• Trevor ElenbaasWestern U.S. + Panama CanalTraveler
    On deck before sunrise
    Early AM, Panama CityBridge of the AmericasApproaching the Cocolí locksStepping through the locksCocolí control tower on the left and Gatún Lake aheadCentennial BridgeCrane and dredging bargesWe passed a few other ships during our transitCrossing Gatún LakeApproaching the far side - old locks to the left, new locks to the right.Approaching the Agua Clara locksShip ahead being lowered in the final lockLock refilled and ready for us to proceedLooking back at the control tower on the left and Gatún Lake behindBridge of the AtlanticView back - old locks to the left, original narrow unfinished French channel to the right

    Cruise Day 12 - Panama Canal

    November 12, 2025 in Panama ⋅ 🌧 82 °F

    We set our alarm for 5am! That was the time that we picked up our ship pilot and headed toward the canal. We sailed past Panama City and a lot of other ships before entering our first lock around 715am. It took about 2 hrs to pass through 3 locks and go up about 85 feet. Then across Lake Gatún to the Atlantic locks. Another 2 hrs to go through 3 more locks, dropping back down to sea level and the Caribbean Sea / Atlantic Ocean.Read more