Panama Canal Cruise with Bliss Starboard or Port Side?

[LeDemonBlond]

We are scheduled to go on a Panama Canal Cruise In Feb. Its on the Bliss from Miami to Los Angeles.  We are currently booked in an Aft Balcony Bump Cabin on the starboard side. Have cruised a few times now but mainly inside rooms. We would like to do be more mid ship. Looking at Cabins still available, there are some better positioned but they are on the port side. 

 

We were told that one main reason to be on the starboard side was as you cruise up the pacific side towards LA, you get to see the coast vs the ocean on the port side.  How close to you really get and was it worth being on the starboard side for this sailing route?

 

My understanding from the NCL rep was that  when going through the Panama Canal is that it does not matter what side your on.   Is that your experience as well?

 

Thank You

 

 

[hallux]

I did that cruise in January/February, same direction.  Through the canal I stood mostly on the port side, got some great pics.  I don't know what was on the other side.

 

Regarding sailing up the coast - you'll get some land views while leaving ports, but at sea you'll be out far enough for them to open the casino so you likely won't see land too much.

[www3traveler]

I would say that you have a perfect cabin.  Most people love Aft cabins-- but it is a bit of a hike from the main areas of the ship.

 

On Canal Day, you will want to move all over the ship.  Depending on the Captain, he may or may not open the crew bow area for the Canal Crossing.

[Turtles06]

4 hours ago, LeDemonBlond said:

We were told that one main reason to be on the starboard side was as you cruise up the pacific side towards LA, you get to see the coast vs the ocean on the port side.  How close to you really get and was it worth being on the starboard side for this sailing route?

 

Two of our Panama Canal transits were from the U.S. east coast to the west coast.  The ship doesn't sail so close to land that you are really seeing the coast.  

 

4 hours ago, LeDemonBlond said:

My understanding from the NCL rep was that  when going through the Panama Canal is that it does not matter what side your on.   Is that your experience as well?

 

 

When going through the Canal, you should experience the transit from multiple perspectives around the ship -- high, low, forward, aft, midships, port, starboard.   If you have a balcony, certainly do not hang out on it all day.  The transit takes a full day, you'll have plenty of time to move around to different locations. 

 

When the ship is crossing Gatun Lake, you'll have a good opportunity to see ships coming toward you from the Pacific, including huge cargo ships and other interesting commercial vessels.  For this, you'll want to be on the port side (or on the bow if it has been opened to guests). 

 

The Canal is absolutely fascinating.  I strongly recommend that you read "The Path Between the Seas" before you go (if you haven't already done so), you'll appreciate the Canal even more.

 

Enjoy your trip!

 

Edited August 19 by Turtles06

[JimDee363636]

I've done the Canal twice, once in each direction (although neither time was on NCL, but that really doesn't matter). If you're heading toward the Pacific, the one (slight) advantage of port over starboard is that you get to see Panama City, albeit at a distance. But in general I'd agree with those who advise you to keep your aft cabin, and on "Canal day" just find your favorite viewing spot elsewhere on the ship (e.g., the Bliss has a great observation lounge in the front of the ship). 

 

As for seeing the shore, you rarely get close enough on sea days for that to matter. I wouldn't make a cabin decision based on that.

 

And yes, read David McCollough's "The Path Between the Seas." It's history, but it reads like an adventure novel. A beautifully-written book.

 

Jim

[LeDemonBlond]

Thank you for the responses and the Book Suggestion. Picking up the book today from the library.