This is a new volume that replaces my earlier cruise book for the Panama Canal. This book includes information on both cruises through the historic old Panama Canal locks and the new, larger locks that accommodate major size cruise vessels. The book also includes a chapter on all of the ports of call that are used by the cruise lines in establishing their Panama Canal itineraries, as well as valuable information on the geography, history and culture of each of the countries that cruise ships visit on this coast to coast route. Unlike the mass market tour books, this one is designed specifically for Panama Canal transits between the Atlantic and Pacific ports of the United States. It offers suggested shore excursions, the finest places to dine and the best places to shop. The book is based upon the author's 46 years of university teaching experience in geography and history plus extensive personal travel experience, including numerous passages through the Panama Canal. While lecturing for a major five-star cruise line, the author had the good fortune to narrate the transit of the canal for shipboard guests. You will find this to be the most complete Panama Canal cruise guide on he market.

"Al and Sunny Lockwood have traveled by foot, car, rail, air and cruise ship. They've camped in national parks, hiked mountain trails, photographed springtime flowers in Death Valley and explored the rugged beaches of Northern California. And everywhere they go, they capture unforgettable moments -- Al with his camera and Sunny with her reporter's notebook. Their work has been published in magazines and newspapers. Cruising Panama's Canal is their first travel memoir."--Publisher description.

This new edition in full colour takes you on a journey through the Panama Canal in both directions to bring to light just what you will see on a transit of the canal cruise. Large mega ships will now be using the new system of locks that just opened in 2016, and unfortunately those passengers will miss the exciting transit through the original canal, which all smaller and medium to large ships will still use. This is the canal of legend, now in its second century of perfect operation. This book also introduces you to the ports of call normally visited on the typical coast to coast Panama Canal cruise. You will find it to be very concise in presenting the geography, history and socio-political scene in each of the countries where ships normally put into port. There are recommendations regarding what to see, where to dine and shop, and it will be your handy guide to making this an informed and enjoyable experience. A transit of the Panama Canal for most is a once in a lifetime experience, and this book will be vital to that adventure.

"Al and Sunny Lockwood have traveled by foot, car, rail, air and cruise ship. They've camped in national parks, hiked mountain trails, photographed springtime flowers in Death Valley and explored the rugged beaches of Northern California. And everywhere they go, they capture unforgettable moments -- Al with his camera and Sunny with her reporter's notebook. Their work has been published in magazines and newspapers. Cruising Panama's Canal is their first travel memoir."-- From publisher description.

The Panama Canal is one of the great human engineering feats of the world. Now operating in its second century, it still never ceases to amaze people when they stand on the deck of a ship and watch as the vessel is slowly raised upward through three locks to an elevation of 85 feet or 26 meters above sea level then sails through an artificial channel and lake, crossing the continental divide to be finally lowered back to sea level. And this journey of around six to seven hours takes the vessel from one ocean to the other with ease. It is nothing less than thrilling. Cruises through the Panama Canal generally begin or end in either Florida or California depending upon the direction of travel. The majority of the ports of call are found along the Pacific Coast, but some cruise lines stop in Cartagena, Colombia or Limon, Costa Rica on the Caribbean Coast. This book provides very detailed information regarding the operation of the canal, the experience of making the transit along with a descriptive chapter on each of the major ports of call that comprise a Panama Canal cruise. And the book is filled with a great many pictures. However, the volume is done in black and white because of the high per page cost of printing even if it only contains text. But there will be a companion volume of new colour photographs without text to compensate. So come along for the journey through the Panama Canal.

“The extent of detail given . . . is good not only for the novice cruiser finding their way around . . . but also for the veteran cruiser who wants to know the latest about the newest ships.” “This is the book with which to gain a full and thorough understanding of the wonderful world of cruising. Repeat cruisers and novices alike will gain from the volume of features, menus, daily schedules, photos, as well as details on every cruise ship and port of call throughout the world. This should be the encyclopedia for any cruise aficionado” (World of Cruising). “People who’ve never cruised before or those who have but find themselves faced with a confusing onslaught of new ships need to know a great deal, and this book goes a long way in providing it” (Chicago Tribune). “Stern’s Guide to the Cruise Vacation is one of the most comprehensive authorities and a must-have for both the novice and the seasoned cruiser” (Porthole Cruise Magazine).

This engineering marvel draws thousands of cruise passengers each year. From Caribbean base ports to San Diego, this reference provides the solid details readers need. Over 400 maps & full-color photos.

Unlike some other reproductions of classic texts (1) We have not used OCR(Optical Character Recognition), as this leads to bad quality books with introduced typos. (2) In books where there are images such as portraits, maps, sketches etc We have endeavoured to keep the quality of these images, so they represent accurately the original artefact. Although occasionally there may be certain imperfections with these old texts, we feel they deserve to be made available for future generations to enjoy.