Where's the best place to be on the ship? - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

lovinglife · 11-02-2009, 11:08 AM

When experiencing the Canal is it better to get a Balcony suite or is it better to be able to go all over the ship to see different aspects of the locks?

patsea · 11-02-2009, 01:29 PM

There are some on this board that have experienced it from an aft(stern) balcony and swear by it. I have a few clients booked on the Infinity 10/10/10 and just took midship balconies as they have been on this trip before and swear you need to be topside to see it all. You knew you wouldn't get just one answer.

LuLu · 11-04-2009, 08:41 PM

Agree with Pat! There's no real answer that will apply to all.

The Panama Canal transit makes for a LONG day. Even if you wish to see things from differnt places on the ship, it's VERY NICE to go back to your balcony cabin where you can relax for a while ....

Blizzard · 11-04-2009, 11:21 PM

I would plan on seeing it from different parts of the ship but I would make sure that one of them is your own balcony. As Lulu mentioned, it is a long day. It can also be a very hot and humid. You can start out on the open decks and then move to your balcony later.

Char · 11-05-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovinglife

When experiencing the Canal is it better to get a Balcony suite or is it better to be able to go all over the ship to see different aspects of the locks?

My recommendation is to do both!

As has been mentioned above, it is a long day......a long hot, humid day...and you will not be outside for the whole time. Once you get thru the first set of locks you have to traverse "the Cut" which has some very nice scenery and a balcony is the perfect place to enjoy this. While going thru the locks it is advantageous to be able to go up top to get the "big picture" and then watch the operation of the locks from your balcony to get the "up close and personal" view.

We did the west to east Canal transit last month. If you would like to read my review you can go here --> Celebrity Infinity, 16 day Panama Canal 9/25/09