walls too! Just to be safe. :)

[whale-watcher]

Has anyone taken this small-boat tour with children? We would love to see how the locks work, up close and personal, but I am wondering if this tour would be too long and hot (our youngest is 7), and whether we might be better off with another option (such as the Indian village...or perhaps staying on board and watching the locks again from the coral princess as we exit Gatun lake)...would love to hear from anyone who has taken kids on this excursion. Thanks!