cruise partial or full transit, panama canal - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

jmdpsca@yahoo.com · 12-13-2006, 10:05 PM

looking to book Miami to panama canal cruise and return to miami, on Oceania Regatta on Feb 25, or Crystal from LA to Miami, any comment on full transit or partial transit, what would we miss?

localady · 12-13-2006, 10:13 PM

Welcome to CLF!!!
I have done the partial Panama Canal passage into Gatun Lake on HAL...you basically miss the transit to the Pacific Coast. Many people will depart in Gatun Lake on a partial transit and take a train that takes them to the Pacific. We enjoyed our partial transit and didn't take the train tour as we enjoyed the trip out of the locks back into the Atlantic as much as our entrance.
I wish I could comment on the cruiselines, other than to say both are very highly regarded. The Oceania ships are smaller I believe which I enjoy, on the other hand Crystal is luxury class and fabulous too.

wrp96 · 12-13-2006, 10:41 PM

When I did my partial transit, I got off the ship in Gatun Lake and continued through the rest of the canal on a ferry. I got the benefits of seeing the entire canal with the convenience and cost of the partial canal.

Personally, if you can afford the full transit in both time and money I would go with that option, unless you really have a preference for Oceania.

Krazy Kruizers · 12-14-2006, 06:56 AM

jmdpsca

See that you are new to CLF.

Welcome!!

Krazy Kruizers · 12-14-2006, 06:58 AM

Have done both partial and full transits of the canal several times.

Much prefer to do the full transit as you see all the locks and the works. Wonderful scenery as you go through.

Krazy Kruizers · 12-14-2006, 07:01 AM

jdmpsca

Don't forget to stop by the "introduction" section and introduce yourself.

ruthlessboss · 12-14-2006, 08:20 AM

We did the Panama Canal transit on a charter boat that was small and got excellent views of the locks in every direction by staying on the upper deck. It was a tour that bussed to the Pacific, went into some more small areas before and after the locks, a bag lunch was provided. Got great pictures due to the small size of the boat, no view lost due to being on a large ship, unless you've got good running shoes.

Pungo3 · 12-14-2006, 08:27 AM

Welcome, jmdpsca! You've chosen a great place to ask your questions. I've only done the partial transit so I can't give you too much information. However, my suggestion is that you chose the ship you'll be the most comfortable on. There are plenty of opportunities to be exposed to the canal on a partial transit and the experience will be comparable to the full transit. I do not regret chosing the partial transit at all since I booked it to be on what I considered a better ship. If you are going to be on a ship for 8 - 10 days, the more comfortable it is, the better.

Trixsea · 12-15-2006, 01:24 PM

I have also done both, and the full transit is well worth the money and time. The cruising through the canal is beautiful.

Mystery Gal · 12-15-2006, 01:50 PM

Good question. I haven't done the Panama Canal yet so it was good to hear what others had to say. I look forward to it one day.