Panama Canal Cruise from Los Angeles...

Author Message   Lee Russler Member Username: Lrusslerjr Post Number: 31 Registered: 11-2007 Posted on Saturday, January 31, 2009 - 06:47 pm:    John, Thanks for the information on the LA to Miami Panama Canal cruise. I would do that one but since the Disney Salute came about, I opted to go there this spring. Also, I appreciate all the other stuff about balcony vs inside cabin from the other folks out there. This is good for my future trip through the canal.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 990 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009 - 11:35 pm:    Phyllis/Cherry: Thanks for the suggestions. We've had balcony rooms on the two Alaska cruises we've been on. Did a TransAtlantic in an inside cabin. In my family, I'm known as the "mole" so, not having windows was a positive in my experience. Still spent the majority of the time in the "Crow's nest" (unfortunately, on Princess, that area is owned by the Spa so had to settle for pool area, Lido Restaurant and Promenade Deck). Thanks again for your insight and eperience. Happy Travels, John   Cherry C. Senior Member Username: Cherry Post Number: 4681 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009 - 11:11 pm:    Agree with Phyllis about the desirability of a balcony cabin, BUT sometimes you cannot hear the informative running commentary about the canal when out on your balcony. If it becomes too hot or sunny standing or sitting on deck, then go to one of the upper decks, forward, where there should be a nice air conditioned bar with panoramic windows where you can sit and look around while hearing all the narration about the canal and your transit. There will be no pressure to buy a drink but of course you CAN if you wish! Every cruise line I've been on (4 so far) had this kind of bar-lounge area. Have US $1 bills along when you go ashore in some of the smaller Central American ports--you may see something you want to buy from the rows of assembled handicraft vendors, and when we were there the universal price was "One dolla!" Your profile doesn't say where "home" is, but if you are flying in to catch the cruise, use an airline that lands at Long Beach airport if you can--not only are most of the lines operating there more budget-friendly (like Jet Blue) but the airport is at least $10 in taxi fare nearer to the cruise piers than is the LAX airport.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1841 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009 - 09:54 pm:    John,IMO if you budget can swing a balcony this is one cruise that it is worth the money for. You spend one day going through the canal, the rail get very crowded on the public decks and having your own little bit of space is very nice, and than you will have some shade.   John R Garrison Senior Member Username: Majorg Post Number: 985 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Friday, January 30, 2009 - 04:53 pm:    Lee: Don't know if you've made your reservations yet, but here's the best deal I've found (wife and I are seriously considering this trip). Military rate: Inside $564, 14 day, full transit. LA to Miami. http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=10391&disp=103 Happy Travels, John   Robert Lewis Member Username: Poplew Post Number: 7 Registered: 06-2008 Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 04:18 am:    My wife and I and some friends took this same trip last march and had a GREAT TIME. The weather was wonderful up to the last night before Fort Lauderdale. and it stormed all night but was still great. Not to bad of seas a little roll just enough to sleep tite. Have a great trip Weather in the 70&80 All the way. Poplew   Leonard Self Member Username: Wekanfly2 Post Number: 25 Registered: 06-2007 Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 11:43 am:    Most of the best priced cruises go east to west thru the canal that time of the year as they are repositioning for the summer season in Alaska. The Caribbean seems to be the calmest during this season as it not hurricane season.   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1708 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 02:22 am:    Lee, we did it just the opposite directions. It was nice for all the ports. We started in San Juan and ended in San Fran. The canal was very hot and sunny the day we went through, take your sun screen.   Lee Russler Member Username: Lrusslerjr Post Number: 19 Registered: 11-2007 Posted on Thursday, November 27, 2008 - 12:35 am:    I plan to take a cruise from L.A. thru the canal in the March/April timeframe. It will transfer over to the Carribean side. Can anyone tell me what the weather conditions are that time of year, i.e., rainy season or windy conditions? Is there anything else in general you can tell me about such a trip.