PANAMA Check list
Might sound obvious but Pack lots of high factor sun cream, you are close to the equator, ( but do not cross it) and on PC day out a lot watching everything going on, it takes a long time all day and so you burn without noticing it.
If on deck wear hats etc., and protect eyes, even if raining and it is likely, protect yourself you will still burn.
Pack lots of cameras and Videos you will use it all quickly, and extra batteries on charge all the time. Again long day.
Take cameras to every dinner Disney often had a surprise.
Buy a photo package this time, many photos, you will want them.
If your Digi camera memory gets close to full do not loose it ask Shutters to convert to disc. Best to get a large memory on the Digi camera.
Water, take lots of it during the day, and if you have alcohol in moderation!
Its very humid, care for people with Asthma. Headaches might occur so bring tablets. Get back into Air-conditioning is the best.
Ships photographers will get off the ship at the PC locks, they take pictures of you, wear something you will notice at Shutters, we had an England flag on our verandah.
Go to the pre PC talks I am sure they will have some and they explain a lot in advance and what to look out for. You might get a book in your room as well.
Ship has a barbecue on the day of the crossing in addition to Topsiders and plutos.
Read PC Navigator thoroughly it will tell you the times through each lock on the day, plan your day accordingly, its a long day, you will need a break.
Best view is front of the ship, DECK 10, it went very early on PC day, many people, staked their claim early, but as I said long day, so be polite, you have to move sometime, for loos etc. so allow everyone to look.
Best to agree a meeting place in advance for all the family as it is very busy and people and kids can get lost.
Mickey Minnie etc. are likely to be at the front all day on the view areas outside the bridge, so look out for them.
Ships stateroom TV will have one channel with a live PC guide speaking on it, if you have a view from your room turn up the sound and listen as you go through.
Ships horn is likely to go off a lot, lots of locals on land keep calling out for the ship and the bridge responds with the horn.
The Captain doesn't like you throwing anything off the ship in the locks local kids call to you and ask for anything from Mickey soap, to Disney stuff etc., The ship will be fined if you throw anything off.
Sorry the ships laundry is very busy on PC day? Does everyone think it will be empty?
If your family or friends have port and s/board rooms with views best to agree in advance to allow each other access on the PC transit day, the best views could be either side.
The ship is likely to arrive at the entrance to PC late the previous evening and stop to refuel, this was at sea on
DCL last time, but on princess cruises we had a announced stop and could get off in Panama from 6pm to 12 midnight.
Very early on PC day the PC authority crew will come alongside the DM and jump onto the ship from a small boat, its good to watch and then they take over control of the ship through the transit of PC.
The little trains pulling and guiding the ship through the locks are called '
Mules' they have cables attached to them from the ship, and they run on a rack, and rails and go down steep slopes.
Lower outside port hole rooms might get a close up view of the lock walls as we descend, Lumiers at dinner was below the walls and you saw them through all windows.
In my opinion the Pacific is more active than the Caribbean bring medication if you suffer from movement.
Acapulco take of the so called
tourist guides, they hassle you a lot, they want to take you to where they get commission including friends market stalls.
Leaving LA you might get a tug escorting us out with a plume of water as a fountain its a good picture opportunity.
The disembarkation presentation is the night before
Castaway cay, not CC night to give you more time that night. Worth going as a few things change remember lots of luggage on this one.
If they have a crew talent show go its very good indeed.
Allow extra shipboard credit and spending its 15 days, more tips, more photos, and I presume special PINs as well that cost a lot, and dont forget the statutory T shirts for the cruise. They most likly with have a sale of Mexician riveria t shirts after leaving acapulco as they will not be going back again!
Postcards and Panama stamps are available at guest services, you do not get off but the ship can have them posted for you on the day only.
Wow, I just made it through to the end of posts. I have been reading since Wednesday, LOL. Wanted to say "Hi" and introduce myself. We will be on this cruise with all of you. This will be our second 
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!
