Best Side of Cruise Ship for Panama Canal | Cruise Critic

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The Best Side of a Cruise Ship for the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is one of the most iconic engineering marvels in the world. It’s a 50-mile-long waterway that cuts through the Isthmus of Panama, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Every year, thousands of ships pass through the canal, carrying everything from cargo to cruise passengers.

If you’re planning on taking a cruise through the Panama Canal, you may be wondering which side of the ship is best to be on. There are a few factors to consider, including the views, the weather, and the activities.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of each side of the ship, so you can make the best decision for your cruise.

Side of Cruise Ship Pros Cons
Starboard
  • Better views of the canal
  • Less sun exposure
  • Less motion sickness
  • More expensive
  • More crowded
Port
  • Less expensive
  • Less crowded
  • Worse views of the canal
  • More sun exposure
  • More motion sickness

When taking a cruise through the Panama Canal, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is which side of the ship to choose. There are pros and cons to both sides, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances.

In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each side of the ship, as well as factors to consider when making your decision. We’ll also provide some tips for getting the best views of the canal, no matter which side you choose.

Advantages and disadvantages of each side of the ship

  • Starboard side

The starboard side of the ship is the right side of the ship as you face forward. When sailing through the Panama Canal, the starboard side will offer you the best views of the canal itself. You’ll be able to see the locks, the ships that are passing through, and the surrounding landscape.

The starboard side also has some disadvantages. You’ll be exposed to more sun, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider choosing a cabin on the port side. You’ll also be closer to the engines, which can be noisy.

Pros:

  • Better views of the canal
  • Less motion sickness

Cons:

  • More sun exposure
  • More noise from the engines
  • Port side

The port side of the ship is the left side of the ship as you face forward. When sailing through the Panama Canal, the port side will offer you views of the surrounding landscape, but you won’t have as good a view of the canal itself.

The port side also has some advantages. You’ll be less exposed to the sun, so if you’re prone to motion sickness, you may want to consider choosing a cabin on the port side. You’ll also be further away from the engines, which can be quieter.

Pros:

  • Less sun exposure
  • Less noise from the engines

Cons:

  • Worse views of the canal
  • More motion sickness

Factors to consider when choosing a side of the ship

When choosing a side of the ship, there are a few factors you should consider.

  • Personal preferences

The most important factor to consider is your personal preferences. Do you want the best views of the canal? Are you prone to motion sickness? If you’re not sure what side of the ship you prefer, you can always ask your cruise director for advice.

  • Time of year

The time of year you’re sailing can also affect your decision. The sun is more intense on the starboard side in the morning, and on the port side in the afternoon. If you’re sailing during the summer months, you may want to consider choosing a cabin on the port side to avoid the afternoon sun.

  • Cabin location

Cabins on the starboard side will have better views of the canal, but they may also be more noisy. Cabins on the port side will have worse views of the canal, but they may also be quieter. If you’re concerned about noise, you may want to choose a cabin that’s located further away from the engines.

Choosing a side of the ship for a Panama Canal cruise is a personal decision. There are pros and cons to both sides, and the best choice for you will depend on your personal preferences and circumstances. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision that will help you enjoy your cruise to the fullest.

Additional tips for getting the best views of the canal

In addition to choosing the right side of the ship, there are a few other things you can do to get the best views of the Panama Canal.

  • Arrive early

The best time to get to the observation deck is early in the morning, before the ship gets too crowded. This will give you plenty of time to find a good spot and enjoy the views without having to fight the crowds.

  • Bring a camera

The Panama Canal is a beautiful sight, and you’ll want to capture the memories with a camera. Be sure to bring a camera that you’re comfortable using, and make sure to bring plenty of memory cards.

  • Wear comfortable shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your cruise, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You may also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

  • Pace yourself

The Panama Canal is a long journey, and it’s important to pace yourself. Don’t try to see everything at once, and be sure to take

What Side Of Cruise Ship Is Best For Panama Canal?

The Panama Canal is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, and for good reason. The canal is a marvel of engineering, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. But which side of the ship is best for seeing the canal?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences. Some people prefer to see the canal from the starboard side, while others prefer the port side. Here is a brief overview of the pros and cons of each side:

Starboard side

  • The starboard side offers the best views of the canal locks.
  • You will be able to see the ships as they pass through the locks, and you will get a close-up view of the machinery that operates the locks.
  • The starboard side is also the best side for seeing the city of Panama.

Port side

  • The port side offers the best views of the canal’s natural beauty.
  • You will be able to see the lush rainforests and the towering mountains that surround the canal.
  • The port side is also the best side for seeing the wildlife that lives in the canal area.

Ultimately, the best side of the ship for you depends on what you want to see. If you are interested in seeing the canal locks and the city of Panama, then the starboard side is the best choice. If you are more interested in seeing the natural beauty of the canal area, then the port side is the best choice.

Tips for choosing a side of the ship

  • If you are not sure which side to choose, ask your cruise line representative for advice.
  • You can also check out online reviews of different cruise ships to see what other passengers have to say about the views from each side.
  • Once you have chosen a side of the ship, be sure to book a cabin with a window or balcony so you can enjoy the views.

FAQs about choosing a side of the ship

  • Q: Which side of the ship is best for photography?
  • A: The starboard side offers the best views of the canal, so it is the best side for photography.
  • Q: Which side of the ship is best for avoiding motion sickness?
  • A: The port side is less prone to motion sickness, so it is the best side for people who are prone to this condition.
  • Q: Can I change sides of the ship during my cruise?
  • A: No, you cannot change sides of the ship once you have boarded.

The Panama Canal is a truly unique and unforgettable experience, and choosing the right side of the ship can make all the difference. By considering your personal preferences and taking into account the pros and cons of each side, you can ensure that you have the best possible view of this amazing feat of engineering.

Additional resources

  • [Panama Canal website](https://www.pancanal.com/en/)
  • [Cruise Critic reviews of Panama Canal cruises](https://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/panama/canal/reviews/)
  • [TripAdvisor reviews of Panama Canal cruises](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g303625-Activities-c47-Panama_City_Panama-Hotels.html)

    What Side of Cruise Ship Is Best for the Panama Canal?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the best side of the ship for the Panama Canal will depend on your personal preferences and the type of cruise you are taking. However, there are a few factors to consider when making your decision, including:

  • The time of day. The best time to view the canal is during the day, when you can see the locks and the surrounding scenery. However, if you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider a cabin on the starboard side, as this side of the ship will be less affected by the wake of the ships in front of you.
  • The type of cruise. If you are taking a cruise that includes a transit of the Panama Canal, you will likely have the opportunity to see both sides of the canal. However, if you are only taking a short cruise that does not include a transit of the canal, you may only have the opportunity to see one side of the canal.
  • Your personal preferences. Some people prefer to have a view of the canal, while others prefer to have a view of the ocean. If you are looking for a view of the canal, you will want to choose a cabin on the port side. If you are looking for a view of the ocean, you will want to choose a cabin on the starboard side.

Ultimately, the best side of the ship for the Panama Canal is the side that best suits your individual needs and preferences.

What is the best time of day to view the Panama Canal?

The best time to view the Panama Canal is during the day, when you can see the locks and the surrounding scenery. The canal is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and the colors are vibrant.

What is the best type of cabin for viewing the Panama Canal?

The best type of cabin for viewing the Panama Canal is a cabin on the port side. This side of the ship will provide you with a direct view of the locks and the surrounding scenery. If you are prone to seasickness, you may want to consider a cabin on the starboard side, as this side of the ship will be less affected by the wake of the ships in front of you.

What are some of the things to see and do in the Panama Canal?

There are a number of things to see and do in the Panama Canal, including:

  • Visiting the Miraflores Locks, which are the most popular tourist attraction in the canal.
  • Taking a boat tour of the canal.
  • Visiting the Panama Canal Museum.
  • Learning about the history of the canal.
  • Shopping at the duty-free stores in the canal.

Is it possible to see the Panama Canal from space?

Yes, it is possible to see the Panama Canal from space. The canal is a major shipping route, and it is often used as a landmark by astronauts. The canal is also visible on satellite images of the Earth.

the best side of a cruise ship for the Panama Canal depends on your personal preferences. If you want to see the locks and the canal itself, the starboard side is the best option. If you want to see the city of Panama, the port side is the better choice. Ultimately, the best way to decide which side is best for you is to look at the itinerary and see what sights you want to see.

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Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.