Panama Canal direction preference for exiting and entering canal

[swimfin]

Hello!
Question about exiting and entering "views." I am aware of the other factors to consider in regard to time changes and ports. I am curious from someone who as done this cruise, did you feel one direction might be better than another for exiting and entering. THANK YOU! Cheers!

 

[happycamper47]

We've done 5, two old and 2 new coast to coast (DCL) as well as 1 in and out (HAL) using the old and the direction doesn't affect the experience. Unfortunately as I've posted before, using the new locks is rather boring by comparison to the old.

 

[o&smom]

We have only done multiple westbound, but since you are able to walk all around the ship at any time, I can’t see how there would be a difference. It gets packed at the bow of the ship when you first start going through. Later in the afternoon it thins out up there. We love being on the back deck at Cabanas through the first set of locks. You can really see how things work.

 

[swimfin]

We've done 5, two old and 2 new coast to coast (DCL) as well as 1 in and out (HAL) using the old and the direction doesn't affect the experience. Unfortunately as I've posted before, using the new locks is rather boring by comparison to the old.

THANK YOU! So I'm assuming DCL is using the new locks now?

 

[swimfin]

We have only done multiple westbound, but since you are able to walk all around the ship at any time, I can’t see how there would be a difference. It gets packed at the bow of the ship when you first start going through. Later in the afternoon it thins out up there. We love being on the back deck at Cabanas through the first set of locks. You can really see how things work.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! SUPER HELPFUL information as we'd love to see how the system works! Cheers!

 

[happycamper47]

We have only done multiple westbound,

Saw your signature and we were with you in 2023..

 

[o&smom]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! SUPER HELPFUL information as we'd love to see how the system works! Cheers!

Have an amazing cruise! We have our fourth booked for next Spring. We will pass on Spring 2027 because we are running out of time with DD to go back to Europe. Look forward to more in the future. We love to schedule Palo brunch around 12:30 or later when you are sailing through Gatun Lake.

 

[jimmymc]

The true best view is forward, but that's not an option for your room on the Magic.

I slightly prefer the views towards Panama City and Colon. That would be port on a westbound cruise or starboard on an eastbound cruise. But the real strategy is to be on deck.

 

[o&smom]

Saw your signature and we were with you in 2023..

Such an amazing cruise! Our kids had so much fun with the group of kids that were on the cruise. We found out that one of the girls that DS was hanging out with had also been on the crazy Covid cruise with us. That was an interesting one...best place for us to be with our kids while the whole world shut down.

 

[swimfin]

Have an amazing cruise! We have our fourth booked for next Spring. We will pass on Spring 2027 because we are running out of time with DD to go back to Europe. Look forward to more in the future. We love to schedule Palo brunch around 12:30 or later when you are sailing through Gatun Lake.

THANK YOU! I am hoping to snag a stateroom either direction when things open up next week! Missed out on the current cruises.

 

[happycamper47]

You need to be on deck 4 for at least one lock just to experience the true change in elevation,

 

[Disneypeach]

THANK YOU! So I'm assuming DCL is using the new locks now?

DCL must use the new locks now since they added the duck tail extensions to both Magic and Wonder.
I’m sure if there was an emergency both could still ‘fit’ in the old locks but that would intrude into the safety margin for length allowed.

 

[happycamper47]

DCL must use the new locks now since they added the duck tail extensions to both Magic and Wonder.
I’m sure if there was an emergency both could still ‘fit’ in the old locks but that would intrude into the safety margin for length allowed.

And in true Disney tradition, for lack of a better word, the Wonder was the first cruise ship to use them.