Panama Planning

[Andrew DEREK UK]

So much to catch up on!

We'll be moving around all day -- pool, Deck 10, viewing from our porthole on Deck 6, etc.

Thanks for posting these pics! This also upped the excitement level in our household!! It's going to be a long summer waiting for August 17th.

Yes we are getting closer now, ready to pln for the TOAL

Thanks Andrew,

This is so exciting!!!!

We just got back from our Spring Break WDW trip and getting all the details finalized for the August repo cruise is #1 on my list now. We just got home last Sunday evening, so I haven't even had a chance to look at the website until now. But it is perfect timing, we got our repo kit in the mail today and now I found this. I am so excited!!!!!

Yes the planning kits were sent out this week, ideal time to look at website for shore trips and have an outline plan

We managed a Cat 3 mid-ship so we will be spending some of the day on the verandah, but walking around during the exictment sounds like fun too.

Thanks for the photos.

Of course if our waitlist request for a Cat 1 comes through we may spend more time at "home".

Cat 3, great, you will really use that verandah on PC day!

Well I am the dud of this one. This is my Fourth transit of the Canal. I will be sleeping in. Enjoying some food, enjoying the hot tub, maybe play a little basketball, maybe go to myfriends veranda for a bit. I might even take care of some email, as no one will be on the internet so it will be going lightning fast,and enjoying some bar time. I know Iam no fun, but hey been there done that three times all ready. I just use this cruise as a great reason not to be at work and still get paid.

Sleeping in!!!!!!!

Mike, I did just check and see, and some of our people got TEA on PC day. Although they could be offering tea and not brunch due to the BBQ on deck that day.

I'll just go post on the thread to see if anyone was able to book brunch that day (don't ask why I didn't do that hours ago)!

.

Thanks for info

I just noticed . . . the last time you went the cruise was a couple of days shorter than it will be this year, right? This year is from Sunday, August 17 to Monday morning, September 1st. I wonder why the extra couple of days?

I'm not complaining, though. I love being on the Magic!

Last time was a day shorter 14 nights starting on a Saturday and ending on a Saturday, this time it leaves on a Sunday and has an extra port.
The Magic has to go very fast down the Mexico coast to PC, it has a booked time at PC for its guranteed transit.

Wow! There is not an inch to spare is there? That picture really puts it into perspective.

No not an inch spare and the Magic is pushed into place by tugs, it suffered a lot of scratch's last time. Looking from on ship there really is nothnig in it.

Thanks for starting this thread Andrew!!! So if I am on starboard side......what will my view be from my verandah. Maybe I need to go visit someone on port side to get my Shutters picture. Anyone offering???

If you can 'pair' up with someone with a verandah on the other side it will be helpful, as you never know until you arrive at the P, what side is best, There are two lanes at each lock and the Magic could go into either. So for a view of other ships it could be either side.
Last time I was on Starboard, good views of the public viewing posts and panama railway, but the action on the locaks for other ships was on the port side.
You can still see a lot and go for an occassional walk about to catch up

Here's the "video" of the Magic going through the Canal in 2005: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/disney-magic-animation.html

It's hard to believe, after months and months of anticipation, we will be on this cruise before we know it, getting ready to see the PC ourselves, and get lots of pictures! This thread just just increased the excitement!

Yes getting closer noe, May repo 5 weeks away. Ours a few months now after booking in January 2007.

Hi Cheryl, I was thinking that your starboard side would be where all the people and Shutters' photographers will be. But like Andrew has said, it all depends on which lane the Magic goes into.
If they are on the port side, then you are welcome to come to our verandah! BUT, I am usually not that lucky though....usually I always get the opposite side of where all the things are. LOL

I LOVE this thread. I also got so giddy and excited seeing everyone make plans and hearing how things are going to be! It will be here before we know it. Can't wait to see how the Western-bounders do!

Yes the Magic can go into either lane at any of the three sets of locks, shutters staff wil lbe on both sides taking pictures of you, as long as they keep out of the way of the mule trains pulling the ship along, there is plenty of time, is a slow process.

So MANY things to think about! Not to wish our lives away, but I cannot wait!

Yes I cannot wait now.

Yes there is palo that day but we decided not to do it that day and just take in the sites.

Thank you for info.

 

[msaseifert]

Thanks for starting this thread - its getting me excited to read the Panama Canal by Cruise Ship I bought. Its not really a kid friendly book though. Anyone know od a kid friendly book I can pick up for my 9 and 12 year old???
Something they can understand.............

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for starting this thread - its getting me excited to read the Panama Canal by Cruise Ship I bought. Its not really a kid friendly book though. Anyone know od a kid friendly book I can pick up for my 9 and 12 year old???
Something they can understand.............

The only thing I would say is DCL gave us a book, on the PC, in our staterooms a few days before the crossing, each room had one free, lots of photo's in it great for kids, a picture was in the photos on the front page.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

Thanks for starting this thread - its getting me excited to read the Panama Canal by Cruise Ship I bought. Its not really a kid friendly book though. Anyone know od a kid friendly book I can pick up for my 9 and 12 year old???
Something they can understand.............

I have been thinking about ordering this one for my kids. It's received mixed reviews -- the lowest saying it's too simplistic. However, I've read "The Path Between the Seas" and plan to read "Panama Fever" before the cruise to discuss with the kids this summer as we plan for the cruise. I am expecting them to write a report on it for school as they will be missing a few days at the beginning of school. The book is:

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207487363&sr=8-3

The Panama Canal: The Story of how a jungle was conquered and the world made smaller (Wonders of the World Book)by Elizabeth Mann (Author), Fernando Rangel (Illustrator)

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I have been thinking about ordering this one for my kids. It's received mixed reviews -- the lowest saying it's too simplistic. However, I've read "The Path Between the Seas" and plan to read "Panama Fever" before the cruise to discuss with the kids this summer as we plan for the cruise. I am expecting them to write a report on it for school as they will be missing a few days at the beginning of school. The book is:

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207487363&sr=8-3

The Panama Canal: The Story of how a jungle was conquered and the world made smaller (Wonders of the World Book)by Elizabeth Mann (Author), Fernando Rangel (Illustrator)

Thanks for that, it looks very good, My kids were lucky in 2005, as just after the cruise in school my son was discussing the Panama canal so he knew a lot about it, and my DD had to discuss erosion and our pre visit to the Grand canyon helped.


PORTS OF CALL

Anyone doing anything special in the ports of call.

One of the ones to be careful about is:-

CABO SAN LUCAS

Being a 'tender' port and they only have very small boats its best to book a DCL shore excursion on this one as they have priority in getting off, before people going it alone.

As said the little water taxis look small and it might take time to go to 'open tenders' here.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Yes there is palo that day but we decided not to do it that day and just take in the sites.

Thanks, Mr. Lincoln!

.

 

[GoofyontheHiSeas]

Andrew thanks for starting this website. Great to have both sets of cruisers together discussing the day. We are a Cat9 so we will be on Decks 10 and 4 (and whoever we can visit with a veranda, hint-hint). I feel that it will be a very long day running around trying not to miss anything. I will be starting "Panama Fever" next week, I will let you know what I think. I did find another great source of information yesterday. The Smithsonian has an online exhibit Make the Dirt Fly that has some great information and photos.

Thanks for starting this thread - its getting me excited to read the Panama Canal by Cruise Ship I bought. Its not really a kid friendly book though. Anyone know od a kid friendly book I can pick up for my 9 and 12 year old???
Something they can understand.............

Like Christopher mentioned, this is probably the best book for kids.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Andrew thanks for starting this website. Great to have both sets of cruisers together discussing the day. We are a Cat9 so we will be on Decks 10 and 4 (and whoever we can visit with a veranda, hint-hint). I feel that it will be a very long day running around trying not to miss anything. I will be starting "Panama Fever" next week, I will let you know what I think. I did find another great source of information yesterday. The Smithsonian has an online exhibit Make the Dirt Fly that has some great information and photos.

Like Christopher mentioned, this is probably the best book for kids.

Thank you Roger, it will also be nice to get feedback from the Western REPO cruises as and when they go through in five weeks time to help us plan and know bit more of our proposed schedule. Hopfully just before we have to book. The book looks good.

 

[mjy]

One of the ones to be careful about is:-
CABO SAN LUCAS
Being a 'tender' port and they only have very small boats its best to book a DCL shore excursion on this one as they have priority in getting off, before people going it alone.

Thanks for the heads-up on that, Andrew.

I will make sure that I book a DCL excursion for that day.

Any that you recommend more than any other?

And not just for Cabo, but any of the itinerary?

Thanks!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for the heads-up on that, Andrew.

I will make sure that I book a DCL excursion for that day.

Any that you recommend more than any other?

And not just for Cabo, but any of the itinerary?

Thanks!

Yes

CABO I say try to go DCL, as you will get off the ship quicker, maybe an early DCL tour then you can go by yourself for a walk in the afternoon and tenders back should be open, there will be a delay getting off here if going your own so if booking the Dolphins there allow time.
http://www.cartagenainfo.net/
http://www.allaboutcabo.com/cabophototour.htm
Canopy tour
http://www.cabosanlucastours.net/Xtreme-Canopy-Tour.htm
Dolphins
http://www.cabodolphins.com/index.htm

Acapulco, Cici water park with Dolphins is the best Dolphin interaction I have ever done, in a salt water pool, no waves, and lots of interaction, better than Cozumel and Costa Maya.

Problem here is on the E/bound we are in very early and leave early, the fort is directly opposite the ship, you will see it, just over a footbridge, The old market is two streets behind that a 5 min walk, but not sure how early they will open, fort I think Will be 9.00am for a cheap trip market maybe 10am, but could be earlier if they know we are in.

Beware of the yellow jacket tourist 'helpers' they are unofficial there and pester you a lot, a firm NO and another NO maybe required.

W/Bound repo in Acapulco , I would say do it on your own, cliff divers by taxi and Market/fort. E/BOUND the issue is the breakfast time we are in.

ARUBA

A great beach pristine is just to the left of the ship a short walk, and no need to book a DCL trip, to the right a big shopping mall with designer shops.
http://www.visitaruba.com/
A pirate boat trip has been booked by the E/bound Cruisers.

Cartagena Columbia.

Do a DCL trip re security there, and take care shopping is reasonable but Gems Emeralds are not the bargain you think. We went to an approved shop and looked over some emeralds, very carefully, and when checked at home they had a flaw and were cost price in London, exactly the same. St Thomas was far better.
http://www.cartagenainfo.net/

Puerto Vallarta

Has a great town and beach, worth a tour of the old villages or go for a tour in the mountains, there is another great Dolphin place here you can book yourself.
http://dolphin-adventures.com/
http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/dolphins/index.html
http://www.virtualvallarta.com/

I recommend the pirate ship here and book by yourself.
http://www.marigalante.com.mx/default.asp

 

[sandgrace]

Thanks for starting this thread Andrew there's such great info for us newbies to the Panama Canal that had no idea what to expect. We'll probably just head up and down to the decks to take in the sights and the bbq and then back down to our verandah and then back up again.

I really hope that our family gets one of those great pics of us looking over our verandah that was sooooo great! Hopefully, we'll be on the right side of the ship or did it make a difference?

We're just getting so excited about this cruise now it's all we think about all day long, luckily we only have to wait til May!

 

[got2travel]

I just noticed . . . the last time you went the cruise was a couple of days shorter than it will be this year, right? This year is from Sunday, August 17 to Monday morning, September 1st. I wonder why the extra couple of days?

I'm not complaining, though. I love being on the Magic!

hmm....extra days but we still have to leave Acapulco eary??? Oh well.

 

[got2travel]

Yes there is palo that day but we decided not to do it that day and just take in the sites.

Good to know. I'm hoping for brunch this day.

Get up early, see the first lock or 2, stuff myself at Palo, then sleep on Deck 4 waking up now and then to see the sights.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks for starting this thread Andrew there's such great info for us newbies to the Panama Canal that had no idea what to expect. We'll probably just head up and down to the decks to take in the sights and the bbq and then back down to our verandah and then back up again.

I really hope that our family gets one of those great pics of us looking over our verandah that was sooooo great! Hopefully, we'll be on the right side of the ship or did it make a difference?

We're just getting so excited about this cruise now it's all we think about all day long, luckily we only have to wait til May!

Until we enter the Panama canal transit we will not know the 'best side' I was starboard last time and we went in to the right hand lane at each lock, so I had a great view of the Panama railway and the panama viewing platform where people were shouting mickey all the time, but the other lane for each lock was on the other side and we saw less of the other passing ships.

Now in advance we cannot tell anything, so I suggest those with verandahs agree a balcony swap, one port one starboard to go across, I have booked port this time, mainly as I had Starboard last time, want another view and I will be land-side all the way from LA to the PC.

hmm....extra days but we still have to leave Acapulco early??? Oh well.

Yes 1.pm is very early to leave we have a date at Panama canal, last time we arrived for 9.00pm to refuel outside it overnight.
Last time was 14 nights, but we had a one port less before Acapulco, and one port after Acapulco was dropped for security reasons. So they were nice to us an extended our stay in Acapulco to early morning. I think 2am

Good to know. I'm hoping for brunch this day.

Get up early, see the first lock or 2, stuff myself at Palo, then sleep on Deck 4 waking up now and then to see the sights.

 

[msaseifert]

I have been thinking about ordering this one for my kids. It's received mixed reviews -- the lowest saying it's too simplistic. However, I've read "The Path Between the Seas" and plan to read "Panama Fever" before the cruise to discuss with the kids this summer as we plan for the cruise. I am expecting them to write a report on it for school as they will be missing a few days at the beginning of school. The book is:

http://www.amazon.com/Panama-Canal-...=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1207487363&sr=8-3

The Panama Canal: The Story of how a jungle was conquered and the world made smaller (Wonders of the World Book)by Elizabeth Mann (Author), Fernando Rangel (Illustrator)

Thanks for the info......it looks like a good book for the kids. May try to hit Barnes & Noble later this week.

 

[msaseifert]

Double post

 

[granmaz]

Regarding Palo brunch on PC day. I have just been to my cruise plans and looked at the Palo booking page. Obviously it is all booked up, but it doesn't seem to have been offered on PC transit day.

 

[ibouncetoo]

Hey Eastbounders.....when is your 75 day date?

.

 

[Diznyfan68]

Hey Eastbounders.....when is your 75 day date?

.

105 day - 5/4
90 day - 5/19
75 day - 6/3

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you for the updates!