Passage thru the New Canal

i.e. the new locks in the Panama Canal. The old term used to be “Panamax” for the maximum size of ship that could transit the locks. Now there is Neo-Panamax for those that can manage the new locks.  This will be my first time through the new locks.  Previously I have been through on the Vision OTS in 2012, Then on the Celebrity Infinity on the return from South America.  The last time was actually two passages.  SF -> Florida on the NCL Sun, then the return.

This post will be time referenced.

0530 – we have already picked up our pilot and are creeping along in the dark. I can see lines of cargo ships waiting their turn for the other lock.

0615 – we pick up an announcer who gets on the tannoy. The tugs boats are along side, and the canal furnished speaker starts his script as we pass under the first bridge.

0750 – we are entering the middle of the three chamber Agua Clara Lock. Unlike many of the river lock systems – the gates of the entries roll back straight into the retaining wall. These newer locks also have huge retaining pools in order to significantly reduce the am amount of water lost in each lock cycling.

meanwhile, I really need more caffeine.

~0900 we are out of the last lock of this set and headed into the central lake. Off to our right I can see a much smaller cruise ship also traveling in our direction. Also a lot of smaller shipping vessels. Plus there are pleasure craft all over the place. It is warm and extremely humid.

1400 – update. We are still just sailing along.Not at great speed. We have been notified that we will pass under the Bridge of the Americas about 2200. Because of the height of the ship, we have to wait till extremely low tide to clear. This delays us getting into Panama City with a now scheduled arrival of 0200 tomorrow.

1515 – as we are motoring along – I almost said sailing, but without real sails…- anyway, I forget how large Gatun Lake really is. But it is completely overcast. The humidity is horrendous and the mists contain the occasional bit of rank smoke.

1815 – on approach to the Cocoli Locks. It is close to sunset. This time the holding pools are on the port side of the ship (and not visible to me).

2100 – We have cleared the outbound locks and are in a holding pattern near a couple of commercial ports. The gantries are active with loading and unloading of a couple of huge cargo vessels. They are not quiet – the bangs and clangs easily carry across the water. We are now waiting on low tide so that we can safely sail under the Bridge of the Americas

2215 – I gave up and went to bed. I was tired and we were still waiting to continue toward Panama City.

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