Cruise Talk: Panama Canal or Mediterranean Cruise

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Author

Topic: Panama Canal or Mediterranean Cruise

Tracy
First Class Passenger
Member # 901

posted 11-19-1999 08:40 PM

Has anyone been on a cruise to the Panama Canal or to the Mediterranean, or both? What did you like about it? Would you recommend one over the other? Can you suggest a ship?
Thanks!

Posts: 13 | Registered: Nov 1999 | IP: Logged

jbrob
First Class Passenger
Member # 609

posted 11-20-1999 03:13 AM

I have been on a Panama Canal cruise and loved it! Be sure you do a full transit to get the full benefit of this magnificient structure - it takes a full day from 6am to 6pm to go from one side to the other. I would highly recommend this cruise. Have not done a Mediterranean, so cannot comment on which one, but I bet both would be good. I did the Panama Canal on the Regal Princess, and can recomment any of the Princess ships.

Posts: 39 | From: Rome, GA, USA | Registered: Feb 99 | IP: Logged

mifox79
First Class Passenger
Member # 703

posted 11-23-1999 09:20 AM

I originally was all for the Mediterranean cruise, but now that I read Cruise Traveler magazine for the month of December, I'm now all about the Panama Canal cruise. So we'll go on a 10 day Panama Canal cruise, on either Princess, Celebrity or Royal Caribbean in 2002. Talk to you later

Posts: 24 | From: Boston, MA, US | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 11-24-1999 09:54 PM

You can't compare the Mediterranean and the Panama Canal -they are like apples and brussel sprouts!.
Sugesst you do some serious research before you make a decision.
If you decide on the Canal, make sure you have a daylight transi.

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

sabine
First Class Passenger
Member # 759

posted 11-27-1999 06:44 AM

It really depends on your preferences. I have cruised both areas (just returned from a Panama Canal cruise on the "Sun Princess") and like them all. They are both full of tourists - that's for sure. The Panama Canal is usually combined with parts of the Caribbean and Mexico stopovers. The Mediterranean is divided into West (e.g. Lisbon, Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, France, Italy) and East (e.g.Italy, Greece, Tunesia, Turkey, Israel)so you would experience different cultures, languages, monies, etc. more so than on a Panama Canal cruise. The day going through the locks was really fantastic - the Greek Islands are out of this world - every area has something to offer. Think about your particular interests, and have you travelled much before ? Where do you come from ? One or the other might be cheaper for you due to flight costs.If you're American you'd be assured to cruise with 80% Americans, in Europe you'd encounter a lot more international folks - announcements on cruises could be made in up to 5 languages. Ask me more, if you're interested.

Posts: 32 | From: Bella Vista NSW Australia | Registered: Jun 99 | IP: Logged

Green
First Class Passenger
Member # 171

posted 11-27-1999 06:45 PM

Hi Sabine - Travel advice from an Aussie is always right on! I've been referred to as a 'savvy traveller' , you qualify too!
Your posts are informative and interesting. I've travelled overland the eastern half of Australia, including Uluru - rail from Alice to Adelaide to Melbourne to Sydney - six weeks and loved every mile of it - hope to one day cover the western half.
Cheers. .

Posts: 2913 | From: Markham, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

mitch
First Class Passenger
Member # 708

posted 11-29-1999 04:32 PM

Nice to hear about Oz. Green you must get to Tasmania it reminded us of Canada.

Posts: 87 | From: australia | Registered: Aug 99 | IP: Logged

Tasha
First Class Passenger
Member # 948

posted 12-07-1999 10:14 PM

My husband and I did the Panama Canal cruise in the fall of 1998 and the Mediterranean Cruise this last fall. We left San Francisco on the Ryndam and travelled the whole way through the Panama on a repositioning cruise to Fort Lauderdale. The Canal was very interesting and we were very pleased we have done it, however, the Mediterranean on the Legend of the Seas was more than fabulous. That 12 days cruise went up to Venice where we spent two days. We originally come from England (now living in Canada) so had done Europe many times before but this cruise was one we will never forget it was just wonderful. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.

Posts: 18 | From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1999 | IP: Logged

skinny63
Just Boarded
Member # 1089

posted 02-11-2000 06:59 PM

Cruising on Galaxy in April through the Panama Canal. Any helpful information would be very much appreciated.

Posts: 6 | From: Canada | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

usha
First Class Passenger
Member # 818

posted 02-11-2000 08:22 PM

skinny63, my husband & I were on Galaxy's repositioning transit of the canal last April. It was fantastic! The ship itself is worth cruising to anywhere. There's so much room; we never felt crowded. The service and food made it especially difficult to see it all end, even after 15 nights. You should have an incredible time.

Posts: 94 | From: Hobart, IN USA | Registered: Jan 99 | IP: Logged

skinny63
Just Boarded
Member # 1089

posted 02-11-2000 09:46 PM

Usha: Thanks for your response. Any suggestions about excursions. We have cabins on the Penthouse Deck, inside.

Posts: 6 | From: Canada | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

NAL
First Class Passenger
Member # 1102

posted 02-17-2000 02:23 PM

I have done both a Medy and the Canal. I
agree with others here, they are difficult
to compare. The Medy is very port intensive
and the Canal is much more leisurely. I
think you should have an itinerary that goes
completely through the Canal with a day-time
transit. Another caution: be sure to choose a
vessel with excellent viewing from both
inside and on deck. A vessel with forward
viewing is a good choice. It can be VERY
hot and humid transiting the Canal so inside
viewing can be very important. Good luck
making your choice.

Posts: 2243 | From: Watsontown, PA | Registered: Feb 2000 | IP: Logged

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