Panama Canal Cruise: A Southbound Lunch Review

Planning a trip to Panama? Well, the Panama Canal is one of those things you kinda gotta see, you know? There are quite a few ways to do it, though, and one option that keeps popping up is a partial transit cruise, notably the 6-Hour Panama Canal Southbound Cruise with Lunch. This is more like dipping your toes in, very much instead of going all the way through. So, if you are looking into that specific trip, this review will give you the lowdown so that you can decide if it’s for you.

What You Really Get: A Look at the Cruise Itself

This southbound cruise sorta starts near Panama City, in the Pacific Ocean side of things. What it does is takes you through a bit of the canal and lets you see at least one set of locks up close. You are not getting a full canal transit, so be sure you know that. It’s almost like a sampler plate. As you glide along, you’ll be getting some seriously amazing scenery, too. That area has tons of green, the waterway, and maybe a big ship or two also making its way. So, yeah, for a taste of that famed canal, this option gives you something without dedicating an entire day.

Setting off and Seeing the City

Typically, you begin your adventure at a pier not too far away from Panama City. That almost gives you an amazing view of the city skyline as you head towards the canal, just to set the stage for what you are about to see. You will usually pass under the Bridge of the Americas too; the view you get from below it? It is pretty stunning. It gives you a moment to think about how grand all of this actually is.

The Experience of Going Through the Locks

The star of the show on a partial transit cruise, is that moment where your vessel enters the locks. It is a bit amazing watching those big gates close and the water start to shift things. You may well feel so small in comparison to the large ships that are passing through as well. It’s very neat to see how that whole canal thing works firsthand, which you’d likely have trouble grasping in a movie or show. Getting this personal view, makes things feel very real.

Wildlife Encounters

Beyond the technical wonder of the canal itself, keep those eyes peeled because the area surrounding it, is chock-full of critters. You might catch sight of monkeys hanging around, maybe a lazy sloth, and birds that are every color of the rainbow. So, just watch around; you might get surprised with how much the place has to offer.

What About That Lunch? Eats and Refreshments

It wouldn’t be a “lunch cruise” without some chow, and while offerings could very well swing from company to company, you should anticipate a buffet-style thing with several options, that you see offered with things such as chicken, fish, pasta, and salads, that are made to suit various tastes. How the food is might vary a little bit, it has a rep for being reasonably decent for a tour boat, even if it doesn’t earn culinary awards, so too it is something that should just satisfy you on your voyage.

Drinks Onboard

To really round out the meal and keep you from being thirsty in that Panama sun, typically soft drinks, water, and even some local beers might be on offer. What is included and what is extra can actually differ, be that as it may, keeping hydrated and perked up will certainly help you get the most out of your cruise. Checking beforehand that there are options that will suit you is advisable.

Making the Most of Your Cruise: Advice and Considerations

Planning a cruise? If you actually think this six-hour trip seems neat, that are several pieces of advice and also things you must keep in mind so you get all you wanted out of this visit.

When is the Best Time to Go?

Panama’s climate, being that it is what it is, it stays hot and tropical mostly all year long. However, the dry months—typically mid-December through April—often bring more sun. Meaning they are much more suited for that boat ride than the soggier times of year. So, keep that in mind, as this will actually make or break your day.

What to Pack: Essentials for a Day on the Canal

Given the length of your time sailing, layering up might be what is really necessary, just to deal with whatever elements Panama throws your way. At minimum you may wanna throw the list below in a tote.

• Sunscreen: Critical given how much sun you are likely to get.
• Hat and Sunglasses: To deal with sunlight from overhead and from reflections on water.
• Camera: For snapshots of the Panama vista.
• Light Rain Jacket: A precaution when you find weather getting wonky.

Photography on the Water

Be certain that you fully charge any of your cameras or phone. All that amazing landscape is going to prove too lovely not to share with anyone back home. Think of all those memories. With such grand locks in motion, along with birds doing who knows what above you, keeping charged, also leaves you prepared.

Different Companies and Tour Variations

Various firms deliver the same kind of southbound canal trips, all offering marginal variants as it relates to price, vessel size and food selection. Trip Advisor or local tour resources will possibly allow you to read opinions and pick the one that best meshes up with you.

Comparing Prices and Packages

Cost shopping almost usually turns out prudent. Look into what other companies can do compared against what others have for their prices, and you can ensure you feel OK by whatever selection you end up pulling off.

Checking Reviews and Ratings

Listen to others. Getting actual tourist perspectives allows for some expectations management for the boat size to know what grub you might see.

Is This Cruise Right for You? Determining the Best Fit

Choosing what things best suit you can definitely result in just taking some pause and knowing whatever is your preferences plus anticipations. Thinking about this canal deal and if it is that trip will possibly depend greatly on factors from above.

Ideal Candidates for This Cruise

If being able to go all the way through is going to be a big issue, so too you want a canal experience you can see within half of one day, then a partial transit would be most useful. Further, if seeing vessels come into position inside the locking system then passing beside thick rainforest has much appeal, well, book away.

Other Options: Full Transits and Land-Based Tours

In case time would somehow not be important, understand a full transit covers something which, in some respects, is pretty huge. It goes across all stretches within the isthmus while also usually sleeping a night right where ships cross the water. There exist too ground tours where observation decks at various vantage areas let people enjoy it.