My husband, Adam, and I cruised over a week before we saw land. Hurricanes Odile and Polo forced our cruise ship to take an unplanned course further into the Pacific; away from the land we hoped to explore in Mexico. When we saw land, all passengers on the Disney Wonder walked along the decks pointing at what looked like a small island. We didn’t care where we were. We finally saw land. Turns out we were traveling around Los Santos into the Gulf of Panama. It didn’t look like much, but it was a beautiful site.
Arriving at the Port of Balboa
We made it to the Port of Balboa that night and anchored. Most passengers went to bed early; too eager to wake up around 4am to enjoy our journey through the Panama Canal. Many chose to celebrate at the “We Survived Hurricane Odile and Polo” pool party at the Signals Bar. While the pool party looked like fun, Adam and I decided to change into our pajamas and walk along the deck to check out the many boats anchored around us. We could see the sparkling lights of Panama City in the distance. It was beautiful.
Traveling Through the Panama Canal
We woke at 4am to find a good spot on the top deck to watch the Disney Wonder travel through the Panama Canal on the 100th anniversary of its opening. Many passengers were already on the deck with coffee and pastries in hand. The front of the ship was packed with passengers prepared to snap pictures. Adam and I found a cozy spot mid-ship facing Isla Taboguilla or maybe Isla de Taboga; not sure. We started our journey through the Panama Canal around 6am. The view of Panama City was beautiful in the foggy morning. Eventually, the city slowly disappeared beyond the Bridge of the Americas; the entrance to the Panama Canal. The 5,007 foot bridge is what connects North and South America. Prior to the construction of the bridge, transport between the two land masses was accomplished by ferry service, but I can see how it can be problematic with the many ships that pass through the canal daily.
Captain Puckett and the Panama Canal
While passing through the canal, passengers on the Disney Wonder enjoyed commentary from a Panama Canal expert explaining the process of the journey and many of the landmarks along the way. Those who attended Captain Puckett’s discussions during the first few days of the cruise were well informed of the people of Panama, the history of the Panama Canal, the process of passing through and so on. Captain Puckett worked for the Panama Canal for 16 years as a Canal Pilot and Port Captain. This cruise was Captain Puckett’s 1480th trip through the canal. Needless to say, he is a Panama Canal Guru and I highly recommend attending his discussions in the Walt Disney Theater if you choose to cruise through the Panama Canal on the Disney Wonder. Doing so will make the experience of traveling through the canal a more meaningful experience since you will have a good understanding of each step of the journey.
Traveling Through the Miraflores locks
When we approached the Miraflores Locks, the first set of locks, Adam and I made our way to the front of the ship to snap pictures and watch the Wonder enter the locks and slowly rise. Accompanying us on the other side of the locks was a large cargo ship. Its massive form created a wall of shipping boxes, blocking the southern view of the land. The Wonder barely fit through the canal walls. We gained admiration for the pilots who drove our ship and those alike. Captain Puckett explained that Canal Pilots endure 10 years of training prior to gaining their certification; and we can see why. Pilots must be on alert at all times as they drive the ship through the locks. With only a little over a foot of space on each side of the Disney Wonder, separating the locks from the ship, there is little room for error.
Traveling Through the Pedro Miguel Locks
After viewing the first set of locks, many passengers retreated to either catch some much needed sleep, eat breakfast or partake in some activities indoors to escape the heavy rain on the deck. Adam and I cloaked ourselves with rain gear and continued taking photos. The second set of locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, raised the Wonder into the lake. We could see the Centennial Bridge in the distance. Its massive form took the shape of sailboats connecting the North and the South land masses. The Centennial Bridge was built in 2004 to reduce traffic from the overcrowded Bridge of the Americas. It stands only 9.3 miles east of the Bridge of the Americas and spans 3,451 feet. It’s a breathtaking sight.
Traveling Through the Gatun Lake
The Wonder cruised through the Gatun Lake mid-day. Adam and I took the opportunity to eat some lunch, but requested a window seat to view the land outside. Thereafter, we found a vacant spot along the railing of the 4th deck. We welcomed the view of vegetation coming from a state enduring severe drought; California. Some Disney characters walked the deck to say hello to the passengers and take in the view. Some locals parked their cars along the side of the canal to snap photos or video of our ship passing through. They waved and jumped up and down to gain our attention. Many of us yelled greetings in return.
Traveling Through the Gatun Locks
Adam and I watched the Wonder pass through the Gatun Locks, the last set of locks, from the 4th deck. The large cargo ship that started the journey with us joined us once again in the opposite set of locks. Together, the locks lowered us further and further into the Atlantic. Canal employees left their work stations for a moment to greet our ship as we passed by. Their smiles and enthusiastic waves reminded us that we are passengers on one of the most beautiful ships in the seas.
Entering the Atlantic
Eventually, all adventures must come to an end to open the door to another. We watched the Panama Canal disappear in the distance as we made our way into the Atlantic towards Columbia. We were left with an experience that many of us will never forget. To some, the Panama Canal may be just a guidepost or man-made route to connect bodies of water to simplify transportation. As for Adam and me, and for many passengers on the Wonder, the Panama Canal is clearly a work of art and an unforgettable experience.
connect google plus and facebook says
January 10, 2015 at 7:33 amAdmiring the dedication you put into your site and in depth information you offer.
It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Wonderful read!
I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Megan says
January 10, 2015 at 9:28 pmThank you for your kind words. I’m very happy you enjoy my blog. Please follow my social media sites where I often share additional pictures and information.
swankysaga8261.pen.io says
January 14, 2015 at 2:51 pmHello, all is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing information, that’s in fact excellent, keep up writing.
http://deepleader4255.over-blog.com says
January 14, 2015 at 6:04 pmHi there everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this web site, and article is
in fact fruitful for me, keep up posting such content.
blog says
March 28, 2016 at 2:22 amWoah! I’m really enjoying the template/theme of this blog.
It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability
and appearance. I must say that you’ve done a great job with
this. Also, the blog loads super fast for me on Opera.
Superb Blog!
website agen judi bola online terpercaya says
April 3, 2016 at 9:02 amI needed to thank yyou foor this wwonderful read!!
I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got yyou book marked to look
at new things you post…
Social Marketing says
November 16, 2016 at 12:15 amHelpful info. Fortunate me I found your web site by accident, and I’m shocked why this coincidence didn’t came about in advance!
I bookmarked it.