Canal-Railroad vs Ferry Excursion input

[Lydia B.]

Happy New Year to Everyone.

Looking for some input. Down to deciding between two excursions for the Panama Canal tour. Our NCL ship only goes half way through the canal.

 

But we can either do the RR excursion which has history and runs parallel to the Canal

OR

Do the Ferry that takes us to the Pacific via the canal.

For those who have done one or the other, or have heard some feedback, can you please let me know your choice and why?

 

Thanks so much, Lydia of Ohio

[cb at sea]

I guess it's up to YOU how much and what you want to see. I found that going thru a few locks (along with the commentary from the Navigator onboard) gave me enough overview to make me happy!

 

The excursions are VERY lengthy...and it's ungodly hot....

[BillB48]

Happy New Year and here's hoping the cold country isn't too cold!

 

Looking at the PRR, there certainly is a whole lot of history there being the first transcontinental railroad... we use to say it was the fastest, but that is not entirely correct. It is the quickest in any event!! Even long before the railroad was instrumental in the building of the Canal, it was a very important link in the transportation to California.

 

If you are expecting to see much of the Canal from the train on the railroad excursion, that will be a disappointment. While the RR does cross Gatun Lake via causeways that connect various small islands, much of that portion of the route the Canal proper is off in the distance. The RR does follow the main channel of the Canal for about 5 miles near Gamboa where it crosses the Chagres River. To have a good view of the Canal at this point you will have to ensure your choose the correct side of the train. The Canal and Pacific Locks are visible for a short time after the train crosses the Continental Divide, which is near the Pacific terminus of the RR. Often the excursion is operated in the following manner, train to the Pacific side, then return to Colon to rejoin the ship by bus.

 

I would like to point out that your ship really does not go half way through the Canal. I actually only travels about 8 miles of the 50 mile Canal. I am not doing this to be petty, but only to say there is a lot of the Canal you will miss by not taking the ''ferry'' excursion. You will enter the Canal at the breakwater, proceed to lock through Gatun Locks up to Gatun Lake. Essentially upon reaching Gatun Lake the ship will anchor and passengers will be tendered ashore to start their shore excursions. While there is no doubt that the passage through Gatun Locks will certainly give you a good feel for how the locks and Canal works, you will be missing a lot of the Canal. Part of the ferry excursion... sailing through Gaillard Cut. Talk about something that is replete with history! That is where much of the heavy lifting of the building of the Canal took place. I mean that both figuratively and literally! From the French effort to the eventual completion by the US the Cut was an enormous feat. When you pass through the Cut just imagine that 200 spoil trains were traveling out of the Cut every day, the original width of the Cut was only 300'... now it is over 700' in width. I really think the partial transit on the ferry gives you a chance to see a large part of the Canal. Besides I feel there is more visual interest on this part of the Canal. Not that Gatun Locks is not, but you have the man made fjord of the Cut, you also will pass beneath two beautiful bridges, see the two Pacific Locks as well as get a glimpse of Panama City's skyline... pretty impressive.

 

While will have to deal with the weather elements a bit more on the ferry, (they do have an air conditioned area) than the train. The train will be a bus with air conditioning to a coach with air conditioning and if you want some extra humidity you always stand out of the observation platform of the coach!

 

Whatever you decide, I hope you enjoy!

[SpokaneDan]

Below are photos/description of our full transit excursion about one week ago. The weather was 80's with humidity, but the ship had A/C'd compartments and shades. The most annoying thing for me was the occasional diesel fume from our own boat. Our boat was stocked with plenty of cold drinks and food. Our excursion was under 7 hours, but warned could take up to 10. After the trip, my wife thought she'd be content doing Gatun Locks on Coral Princess only, while I thought it was worthwhile. This was by far the most popular excursion on our cruise - it was sold out prior to embarkation.

 

https://whazarook.wordpress.com/panama-canal-2015/panama-canal/

[Sanpan]

Thanks Dan for sharing. We're scheduled for the Coral in April and have reservations for the ferry. Looking forward to the trip

[Lydia B.]

Thanks Dan for taking the time to post this great information. Lydia

[baconlover1]

Great pictures, thank you. We are planning that trip this March and are really looking forward to it.

[Lydia B.]

Thanks folks we went ahead and booked the ferry! We are 60 days out and can't wait. It was a balmy zero degrees this morning looking forward to the warmth.

[Northender]

Thanks, Dan. Going on the Coral in April. These pictures were great.:)

[steimey]

Just got back from the Coral, we did the ferry boat.

I thought it was excellent. Princess gives you fair warning that it can be a long day. We made it to the ferry boat around 12:30pm and got on the buses back to Colon around 6pm. The buses flew back to the ship. Someone said we had a police escort- not sure about that. They had plenty of drinks. Light lunch was good. Bring your own sealed snacks if you are concerned.

 

My husband complained but he is kinda a crouch. LOL! Even think he is glad we did it.

[BillB48]

Glad you enjoyed!