Did it twice, once from Acapulco to Ft. Lauderdale, repositioning. Again from Ft. Lauderdale to Pacific on World Cruise. Very interesting, watching how ship was guided through.

Sailed thru there 2 years ago. I would recommend reading 'The Path Between the Seas' by David Mc Collough on the building of the canal to have a good appreciation of what you are seeing and to understand the great challenge it was to build. We loved the adventure.

Reading it now. Thanks!

Been thru 4 times 2 each direction. I personally enjoy the locks and like to what the ship rise and drop (depending on direction). After 4 transits it gets a bit long.

If you stay on deck make sure to use plenty of sun block and drink plenty of water.

Reading it now. Thanks!

The port city is easy to get from the airport to dock.
Walk around the ship when you go through the locks. All levels.
Note the trains that pull the ship.

There is a lot going on.
Watching how the cabling from the ship to the engines on shore are played out and connected. Then tightened so as to keep the ship dead center. Our ship had one foot or less clearance on either side.
The disconnect process is also impressive.

It is a lot more than boat in and boat out.

My wife and I lived in Panama for 5 years before moving to the Villages and are quite familiar with the country and have also cruised the Panama Canal. Would be glad to provide you whatever info you want. If so, let me know and I'll call you or you can call me if you'll provide your email address.