Tell me about the Panama Canal cruise.

[DVC Jen]

This is something I really want to do - but the length of time and expense are holding me back. I would love to hear the great, good, ok and not so great things about it.

 

[dclpluto]

This is something I really want to do - but the length of time and expense are holding me back. I would love to hear the great, good, ok and not so great things about it.

14 night cruise is about the perfect length. 7 nights are way too short. Down sides of the Panama Canal cruise is they don’t have good ports imo. But the 14 nights are great. Good price for how many days you get.

 

[bobbiwoz]

OMG we did DCL’s WBPC cruise in 2014, and including TA’s on DCL, I considered that our best DCL cruise ever. I think Captain Puckett’s talks about his experiences as a pilot in the canal as well as the history of the Canal were a big part in our satisfaction with the cruise. Our experience on the Wonder was phenomenal, our servers there were amazing. It was all great!

We have twice booked the EBPC DCL cruise, but health and other issues, the timing of next year’s for instance has caused us to cancel. I do want to do it, but when? I do not know.

NOW I must tell you that since 2014, in January of 2016, and 2018, we have done a Princess Cruise partial transit of the PC. The speakers and food on these cruises did not live up to our expectations, however, the experience of being able to tender into Panama and thus experience time in that country was worth the other disappointments.

Both on DCL and on Princess we did shore excursions in Columbia. Princess then took us to Costa Rica, always wanted to go there. Our two shore excursions there lived up to our expectations of Costa Rica.

So, if you are willing to try a partial transit, I think it was 10 nights each time, I would look at Princess. In both years. The stop in Panama afforded us a chance to go to a Visitors Center. First year was one for the original canal. We watched a ship go through the whole locks experience, and this year we were through the new locks, and the new Visitors Center.

The Canal itself was the goal....I think the partial transit was worth it as well as the full experience. Good luck deciding!

Bobbi

 

[ScooterScott44]

2012 EBPC for us and I’ll say that it is one of our top cruises. A previous poster mentioned the port selection and the choices are limited but were very nice. The other side is that there are lots of sea days and that may not be for some but we loved the more relaxed atmosphere. Also agree with the post that Cpt. Puckett’s talks were an added bonus. Not getting off the ship in Panama is disappointing but the transiting experience is a long day and quite interesting. If there were not other places and itineraries to explore we would redo the Canal again.

 

[darnheather]

If you like to read trip reports this one is what sold me on the PC. The price per night works out to be very reasonable.

 

[SnowWhite2]

The EBPC cruise was our favorite and we are doing the WBPC in a few months. As Bobbiwoz mentioned, DCL has issues with repeating the same ports over and over and over again. It would be nice if DCL could visit some other Central American ports instead of the same Cozumel/Grand Cayman/Jamaica route.

I will also say if you like sea days, this will be a great cruise. If you hate sea days, you might want to look at other cruises.

 

[jrabbit]

First time cruising the Panama Canal is WAY Cool. The second time was simply AWESOME. And both times we traversed through the original locks.

First Question: Is 14 nights too long. Simple answer is NOPE!! We had done 4 night and two 7 night cruises before cruising the PC. We were worried. But it was NOT a problem!

Will I be Bored: No not really. Especially if you participate in the various activities they have planned.

• Trivia ... Disney, Music, Sports, General: "who cares" (I don't) but I had a lot of fun doing well at the Disney ones, and we joined up with other couples for the other types and enjoyed visiting and laughing at our very horrible answers.
• Various "Game Shows" like Wheel of Fortune ... and others ... drawing a blank right now
• Pictures with the Characters - This IS the cruise to buy the very overpriced "All Of The Pictures You Can Take" package
• Speaking of Over priced, IF they are doing Tux Rentals for the PC cruise, this is NOT overpriced (at least in the past it was the same price as a week cruise). I've dressed up like Bond, James Bond many a night on the PC Cruises!! Dressing Up - not really my thing, but this WAS fun!
• Towel Animal Folding and Napkin Folding - NOT just for kids. A fun way to spend 30-60 minutes
• Panama Canal Talks - always very interesting
• Anyone Can Cook Demos - watch someone chopping and cooking for 45 minutes AND get to Sample the dish AND some Wine!!
• Jack Jack Diaper Dash - will always put a smile on your face ...'nuff said
• Wine, Mixology, Tequilla, Vodka, Whiskey tastings (for an additional fee) - if its your thing it's a good deal and fun. Just don't do multiple ones on the same day!!
• Pool and Sun Deck - check
• Officer Talks - interesting info
• Movies: they have a HUGE selection - but who has time for that (when you can see them at home). I actually saw 2 movies on our last 7 night cruise. Have probably seen only about 8 movies that were not "Premier at Sea" or a very current Disney / Pixar / Marvel / Star Wars movie that were shown as one of the nights Main Shows in 140+ nights onboard
• Spa - if you are into that
• Sports Deck
• Walking Deck 4 and watching the ocean slip by...
• Bingo - if you're willing to spend the money. I have heard that its fun to go watch --- but I never have done this (either)
• And the List goes On and On

Cost: Yes the total price tag is a bit spendy... but usually its a good value when looking at the per person per day cost. It is less expensive on a daily basis than a 3 nighter on the Dream to Nassau and Castaway Cay, but yea, Math kicks in and in real actual dollars - the price is up there.

It IS a Great Trip!!!

 

[Cruising Engineer]

We did the 2013 EBPC and watched while the new canal was under construction. Well at least I was watching all the construction, DH was on the veranda reading a book. But construction is my thing and I enjoyed every second. 14 days too long - heck no. 14 days of entertainment, Capt. Puckett's seminars, and especially 14 days of someone handing me a menu. Took time out during my time at the university. Had to give a presentation on the canal construction in 3 classes to make good graces with the instructors. Easy-peasy.

 

[DVC Jen]

Thanks everyone. I really really want to do this. It will more than likely just be me and DH as our oldest DD is a teacher and won't be able to get 2 weeks off that time of year. Our youngest DD could possibly go - but I she wouldn't be able to afford it.

DH and I are truly introverts. Not social people at all. That is why I am wondering if 2 weeks would be a bit much for us. Maybe we should try a 7 night just the two of us first before we decide on 14.

 

[jrabbit]

... DH and I are truly introverts. Not social people at all. ....

This is how I would describe DW and myself BEFORE our 1st cruise - and we knew that we would be sharing dinners with others before boarding the ship. This really helped us "open up" ... my son says that I talk too much now (he says the I dominate the conversations .. ok maybe he's right). There have been many people over the years here that say that they don't want to talk to strangers at dinner. I think most won't talk to anyone else any time. My thoughts are that ... yes I don't know these people, but I can learn their names and if nothing else, we all are on a Disney Ship ... so start by asking what park, ride, character or movie is their favorite. In 20+ cruises, there was only one time when the answer was "I really don't care for "anything" Disney" ... which kinda threw me.

The two WORST cruises were the ones where the only people at our dinner table were my family... me, DW, DS, DD, my mom!! BORING!!! I was with them all day - so nothing to ask or talk about much about. At least with tablemates you can ask what they did that day .. maybe they did something you didn't think of and would like to try.

I should add that meeting people on the ship ... my tablemates, the crew, other cruisers (it's amazing to me how often you will run into the same people at the activities you are participating in) has become one of the things that I look forward to the most.

whew that was long winded again. Don't let being introverted keep you from experiencing a cruise and this one in particular. I hope you decide to give it a try!!

Have Fun!!

 

[DVC Jen]

This is how I would describe DW and myself BEFORE our 1st cruise - and we knew that we would be sharing dinners with others before boarding the ship. This really helped us "open up" ... my son says that I talk too much now (he says the I dominate the conversations .. ok maybe he's right). There have been many people over the years here that say that they don't want to talk to strangers at dinner. I think most won't talk to anyone else any time. My thoughts are that ... yes I don't know these people, but I can learn their names and if nothing else, we all are on a Disney Ship ... so start by asking what park, ride, character or movie is their favorite. In 20+ cruises, there was only one time when the answer was "I really don't care for "anything" Disney" ... which kinda threw me.

The two WORST cruises were the ones where the only people at our dinner table were my family... me, DW, DS, DD, my mom!! BORING!!! I was with them all day - so nothing to ask or talk about much about. At least with tablemates you can ask what they did that day .. maybe they did something you didn't think of and would like to try.

I should add that meeting people on the ship ... my tablemates, the crew, other cruisers (it's amazing to me how often you will run into the same people at the activities you are participating in) has become one of the things that I look forward to the most.

whew that was long winded again. Don't let being introverted keep you from experiencing a cruise and this one in particular. I hope you decide to give it a try!!

Have Fun!!

We have been on 4 Disney cruises. Two on the Magic and two on the Fantasy. Our last being this past June. We do always request a table just for us. All four of our cruises have been with both of our daughters. Our youngest lives 4 hours away and is super busy. We don't get to see her often so having all that family time was really nice.

We had a blast in June. I think my favorite part was all of the adult activities - especially ones in the Tube in the evening. Just not so sure it would be as much fun to do the games and such with just DH and myself. Our youngest DD is very outgoing and pushes us to go outside our box. That is probably why I am so hesitant. I just think cruising without our girls, especially for 2 weeks might not be as much fun. But then again when DH and I do WDW just the two of us - we LOVE it.

 

[Dug720]

We have been on 4 Disney cruises. Two on the Magic and two on the Fantasy. Our last being this past June. We do always request a table just for us. All four of our cruises have been with both of our daughters. Our youngest lives 4 hours away and is super busy. We don't get to see her often so having all that family time was really nice.

We had a blast in June. I think my favorite part was all of the adult activities - especially ones in the Tube in the evening. Just not so sure it would be as much fun to do the games and such with just DH and myself. Our youngest DD is very outgoing and pushes us to go outside our box. That is probably why I am so hesitant. I just think cruising without our girls, especially for 2 weeks might not be as much fun. But then again when DH and I do WDW just the two of us - we LOVE it.

I would love to have two weeks to just do what I wanted. Sit on Deck 4 and read? Done. Relax in the Cove Cafe? Done. See a movie? Done. See the Disney production shows? Done. Take a nap? Done.

No one holds a gun to your head and makes you socialize or do anything you don’t want. Other than Muster, there are no requirements for any cruise.

 

[jrabbit]

..... I just think cruising without our girls, especially for 2 weeks might not be as much fun. But then again when DH and I do WDW just the two of us - we LOVE it.

We first cruised with OUT the kids when they went off to college - we thought it would be weird. Wasn't weird, just different. In someways sad, but by the time the sail away party started, the thoughts of our kids were totally out of our heads and we had a great time. We've tried to sail with them several times since then, but usually it doesn't work (growing up sucks, responsibilities and all). We have managed a few times with on or the other (and their sig. other) but not both. Maybe sometime in the future.

But that doesn't stop DW and I from going and having a great time.

 

[GPaLarry]

If you cruise/travel without your kids/gkids, you might try what we did. Flat Stanley is a character from a book, written years ago, who is flattened by a blackboard and later sent by mail to visit his grandparents. I know, a bit weird. School teachers use his likeness, much like a gingerbread boy or the placemat character in AP, to teach kids about geography. Their students send him to friends/family who live miles away and have them photograph him in different settings (historic, if possible), prepare a small album and mail it all back. Show and tell becomes a great lesson in life around the country/world (he has even been on the space station). We photoshopped our g-kids as princesses for our B2B Med./WBTA (only the two of us...school had started for the kids) and photographed them in different historic spots in Italy, Spain, etc. This was the best we could do when they were so upset that they couldn't go with us. Just a thought...

 

[bobbiwoz]

If you cruise/travel without your kids/gkids, you might try what we did. Flat Stanley is a character from a book, written years ago, who is flattened by a blackboard and later sent by mail to visit his grandparents. I know, a bit weird. School teachers use his likeness, much like a gingerbread boy or the placemat character in AP, to teach kids about geography. Their students send him to friends/family who live miles away and have them photograph him in different settings (historic, if possible), prepare a small album and mail it all back. Show and tell becomes a great lesson in life around the country/world (he has even been on the space station). We photoshopped our g-kids as princesses for our B2B Med./WBTA (only the two of us...school had started for the kids) and photographed them in different historic spots in Italy, Spain, etc. This was the best we could do when they were so upset that they couldn't go with us. Just a thought...

Flat Stanley showing autumn colors to children in Hawaii!

 

[GPaLarry]

Flat Stanley showing autumn colors to children in Hawaii!

View attachment 362590

We had flat Murrys. Sorry, can't get the photos to reduce.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Hi! I've been on two PC's so I can help. I loved the different activities on the sea days. There is even adult only time in the Oceaneer Club and/or Lab on certain days. I loved reliving my childhood during that time. Feel free to read my TRs too

 

[Minnie & Daisy]

The cost may seem like a big obstacle, but if they were to offer these same cruises during the summer or school breaks, the cost would go up exponentially. Not to say that women don't enjoy the PC cruises, but I would think that most men would truly love the experience of sailing through the PC. It is my DH favorite cruise, although in all fairness, he is an engineer.

 

[ACDSNY]

Our first Panama cruise in Jan. 2011 I was worried my husband would be bored. It also was our first major trip without any family with us. It ended up being an all-time favorite vacation and we can't wait to do it again in March 2020.

 

[darnheather]

Hi! I've been on two PC's so I can help. I loved the different activities on the sea days. There is even adult only time in the Oceaneer Club and/or Lab on certain days. I loved reliving my childhood during that time. Feel free to read my TRs too

Can you link your trip report? I need a PC fix.