Panama Canal Cruise: One of the Wonders Of the World

It was my great pleasure to cruise the full Transit Panama Canal, which means that I went from the Pacific Ocean through the canal to the Caribbean Sea and ended in the Atlantic Ocean.

We started in San Diego and cruised to Cabo San Lucas – a small port city with wonderful beaches – and Puerto Vallarta on what is known as the Mexican Riviera. Puerto Vallarta is beautiful and full of history with warm friendly locals. I loved visiting it!

We then traveled down to Central America and stopped at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala where we took a river excursion up into the mountain, met the local indigenous people and shopped (of course!)

Next, we traveled on to Puntarenas, Costa Rica where I took an excursion to a coffee plantation. Wow! Since coffee is one of their main exports (and my favorite drink,) the locals have put a co-op of growers into place to help the struggling economy. I’m happy to report that it’s now a thriving industry – and what an aroma!

A decorated coffee wagon at the Puntarenas coffee co-op

Entering the Canal under the Americas Bridge and three locks was fantastic! I watched from the forward lounge of our ship with panoramic windows and did not stop taking pictures. To know that I was watching history being made – they are  currently adding more locks to the canal – made this journey especially meaningful for me.

Sailing under the Americas Bridge

The day we cruised the locks was such a treat too. The lakes were beautiful and the areas we passed were lush and green.

Going through the locks. What a beautiful day!

Not only was it beautiful it was exciting to see history being made as they add new locks to the canal. Of all the cruises I have done, the Panama Canal was one of the most interesting and eye opening trips I have made as a modern day Wonder of the World.