The Panama
Canal
Day 11 of
our 16 day Holland America cruise.
We had the
wonderful experience of crossing from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea
(80 kilometres), on one of the great engineering achievements.
0600 – we
arrived at the ‘entrance’, near Balboa, with Panama City on the southern shore.
0700 – we
sailed under the Bridge of the Americas (Pacific) Bridge.
0800 – we
arrived at the Miraflores Locks (2 lanes), and were raised with the assistance
of 2 locks. Nb. new locks have been built nearby, for use by very large ships.
0930 – after
a short journey across a lake, we arrived at the Pedro Miguel Locks (2 lanes),
and after again being raised (1 lock), we entered the Culebra Cut, which is 26
metres above sea level.
We then
sailed under the Centennial Bridge.
We sailed
passed the El Renacer prison, which currently houses Panama’s previous dictator, Manuel Noriego.
1100 – we
arrived at the Gatun Lakes, which we then sailed across.
1400 – we
arrived at the Gatun Locks, where we were lowered by 3 locks (2 lanes) down to
sea level. Nb. new locks have been built nearby, for use by very large ships.
1700 – we
exited the Canal, and sailed to the ‘exit’, passing where the “Caribbean”
Bridge is being constructed, and the city of Colon, on the southern shore.
In the
evening, we were again entertained by HAL’s singers and dancers.
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