Thread: Panama Canal with Kids

Have you ever done the Panama Canal? How about with kids? I have wanted to do this since the Love Boat in the 70's, but the situtation never presented itself?

Any hints or tip? Suggestions with kids?

We are thinking about the Mercury next Thanksgiving.... it would be our 3rd trip in less than three years on that great little ship, but I'm looking for Panama Canal insights.

We did Panama with 4 sons- ages about 8-13 almost 10 years ago now....). Fluke of school schedule, that they had an extra day at Spring Break, and we could do a 10 day Panama trip. RCCL Vision. Few kids on board, as it was a longer cruise, but they are their own companions, so it was fine. They liked the Canal, but the awe lasted only for the first lock or so. I wish I had printed out more info ahead of time, so I could answer questions about how high up we were, and a map to show where we were in the transit. They loved cruising always, so Panama was just another adventure... Bon Voyage!

When we took our canal cruise, we were the kids!
It was back in 1984 on the old Nieuw Amsterdam and we were 30.
There were no little kids! Of the 1200 passengers, only 57 were under the age of 65. We did enjoy the trip but have not been back since.

Been through the Canal 3 times, full transit each time. No kids, so can't help there.

Highly recommend a balcony for the transit. Either side or aft would be OK.
When everybody else is on deck fighting for a spot at the rail, you'll be relaxing on your balcony with a great view of the locks.
If it's a quiet day, you'll hear the birds in the jungle. Might be fun to try and identify them.

I'd also recommend staying on the ship your first time through.

Do research before you go so you and the kids can talk about what you're seeing. Read the history of how it was built and all the hardships.
If you don't already know and are interested in the political aspects, do some research on why it was turned over to Panama and by whom. Find out what country has virtual control over both ends of the Canal and is establishing a presence in Panama.

We are either going to have to get a Sunset Veranda (old Family Ocean Views) or Sky Suites on the Mercury if we want a balcony for the 4 of us. I guess we could also look into one balcony and one inside on this ship, but otherwise we will have to get one of the lower level outside cabins in order to accommodate all 4 of us. Hope the balcony can make it into our plans.

It is still nearly a year away, but I am hoping that we could possibly fit this cruise in.

I agree that it would really be worthwhile to study the history of the canal before going. Every once in a while the travel channel has a story about it. There are some good books available as well.

Suzanne, your kids will really appreciate the Canal with all the study they will have about it beforehand. You are so good at teaching them about the places and events associated with their travels. I hope you do get to transit the Canal!

Suzanne, with as much time as you spend with the kids and all the things you do with them, it will be a definite experience for them. Go for it!

I remember on our last cruise, there was a documentary on the incabin tv about the building of the canal. Very interesting.

Unfortunately, for us, it seems the Panama Canal cruises seem to be mostly when school is in session. And with a daughter about to enter middle school in a school district that makes it difficult to take off for a vacation other than during breaks, it may be a long time before we consider this cruise.

Patty, it's so hot there I imagine that's why they don't schedule cruises for the summer months.